Troubled Waters

Janette, Charlotte and Harriet were seated together finalising the wedding arrangements for Sanditon. Charles had provided comfortable chairs and tables in one of the walled gardens of the Estate. They were not alone as they were playing chaperone to the young couples.

"I am pleased our boys have found their pair" reflected Charlotte as she watched Sidney give Joy a flower that he must have picked from a garden bed. Joy softened her serious son and instinctively knew how to lighten his mood. Charlotte knew Joy would be a strength for Sidney M as he led his people.

"Tha!" agreed Janette as she watched her own son Angus walking in the garden with Anne on his arm. Anne was bubbly and had brought her son out more. She smiled as she watched Angus openly admire Anne as she spoke to him. Janette thinking about her dearly departed husband and wished he was alive to witness this moment. Charlotte reaching to hold Janette's hand as she had been with Janette as she dealt with the loss of Andrew.

"Grace will be arriving today" Harriet reminding Janette. Janette's youngest had been staying with Frazer's Clan and upon hearing of her brother's engagement had immediately started travelling. In her letter clearly announcing she wouldn't miss such an 'event'. Janette smiling as she thought about her vibrant daughter who always knew what to say to brighten the day. Grace was making the last part of her journey with Susan who was personally bringing the two wedding gowns from London. The Crowes were also arriving today and would travel to Scotland for the wedding celebrations.

Their time was interrupted by the entrance of Georgina who had taken to visiting them every day. The women were patient with her but found Georgina a very demanding personality. Janette observing the lady blew hot and cold in a matter of minutes.

"Good morning ladies… I see you are enjoying the fine weather" Georgina making a show of giving Charlotte a kiss before sitting down.

"Yes.. it is a lovely day. We are in the middle of wedding arrangements" Charlotte spoke and thankful Janette was sitting next to her. She was finding Georgina's attention stifling and often boarding on obsessive. Sidney M had noticed this and had cautioned his mother. Charlotte was trying to be compassionate towards Georgina but was thankful for the buffer created by her family members.

Georgina was not pleased she could not sit next to Charlotte. Sidney M had noticed the arrival of the woman and had led Joy over to support his mother. Georgina had a habit of being critical and enjoyed making his father uncomfortable.

"Weddings! I am glad I don't have to be controlled by a man" Georgina bitterly spoke. Angus and Sidney M taking on a stern look as they knew she was trying to spoil their weddings. Sidney M suggesting people should respect a person's choice when it came to matrimony. Georgina looking sharply at Sidney M and always found he countered her responses. He was very protective towards his family and she sensed he didn't like her. She was not going to be driven away and enjoyed a lovely morning tea monopolising the conversations by speaking about her various travels around the world.

When she finally decided to leave Charlotte walked her out of the house to everyone's relief. Georgina's bitterness had made her a difficult person and seemed to rival 'Lady Denham's' reputation. Georgina had spoken often without thinking and caused pain for many people today. Charlotte deciding taking a gentle approach as it had been successful in the past.

"My friend! You are not only one who has lost a loved one in tragic circumstances. Don't let bitterness control your life" Charlotte spoke gently.

"No one truly know what is like to lose someone you love and never see them again!" ground out Georgina. Charlotte could have named every single person as they had all lost a father, mother or spouse but knew Georgina would not listen.

"Take care and we will see you tomorrow for the garden party" Charlotte smiled and was relieved when Georgina kissed her cheek before getting into the carriage.

Charlotte watching as the carriage left and smiled when she saw Sidney and James approach on their horses. They had spent the morning at 'Trafalgar House' wading through the study of Tom. Sidney getting off his horse and happily greeted his wife. He asked how they were since he had seen Georgina's carriage leave the property.

"Let me guess… our son couldn't help himself and argued with Georgina!" Charlotte nodded and Sidney laughed when Sidney M had told his mother he would ensure that 'woman' would never be allowed to step foot in Scotland. It was like history repeating itself and Sidney was relieved Georgina had not noticed any similarities between himself and Sidney M. They had spoken about this and Charlotte had suggested Georgina paid little attention to those around her as she was focused on herself. Sidney knew he had to still speak with his son… as Georgina could be difficult, and they didn't want it to spoil the weddings.

Sidney already had issues with Tom. His brother had not taken too kindly from being removed from his home. He had broken one of the cottage windows and had been caught by the guards racing across the Babbington Estate wearing little more than his underwear. James had been thankful it had been in the early hours and his mother had not witnessed this event. Tom now was confined in his bedroom while the windows of the cottage were being boarded up.

Thankfully the financial position of the Parkers was not as serious. There was enough income to place Tom in a 'rest home' and James had started the process of closing up 'Trafalgar House' in preparation for his mother's removal to London. The building materials Tom confessed to have ordered was a lie and there was only a small number of overdue bills to pay. James had been thankful for his Uncle Sidney who had helped him make the decisions. Sidney himself had to start the process of preparing for the sale of his Sanditon home. Anne was going to visit the house to select the items she wished to have shipped to Scotland. Sidney felt he was being freed from the chains of Sanditon and looked forward to his life in Scotland.

While in a secret location….

Steward Montrose woke up feeling content… he had arrived in Sanditon without being caught. He had been delayed by the carriage accident, but it had allowed him to come up with a better plan. Steward was able to send for a travelling companion who would assist him. He had overplayed his hand in London, but he was not ready to surrender. He had to get rid of Sidney M before the formal recognition of the clan leaders.

The letters he received from Irene and a Mr James Parker presented him with interesting opportunities. It confirmed he needed to visit Sanditon and discover the truth. He would have to keep a low profile before he revealed himself. His companion would do his work and gain the information he required. She was highly motivated, and Steward always found females easy to manipulate… particularly those who sought money or had been damaged.

"My love! You know what you have to do today, and I am indisposed" Steward spoke seductively to the woman lying next to him. He smiled when she nodded and went to prepare for her day.

Steward laying back in bed and thought about what he was going to do once he was 'The Earl of Montrose'.