Georgina Lamb
Georgina Lamb had been spending her afternoon painting. When she had properly tried painting, she found she had a knack for it. Over the years producing some fine pieces of artwork. Georgina had sold many paintings under another name which had given her great satisfaction compared to the money she had inherited from her father.
When she had come of age, she had left Sanditon and travelled back to Antigua. To her disappointment finding it was not the same home and found more people who wanted her money. She had returned to England determined to have control and not be subservient to anyone. Georgina like Sidney had built a home in Sanditon away from society and periodically travelled to Europe to visit friends she had met on her travels.
She had arrived from France the other week and had returned to Sanditon to paint. Her coastal landscapes of Sanditon were highly sort after and today she was trying to capture a beach scene. It was an isolated place and the various rock formations gave interesting focal points. She had taken a break to read a letter from a close friend… smiling as it would be the first time her friend would have visited her in Sanditon. The day was looking up and after putting away the letter she turned her attention back to the beach. It was no longer empty but there were three couples walking along the beach. Georgina suddenly deciding to paint them into her scene.
"Good afternoon Georgina!" a familiar voice spoke which pulled her eyes away from her canvas. It was Lord Babbington, Joy Babbington, Anne Parker and three strangers. From her quick observation Joy and Anne must have formed attachments to the young gentlemen. Lord Babbington making the introduction for Georgina who gave her congratulations to the young couples. Georgina had paused when she was introduced to 'The Earl of Montrose'.
"Have we met before Sir" she asked as she carefully observed his face
"No but I believe you were aquatinted with my mother"
"Your mother?" Georgina searching her mind for a friend who would have a son of this age.
"You would have known her as Charlotte Heywood!" Sidney M simply stated
"Charlotte Heywood" Georgina exclaiming loudly and couldn't believe she was looking at a child of her old friend.
"How is your mother?" asked Georgina. Charlotte had been one of the true friends and regularly blamed Sidney for the loss of this friendship. All the letters she had sent to Willingdon had been returned without being open. Georgina often wondering what had happened to Charlotte.
"My Mother is in Sanditon for the weddings. I am certain she would be happy to see you again" smiled Sidney M. Georgina had been so busy thinking about Charlotte she only recognised her friend's features in Sidney M. He directed Georgina towards the Parker House as their group was heading back to Babbington House.
Georgina watched them leave and quickly packed her painting equipment. She had her carriage and made excellent time back to the township of Sanditon. It had been years since Georgina had set foot in Trafalgar House and was excited to see Charlotte again. She was received by the butler and led into the morning room expecting to find Charlotte but found Sidney Parker.
"Oh… it is you!" was all she could summon. The smile she had on her face instantly replaced with a frown.
"Georgina!" Sidney bowed before moving to the window. They had a strained relationship and spent minimum time together.
"I saw your daughter and must congratulate you on marrying her off… I am certain you made sure he was not a fortune hunter" she bitterly commented enjoying Sidney clench his jaw and fisted hands. She took pleasure in provoking him and happily sat down. Otis had joined the Navy and died. She never had her happily ever after and would spend the rest of her life making Sidney feel guilty for his decisions.
"Georgina… Is that you?" Charlotte walking into the room and noticed her old friend. The tension in the room was obvious and Charlotte knew she needed to reduce the tension. She could see Sidney was upset. The women embraced and sat down looking at each other. Both had faced many trials but had chosen different paths.
"Yes… I came across your son… The Earl of Montrose… you have done well for yourself!" Georgina looking over in the direction of Sidney who had taken a seat in the corner. He was trying to distance himself from Georgina and the words she had spoken. It was evident Georgina wanted to use this information to torture Sidney.
"I met my husband after I left Sanditon and live in Scotland. We lost Hector a number of years ago. My son has grown into his role as 'The Earl of Montrose' and I am extremely proud of him. He will be married next week, and I hope you would attend the wedding breakfast" Charlotte had purposely left out using Sidney's first name as she was unsure of Georgina. Georgina suffered from extreme emotional responses and still held a strong dislike for Sidney.
"I would be pleased to attend. I suppose Mr Parker you have been invited because of your great friendship with Lord Babbington!" drily commented Georgina. She was not surprised he was invited but jealous Sidney was attending the chapel service. Georgina taking on a concerned look when she observed the way Sidney watched Charlotte and became alarmed when he walked over to sit next to her. It was when Georgina first noticed Sidney wearing a wedding ring.
Schooling her thoughts…
"I see congratulations are also owed to you both. When I only saw you Sidney, you were still a widower... pining for the loss of Eliza" Georgina couldn't help herself and was not sorry for her comment.
Charlotte who was an expert in dealing with difficult women took hold of Sidney's hand and spoke for them both.
"Thank you, Georgina! We met again in London and realised we still loved each other" Charlotte smiling at Sidney who took her hand and kissed it. He forgot about the cutting comments of Georgina and focused his attention on his Charlotte. She loved him and made him whole. Charlotte could see Georgina had let bitterness control her life and it was evident she was not happy. Charlotte still wanted to show compassion and invited Georgina to visit them at the Babbington's.
Georgina was happy to accept an invitation but decided she needed to process the information she had just discovered. Her happiness of seeing Charlotte had been spoiled by Sidney. She bid them a good afternoon and left them alone. Charlotte turning to Sidney with concern in her eyes. He gathered her close to him and rested his forehead against hers.
"You did you best for Georgina and your family. Do not! let the ghosts of the past destroy our future" Charlotte spoke firmly.
James entering the room and happily accepted a cup of tea from his Aunt. He had finally settled his father who was asleep. They had given him some sleeping medication as Tom had become agitated when informed James was taking control of the family affairs. He had ranted and raved... blaming Sidney for their family's problems. James planning to stay the night while Charlotte, Sidney and Mary returned to the Babbington's. Until they caught Steward, they couldn't trust anyone to watch Tom.
"No, James! Isn't there another way?" Mary pleaded. Sidney thinking about the situation and wondered if there was a cottage on the Babbington Estate they could place Tom until he was assessed by a doctor. They were too exposed if Tom remained in town and Sidney sent an urgent message to Charles. They were thankful Charles had returned home and was able to offer a small cottage for Tom. Sidney and James taking hold of a sleeping Tom and settled him in his new surroundings. They brought staff from Trafalgar House and had guards secure the cottage.
It had been a long day full of many activities and everyone was pleased to be back together at Babbington House. After dinner the women speaking about wedding arrangements while the men enjoyed a quiet drink.
"We met Georgina Lamb while on our walk. I told her about mother and directed her towards town. Did you see her?" Sidney M asked his father.
"Yes! She was happy to see your mother but not me" Sidney spoke. He explained his history with the lady and the bad choices he had made. Sidney M contemplating what he had heard.
"It appears she had has decided to remain bitter and live in the past. My mother could have done the same, but she embraced life. Even though life has been difficult you still choose to care for your family." Sidney M placing his hand on his father's shoulder to show his support. Sidney M would reserve his judgement of Georgina Lamb. He would watch her and if needed act if she attempted to cause problems. Bitterness often led to revenge and Steward Montrose was a prime example.
Georgina was alone in her large house brooding about Sidney Parker. She couldn't believe he married Charlotte while she had been denied Otis. The wounds of the past reopening and she wondered when it would ever stop hurting. Even though she hated Sidney she wanted to spend time with Charlotte. Georgina would be careful in what she said and attempt to tolerate her former guardian.