~~Sidney~~

The days went by rather slowly after I told Mary of my decision. Mary left for London with the children and planned to talk to Tom about their situation. I imagined it was only a matter of time before Tom was back in Sanditon to take over for the Prince Regent's arrival. He'd let Charlotte do all the work and swoop in at the last minute to claim he had done it all in true Tom fashion. I cared about my brother, but he did tend to take credit for other's contributions. Thankfully for him, Charlotte didn't seem to mind. That's just the kind of person she is; selfless, humble, caring. She was the perfect woman in all ways. Why no one else could see that was infuriating.

"How long are you going to lock yourself away here?" Babington asked. I hadn't left the hotel more than a few times in the last three days. I tried hard to stay away from Charlotte. I didn't want to bother her and cause her even more pain. Every now and then I'd get a glance of her walking by with Alison, but I didn't approach her. I needed to figure out what to do next to come up with the money. I sent letters to practically everyone I knew to no avail. Other than Babington who decided to buy Denham Place. He even gave a small investment in the rebuilding on Sanditon. He and Esther were staying there for a short time to discuss renovation plans before they were to return to his estate in London.

I smiled at Babington and poured him a drink when he sat down. "Until I can come up with the money to pay my brother's debts, this is where I stay."

"You mean until Mrs. Campion comes and hunts you down and drags you back to London," he teased.

"That too," I laughed. "I would appreciate a warning if you see her coming."

He laughed and playfully promised to do just that.

"I saw her the other day, you know. She seemed good," Babington said in a more serious tone. I knew he wasn't talking of Eliza. I had come to the conclusion he didn't care for Eliza. I didn't bother asking why. He probably held the same contempt for her as I did. He was referring to Charlotte.

"You don't know the kind of pain I've inflicted on her. I know it all too well. Although the pain I feel now is much stronger and harder to get over."

"You could just talk to her," he suggested. I shook my head knowing I couldn't do that to her.

"I've never met a more stubborn man in all my life. If you love the girl go tell her."

I smiled and dropped my head staring blankly at the drink in my hand. If only it was that easy. "I need to take care of my position with Mrs. Campion first. I can't pursue Charlotte when I'm connected to another woman."

"Parker!" Crowe called out from the doorway causing a scene. I groaned at the sight of him. He was a good friend, but at times was rather obnoxious. He walked over to us and sat down. "I'm pretty sure you are supposed to be a married man right now."

"I imagine Eliza is furious," I said questioning what he knew. Today was supposed to be the day I connected myself to Eliza, but I didn't go back to London despite the influx of letters demanding I come back and not to betray her. I was surprised she hadn't shown up in Sanditon herself looking for me.

"Furious would be an understatement. She may just murder you," he laughed. "Of course, she's trying to play it off as if you had unexpected business to attend to. When you return the wedding will go forward. She doesn't want to look like a fool in front of her society friends."

"Then it's settled. I'm never to return to London," I announced raising my glass for a toast. We all clinked glasses while laughing and drank. I poured us all another drink and decided on a game of cards.

"What is the current situation with a certain Charlotte Heywood? Might I presume you have convinced her to marry you already?" Crowe asked as I passed out the cards.

I sighed and took another drink. "Not in the slightest. I haven't spoken to her since being back in Sanditon."

"Why ever not? Isn't that your whole reason for being back here? You have broken the engagement with one woman to pursue another, am I right?" Crowe asked. I glanced at Babington hoping for a little help, but he only stared at me with the same curious expression as Crowe.

"I came here to have some time to think. That is all," I answered.

"But Charlotte is here, is she not?"

"What's your point, Crowe?" I asked getting even more annoyed.

He leaned back in his chair and had a smug look on his face. "Seems there are plenty of other places you could think other than Sanditon. There must be something here you're after."

I glared at him and let out an angry breath through my nose. I knew he was right, but I didn't want his opinion of it.

