Notes: If you follow me on twitter you may have caught my disastrous tweets about losing 4 chapters of this story Monday morning. I cried for hours. All that work and all that time wasted. I could still cry. Last night, I stayed up late and was able to rewrite 2 of the 4 chapters. I think I like this version of the chapters better than the first. Maybe what happened was a good thing after all. I'll try to post both chapters today but it may be a couple more days before I get another chapter up. My kids have busy lives.
Charlotte
"We are coming upon Sanditon House," I said waking Georgiana and Alison from their nap. I couldn't sleep so I busied myself with a book. I found that lately, reading was the only distraction from my own unbearable thoughts.
We braced ourselves as we pulled into the yard of Sanditon House. A butler came out and collected our bags bringing them inside while we said our goodbyes.
"You will come visit me, won't you?" Georgiana asked sounding sad.
"Of course!" I said wrapping her in a hug. "I will insist on maintaining our friendship."
"I'm not sure Lady Denham will approve." I hated to see Georgiana sad.
"We will find a way," I assured. Georgiana gave Alison a hug and insisted she come and visit as well before climbing back in the carriage.
We turned towards George to wish him safe travels back to Willingden.
You both will need to return to Willingden eventually," he said with a grin.
"Does that mean?" Alison asked not actually finishing her question before George excitedly answered.
He nodded his head and his smile grew. "I asked Jane to marry me and she's accepted."
"Oh George! I'm so happy for you," I said.
Alison hugged him tightly congratulating him also. "We will definitely return for your wedding."
"I will send word when we have set a date," he promised. "I'm sure it won't be long before we get word announcing an engagement for both of you also."
"Perhaps," I said dismissively.
George boarded the coach and continued on his way to bring Georgiana back to Mrs. Griffiths.
Alison and I were led inside and told to wait for Lady Denham. Alison glanced around the house with a look of awe on her face. "It's rather large, isn't it?" I said.
"I've never seen anything like it," she replied.
"Ah, there you are, Miss Heywood," Lady Denham greeted walking into the room rather slowly. She looked different from the last time I saw her. She seemed older, maybe even weaker. I feared her illness that almost took her life left her in a terrible state. "I was beginning to have my doubts you would ever arrive."
"I do apologize for our tardiness," I began. "We got here as quickly as we could."
"I'm sure you did," she said with a condescending tone.
"Lady Denham, I'd like to introduce my sister, Alison." My sister curtsied but didn't speak. I could tell she was nervous.
"Cat got your tongue, dear?" she asked.
"Not at all, Lady Denham. I think I'm quite overwhelmed with the splendid appearance of your home," she answered still looking around in awe.
"I'm afraid it's quite outdated. I've begun doing some renovations already. My drawing room floor had to be redone immediately. Would you like to see it?"
"Very much," Alison said. We followed Lady Denham into her drawing room to see her new floor. I remembered that last time I was in there it had a large snake curled around to the center. I couldn't imagine what it looked like now. Perhaps a more modern design donned the floor?
We walked in to see a donkey as the center focal point with a motif of different colored tiles surrounding it. I didn't care for it.
"What do you think?" Lady Denham asked.
I hesitated at first, trying to choose my words carefully. "It's quite creative," I said.
"I enjoy your choice of colors," Alison added.
"Yes, I do think it's my favorite creation," Lady Denham said. I gave Alison a knowing look and we both had to hold back from giggling. We stood there admiring her floor for quite some time before she called for her butler to show us to our rooms.
We followed up the stairs and were put in separate rooms across from each other. We would have been fine sharing, but at least Alison got to experience what it was like to have her own for once. After we finished unpacking and changing our clothes, we went downstairs and met with Lady Denham in her drawing room for tea. We were poured a cup of tea and passed a plate of biscuits by one of the servants.
"This room has been so dreary without any company in it," Lady Denham said. "I'm thinking of having another luncheon party."
"What a splendid idea," Alison said trying to be kind. She wasn't aware of what happened at the last luncheon. I did mention in my letters how it was a disaster but didn't go into detail.
