We were prepared
Charlotte had spent the early hours watching Sidney sleep. He had taken on a pained look and she knew he was dreaming about something unpleasant… more likely Tom. She ran her fingers threw his hair and it seemed to soothe him. Even though he was asleep he pulled her closer to his body and placed his chin on her head. Charlotte checking his wound and was thankful there had not been any complications.
Charlotte knew it was going to be difficult for Sidney as the two brothers were estranged. From Mary's comments Charlotte wondered if Tom was not of a balanced mind. When she had met Tom, she had mistaken his erratic behaviour for passion. She had never witnessed the pressure Tom had placed on Sidney or his foolish business decisions. Charlotte remembering the time she accused Sidney of not helping his brother enough when he would have been subjected to multiple pleas of help from Tom.
"I am so sorry my love" she whispered. Wondering to herself if she had been the catalyst for Sidney feeling more pressured to save his brother. Sidney woke up at hearing her voice and moved her so he could clearly see her face. He was concerned as she needed to sleep.
"Charlotte!" he captured her lips and smiled as she sighed.
"You need to sleep my love… why are you asking for my forgiveness?" Sidney asked. Listening as Charlotte shared her heart. He rubbed her back while she spoke and waited until she finished.
"Charlotte! I had built a wall as thick as a castle to protect myself from the world. It took a persistent and determined young woman to break through it. You were right when you accused me of not supporting my family. I made the wrong choice in going to London without you… I know now I should have sought your council and not gone to face the hungry wolves alone. You have nothing to be sorry for and I will ensure every day that you know how important you are to me. We must focus on the future and not lost" Sidney finished speaking and without any further words showed her how much he needed her.
Charlotte waking to a kiss on her lips. When she opened her eyes, Sidney was dressed and leaning over her. He smiled as he watched her wake up… it was something he would be doing for many years to come. He tucked the blanket around her and directed she rest while he went to the gym.
"Make sure they don't go too far!" called out Charlotte before Sidney left their bedroom. Once the door was closed Charlotte threw back the blankets as the ladies last night decided they needed to help the men. Anne and Joy had been a little hesitant since their last choice placed them in danger. Charlotte and Janette arguing they would be going in the day, and they would take their bodyguards.
"Tom Parker is NOT Steward Montrose" was the last words spoken by Charlotte as the ladies entered the carriages.
While in the ballroom…
Sidney taking the role as referee and at times had to duck when the men were not happy with his adjudication. He had been known as a fierce fighter, but these men were tougher…. he never fought with knives. Sidney admired his son's power and cool fighting strategy. Sidney never had full control fighting due to his volatile personality. He had used fighting as an outlet for his temper and inability to process pain. He had stopped fighting in the underground clubs after Anne had been born. He still boxed but only to maintain his fitness and physique. He never boxed against an opponent and only used a boxing bag. He certainly enjoyed Charlotte's personal appreciation of his efforts and would need to get back to his exercise soon.
"That is enough!" he finally called as the men looked exhausted. They all shook hands and he sent them to prepare for the morning. William and Christopher had made a fine showing of themselves. Christopher couldn't wipe the smile off his face after the praise he had received from Sidney M. For some reason Sidney had a sense of foreboding when the butler gave him a note from Charlotte. The women had decided they were taking matters into their own hands and had gone to Trafalgar house.
"When did Lady Parker and the other ladies leave the house?" Sidney asked and gained the attention of his son.
"It would be over an hour ago, Sir!" the butler informing Sidney who instantly stood up. All food was forgotten and calls for their horses to be prepared were requested.
An hour earlier Charlotte had been assisted out of the carriage and cast her eyes over the home she had visited as a young woman. She had arrived as an innocent and left carrying a child. Charlotte wouldn't change anything about her life, but it didn't stop her from thinking what would have been. The streets had been paved and there were a few more buildings but in essence it was the same. On their way Anne had pointed out her home which was separate from the town and surrounded by trees to give the owner his privacy.
"Papa loves walking and would be gone for hours. I would go sometimes but there was a place where he always went alone." reflected Anne. Charlotte placed her arm around Anne… it was where the cove was located. Sidney had shared on their walk that it was the one place he went to think about her. He had fought many a dark mood sitting on a rock or swim the bay alone. By the time they had left that cove yesterday Sidney would only think of it as a place of love.
"Diplomacy is more successful than threats" Charlotte commented as they moved towards the front door. Joy and Anne were concerned about Sidney M and Angus reactions followed the older women. Mary asking her housekeeper to prepare morning tea and started searching the house for Tom. Mary finding Tom cleaning his town model. By the state of his clothing, she guessed he had been up all night.
