And so it begins...
The Babbington house was full of activity as the staff prepared for the garden party. Charles and Janette were in charge but in reality, Janette was telling Charles what to do. Sidney and Henry privately teasing their friend who seemed to be allowing a female to boss him around again. They never dared to speak this aloud in front of Janette as they would be sliced into millions of pieces by her threatening stare.
"You never get on the wrong side of Aunt Janette!" Sidney M advised his father. Charlotte had been looking pale that morning and Janette had sent her upstairs to rest. Before she knew it Janette had Charlotte back in her sleepwear and tucked in bed.
"If it is what I am suspecting you must rest… I cannot afford to lose you" Janette kissing Charlotte before promising to check on her throughout the morning.
Sidney and his son had been in the office when Janette popped into inform them of Charlotte present location. Sidney had been concerned and left to check on his wife. He found her asleep and decided he would stay with her. He stripped and joined her in bed. Sidney drew her close and closed his eyes… it was not long before he was peacefully sleeping. It had been a few hours and Charlotte woke up feeling she was in a warm cocoon and smiled when she realised it was Sidney. She turned so she was facing him and placed her arms around his neck.
"Hello" she whispered as his eyes fluttered open. He strengthened his hold around her waist.
"Hmmm" leaning down to kiss her…. savouring every moment.
"How long have I been asleep?" yawned Charlotte and rested her head against Sidney's chest.
"A couple of hours and clearly I have been sleeping" Sidney knowing he had never slept so well compared to the years of sleepless nights. He rested his chin on her head and held her close. Both wishing they could just stay in their room but needed to be present for the garden party. Once dressed they made their way downstairs to be greeted by Susan and Fredrick. Susan had been thankful to have left London as the King had been placing more pressure on her about Fredrick.
"You are looking a little pale my dear!" observed Susan and before Charlotte could answer Sidney suggested they find space to sit. Sidney was thankful his beard was fuller, and the two Sidney's planned to minimise their time together. It frustrated Sidney as he wanted to cry out to the whole world, he had a son, but it was not meant to be.
He was worried about the carriage that had arrived at night and feared a local resident was helping Steward. Tom was present today under the supervision of the London doctor who had arrived earlier today. His brother had been diagnosed and would be spending some time in a rest home for further assessments. Tom spending the majority of his time trying to sell his Sanditon dream to anyone who would listen. He was grateful for the compassion people were showing towards his brother.
"Tom has his moments" observed Charlotte as she watched Tom speak with clarity and confidence. Sidney nodding but could see the worried faces of Mary and James who were watching him closely. Sidney frowning when he observed Georgina speaking with Tom. From his information Georgina had not visited them and he only assumed she was trying to create problems for him. He had attempted over the years to reconcile with Georgina, but she had never forgiven him for Otis and the mistakes he made as her guardian. Sidney M had developed a clear dislike for the older woman and only tolerated her for his parents sake.
"I don't trust her mathair and she treats you papa with disrespect" Sidney M shared with his parents when they spoke about Georgina Lamb. Sidney always treasuring the times when his son called his Papa.
"I think there had been another disagreement between Georgina and Sidney M" observed Charlotte as she watched her son abruptly leave a conversation with Joy. Sidney M needing to sit with his mother as he was sick and tired of hearing Georgina Lamb complain about her life.
Charlotte knowing, they couldn't afford two Sidney's brooding sitting next to each other. "Careful, my loves" cautioned Charlotte. As they watched Georgina make her way towards their seating area.
"My Lord, we didn't finish our conversation" Georgina complained. Sidney deciding, he needed to speak with Georgina and suggested they walk over to the drinks stand.
"Georgina… I have asked for your forgiveness and tried to made amends. What can I do to help you?"
"Go back in time!" she breathed out
"That is not possible, and Charlotte reminds me we must focus on the future. What can we do so we can become friends and not enemies? You are hurting Charlotte when you defame me in public. Please Georgina" Sidney asked quietly and waited to see if she would thaw out slightly.
"Maybe" hesitated Georgina and promised to stop being rude.
"Thank you, Georgina" She took his arm and was much better company for the rest of the event.
The event run smoothly except for two concerning matters. Irene had disappeared during the party and no one could find her. Isabella admitting, she had seen her in town early that morning. They searched Irene's room and found that some of her clothes were missing. Isabella admitting to her mother she had forgotten to tell her. Amanda scolding her daughter as they were in a dangerous situation. Isabelle had been distracted by Filipe and also with the appearance of 'Evangeline' at the garden party. Evangeline had arrived with an invited guest but no none knew who. She wouldn't leave Filipe alone even though Filipe had distanced himself from her.
"What is different about this 'Isabella'?" finally screamed a frustrated Evangeline. All her politeness had disappeared, and she was determined to make a scene.
"Evangeline you are making a fool of yourself….leave!" firmly directed Filipe who had pulled her aside. He had wanted to speak with Henry Crowe but was forced to protect Isabella from Evangeline. Georgina deciding to be helpful comforted the upset French woman and thankfully there were not any disturbances. Sidney seeing this as a positive outcome from their earlier conversation.
"Thank you!" Sidney spoke to Georgina before helping her into her carriage.
It was only after the party that they discovered Irene had gone missing. Sidney M feeling a sense of foreboding…..
Steward Montrose carefully opened a large luggage box and smiled when he found an unconscious Irene.