~~Charlotte~~
Alison and I stood with Lady Denham right outside of the house with the serving staff, waiting for the arrival on the Prince Regent and Lady Susan. Alison and I were dressed according to Lady Denham's standards. Our hair was up in extravagant hairdos with even more extravagant hats and what could only be described as ball gowns in satin. We looked as if we were heading off to a dance instead of greeting guests. Lady Denham looked exhausted after all she had done to prepare for their arrival. She had her serving staff working extra hard, but she had to oversee all they were doing to be sure it was to her standards.
"Here they come!" Alison shouted bouncing up and down once noticing the train of carriages and horses coming up the path.
"Stand still, Alison!" Lady Denham scolded.
"This is very exciting," Alison said. "I can hardly breathe."
"It's very promising for Sanditon," I added.
"Remember not to speak unless spoken to," Lady Denham reminded. "We definitely don't need the Prince Regent looking down on us because of two headstrong girls."
Alison and I gave each other a look of irritation. I didn't think Lady Denham even realized how her words were offensive.
Men riding horses rode up in front of the house first, followed by many carriages. The horses adorned in gold harnesses and bright red blankets. An open carriage pulled up in front of the house and I saw Lady Susan holding a parasol sitting next to the Prince Regent. She smiled elegantly towards us. She and the Prince Regent were helped out of the carriage. I wasn't sure what to think of the Prince Regent. He seemed rather stiff and displeased with being here. I almost got the impression he was looking down on us before he was even introduced to us. Sanditon was going to be a tough sale to him. Anxiety crept into my stomach.
"Charlotte, my dear," Lady Susan said, walking over to me and taking my hands in hers. "How I have missed you. I presume you are doing well?"
"Very well, thank you. We are all so pleased to have you visit us again. My sister, Alison is visiting with me." Lady Susan smiled at Alison who curtsied towards her.
"Lady Susan has talked of little more than of this Sanditon place. I decided I needed to see it for myself," the Prince Regent spoke from a few feet away.
"Allow me to introduce his Regency of all of England," Lady Susan introduced. Alison and I curtsied while Lady Denham stepped forward to curtsy and introduce herself as Lady Denham of Sanditon then introduce Alison and I as the Miss's Heywood.
"We are delighted to have you visit. Please make yourselves at home. My staff will see to your every need. We have plenty of rooms prepared," Lady Denham offered. "If there is anything you need during your stay, we will accommodate to the best of our ability."
"I think we would like to get settled in, perhaps have a little something to eat and have a light rest before going into town and having a look around. I'd also like to get caught up with Charlotte," Lady Susan declared.
"Of course." Lady Denham called her servants over. Their own personal servants began unpacking the bags and tending to the horses while Lady Denham's servants ushered them into the house. A few of the carriages held other high society people I wasn't familiar with but seemed to overlook us and follow servants into the house.
Alison and I followed them inside and into the drawing room where Lady Denham had tea with sandwiches, fruit, and biscuits set up. We sat down across from Lady Susan and the Prince Regent and listened to Lady Denham raddle on about the town, her own ventures, and how pleased she is to have such a visit in Sanditon.
"Alison?" Lady Denham said. "Come play the piano for us." Alison's face went pale as she was asked to play for the Prince Regent and Lady Susan as well as their guests. She glanced towards me with trepidation. I gave her an encouraging smile as she slowly walked across the floor towards the piano and taking her place on the bench.
"Come sit with me, Charlotte," Lady Susan called. I nodded with a smile and walked over to sit down next to her. Alison began to play a well-known song that I had heard her play plenty of times before. She was smart to play something she was familiar with so as not to make mistakes in front of our guests.
"I'm looking forward to hearing about your endeavors towards love, Charlotte. Do tell, are things looking brighter for you and Mr. Parker?"
"They are," I answered giving her a slight smile.
"I do believe I remember telling you the race was not yet won. I had it on good authority Mr. Parker would come around," she declared squeezing my hands affectionately.
"I believe I have you to thank for much of what has transpired."
"I had very little to do with anything. You have run this race on your own," she said with a smile. "I do wish to hear all the details but at a later time when we are alone, perhaps."
"Of course."
"Tell me about your sister," she asked. "She's quite accomplished at the piano and a beauty. Tell me, does she have any prospects?"
"She does actually," I answered. "Mr. Crowe has taken a liking to her. They have gotten close over the last few days. A proposal has been offered."
"How thrilling!" she said. "And has Mr. Parker offered you a proposal?"