"Esther and I are to attend a dinner party with Lady Denham tomorrow. Perhaps the both of you should come," Babington suggested, finally doing something to change the subject.

"I'm in. There's nothing else to do in this town. Might as well enjoy Lady Denham insult and berate people," Crowe said with a laugh.

"If you don't like it here, why do you keep coming back?" I asked angrily.

"I get quite enjoyment watching my good friends make asses of themselves in front of these women who couldn't give a damn about them. It's rather amusing," he chuckled before taking another drink.

"The self-proclaimed bachelor," Babington said.

"Precisely!" Crowe said raising his glass again.

"You do know I did finally win the girl's heart?" Babington reminded.

"Barely!" Crowe teased.

Babington shook his head and smiled. "Parker, what about you? Will you join us at Lady Denham's party?" I knew Charlotte would be there if I did. She would know I was in Sanditon. Would she assume I followed her here as that is precisely what I did? Would she think badly of me for leaving Eliza? I couldn't face it yet.

"I'd rather not," I answered rising from my chair and finishing off my drink. "I'll talk to you men later."

"Parker! Sidney, wait!" Babington called out chasing after me. I stopped and rolled my eyes before turning around to face him as he caught up to me in the doorway. I squared my shoulders and raised my chin ready to turn him down a second time. He wasn't going to win this fight. "I know you don't want to see her right now, but Esther and I have an announcement to make and you need to be there."

I sighed. "Just give me the news now, man. Then me presence isn't necessary."

He dropped his head and sighed heavily almost like he was hurt by what I said. "Sidney, you're my greatest friend. I need you there. I need a Godfather for my child."

Realization hit me hard and I softened my stance with a sheepish grin on my face. He shyly smiled in return. I gave him a pat on the back congratulating him and we had a good chuckle at him becoming a father. "You'll be there, won't you?" he asked again in a desperate tone.

"I suppose I don't have a choice," I said accepting the invite. "I'll be there." I patted him on the back one last time before heading out into the darkness of the night. As much as I wanted to keep my distance, I had to go now.

~0~

Every morning before Charlotte arrived at the building site, I would go check in with Mr. Robinson to see if there was anything he needed from me and to be sure all the laborers that had arrived were accounted for and paid properly. We had worked out an arrangement that he wouldn't speak of my presence or my investment in the laborers. He seemed quite confused as to why, but accepted my request when I offered him a bonus for being discrete. Every morning I was impressed how things were going. Charlotte had an eye for building, for planning, for direction. She captivated me more each and every day making my love for her grow exponentially.

Most of the laborers were hard workers and did their job well knowing they were getting paid substantially. I didn't care for the new stonemason, though. He was crude and disrespectful towards Charlotte. Mr. Robinson confided that he had some concerns about the way he spoke to Charlotte and the way he watched her. Sometimes he looked at her like he couldn't fathom being told what to do by a woman, and then other times looked at her like he was ready to ravish her. I enlisted Mr. Robinson's help in keeping a close eye on him and to let me know if anything was afoot. His work was exceptional, but he wasn't worth it if it meant Charlotte was in any danger.

Mr. Robinson had let me know of Charlotte's plans to build a playhouse here in Sanditon. Unfortunately, she wouldn't be able to have it done by the time the prince arrived, but I had a plan. If we couldn't have a building erected in time, perhaps we could at least have a gazebo built down by the river. I sent word to London at once to send lumber and enlist someone who could build it. I also sent a request for actors who may be willing to come to Sanditon while the Prince Regent was here to put on a little show. The lumber and architect had arrived that morning, so I was instructing some of the men to take it down by the river and begin putting the stage together. More and more I was investing in Sanditon's development when before I tried hard to avoid it. But Sanditon meant so much to Charlotte and I didn't want her to fail like my brother had.