"Miss Charlotte Heywood, you did bring me a sister who can play piano, didn't you?"
"I'm not the best at it, but I can read music fairly well," Alison answered. She was being modest as she played wonderfully to me. As soon as she heard we were coming to Sanditon and Lady Denham wanted someone to play the piano she practiced day and night.
"Hmm, I guess it'll have to do," Lady Denham said looking Alison up and down. I feared she was disappointed in Alison's abilities.
"Perhaps Alison could play you something now?" I suggested.
Alison glanced at me with wide eyes. I gave her an encouraging nod towards the piano. She rose from her seat and slowly walked over to the piano. We watched, silently waiting for her to begin.
"Play something jolly," Lady Denham requested. Alison flipped through the sheets of music and placed something in front of her before placing her fingers on the keys to begin. Once the music started, Lady Denham smiled and closed her eyes for a moment. I knew then she was pleased with Alison. I smiled as I watched my sister play. I had learned how to play the piano, but I wasn't nearly as good as Alison was.
"Miss Heywood," Lady Denham began while the music playing in the background. "There's business I need to discuss with you that doesn't involve your sister." I turned towards her with a curious look. "It was brought to my attention that while I was on my deathbed, you became acquainted with a Lady Susan Worcester. She brought the entire beau monde of London here to our Sanditon for the regatta all thanks to you. I mentioned this in my letter to you."
"I don't take any credit for it," I dismissed with a giggle.
"Nonsense. You are more capable than anyone to create great things here in Sanditon. Why do you think I invited you here?"
"I thought you wanted company?" I asked confused by the question.
"Pish Posh! I don't need company. The piano played from time to time, but that's all. Too much company can be stifling, and I definitely don't need a couple naïve girls getting too attached and thinking that somehow, I'm going to leave my fortune to them. I invited you here to oversee my investments. Tom has been utterly useless up to now and I refuse to work with him any longer. My desires for Sanditon have not changed. I just need a wiser, more capable business partner."
"Lady Denham," I began before she interrupted me again.
"Mr. Parker has betrayed my trust and caused Sanditon to go into ruins. I need you, Miss Heywood."
"I couldn't possibly."
"We will see," she said cutting me off again. "Mr. Robinson will be here in the morning to discuss building plans as Mr. Stinger has decided to leave us when we are in dire need of his services. Mr. Robinson seems a little lost and needs your guidance on what to do."
"Lady Denham, I can't possibly oversee the construction of Sanditon. I could never betray the Parker family."
"The way they betrayed you?" she asked with a shocked tone. "Well at least how one Parker brother betrayed you."
I dropped my head in embarrassment. I didn't know she knew anything. How could she? Did everyone know?
"I may be old, and maybe a little senile at times, but I know what a broken heart looks like. I've been there myself."
I didn't speak. Instead I let her continue on what she wanted from me and how I was to oversee the rebuilding of Waterloo Terrace. I had no idea how I was going to be capable of anything she asked of me. Me, a farm girl from Willingden overseeing the development of a sea bathing community?
"What about Tom?" I was finally able to get out. "He's put so much of himself into Sanditon already. He would be hurt if he knew I was taking over his position."
"Tom has left. His wife and children still remain here. I sense there's trouble in their marriage. He's been gone for quite some time in his futile attempt to find investors."
I sighed heavily thinking about Tom and Mary having troubles in their marriage. I hoped it wasn't true.
"Besides, it's my money and I'll have whoever I please oversee how it's spent."
"Why me?" I asked.
"I believe I've already explained myself. You seem to be more capable than anyone else I've ever met. You love Sanditon just as much as I do and want to see it developed into something great. You are the right person for the job. And with your connections to Lady Worcester, I think you may be able to convince her to come for another visit. Perhaps she will invite the Prince Regent to come as well. I've been meaning to ask Lord Babington to use his connections to invite the Prince Regent, but as a newly married man, he and Esther are not to be bothered."