I looked down and pursed my lips, thinking how best to answer such a question. "Not in so many words, but promises have been made."
She hummed in response. "Sounds to me, I need to hear more sooner rather than later," she declared. "Would you care to take a walk with me around the park?"
"I'd be honored."
She stood and walked towards the Prince Regent declaring he should take a nap now that his room had been settled. He obliged and thanked Alison for her playing and Lady Denham for her hospitality before walking up the stairs with Lady Susan. She was gone for a few minutes before returning and declaring she'd like to go for a walk to stretch her legs. She asked me and Alison to accompany her.
"I think I may take a small nap as well. It's been rather tiresome preparing for your visit," Lady Denham decided. She called Alison over to walk her to her room, which Alison obliged. When Alison returned, we headed out into the garden for a walk. Some of the other attendants followed along but kept their distance from the three of us.
"Do tell. What has transpired between you and Mr. Parker?" Lady Susan asked.
I told her everything about how he kept things from me, how he had jealousy issues and got in a fight, made assumptions that were untrue, I told her how we decided to work together to fix Sanditon and bring it back to life, how I fainted because of exhaustion and finally Sidney and I were able to work out our differences and come together with promises of a future. I explained how he gave up everything to attempt the debt, but it wasn't quite enough. I also told her of Lady Denham's terms for the debt the Parker family owed, and how Tom had all but vanished leaving everything on his brothers to figure out. She was quite shocked at how much had happened.
"Whatever happened to Mrs. Campion?" she asked. "Did she release Mr. Parker from his engagement?"
I sighed. "She is fully aware Sidney has no plans to marry her, but she is refusing to release him. She has agreed to a postponement for now. Sidney will be leaving for an extended amount of time in Antigua where he has business connections. He's hoping to raise enough money to finish paying the debt Lady Denham is demanding. While he's gone, he believes she will move on and find someone else to marry."
"And where does that leave you?" she asked.
"I will stay here and wait for his return," I answered.
"That hardly seems fair of him to ask of you," she said.
"He didn't ask. Lady Denham forbid him from asking me to wait as part of her agreement with him. I offered to wait even when he told me I didn't have to. I can't think of any other reason why I shouldn't wait. Lady Denham doesn't know, of course."
"Sounds like everything is planned out other than the debt," she said. "Why exactly is Lady Denham refusing to let Mr. Parker marry you?"
"Something to do with having a family will have more expenses, taking away from paying the debt back. I believe it's more than that, though. She seems to be taking a great interest in my marriage prospects and has a string of men lined up for me to meet this week. I think she has a grudge against Sidney for some reason. Perhaps it's more towards Tom and Sidney got caught up in it because Tom is his brother. I'm not entirely sure. Lady Denham and I have been at odds for a few days now because of it. I refuse to let her run my life."
"I would expect nothing less from you," she said. "Perhaps I can have a talk with her and get her to lighten up on both you and Mr. Parker."
"The greatest thing to come out of your visit is everyone has come to stay. It's not even the best season to visit, but houses all over town have been taken up and the hotel is overrun by guests. It's only a matter of time before Sanditon becomes the place to be for all of England."
"Is that what you want?" she asked.
"If it means money is coming in, it means Lady Denham is paid sooner. Of course, it's what I want," I answered.
"Do tell me, Alison, what is this I hear of an engagement for you too?" Lady Susan asked of my sister who was rather quiet during our talk.
"Mr. Crowe asked me to marry him," she answered. "It was quite unexpected and sudden. I wasn't sure if he was serious at first."
"Was he?" she asked.
"Very much so. I'm very happy with him and have every intention of accepting. He plans to talk to our father soon."
"Thank you for reminding me, Alison," I said. "Tomorrow Alison and I are leaving for the day to attend our brother's wedding in Willingden. Lord and Lady Babington plan to spend the day with you and the Prince Regent."
"How delightful. It's been a while since I've seen Lord Babington and I have yet to meet his new wife. I had plans to introduce myself in London, but I had other responsibilities to attend to."
"I hope you aren't too disappointed we will be leaving during your visit. We will only be gone for the day and will return as soon as possible."
She tucked her arm through mine as we continued to walk. "Family is far more important than a visit from the Prince Regent. I'm sure we will be in good hands."
"I appreciate your understanding. We weren't sure we would be able to go at first, but with Alison's newfound closeness with Mr. Crowe, he has offered to accompany us with ulterior motives, of course."
"And is Mr. Parker accompanying you as well?"