I ducked away right before Charlotte and Alison arrived. I was able to watch from a distance for a while as Charlotte instantly took control. Surprisingly all the men followed her instruction and demands. I smiled watching how strong and determined she was. Alison looked uninterested in what Charlotte was telling them. After just a few short minutes Alison left and walked down to visit with Georgiana. I did have plans to check in on Georgiana, but instead I walked down to visit my brother who was newly back in Sanditon.

"Greetings!" he said with a big grin when he saw I had come to visit.

I smiled in return and removed my hat. "Arthur."

"To what do I owe the great pleasure of my brother's presence in my humble home?" he asked excitedly.

"I only came to see how you were getting on without our sister caring for your every need. She sent me a rather desperate letter to keep an eye on you."

He laughed and grabbed a biscuit from a tray on the table. "I am perfectly well. It's been nice to have a place of my own. I tried to convince Diana to accompany me back to Sanditon, but she refused. It's the first time I think we've ever been apart."

I hummed in response. Indeed, it was. Our sister practically raised Arthur from a young boy, me as well in my adolescent years. She gave up on any prospects of marriage for herself to care for us. She was only a young girl when our parents died of illness, the same illness that almost took Arthur. I wondered if that was why she was always paranoid something dreadful was going to happen to him or to her. She didn't trust her own abilities in child rearing or being able to nurse Arthur back to health a second time.

"But have no fear," Arthur said. "I have hired a lovely maid who has taken it upon herself to make my home and belly a happy place. She's a wonderful cook. You should try one of her biscuits." I smiled and took one of the biscuits from the tray he held out in front of me.

"Glad to hear you are in good hands." I dropped my head and had a pensive look about me. "I suppose I came to apologize also."

"Whatever for?" he asked with a chuckle.

"I haven't been kind to you in the last few weeks, perhaps years. I should have been a better brother."

Arthur smiled and gave me an endearing look. "Brothers quarrel. Brothers grow apart. Brothers pave their own path. But brothers also know that no matter what, they are the only ones who truly have their back, through and through."

I nodded my head understanding his meaning. I didn't always agree or like what either of my brothers chose to do in their lives, nor even my sister. But no matter what, if one of them needed something of me, I would do everything in my power to make it happen. I'd protect them with my life.

"No harm done, Sidney. I am happy to have such great brothers in my life."

"As am I," I said with a smile making my peace with my younger brother.

"Have you heard of the Prince Regent coming to visit?" he asked changing the subject.

"I did hear something about it. Most people are buzzing with excitement."

"Georgiana told me about it a few days back. She seems different now. She has a lighter enthusiasm for life."

I was glad to hear she was in better spirits. Arthur definitely seemed to care for her a great deal. I wondered what his intentions with her were. I had thought about what I would say if he asked for her hand in marriage. I wondered if Georgiana would accept him. Would Arthur be able to make her happy? "Did she give any indication as to why she was in better spirits?"

"She didn't say anything specifically, but did say something about feeling free. I'm not sure what that meant. I'm no expert on women and how they think."

I knew what she meant. I had given her freedom. I felt horrible for making her feel like she was trapped. I vowed to make sure she never felt that way again.

"Have you heard from Tom?" I asked changing the subject.

"The last time I saw him Mary had just returned to London. You'd think he'd be happy to see her and the children. Instead he seemed distraught. I'm not sure why. I decided then I had enough of London's melancholy and packed my bags to come back to Sanditon."

"Sounds like you made an excellent choice. Sanditon has a way of calming the soul."

"Is that why you came back to Sanditon?" he asked. I chose not to answer and just let out a sharp breath before clenching my jaw. "I was quite surprised to hear you requested to postpone the wedding to Mrs. Campion. I fear that is why Tom is so stressed. Perhaps you won't go through with it. Perhaps he's going to need to come up with the money himself." He watched me curiously questioning my intentions with his eyes.

"Perhaps I'm not as forgiving as you thought I was," I answered.

He laughed jubilantly and his eyes twinkled with a spot of tears. "My brother took advice from me?" he asked with a surprised tone. "This may be the happiest moment of my life."

