Family
Mary to her credit didn't react or say anything. Illegitimacy was a social death sentence and Mary understood why Charlotte had married quickly after leaving Sanditon. Before she could ponder the matter further, they were interrupted by a little girl who was holding an old doll. Mary watched as the little girl searched the room and once she had found her person raced towards her intended target.
Cassie had woken up from a bad dream and needed comfort. She wanted to see her Uncle James whom she had decided was her most favourite person. He always had time for her, and she felt safe when he was around. Also being her father's brother added to him being special in the little girl's eyes. Tears started falling as she reached him and to her relief was lifted into his arms. She placed her head on his shoulder and suddenly felt everything would be well. Cassie's governess rushed into the room and apologised to Sidney for the little girl's rash behaviour. Everyone discovering quickly Cassie was an energetic personality and had a tendency to bend the rules.
"Uncle James!" she started crying
"What is wrong?" he spoke quietly while gently moving hair away from her eyes.
"I had a bad dream! I was being taken way!" James's reassuring Cassie that she was safe, and no one would take her away. She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. She suddenly spied Flora Montrose her second favourite person and went over to sit with her. Flora placing her arm securely around the little girl as it was evident, Cassie was tired. Charlotte suggesting Cassie go back to bed but to everyone's amusement the little girl would only go if taken by Uncle James and Flora. James picking her up and she happily waved to everyone as she was taken back to the nursery.
While this had occurred, Mary hadn't been able to take her eyes away from the little girl. Cassie was the spitting image of herself at the same age. She turned with a question on her face to Charlotte.
"Charlotte… who does this little girl belong too?" Why did she call James her Uncle James?" asked Mary who had gone pale. Charlotte and Sidney taking Mary by the arm and went to have a private conversation in the study. Sidney offering her a drink after they sat down
"Please! Is this little girl someone I should know?" Mary asked urgently. All thoughts about Charlotte and Sidney had gone as she needed to know about the little girl. For some reason she felt the little girl belonged to her.
"Mary, Cassie is Henry's daughter. Her mother left her on my doorstep when she a month old and I have been caring for her since then. Henry had already left the country and doesn't know he has a daughter" Sidney informing Mary. Charlotte watching with concern as Mary processed the information.
"My granddaughter! Cassie is beautiful!" breathed out Mary. Charlotte placing her arm around her friend and Sidney explained Cassie's history.
"Sidney, how can I ever repay you for everything you have done for my family, my children and grandchild" Mary had never spoken this aloud before. Due to Tom, Mary had rarely seen Sidney but knew he had remained close to the children. She knew if Tom had found out about Cassie, he would have been placed the child in an orphanage. Tom was always worrying about what people thought and Sidney had been wise in his decision with Cassie's care.
"Mary, I know you have been in a difficult position. I am sorry I could not intervene, but you know the state of my relationship with Tom" Sidney finally being able to express his thoughts that had remained silent for decades.
Mary taking a deep breath and knew her life had to change. Tom Parker was no longer going to control her life or family relationships. Her attention now back on Charlotte and Sidney.
"Now… do you have something to share with me? All I can observe Sidney is the Earl is your son in many ways" Mary deciding to keep the past in the past. She would like to hear what happened but follow Charlotte's advice and not think of what they had lost.
"Thank you, Mary" Sidney smiled with pride.
Mary was pleased to hear that Sidney M knew his true Heritage and had already referred to her as his Aunt Mary. Mary thoughts turning to Cassie decided she wanted to see her grandchild. She walked into the nursery observing James and Flora reading her a book. Cassie looked up and pointed to the pair next to her… Mary smiling… her children did the same for Sidney and Charlotte.
"Mama… would you like to join us?" James could see his mother was focused on Cassie and gave his chair for her to sit down.
"Are you my Uncle James's mother?" Cassie asked with large blue eyes. Mary nodding and watched as Cassie thought about this information.
"Does that mean you are my Grandmama? Cassie finally asked and Mary nodded again.
"Yes… I am your grandmama" Mary finding her voice again after being overcome with emotion. Mary laughing with joy when the little girl scrambled out of bed and hurled herself onto Mary. James placing his hand on his mother's shoulder to support her. Mary leaning down to kiss Cassie and promised she would always been there for her. James needing to speak with Sidney M kissed Cassie and his mother but not before thanking Flora for her help.
James, Sidney, Sidney M and Angus met in the study to discuss the problem of Steward Montrose and Tom Parker. James had pulled out the letters he had taken from his father and the men were able to confirm the handwriting belonged to Steward. Sidney complimenting his nephew on his cleverness in dealing with his father. It was decided that James would keep a close eye on his father and monitor his movements. The supporters of Steward Montrose were decreasing and that the man was running out of options.
"Why is he interested in Sanditon?" asked James. He was struggling to understand why the man would want to invest in Sanditon. It was a fishing village and had not really developed in two decades.
"He is wanting to learn more about the Parker Family and their connections with my mother?" Sidney M spoke aloud. He knew what his Uncle was up to… he wanted to prove Sidney M was illegitimate and claim the Earldom.
"My foolish brother has taken the bait and if we are not careful, he will sell all our family secrets" drily spoke Sidney. James agreeing with his Uncle but also shared some of his concerns about his father's state of mind. He had already asked if his mother could stay at the Babbington's as he was worried about her wellbeing. He thought about the way his father had stroked the buildings on the model and knew that was not normal behaviour. It was decided they would need to visit Tom and indulge his Sanditon obsession. Distracting him from seeking other people to invest and also using him to draw out Steward Montrose.
The thought of speaking with his brother again had unsettled Sidney. He had avoided his brother for so long he didn't know what he would say.
"I don't know how I am going to react to him… last time I was a brute" Sidney shared with Charlotte in their bedroom. He closed his eyes and relaxed when he gently rubbed her back.
"You are a better man and not going alone" Charlotte reminding him. Sidney pulling her closer and promised to be a better man. He was going to have to be calm as Tom had not made a good impression on either Sidney M or Angus. The men deciding to have a boxing session too rid themselves of any frustration before going to visit Tom Parker.