"He hasn't mentioned wishing to come," I said.
"Have you asked him?" she wondered.
"Perhaps I should."
"I think it's a wonderful idea," Alison added. "I think mother and father would appreciate meeting the man you plan to marry."
They both gave me lots to think about. Although I didn't need father's permission to marry, I still would like my family to know him and like him. I'd want father's approval of the man I wish to marry.
After a little more walking, we returned to the house where the Prince Regent was awake from his nap and waiting for our return. Lady Denham was still resting so we decided to go into town to give them a tour. Alison and I were helped into their open carriage across from them. It was rather unnerving to be in the same carriage as the Prince Regent.
As we came upon the cliffs, I pointed out the bathing machines in the distance and explained the logistics of their purpose as well as the split beach for women and children to enjoy themselves while the men go further down away from the women. He seemed indifferent to my explanation.
When we pulled into town, it was as if everyone stopped whatever it was they were doing and stared.
I pointed out the shops along the promenade and the assembly rooms where balls and parties were held. We rode through the streets until we came up to the Waterloo Terrace. "This is what we've been working on the last few weeks. To be honest, it's been in the works for months. There was a fire recently and many of the houses had to be rebuilt."
We got out of the carriage and walked towards the building where both Mr. Stringer and Mr. Robinson stood looking nervous. "These are our foremen of the project."
"Your excellency," Mr. Robinson said, tensely bowing towards him. Mr. Stringer bowed also but didn't say anything. The Prince Regent looked rather annoyed with them.
"Who is the architect?" he asked, taking a moment to look around and tap on things with his cane.
"Mr. Tom Parker was the original architect, but both Mr. Stringer and Mr. Robinson have contributed more so recently," I answered.
"I must say, Miss Heywood has also contributed in the architecture," Mr. Stringer interjected.
"You had a part in all this?" he asked of me.
Before I could answer, there was a familiar voice walking up behind us.
"She most certainly has. She's probably had a bigger impact on this whole project than anyone else," Sidney said causing my heart to race and smile bashfully.
"Who might you be?" the Prince Regent asked looking annoyed to be addressed without an introduction.
"Allow me to introduce Mr. Sidney Parker. This is Tom Parker's brother," Lady Susan introduced. "I was made aware this afternoon how Mr. Parker funded a great deal of the rebuild Charlotte was involved in."
"Yes, Miss Heywood ran a tight ship. This project shouldn't be where it is now. Charlotte made all this possible," Sidney said. The Prince Regent looked him up and down as if he was trying to understand why he was saying all this. He decided to not respond and walked further into the building to inspect the artistry and sturdiness of the walls. I had heard he was a man who admired architecture, so I assumed he was looking for flaws. I was quite nervous with what he thought.
A carriage pulled up briskly near us, causing all of us to turn our head to see who it was. Mr. Tom Parker stepped out in one swift jump and rushed towards the crowd. "A thousand pardons for my delay," he said bowing as he ran over. "Tom Parker at your service. Delighted to make your acquaintance. Please allow me to give you the grand tour."
"Tom, a word please," Sidney said in an angry tone.
"Sidney, can't you see I'm entertaining guests? We can't keep the Prince Regent and Lady Worcester waiting."
"I insist," Sidney said before dragging Tom away. I listened to them from a distance, while Lady Susan and the Prince Regent walked around exploring the building.
"You have been gone for weeks," Sidney spat at Tom. "Where have you been?"
"Sidney, this is not the time or place for this."
"Answer the question, Tom!"
Tom hesitated for a moment. "I decided to try my hand in India. When I overheard someone speaking of the Prince Regent coming to Sanditon, I turned around and came back. It's my duty to show him what I've created."
"No. It's your duty to stand back and let the people who actually built this take the credit," Sidney said.
"Don't be ridiculous, Sidney. Who is giving the tour? Mr. Robinson and Mr. Stringer?" he scoffed.
"Charlotte finished what you abandoned. She has done more at this building site than you ever have. You won't take that away from her."
"Charlotte?" he said with a confused tone. "What has Charlotte done?"
Sidney shook his head in disbelief. "What hasn't she done? This visit from the Prince Regent and Lady Worcester wouldn't even be possible without what she's done. You abandoned us all and we've been left to pick up the pieces. You don't get to swoop in at the end and take all the credit."
"Sidney, it's alright," I said, coming closer to them and placing my hand on his arm to calm him. I did not want them to fight in front of our guests. "I don't mind standing aside. It was Tom's creation to begin with. I merely finished it. That is all."