I laughed from the contagious laughing that came from my brother. "I'm glad I was able to please."

After a few moments more of laughing, Arthur turned serious again and gave me a foreboding look. "What are we going to do about the money Tom owes Lady Denham? How are you planning to get out of the engagement to Mrs. Campion?"

I turned serious again and looked down, my shoulders dropping in defeat. "I'm still trying to figure that out."

"If there's anything I can do to help," he offered.

I placed my hand on his shoulder and looked at him endearingly. "Don't trouble yourself, brother. This is my mess to figure out." He nodded his head, but I could tell he still seemed concerned. He grabbed another biscuit from the tray and ate it nervously. "I should go," I announced standing and grabbing my hat. Arthur stood too and followed me to the door.

"I'm glad you stopped by. Perhaps next time you come by you can meet my new maid."

I nodded my head and smiled at him from the doorway. "Lady Denham is having a dinner party tonight that I'm required to attend at Lord Babington's request. You should come as well."

"I presume the Heywood sisters will invite Miss Lambe?"

"More than likely."

He smiled. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

~0~

I didn't want to be at this dinner party. I wasn't ready to face Charlotte. I knew she wouldn't want to see me either. Yet here we were being forced in the same room and even if I wanted to tell her I changed my mind she'd never accept me after the way I hurt her. She would think me a cad for what I'd done. I knew Lady Denham was going to ask about the wedding also. She'd want to know where her money was. I'd be put on the spot in front of everyone; in front of Charlotte. I knew I couldn't tell Lady Denham the truth about my postponement, which would ultimately make Charlotte believe I'd actually gone through with the wedding. Yet, if I didn't go, Babington would never forgive me. This would be the wedding all over again. Standing up as best man for him while Charlotte stood next to me as bridesmaid for Esther. How gut wrenching that was and now I'm about to do it all over again.

"Any pineapples at this dinner party?" Crowe asked sitting next to me in the carriage.

"I do hope there's cake," Arthur said from the other seat. "My new maid created a scrumptious plum cake the other day."

I ignored the both of them and watched the rain come pouring down out the window of the carriage. It had begun raining that afternoon, which caused a rift at the building site. Some of the men wanted to continue, while others thought they should stop for the day. Ultimately choosing to stop for the day won out as most of the men ended up at the hotel for a drink.

"What is that?" I said curiously when I saw an object moving in the dark up the road. Both Crowe and Arthur leaned over my shoulder to get a better look at what I was referring to.

"It looks like someone running," Arthur said.

"I daresay it looks like Miss Heywood," Crowe laughed. "Good God! Has no one taught her any sense? Running through the rain; alone, no less." I didn't like him criticizing her and had to hold back from hitting him.

"We should stop and offer her a ride," Arthur suggested.

"You're going to invite that soaking wet creature into the carriage? Are you mad?" Crowe asked.

"Don't be ridiculous! Of course, we are," I said angrily. Crowe groaned and took a flask of alcohol out from his waistcoat and downed half the bottle. I rolled my eyes at his crudeness and yelled up to the driver to stop. As we came upon her, the carriage stopped and I jumped out. Charlotte stood in front of me looking timid and small drenched in rain. I too now became soaked.

"Allow us to give you a ride," I offered.

She didn't speak at first. All she could do is stare at me with wide, frightful eyes. I didn't like the way she looked at me like I was a ghost.

"Charlotte."

"I'm quite all right. It's not much further. You don't need to trouble yourself," she said.

"You dislike me so much you can't even be in a carriage with me for five minutes?" I asked dropping my head and feeling hurt by her answer.

We stared at each other for quite some time, both of us getting more and more wet. A part of me wanted desperately to wrap her in my arms and cover her from the rain. But the sensible side of me knew I couldn't do such a thing.

"Are you both waiting to be swept away by a flood? Get in the carriage," Crowe ordered.