"To be honest, Lady Denham, I haven't heard from Lady Susan since the regatta. I'm not sure I'd have much luck getting her to come back for a second visit."
"Well, we mustn't say no until we try."
I shook my head not believing I was capable.
"Think on it tonight. If you don't wish to be my business partner, I can make arrangements to have you returned to Willingden."
Later in the evening I confided in Alison what Lady Denham had asked of me. I was not prepared for what she wanted and I wasn't sure I was capable. The thought excited me, but it also terrified me. What if I failed? What if what happened with Tom happened to me? My family would never be able to fix a mess like Tom had gotten himself in. Would anyone even listen or care what I had to say? I was a woman after all. Alison understood my concern but felt as if Lady Denham must really trust me to give me such a task. She also wasn't ready to leave yet when she hadn't even seen Sanditon.
I barely slept all night as thoughts raced through my mind. I was sure I was going to be the worst overseer and Lady Denham was going to regret her choice. Tom and all the Parker family would resent me, surely. Yet, if Sanditon was rebuilt and prosperous they would all benefit greatly. Could they really resent me if that happened? Would they even see it that way or only see my betrayal?
Before the sun came up in the morning, I dressed and went for a walk. I needed some air and time to think. It took some time, but I eventually reached the beach and walked along the water's edge with my bare feet. Even with the cooler weather setting in, I desired to take a dip in the water. Being so early, though there was no one to take the bathing machine to the water, if they even would this time of year. I decided to take a chance and go further down the coast out of sight of anyone. I got in the water with only my shift on. I'd only be in there for a moment. No one would ever know.
The water was cold and felt like needles hitting my skin all over. It felt invigorating and cleared my head as I'd hoped it would. I went under the water and swam around before bobbing back up and taking a deep breath. I missed the rush of the cool water. The sun was shining brightly on the water and as much as I wished to stay where I was, I needed to get back to Lady Denham's to give her an answer.
I glanced around to make sure no one was around and dressed quickly behind a rock before running back to Sanditon House.
Later in the morning I gave Lady Denham my answer and waited to meet with Mr. Robinson. I was going to at least try. It's all I could do.
"I do have one request though," I said.
Lady Denham rolled her eyes and waited for me to speak. "I want to work with Tom, rather than against him."
"Out of the question!" she spat angrily. "I won't have it."
"Lady Denham, Tom knows more about Sanditon than anyone. He's put his whole soul into building Sanditon. At least allow me to ask for his guidance. If I feel like his opinion isn't going to benefit Sanditon, I will ask for your opinion and let you be the deciding vote."
She sighed and looked at me sternly. I could feel my sister staring at me with fear of what she might say. I wasn't going to back down, though. "Very well. But I find it hard for you to ask him anything when he isn't here."
"I'm sure he will return."
After breakfast Mr. Robinson arrived. He seemed quite nervous but was friendly enough. Lady Denham had a lot of opinions and I questioned what exactly she needed me for. Halfway through our meeting she seemed fatigued and asked Alison to help her to a seat. My sister was very attentive to her and stayed by her side to help with anything she needed. My sister was always a great caretaker and oversaw the care of our younger siblings growing up.
I continued my meeting with Mr. Robinson and came to the conclusion I'd have to see the state of the buildings to move forward.
"Alison, would you like to go with us?" I asked after explaining we needed to go into town.
She glanced to Lady Denham looking for permission. "Go child. Don't fuss. I might go to my room and take a small nap." She rose from her chair and Alison walked with her to her room before returning to the drawing room.
I grabbed my coat and followed Mr. Robinson out to the carriage with Alison following behind. In town we looked over the damage and discussed laborers. It appeared that after the fire happened, most of the laborers moved on to other projects and left Waterloo Terrace in its wreckage. Until Sidney was married and had access to the fortune Mrs. Campion held, there wasn't any way to move forward. But, with Lady Denham wanting to continue investing with someone new to oversee, perhaps we could at least get started with the cleanup. I had hope that some of the apartments would be salvageable with a little airing out and fresh paint. Come spring we could begin the rebuild and start again. Mr. Robinson felt hopeful with my optimism and planned to get started right away.