"Miss Heywood, would you mind showing me into one of the houses?" the Prince Regent called from a distance away.
"Allow me," Tom said rushing over. Sidney sighed angrily next to me and gave me a look of irritation.
"It's alright," I said trying to calm him.
"I'd appreciate if Miss Heywood finished her tour with us," the Prince Regent said. "I'm quite intrigued to hear more of your endeavors as a woman architect."
I laughed. "I'm not an architect." Tom stood aside with his mouth hanging open while I joined the Prince Regent and Lady Susan. "I only took Tom's ideas and finished them. Mr. Stringer here is a wonderful architect. He and I have worked closely to create what you see before you. Even Mr. Robinson has been a tremendous help with not only rallying all the men and keeping them on task, but also coming up with ideas along the way. Mr. Sidney Parker gathered plenty of men all over the town to help us. Even my sister Alison has contributed her time to completing the buildings."
"You and your sister worked among men to build these houses?" he asked skeptically.
"We did. We came from a hard-working family back in Willingden. Hard work doesn't scare us."
"I do believe I remember telling you Charlotte was one of a kind," Lady Susan reminded.
"One of a kind as in a beauty or well accomplished, yes. But a woman architect is unheard of. I'm quite impressed," he said.
"Thank you, your regency. I'm not an architect, though. I merely love Sanditon and wanted to finish what was started."
"You've done a fine job at that," he declared. "I see some houses are already filled."
"We've had an influx of visitors waiting your arrival."
"I can see why Lady Worcester was so taken with the place as well as you," he said.
"Yes, Charlotte is a wonder," Tom interjected. "Can I show you down to the beach and our bathing machines?"
"I imagine the bathing machines are quite the same in Brighton as they are here," the Prince Regent said. "I have little interest in seeing the bathing machines. What I would like, is a walk through town with Charlotte while she tells me more about Sanditon."
I bowed my consent while he offered his arm towards me. I hesitantly took his arm and followed him down the steps and onto the path through town. I pointed out every shop and talked about the people who worked in each shop or what type of services they provided. I spoke of Dr. Fuchs and his shower bath he demonstrated for us. I left out the part where Clara got burned. I didn't think he'd want to know about that. At every turn, Tom tried to interject into the conversation, which I would have gladly let him do, but the Prince Regent was having none of it. We walked through the assembly rooms and told him of our plans to have a ball in his honor. I walked him down by the river and showed him the gazebo Sidney had built and let Sidney interject to explain we had actors and dancers coming to put on a show for him. I also explained how we have future plans to build a grander playhouse for shows when we had the financing to do so. He smiled a lot as I took him on a tour, which made me hopeful. He must be impressed.
"Well, Miss Heywood. You have given me a wonderful adventure today. I'm quite taken with Sanditon. I understand now why Lady Worcester has talked so highly of the place. She has talked rather highly of you as well and I clearly see why. You are definitely someone to keep an eye on for future endeavors. You surely will be the talk of the town if I have anything to say about it. Perhaps I'll call on you for my next building project."
"I'd be honored," I said feeling very elated but rather nervous as well.
"Shall we return to Sanditon House for dinner?" Lady Susan suggested. She gave me a pleasing smile as if she was very proud of what I had done.
"I'll only be a moment," I said as everyone began to leave the gazebo and walk back towards the carriages. Tom tried to speak of his plans to build a pagoda, but the Prince Regent ignored him and began to talk to Mr. Stringer about his architecture knowledge.
Sidney joined me in the gazebo with a huge grin on his face. "I do think you impressed our Prince Regent," he said.
"I've never been so nervous in all my life. Was I talking too much?" I asked.
He walked closer to me and took my hands in his. "No. You were extraordinary. Anyone can see he was taken with you with all you've accomplished and done here in Sanditon. It's quite unheard of for a woman to have done all you did. You should be proud."
"I feel horrible for Tom. This was his development. I only stepped in because he was gone. He should take the credit for all of what Sanditon is," I fretted.
"Tom will be fine," he assured. "Right now, he needs to learn some humility and learn to let someone else take some credit."
"I should get back. I don't want them waiting on me."
"Of course," he said releasing my hands and standing aside. I started to walk towards the steps leaving Sidney behind, but stopped and turned towards him before leaving the gazebo. "
"In the morning, Mr. Crowe is escorting Alison and I in his carriage to Willingden for our brother's wedding."
