Be happy my love and enjoy your life
Sidney Parker held his wife close as they watched their children marry. Only the nearest and dearest of the young couples attending the ceremony in the Sanditon Chapel.
Janette and Charlotte decorating the chapel with Anne and Joy's favourite flowers. Janette ensuring Joy's mother's favourite flower was also included in her bouquet. Charlotte and Janette taking the role of their mothers and spoke to them privately about the wedding night. Sidney having his own uncomfortable conversation with his son while Charles advised Angus. The men taking themselves off for a drink at the Sanditon Hotel and promised never to speak about the matter again.
Anne and Joy were pampered on the morning of their weddings by all the older women. The wedding gowns had not been damaged and fit the girls perfectly. The girls were full of emotions that swayed from excitement and apprehension. Charlotte and Joy reminding the girls they would be loved and cared for by their husband. When the brides were ready and everyone had left for the church... the brides and their fathers were finally alone.
Joy and her father visiting her mother's grave before entering the church.
"Your mother would be proud of the woman you have become. Be happy my love and enjoy your life." Charles kissing his daughter and with tears in his eyes walked her down the aisle towards Sidney M.
Anne hadn't visited her mother's grace since her death but instead asked her father if they could go and take in the ocean's views of Sanditon. The time of the Parker family in Sanditon was coming to an end. It would be now the task of other entrepreneurs to take on the baton of developing the town. Sidney hoping it would remain a sleepy fishing village but had already been approached by developers to purchase properties. Checking his watch and assisted his daughter back into the carriage.
"Are you happy Papa?" Anne asking
"I couldn't think of anyone better for you my daughter" tears coming to Sidney's eyes as he kissed her for the final time and walked her towards an anxious Angus. Once completing his part, Sidney happily sat with Charlotte and held her hand. When the priest asked the young men to repeat 'I do" Sidney leaned into Charlotte's ear whispering, "I do… for eternity".
The congregation cheering when the men leaned down to kiss their wives. While the couples signed the registry book everyone exited the church and were given handfuls of rice to throw at the couples. Sidney M and Angus shielding their wives and their laughter was heard across the church yard which was music to ears of their mothers'. The wedding breakfast was generous, and the families celebrated together the unions of the two couples.
To the surprise of everyone Charles arranged for musicians and guests enjoyed an afternoon of dancing. Sidney claiming the majority of the dances with Charlotte. He took every opportunity as he had missed out on so much. It was his son who was only permitted to dance with his mother. Sidney stood to the side and watched with a huge smile on his face.
"Be happy… live well" Charlotte spoke as she danced with her son. The music had not even finished, and his mother was claimed by his father. Sidney M searching the ballroom for his bride instantly finding her speaking with his Aunt Janette.
With a gleam in his eyes, he turned to his father-in-law…
"Lord Babbington! I believe there are two lovely ladies over there who are needing dance partners!"
"Yes! let us ensure they do not remain wall flowers" smiled Charles and the two claimed the ladies for the next dance. Sidney and Henry noticing their friend Charles dance with Janette Frazer for the rest of the afternoon. Sidney warning Henry to leave their friend alone and see what may become of this new attachment.
"No bets!" warned Sidney but caught Henry making a number of bets with people present.
The engagement of Isabella Crowe and Filipe Alix was announced which added to the celebratory atmosphere of the afternoon. Filipe and Isabella smiling at each other when everyone congratulated them on their engagement. Filipe's standing taller and finally understood how his cousins felt. Isabella was the only woman for him, and she had his fidelity. Filipe vowing to do all he can to be worthy of such a woman's love. The couple were to be married in London… Filipe hoping before their journey to Scotland. To the amusement of everyone Henry welcomed Filipe into the club of tamed men.
Finally, the two newly married couples bid their guests farewell and departed for parts unknown until their second wedding celebration in Scotland. Angus and Sidney M had been mysterious only informing their brides once in their carriages. Charlotte and Janette predicated at one stage their sons would be taking their brides into the wilds of Scotland. The women reassuring Sidney and Charles the girls could not be in more safer hands. Sidney himself planning to take Charlotte on a trip but decided they would wait until after they settled in Scotland.
To everyone's relief the body of Steward Montrose was found and was no longer a threat for the Montrose family. Evangeline after recovering confessed her involvement with Steward and would be convicted for her crimes. Filipe taking much pleasure in informing her that he was engaged to Isabella Crowe. After the weddings guest were heading in different directions but would meet again in a month's time.
Mary, James and Cassie were embarking on a trip to visit Jenny and Emma's families. Everyone was not surprised when Mary invited Flora and Claire Montrose to join them. Tom was now under the care of the London Specialist and Mary hoped he would improve. James was in charge of his father and Mary could concentrate on enjoying her grandchildren.
The Crowes were travelling to London as they had a wedding to plan. Filipe travelling back with them to make all the necessary legal arrangements. He also had to prepare his London home and welcome his parents who were expected to arrive the following week. For a carefree spirit Filipe was a man on a mission and would not let anyone distract him until the beautiful Isabella was his wife. Sidney M reminding his cousin the conversation they had about marriage and Filipe acknowledged the right woman could change a man's heart.
Everyone expected Charles Babbington to mope after the marriage of his daughter, but it had the opposite effect. He and Christopher escorting Janette Frazer and her daughter back to Scotland. Charles arguing with Sidney that he could assist in the wedding preparation. Sidney just patting his friend on the back and wished him a safe journey.
Sidney and Charlotte stayed the longest in Sanditon. They had to close up Sidney's old home but been taken by surprise when it was discovered Georgina had left her entire estate to them. She had originally left everything to Steward but the night before her death changed her will. It was as if Georgina knew she was not going to survive and was settling her affairs. She had wanted a small funeral and was buried in the Sanditon church graveyard. Their final day in Sanditon was spent supervising the packing of Georgina Lamb's possessions. Sidney suggesting a final walk along the cliffs. They walked arm in arm towards the place where Georgina had died. Death was always more difficult for those who were left behind. They both needed time to remember before they left for Scotland in the morning.
"You were with her in the end, my love. She didn't die alone" Charlotte spoke with tears in her eyes. Sidney wrapping his arms around her and together they looked out towards the ocean.
Charlotte had never told Sidney how she become close with Georgina. He finally understood why Georgina had been so attached to Charlotte and the coldness she developed with him. They only wished Georgina had lived longer and been able to enjoy life, but it was not meant to be. The couple determined to live each day to the fullest as they had been given a second chance. Charlotte suggesting a portion of the inheritance and home be gifted to Cassie to ensure her future. Sidney gazing lovingly down at his beautiful wife who always thought of others besides herself.
They were travelling to London and would complete the final stage with the Worcester family. Sidney and Charlotte both anxious to see their children again.
At least Sidney was personally able to keep a close eye on their youngest child…