I put my hand out towards Charlotte hoping she'd take it and allow me to help her into the carriage. She glanced at my extended hand for a moment and then walked past me crawling into the carriage without my help. My mouth hung open in surprise. She couldn't even allow me to help her. A part of me didn't even want to get in the carriage feeling completely slighted by the only girl I even cared about.

There was a crash of thunder and a spark across the sky breaking me from my thoughts. I climbed back into the carriage only to discover Crowe had moved to the seat with Arthur ultimately forcing me to sit next to Charlotte. She sat close to the edge with her arms crossed and stared dismissively out the window. I could feel her entire body shaking from the cold next to me. I removed my own wet jacket and wrapped it around her. At least the inside of the jacket was warm. I didn't wait for her permission.

"You don't have to do that," she said angrily.

"I know," I answered. She glanced up at me with those sad eyes and pulled the coat closer to her skin. I glanced over at my brother and Crowe. Arthur had a knowing grin on his face as if he had finally caught up to what had been transpiring all month between the two of us. Crowe just rolled his eyes and took another drink from his flask.

As we pulled up into the yard in front of Sanditon House, I allowed Crowe and Arthur to get out first before getting out myself and again offering my hand to help Charlotte out. Once again, she refused to take my hand and got out on her own. She handed my jacket back and walked towards the door where Lady Denham, Georgiana, and Alison stood watching our exchange.

"Gracious, child! What happened?" Lady Denham asked as Charlotte walked closer to them.

"I'm fine, Lady Denham," she assured. "It's only a little rain."

Alison wrapped her arm around her and led her into the house looking back at me with a look of contempt. We followed Lady Denham into the house and out of the storm.

"What luck you came upon Miss Heywood when you did. This is a frightful storm," Georgiana said giving me a curious look.

"If it doesn't clear up, we may need to stay here for the night," Arthur said with a giggle.

"Let's hope it clears up then," Lady Denham retorted.

Georgiana headed upstairs to be with Charlotte and Alison. We were led into the drawing room that had an unusual new floor pattern. Babington and Esther were already there sitting comfortably on a chair. They both gave me a confused look as if they weren't sure why I was soaking wet.

"You look like a drowned rat, Mr. Parker," Lady Denham said. "May I ask what happened to cause both you and Miss Heywood to be soaked but your companions look perfectly dry?"

I knew what Lady Denham was getting at. She assumed I had been with Charlotte, more than likely in an improper way. "We came upon her on our drive out here. I had to get out of the carriage to help her in. That is all," I answered.

She hummed and looked me up and down like she didn't believe me.

"I'll go up and check on Charlotte. Perhaps she needs some help," Esther said leaving the room. Charlotte already had Georgiana and Alison. How many women did it take to get one dressed?

"Arthur Parker," Lady Denham said turning her attention on him. "I heard you were back in Sanditon. Planning to stay this time?"

"I believe I might, Lady Denham," he said happily.

"Just what we need. Another Parker brother here in Sanditon," she said with contempt in her tone. I don't believe she has forgiven my brother since his horrible display at the pineapple luncheon. Arthur just laughed it off like he wasn't offended by her words.

"Parker," Babington calmly greeted coming over to where I stood. "This is a new development."

I rolled my eyes and took a drink from a tray downing it in one gulp. "You have no idea," I said dismissively. I walked away and stood in front of a window watching the rain and occasional flash of lightning ignoring everything going on around me.

After what seemed like forever and Lady Denham's complaints of dinner getting cold, the women finally came downstairs. All were dressed in gowns fit for a ball. The only one of them I could look at was Charlotte though. She looked radiant in her wine-colored dress and hair done up. Yet, I almost preferred the free-spirited, drenched in rain Charlotte to this.

Charlotte introduced Alison to Crowe who wanted to be the first in line to meet her. I could overhear him trying to use his charm on Alison like he did with most women. Alison didn't buy it though. I distinctly heard her ask him if he was drunk to which he responded no more than usual. Alison scoffed in disgust and turned her head away from him. I chuckled at their exchange. Alison was much like Charlotte but seemed a little bolder while Charlotte wanted to be kind despite the circumstances.

