~~Charlotte~~

The day had finally come. The day I had dreaded for weeks. The day my possible happiness would be taken away forever. I didn't want to get out of bed. I stayed there for much longer than I normally did and didn't even stir until Alison came in and opened the curtains, making it clear it was actually day. I would have been perfectly happy staying in the darkness for the rest of my existence.

"Come on, Charlotte. I'm not going to let you stay in bed all day feeling helpless. Georgiana and I have a plan," Alison said.

I pulled the covers back from my face and looked at her. "What kind of plan?"

She smiled devilishly. "You'll have to get up to find out."

Once I had dressed and pulled myself together for the most part, I walked into town with Alison. I was surprised to find Georgiana was allowed to leave with us. Apparently, I hadn't visited in a while and missed the understanding Georgiana had with Sidney that she could go where she pleased as long as she was with Alison or myself. I felt bad for not coming to visit sooner, but the building project had completely consumed me. Some days Alison didn't even come into town with me and would stay behind with Lady Denham. I could tell Lady Denham enjoyed her company. She did seem to have that effect on most everyone.

"I'm sorry it's been so long since I've come to visit, Georgiana," I said.

"It's quite alright. Alison and I have had lots to talk about and made plenty of plans for today," she responded.

"I fear I should be worried," I answered.

"Nothing to worry about, dear sister. Come with us. First is our dress fittings." Alison pulled me forward and I reached back to grab Georgiana's hand to pull her with us. It was nice to have both of them to keep me company on this day.

We spent the morning at the dress shop trying on the dresses we had made at Lady Denham's request. Afterwards we indulged in a sweet doughy treat from the bakery in town. After that we went for a walk into the trees of Sanditon Park and picked plums from a tree. Perhaps the cook at Sanditon House could use them for a special treat. After our time in the countryside, we walked back into town and went to the schoolhouse to watch the children put on a little show for the townspeople. The children sang songs, put on a puppet show, and even did a little skit. It was wonderful and truly distracted me from my own treacherous thoughts.

Walking back to Mrs. Griffiths, I got to thinking how wonderful the skits were that the children had put on. I had heard of the playhouses in London and even read a few books the plays were based off of. It would be wonderful if we were able to bring some of that livelihood to Sanditon. How spectacular it would be to have that culture here for all to enjoy.

"Sanditon needs a playhouse," I blurted. Both Georgiana and Alison stopped and stared at me with questioning eyes. "The Prince Regent enjoys watching plays, ballets, operas. He enjoys the arts. We should bring a little of that here to Sanditon."

"How on earth are you going to make that happen?" Georgiana asked.

"I'm not sure. But I must try."

That evening I spoke with Lady Denham about the possibility of creating a playhouse. She liked the idea and thought it would be a great way to draw people to Sanditon, but until Mr. Parker was able to pay her back what he owed, there was no way to make it happen. I was heartbroken, but if given the opportunity we could at least tell the prince of our plans. Mr. Robinson enjoyed my idea also and had some great ideas on where it should be built. He wasn't an architect by any means, but he did know about building.

I still hadn't heard from Lady Susan, which had me worried their plans may have fallen through. I hoped for all of our sakes I'd receive a letter from her soon. All I could do was immerse myself in work. Most of what I did was just instructing, making quick decisions, and cleaning. All the buildings we were able to save had to be thoroughly washed and aired out to get rid of the smoke smell. It was a lot of work and none of the men wanted the job. They were builders not cleaners, as I was reminded frequently. I didn't mind the work, though. It helped distract my mind and keep me busy.

Esther and Babington had come to Lady Denham's nearly every night for dinner and conversation. I enjoyed their company as did Lady Denham. Neither of them had said anything about expecting and Esther had asked me not to say anything, which I obliged. I found out later that they wanted to have a dinner party and invite a few guests. I assumed that would be when they announced the pregnancy.

On the day of the dinner party, Alison and I took Lady Denham's carriage into town as we had planned to bring Georgiana back with us. In the afternoon they came to ask if I was ready to go, but I was not. I encouraged them to take the carriage back home and I would walk. At first Alison refused, but I insisted. I assured her I'd be back in plenty of time and the walk would do me good. I would have been fine until it started to rain in the late afternoon. Most of the laborers wanted to call it a day and go down to the local pub for a drink. I implored them to keep going, but very few wanted to stay and even those who did at first, ultimately gave in to their drinking habits. I stayed longer than I had planned in hopes to get more done, but also hoping the rain would let up. When I accepted defeat, I had no choice but to walk home in the rain. As I walked, I looked down at my hands that had become calloused and raw from the work I had been doing. I was sure I was a frightful sight. Hopefully when I got back to the house, I'd have time to dress before guests began to arrive. I wasn't sure who all was invited. A part of me wondered if Sidney was invited, but then I thought better of it as he had just married. There was no possible way he'd be here now. At least I wouldn't have to worry about seeing him or Mrs. Campion; or rather Mrs. Parker now.

As it got darker and the rain got heavier, I tried to run hoping to get to the house faster. I had begun to get a little scared being out by myself in the dark. I scolded myself for staying at the building site so late.

I could hear a wagon coming up from behind me. I prayed that it was someone invited to the party and not a scoundrel. I prayed even more that no matter who it was, they paid no mind to me and kept going.

When the wagon stopped in front of me, I cursed my prayers. I lost my breath when I saw him step out of the wagon. Of all people, why him?

Notes: This is a short little chapter. Next chapter is much longer and in Sidney's POV. I started writing Sidney's chapter first but then felt like I needed to have a little of Charlotte's thoughts leading into his thoughts. I will probably post his chapter later today if I can have a small moment to myself and finish it. All the kids are home for the next two and a half weeks, so chapters may be less frequent for a while.