What had you done?
Mary and Harriet sat together while watching the children play on the beach. It had been the perfect morning filled with the sounds of laughing children. Mary proudly watching Cassie build a sandcastle with Flora who patiently obeyed the little girl's directions. Mary couldn't wait to visit her other grandchildren and make up for the times she had stayed in Sanditon. She had written a letter to her oldest grandchild 'Charlotte' accepting her invitation to visit. Harriet and Angus had already decided if they have a little girl, they would name her 'Charlotte'.
The disappearance of Irene had disturbed the women and Harriet feared it was connected with her Uncle. Her Uncle had no morals, and everyone was in danger… her eyes focusing on her son Matthew as he played in the sand. As they had been on the beach, they had observed multiple riders racing along the cliff tops. Everyone stopping as a group of riders raced along the beach towards them.
"Thig… come" called Harriet gathering Matthew in her arms. The Campbell men who were guarding them had their guns trained on the riders approaching. They only lowered their guns once they recognised Angus. Angus nodding in approval and smiled with satisfaction as other men appeared from protected hiding places. Their Laird would be proud of their services and Angus would be recommending to his father they be rewarded.
Matthew catching sight of his father and laughed when Angus scooped his son into his arms. Harriet out of instinct placed her had on her middle as she could see the concern etched on her husband's face.
"Mo ghradh… my love! Your Uncle Steward had taken Joy, Anne and Isabella while they were at the dressmakers. We need to take you back to the house to ensure you are safe" Angus assisting his wife up, kissing her to reassure himself of her safety.
"Uncle James! Come and see the sandcastle we have made" Cassie cried as she watched her Uncle vault off his horse... grabbing his hand and pulling him towards Flora.
"It is certainly a masterpiece, and you are lucky to have been helped by such a willing helper, but we have to return to the house" gentle spoke James.
"No!" pouted Cassie
"Yes!" He lifted her up and looked intently into her face.
"Why?"
"There is a bad man we are trying to capture, and I need you to be safe" he spoke honestly and was relieved when Cassie nodded seriously. He put her down and turned to the Montrose twins. He didn't have to say anything, but they knew it was to do with Steward Montrose. Flora comforting her sister who had been more effected by their experience. James walked with Cassie to collect the two youngest Crowe children. The adults maintaining a calm presence, so the children were unaware of the danger that was present.
Once the home had been searched and the men were satisfied James decided he would collect his father from the cottage.
"Mr Parker! Please keep safe!" Flora Montrose spoke. James smiled down at her and promised he would return. The cottage was on the other side of the estate and James drove his horse at great speed to cover the distance. He nodded to the guards as he walked into the home and found his father having an animated conversation with the London specialist.
"James! Let me introduce you to Dr Smith who has come from London. I am trying to convince him to set up his practice in Sanditon. It would encourage more people to visit, and we all know the ton need their facilities. I seem to have misplaced my model and plans. Could you ask your mother to find them for me so I can show the good doctor?" Tom asked excitedly. James telling his father instead they were going to visit the Babbington's, and Tom happily entered the carriage. When they arrived, Tom was settled in a room and happily continued to draw designs for his next building.
James closed the bedroom and took a deep breath. Looking up he found Flora and Cassie waiting for him. Flora could see he was under pressure and wished to let him know he was not alone.
"I will keep an eye on your father and mother while you help my cousin" Flora promised while holding Cassie's hand. James grasping Flora's hand to show how much she meant to him. The moment interrupted by his father opening up his door.
"James! Could you take care of this letter I received from Mr Montrose? Miss Lamb gave it to me at the garden party, but I have been busy with my designs" Tom passing the letter to James and closed the door.
This information was significant …..
"Aunt Charlotte!" yelled James as he rushed into the morning room where all of the women were waiting anxiously.
"What is wrong James?" asked Charlotte standing up as she could hear the urgency in James's voice.
"I fear Georgina Lamb has been working with Steward Montrose… Sidney M was right not to trust her!"
Charlotte's mind swirling and Janette made her sit down. Georgina was one of the few people they allowed into the estate and knew the family movements. Charlotte thought matters were settling between Sidney and Georgina, but it had been all an act. Georgina somehow had cross paths with Steward and was helping him destroy her family.
Amanda suddenly started pacing as she thought about the French woman 'Evangeline. Reminding everyone it was Georgina who had taken the woman inside the house during the garden party.
"Irene went missing during the garden party… they must have taken Irene!" Janette loudly spoke. She had been worried about Irene and feared for her life if she ended up in the hands of Steward.
James calling for his horse as the home of Georgina Lamb needed to be searched. Sidney, Henry and Charles had already returned to town. It had been a couple of hours and he needed to get word to Sidney M.
As they heard the horse thunder down the driveway Charlotte thought….
"What have you done Georgina?"