I discovered Arthur had already met Miss Alison Heywood while running into Georgiana the other day. I wondered why he never mentioned their meeting. I knew the polite thing to do was introduce myself to the women, but I truly didn't want to be rejected by Charlotte a third time tonight. When everyone began to stare at me standing in the corner like they were waiting, I knew I had no choice but to step forward.

"Miss Heywood," I said with a bow. I kept my shoulders straight and chin up waiting for the blow of rejection. I knew it was going to feel like another punch to the gut.

"Mr. Parker," she said coldly but appropriately. "Allow me to introduce my sister, Alison Heywood."

At least she introduced me. That was an improvement. I bowed towards Alison. "Pleasure to meet you, Miss Heywood."

Alison didn't speak. She did curtsy, but then glared at me. I couldn't blame her.

"Should we eat?" Lady Denham asked. Babington offered his arm and led Lady Denham into the dining hall.

I was seated on the other side of the table at the opposite end of Charlotte. I assumed it was deliberate.

We ate in rather quiet conversation. I was sat next to Georgiana thankfully. At least if she didn't want to talk to me, I didn't take it personal.

"Georgiana, it sounds as if you are enjoying your time here in Sanditon now," I began.

"Thanks to your release of my chains, I am," she said.

"That's not fair, Georgiana. I only want to keep you safe."

"I guess I should thank you, even if I still question your motives," she said.

"I told you, I want to make amends for my actions."

"And what actions might those be? The ones that happened in Antigua? The ones that happened in London? Or the ones that happened here in Sanditon?"

"All if I can help it," I answered.

"Tell us about the development in town, Miss Heywood? How are the buildings coming along?" Lady Denham asked of Charlotte. All eyes were on her.

"Well, Lady Denham," she answered. "We have gotten a lot done and everything should be in order by the time the Prince Regent and Lady Worcester arrive."

"And what of this storm? Is this going to delay our projects?"

"I truly hope not. If the laborers want to be paid they will need to work, rain or shine."

"Good to hear," Lady Denham said.

There was a moment of silence until she started up with her interrogations again.

"I'm surprised to see you back in Sanditon so soon, Mr. Parker. Where might your new bride be? It's only been, what, a day since the wedding?" Lady Denham turned to me bringing up exactly what I had dreaded.

My shoulders tensed. I heard Crowe snort then cough as if he was stifling a laugh. I glanced over the table and gave him a stern look to keep his mouth shut. I looked up at Lady Denham and smiled, trying to hide my discomfort. "I imagine she is perfectly comfortable in London."

She hummed in response and stared dubiously at me. "And what of my money?"

"You'll have it soon, Lady Denham. These things do take time," I answered.

"As long as I get it."

"As you will," I promised. She hummed again as if she didn't believe me. For a moment all was quiet again other than the clanking of forks and knives against the plates.

"Miss Charlotte," Lady Denham began turning her attention back on Charlotte. Why must she insist on attacking Charlotte at every party she hosts? "Since I already know your opinion on marriage, what's your opinion on children?"

I glanced down the table towards her wishing so badly I could rescue her.

"What kind of opinion are you requesting?" she began. "Do you wish to know if I want a family or do I wish to have lots of children like my own parents?"

"Both, I suppose."

"Then the answer is yes to both questions." I didn't care for her answer. I didn't want to imagine her having children with anyone unless it was me. She'd be a wonderful and attentive mother, but I wanted that with her.

"Surely you don't wish to have as many children as your own parents?"

"Why wouldn't I?" she retorted.

"That would be quite the undertaking, don't you think?"

"If my mother and father can manage, I don't see any reason why I couldn't," Charlotte argued. I smiled at her boldness.