"Yes, he mentioned the arrangement," he said. "I believe he has plans to speak to your father about a proposal." he chuckled a little. "Crowe's petrified to speak to him."
"Would you like to come with us?" I asked nervously.
He grinned and looked to the floor for a moment. "Do you wish me to come?" he asked.
"Very much."
He took two steps and cupped my face in his hands colliding his lips with mine. I wanted to enjoy the kiss, but there were people not far away who would see us.
I pulled away and pressed my hand against his chest. "Sidney! Someone will see." I glanced around, hoping there was no one nearby.
"Let them," he said chuckling.
"I'm sure the Prince Regent would think differently of me if he saw me in a compromising position like this."
"Oh, I doubt it," he teased brushing his thumbs against my cheeks.
I looked around once again making sure no one was close. "I must get back," I insisted. I leaned up and gave him one more quick kiss before running down the steps and through the grass to catch up to the group.
"I'll see you in the morning, then," he called out. I waved back at him and rushed off to catch up with the group.
He hadn't kissed me since our night of declarations. This was something new and highly improper to do out in the open. I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotions with each kiss. I was even more elated that he wished to come with me to meet my family.
~~Sidney~~
While we knew Charlotte and Alison were preparing for the arrival of the Prince Regent and Lady Worcester, Crowe and I spent the morning discussing what it must be like for them. I imagined they were both nervous beyond measure. I assumed Lady Denham didn't make their nerves any easier. We knew we were supposed to stay away and give them space so as not to overwhelm the Prince Regent, but by mid afternoon, I couldn't handle staying away any longer. I needed to see if Charlotte was doing alright. I headed towards Sanditon House but saw the carriage heading into town, so I followed. I watched from a distance how Charlotte tried to explain what they had done at the Terrace. Mr. Stringer and Mr. Robinson didn't seem to be handling his presence very well. I could only imagine how unnerving they must have felt.
I didn't plan to interject or say anything, but I couldn't help myself when I saw it needed to be known what all Charlotte had done. Of course, she tried to play it off as it was nothing, but it was. She saved Sanditon, thanks to her friendship with Lady Worcester the town was now filled with newcomers, she saved Georgiana, she saved my brother from ruination, she saved me from a lifetime of misery. It had to be known how special she was. Thankfully it didn't go unnoticed by the Prince Regent.
I wasn't expecting Tom to show up out of the blue either. My only thought was keeping him away from taking over where Charlotte should have the credit. Thankfully, the Prince Regent wasn't blind to this fact and allowed Charlotte to give him the tour and ignored my brother. He deserved everything he got.
By the end of the tour, I was beyond proud of Charlotte and all she had proven to the Prince Regent. I wanted everyone to know just how special she was. My love for her overtook all my self-control and I took my chances by kissing her in the gazebo where just about anyone could walk up upon us. I didn't care, though. I would gladly let the entire country know she had chosen me if given the opportunity. We only had a small moment together before she was whisked away by Lady Worcester and the Prince Regent. In that moment, she asked me to join her for her brother's wedding. In her own subtle way, I believed it was her way of letting me know she wanted her family to know who I was and perhaps have a conversation with her father. Given that she was of age, she didn't necessarily need her father's permission, but I knew she thought highly of her parents and would prefer their consent. I suddenly had those same nervous feelings I'd watched Crowe try to deal with all week. I prayed their father was an agreeable man.
Once Charlotte was gone, I realized I had much to deal with as far as Tom was concerned.
"I would say that went well," Tom said proudly as I walked up beside him.
I glanced towards him and shook my head in disgust. "I think it's time for you to take a step away from any business here in Sanditon. Perhaps focus on your family a little more."
"Whatever do you mean?" he said. "This is where the real work begins, brother. There's much to be done."
"This is where you stop. This is where you realize you have done enough and it's time to focus on something else," I said. "You have been gone for weeks. You have left your family in my care, left your debt in my hands, and left the rebuild of Sanditon in my hands. Be thankful you still have your family if nothing else."
"Sidney, I'm not sure what you are talking about. What has happened?" he asked.
"For God sake, Tom! The Parker family is left with very little. We had a meeting and discussed what to do and came to an agreement. Lady Denham was not entirely agreeable as I came out on the short end of the stick, but it's kept you out of debtor's prison and kept your family out of the poor house. I will not fix anymore of your mistakes. Please focus on your family and keep the development and promotion of Sanditon in the hands of the people who are actually building it."