"Tom! We have visitors!" Mary spoke quietly as not to surprise him since he hated being interrupted when he cleaned his model. Tom without concern about his state of dress walked into the morning room to introduce himself. He cast his eye over the women and recognised Charlotte Heywood.
"Charlotte Heywood! What a pleasure to see you after such a long time. I have to show you our plans for Sanditon and maybe you could give me your own suggestions" He gushed while taking hold of her hands. Charlotte instantly recognised insanity knew they had to tread lightly with him.
"Mr Parker… I am no longer Miss Heywood!" she smiled up into his face. He laughed at her tone and asking forgiveness for not addressing her correctly.
"I married the Earl of Montrose and have been known as the Countess of Montrose until I remarried recently" Charlotte had learned titles opened door and were important for people such as Tom.
"My Lady! I met the Earl of Montrose yesterday… is he your son?" asked Tom. Charlotte introducing Janette, Harriet and the Montrose Twins. Charlotte also pointing out Joy Babbington and Anne Parker. Tom had always been susceptible to pretty women, but these women had come with a purpose. Janette and Harriet allowing Tom to show them his model while Charlotte and Anne walked towards Tom's desk.
"Mr Parker… just as disorganised as I remember!" Charlotte exclaimed and with Tom's permission started working through his various correspondence. He was too busy with Janette and Harriet missed seeing Charlotte, Anne and Joy closely reading his business paperwork. Janette always asking a question that stopped him looking in the direction of his desk.
Charlotte finding more letters from known associates of Steward Montrose…. Passing them to Anne or Joy who folded and placed them on their person. Charlotte and Harriet who had a good eye for finance noticed multiple warning letters for overdue bills. Any money that was found on the desk was quickly given to Mary. Mary covering her smile as she watched her husband be easily distracted by these determined women.
"What a vision Mr Parker! I imagine you have many people wanting to visit and invest in this project?" Janette exclaimed and smiled when Tom mentioned Steward Montrose.
"Yes, He is our brother-in-law and would like to visit him if he is in the area. Do you know where he is staying?" Charlotte asked. Tom nodding as he had just received a letter from the man.
"He is staying with a friend in a neighbouring county and asked me to visit him" Tom informing everyone. Janette suggesting, she check the letter as Tom had never met Steward. Tom gladly handing over the letter and while Harriet distracted Tom with a question about the model Jennette had it hidden in her corset.
Once they had been satisfied with their search, they moved back to the morning room. While enjoying morning tea they systematically interrogated Tom who was none the wiser. Flora and Claire were writing down the information gathered in their conversation.
"Lady Babbington I must congratulate you on your engagement. Your brother didn't inform me of your intended" Tom smiled when learning it was the Earl. Tom's eyes sparking at the thought of the wealthy gentleman. Charlotte having to quickly hide her annoyance.
"Anne… do you know James is back from his travels. He had made his fortune and would make a good catch for any young woman" Tom commented and started selling the attributes of James to Anne.
"Uncle Tom.. I hope James finds a wife, but I am engaged to be married to Mr Angus Montrose!" Anne smiled sweetly and watched her Uncle frown.
It was at this point the gentlemen from the Babbington House arrived. They were also followed by the Montrose security who had just received an ear full from Sidney M for not informing him of their movements. They all looked agitated and instantly relaxed as they saw everyone was safe.
Tom watched as Sidney entered the room and sat closely to Charlotte.
"Tom… how are you? I need to inform you that Charlotte and I were married in London a number of weeks ago" Sidney watching as the greed washed over his brother's eyes and didn't respond as Charlotte had taken hold of his fisted hand. She truly was his comfort. The men realised they should not have worried as the women had everything in hand.
"Capital! Congratulations! That will mean you are moving to our lovely town"
"No, I will be selling my property and moving to Scotland. Anne will be settled there, and we want to be near our grandchildren" spoke Sidney with Charlotte agreeing. Sidney had been shocked at the appearance of his brother and understood his nephew's concern. By the time they had taken their leave Tom had already moved back to his model and barely noticed their exit. The men only relaxing once they entered the Babbington Grounds.
Charlotte and Janette giving their sons a warning glare explained their success of the morning and the men watched in amazement as the various letters and documents were handed over.
"Spying produces results but we were prepared!" spoke Charlotte while handing over her small weapon to Sidney.