"What about you, Mr. Parker," she said turning towards me again. "Are you and your new bride planning to have any children?" I didn't want to think of having anything with Eliza. She would not be a good mother. She didn't care for children and found them dirty and irritating. When discussing our potential wedding, she didn't even want my nieces and nephews at the reception let alone the ceremony.

"It hasn't been discussed," I answered honestly. Perhaps the only honest thing that had come out of my mouth all night.

"And what about you, Alison? Since you share your opinion on marriage with your sister do you share her opinion on children as well?"

"Absolutely, I do," she answered. "I've always wanted a big family. I loved having lots of siblings. Why wouldn't I want that in return?"

"Let's hope they are all boys. We don't need more Heywood women who like to speak their minds," Crowe said rather rudely.

Alison glared at him before saying more. "At least we won't have to worry about any Crowe children trying to persuade our boys to carouse with them. I can't imagine a woman alive who would want to procreate with a drunkard like you."

I liked Alison. I smiled and had to stifle a laugh. For a moment you could have heard a pin drop. Until my brother Arthur burst into fits of laughter. Georgiana joined in his joyous display as did Babington. I even saw Charlotte smile for a moment. Alison and Crowe just glared across the table at each other.

"It's like eating with a bunch of children around here," Lady Denham said angrily. "All of you speaking your minds and disgracing each other. What has the world come to? I have a mind to kick you all out into the storm."

"I apologize, Lady Denham," Alison said. "I apologize to you too, Mr. Crowe. I shouldn't have spoken out of turn."

"I suppose I should apologize for my rudeness as well," Crowe said. I was sure saying that was hard for him.

"With the conversation on children," Esther began. Babington placed his hand on hers giving her a squeeze. I knew what was coming. I wondered if anyone else in the room knew what they were about to say.

"What is it, child?" Lady Denham said encouraging her on. A look at Lady Denham's face made me believe she didn't know, but suspected. Perhaps that's why she brought up the questions about children.

I glanced from one person to the next and not one of them showed signs of knowing. Other than Charlotte. I had convinced myself by facial expression alone that Charlotte knew.

"It's still early, but we found out we are expecting," Esther said. Babington placed a protective arm around her waist and smiled at her. Shouts of congratulations came from around the table. No one seemed more thrilled than Lady Denham. Esther and Babington looked absolutely elated. I couldn't help but think this could have been Charlotte and I announcing our own pregnancy if things had been different.

"When will the babe be here?" Lady Denham asked.

"Early next summer if all goes well," Esther answered. "My dear husband has been doting on me excessively lately. I'm sure I'll be lying-in for the gestation of my pregnancy."

"Have you thought of any names?" Georgiana asked.

"If it's a boy he will be named after me, of course," Babington said. "If it's a girl, I'm not sure what we will call her."

"We've already decided on Godparents though, which is part of the reason we wanted all of you here," Esther announced. "Sidney Parker and Charlotte Heywood, would you do us the great honor of being our child's Godparents?"

I glanced over at Charlotte and our eyes met. There was so much said in just that glance. I could read every expression, every unspoken word in her eyes alone. "I'd be honored," I answered standing and reaching across to pat Babington on the back.

"Of course, I will," Charlotte happily answered standing to give Esther a hug.

"What news," Arthur celebrated. "It's wonderful to see such love between two people come together in a precious child."

I patted Arthur on the back and sort of gave him a warning look to stop speaking until he said something he'd regret. My brother could be unexpected at times.

After dinner we all gathered in the drawing room. I watched as Charlotte found a book and sat in the same corner I stood earlier and began to read, blocking out anything going on around her. I stood nearby staring at the rain that continued to pour down. Alison began to play a song on the piano while everyone listened on and talked among themselves. Most of the attention was on Esther and the new baby on the way.

"Miss Heywood," I began in a quiet tone. I hadn't really thought out what I was going to say to her. All I knew was I needed to hear her voice. I needed to know if she was still upset with me. "I wanted to thank you for looking after Georgiana these last few weeks. She seems to be in much better spirits."