"Should we visit Georgiana while we are in town?" I asked Alison.
"I'd love to."
We walked over to Mrs. Griffiths arm in arm and were ushered up to Georgiana's room. She seemed surprised to see us.
"I didn't expect to see either of you so soon. Did you escape Lady Denham's clutches?"
I laughed and sat down on her bed next to her. "She's not all bad."
Georgiana rolled her eyes as if she didn't believe me.
"She truly isn't," Alison added. "I have come to like her. She's very direct, but I admire that. And she seems to have a lot of faith in Charlotte's abilities."
"What does that mean?" Georgiana asked. I explained what she had asked me to do. Georgiana feared she was setting me up for failure, but I refused to let that happen. I would be smarter and wiser with my choices. To be honest, it helped me push my thoughts of Sidney Parker aside and I was feeling whole once again. I looked forward to what I might be able to accomplish.
We stayed with Georgiana for most of the afternoon. Alison got to meet the Beaufort sisters. Being the kind-hearted spirit Alison was, she didn't understand why Georgiana didn't like them. I didn't have anything against the girls myself, but I knew Georgiana was quite annoyed by them at times.
After leaving Georgiana, I wanted to stop in on Mary for just a moment.
"Charlotte!" she said rushing to me and crushing me in a hug. "I didn't expect to see you back so soon."
"Lady Denham has invited me and my sister Alison to stay with her."
"Lady Denham?" she asked surprised by the notion.
I laughed. "Yes. She requires company and a piano player which my sister is happy to oblige."
"Alison, I remember you well. It's good to see you here." Mary gave Alison a hug too then rang for tea ushering us into her drawing room to sit with her.
I caught up with Mary during tea and discovered Tom was in London on business. I assumed something to do with Sanditon as Mary didn't discuss his purpose. She explained that she and the children were leaving for London in a few days. I was thankful she didn't tell us why even if I already knew. Sidney's wedding was just a week away. I chose not to say anything about the business arrangement Lady Denham and I had. I didn't want to add more stress to her for the time being. I got to see the children and play a bit with them. I was filled with happiness to see all of them again. I truly felt like I was home.
Mary insisted we all take a walk on the beach before the sun set. I thought it a terrific idea since I had yet to bring Alison down by the sea. Alison and the children played and splashed around in the cold water as I walked arm in arm with Mary.
"How are you holding up, my dear?" Mary asked. I knew what she was getting to.
"I'm doing well," I answered. "I'm happy to be back in Sanditon; even more so that I get to be here with my sister."
"I hope you don't think ill of our family."
"Why would I? What your family is doing for Sanditon is admirable. I can't deny that."
"If there was any other way," Mary began before I cut her off.
"There isn't. I'm aware of my station. I have hope for Sanditon and plan to make it a better place if I can." I thought back to when Sidney scolded me for not knowing the ways of the world and how he and his brother were trying to leave the world a better place. He questioned what I was doing to fulfill that task. At the time I was doing nothing. Now, I felt I had the potential to do something just as great as they were.
"It's already a better place with you back here," Mary said squeezing my hand and smiling sweetly at me.
After our walk we headed back to Trafalgar House and boarded the carriage to take us back to Sanditon House.
"Please come visit again before we leave," Mary requested. "I'm not sure when we will be back again."
"I will," I promised.
We were just about to drive away when Mary called out and asked us to wait. She ran back in the house and came back a few moments later with a letter in her hand. "I almost forgot. This letter came for you the other day. I had planned to send it with my next letter to you, but here you are."
"Thank you, Mary," I said taking the letter from her.
As the carriage began the drive back to Sanditon House I opened the letter. I was sure the look on my face must have been dreadful.
"What is it?" Alison asked. "Bad news?"
"Lady Susan is coming to visit at the end of the month. She's bringing the Prince Regent."
Sidney's thoughts will be in the next chapter. You'll see a little more of his and Georgiana's past.