He seemed hurt by my words and quite confused. I softened the best I could and placed my hand on his shoulder. "Your family misses you. Let's go back to Trafalgar House where everyone will be overjoyed to see you." I walked him back to Trafalgar House where Mary and his children were surprised, but happy to see him. After spending the afternoon with his children, Mary and I pulled him aside and explained everything that happened and everything we had suffered at his doing. He did show some remorse. I doubted it was enough, but at least it was a start.
"If only you had married Mrs. Campion, none of this would have happened," he said.
I closed my eyes and sighed heavily, clenching my jaw tightly. "If only you hadn't created this mess in the first place."
"But Sidney, think about what all we could do if you had your hands on Mrs. Campion's fortune?" he said.
"Back to this argument again?" I said angrily.
"She's a good match. You've loved her for a decade. I don't know why you refuse to marry her," Tom complained.
"We have had this argument again and again. I don't love her like I once thought I did. I don't believe I even knew what love was at that time. I do now and I'm not going lose it just to take care of you. I've done all I can. I've sacrificed all I'm willing to. I have taken on your burdens and am only asking you to understand why I can't marry her. Money is not everything, Tom. I made myself a poor man with debts for your sake. You still have your family and your home and your reputation intact. All I have is the hope that I can fix all this and someday have the same. Please understand this and stop pestering me about marrying money."
"Mary mentioned you have feelings for Charlotte. Is it true?" he asked.
"Very much so," I answered, much calmer than I was. "How you never noticed is beyond me. It only proves further how oblivious you were to anything but your own desires. As soon as the debt to Lady Denham is paid, we will be married."
"Charlotte has agreed?" he wondered. "And what of Mrs. Campion? Is she aware of your plans? Has she released you from the engagement?"
I groaned, taking a large gulp of the drink in my hand. "She won't have a choice."
"Perhaps I should resume my travels to India," he suggested. "There's bound to be someone there interested in Sanditon and willing to invest to help pay for the debt. I don't want to leave it all on your shoulders."
"It's already done," I spat. "Please, Tom. Just focus on taking care of your family. They need you. I'll take care of your debts, but I won't continue to take care of your family in your absence. You need to step up as a father and a husband."
"Yes. Yes, perhaps you're right," he agreed, contemplating what I was saying. I hoped he took to heart what I said and followed through. His family needed him.
When I left Trafalgar House, I went to check in on Georgiana. The week had been so busy, I hadn't seen her or heard anything from Mrs. Griffiths. There didn't seem to be a day that went by I didn't get some sort of notice from Mrs. Griffiths about Georgiana's behavior.
I was ushered up to Georgiana's room by Mrs. Griffiths and walked in on Georgiana lying on her bed looking upset.
"Is something the matter?" I asked, taking a seat at her bedside.
"You said I could write to Otis while he was gone, but all my letters come back undeliverable. Why is he rejecting me?"
"Perhaps they truly are undeliverable. It's not his doing," I offered.
"Or perhaps you are preventing them from being delivered so it'll look like it's his fault rather than yours," she accused.
"Why on earth would I do such a thing? I have no power over the post," I said.
"But you've deceived me in every other way. Why wouldn't you have some way of deceiving me now."
"Georgiana, I assure you, I have nothing to do with your letters being undeliverable. I can do what I can to find out why and see if I can find a proper address. I am trying to make amends here. I know you blame me for everything bad that's happened in your life, but I haven't been the cause of all your heartache."
"Are Charlotte and Alison going to come see me?" she asked. "It's been days since either of them have come. I feel entirely abandoned."
"I can ask them to come visit you," I offered. "They've been rather busy with preparing for the Prince Regent visit."
"They've been busy falling in love and forgetting about me. All of you have. Everyone around me is happy and has someone while I'm left alone.
"That's not true. Once the Prince Regent leaves everything will go back to normal."
"I assume you wish me to be sociable for the Prince Regent's visit," she whined.
"Only if you want to. If you'd rather sit in your room and sulk all day, I am not opposed."
"I just wish to be left alone. I don't want to burden anyone," she cried.
I nodded my head with a sigh and stood to leave the room. Before leaving, I stopped in the doorway to tell her something I had yet to say. "Do you want to know why I didn't go through with marrying Mrs. Campion?"
"It's not hard to figure out. You love Charlotte," she said condescendingly.
"Yes, I do. But she isn't the only reason I didn't marry Mrs. Campion. I didn't go through with it because of you. I wasn't going to connect myself to a woman who thought so little of someone I consider family."