"Don't thank me. Most of that is thanks to Alison," she answered, barely looking at me. "I've been far too busy to visit with Georgiana, regrettably. Thankfully she has become quite close to Alison."

I glanced over at Alison who continued to glare at me over the top of the piano. "Yes, well, I shall give her my thanks as well."

She went back to reading her book even though I stood there unmoved before her. "And how are the building efforts going? Everyone in town seems excited to welcome the Prince Regent."

She looked back up from her book and gave me an annoyed look. "Everything is going as planned. Thanks to Tom's efforts in London we've had the laborers and wages to pay them."

"Tom?" I asked surprised she thought it was him. "Did Tom tell you he sent them?"

"Not exactly as I haven't heard from him. But Mr. Robinson informed me they were sent from London at Mr. Parker's request."

I was intrigued to know why she thought that the only Mr. Parker who could have possibly solicited the laborers was Tom. She hadn't even considered that it could have been me. Not that I wanted her to know it was me, but just the thought that I wasn't even in her mind anymore brought that familiar pain.

I had to change the subject. "And what do you think of the new stonemason?" I wanted to know if she felt safe with him. If she was uneasy at all around him, I'd fire him on the spot and find a new one.

"He does well enough," she answered. It wasn't exactly the answer I was hoping for.

"He seems like an odd fellow," I said trying to bring out more of an opinion from her.

"Where is your wife?" she asked in a rather hostile tone changing the subject.

I questioned for a moment if I should tell her the truth. Perhaps she wouldn't think so badly of me if she knew my reasoning. But then again, it could get back to Lady Denham. "I haven't the slightest."

Her eyes narrowed as if she was trying to make sense of my answer. Our eyes connected and were unwilling to break. In the only way possible, I wanted her to read the expression in my eyes and know just how much I still loved her. I was lost completely in her eyes as I felt she was in mine. If we were alone, I so desperately wanted to reach out and take her hands in mine. To tell her how sorry I was for hurting her. To promise her the world and make her believe I would never hurt her again. But that couldn't be.

There was a commotion across the room that broke us. The piano stopped playing and Alison stood face to face with Crowe. She looked as if she was ready to slap him. Crowe looked amused.

I bolted across the room and pulled Crowe away before either of them did something foolish.

"What's the meaning of this?" Lady Denham asked in an angry tone. I turned around towards Alison who was now being comforted by Charlotte.

"Perhaps we should leave," I suggested.

Crowe laughed and said something incoherent. Babington came over and helped me get him out to the carriage. He had made an utter fool of himself in front of Lady Denham. I highly doubted he'd be invited to any other parties she hosted.

It was still raining, so I requested that Georgiana stay the night with Lady Denham at Georgiana's fervent disapproval. I assured her it was only for one night and I'd be back in the morning to collect her. Arthur and I boarded the carriage after giving our thanks to Lady Denham and saying our goodbyes. Charlotte didn't even come to the doorway. I glanced around the crowd of people at the door and saw her back in that corner reading. I so desperately wanted to go to her. But I couldn't.

"What exactly did you say to make Alison so upset?" I asked of Crowe once we were on our way back to town.

"All I said is I liked her playing," he said slurring his words. "Or maybe I said something about how she played with me. I don't bloody remember."

"You need to pull yourself together," I demanded.

"Nothing a little drink can't fix," he said taking the flask out of his pocket and taking a drink. I scoffed at him for being such a drunk and had a mind to drop him off on the side of the road and leave him. He ruined my moment with Charlotte.

NOTES: Took a little longer to get this chapter up today. I was hoping I'd have time earlier, but I had some unexpected circumstances come up. I'm so happy people are reading this. I hope it fills everyone's void for a season 2 like it is mine. Let's continue to fight for a proper season 2. I have to believe it'll happen eventually. I also hope everyone is staying safe in these scary and unusual times. Take care of your families and yourselves. I will try my hardest to update when I can, but it's hard to sit down and focus when the kids are under foot.