NOTES: Again, I do a lot of research. In those times, if you danced with the same woman or man three times at a single ball, it was declaring an engagement or at least that arrangements between families had happened.
Originally I said this story would be about 30 chapters long. Since I've had to break up the chapters a few times it'll be more like 35, but I do plan to add a few more chapters that will be more explicit natured, so maybe 40 or so chapters when all is said and done. I will give warnings at the chapters with more sexual content and have been thinking of ways I can put a symbol somewhere to indicate where that scene is so if someone doesn't wish to read it and wants to skip past it they can but still be able to read the rest of the story into their marriage.
On Twitter, many are requesting a woodchopping Sidney scene. Ask and you will receive. It's coming after a few more chapters, I promise.
~Charlotte~
When we returned to Sanditon House, we had a light dinner with Lady Denham and our guests before going upstairs and getting ready. Alison and I helped each other with getting ready and doing each other's hair like we used to back at home. I wore a coral colored dress with gold trimming and details. Alison wore a white dress with blue trimming and bows. Our hair was properly up in fashionable hairstyles with the comb and headband Lady Susan had gifted us earlier in the day. When we were ready, we headed down to the drawing room to wait for everyone else. Lady Denham was already there with a few of our other guests. Shortly after we gathered, Lady Susan and the Prince Regent emerged looking like the true royalty they were. Lady Susan wore a gold dress that sparkled at every turn. We were all breathless watching them walk in.
"Shall we go?" Lady Susan asked. We all snapped back to reality and followed them out to the waiting carriages.
Lady Denham reprimanded us the entire way to the assembly rooms about how we needed to make a good impression on Lord Moreland and his sons. Once we got more of the story, she was hoping he or one of his sons would settle down in Sanditon and invest in building the town bigger and better. I apologized to Lady Denham for our earlier behavior and promised to do what I could to convince the Moreland men of the benefits in Sanditon. If I could convince the Prince Regent of its charm, I could convince these men as well.
We exited the carriage and followed Lady Denham into the building. Alison and I took each other's arm as we looked around. Lady Denham had gone all out with decoration and splendor in the rooms. She took a seat to the side to watch the room. Directly behind us, Lady Susan and the Prince Regent walked in. The room went quiet as they came over and sat down next to Lady Denham. Slowly, the rooms started to buzz with conversation and excitement. I watched as one family after another walked over to the Prince Regent to make his acquaintance.
I searched the rooms for Sidney but couldn't find him anywhere. I saw Eliza with her usual group of ladies standing to the side of the room talking and looking around. Our eyes connected for a moment and she gave me that familiar conniving grin. I saw the Moreland men standing around watching all the people coming in, studying every eligible woman who walked in. The room was beginning to fill overwhelmingly. I didn't think I'd ever be able to find Sidney in the crowd.
When Mr. Crowe came up behind Alison, I asked him where Sidney was, but I caught a glimpse of him on the balcony before he could answer . He had a pleasant grin on his face while he watched me. I smiled up at him before making my way through the crowd and up the stairs to join him.
He grabbed my hands and pulled me close to him. "It's only fitting we start the night here," he said.
I laughed. "It's usually where we end our nights, not where we begin them."
"Precisely why we need to change our usual pattern. I did promise to make this night better than any other ball you've attended."
"You did."
He released my hands and reached into his pocket. "To start the night, I have a gift for you."
"A gift? For me?" I said surprised.
"There will be many gifts during our marriage," he informed proudly.
"I don't need any gifts," I said shaking my head.
"I know," he said. "It's why I do it." He took my hand turning it palm up and carefully placed something in it. I looked down to see what it was. In my hand was a gold heart-shaped charm with tiny pearls and blue stones placed in a flower pattern hanging from a chain. I bit my lip looking at it. I wondered where he had gotten it. How could he afford to buy something so extravagant?
"It's beautiful," I whispered. "It's far too much."
He leaned his head in almost leaning his forehead against mine. "It was my mothers," he explained. "When she died, we decided to split her jewelry amongst the four of us. Mary wears many pieces Tom took and of course Diana took what she wanted. She also wears what Arthur took quite often. I've never had any use for what I have, until now."
"Are you sure you want me to have this?" I asked looking up at him hesitantly. "It's far too precious to give to me."
He sighed with a smile. "Charlotte, nothing would make me happier than to see you wear this and the other pieces I'll be giving you in time."
I swallowed against the lump in my throat. Somehow it was still hard for me to believe someone like Sidney Parker loved me. I untied the simple ribbon that held the pendant I had on and handed it to him so I could put the new necklace on. He stuck my other charm in his pocket and smiled proudly at the necklace now secured around my neck. "I believe you owe me the first dance, Mr. Parker," I reminded with a smile.
"I believe you are right, Miss Heywood," he said offering his arm leading me down the stairs and out to the dance floor. The first reel started, and we lined up with all the other couples dancing. Alison and Mr. Crowe as well as Mr. and Mrs. Stringer were among the couples lined up across from each other. The dance had a lot of steps and skips as we spun in and out of lines with the other couples changing partners multiple times, and then going back to our original partners. Everyone was jubilant and enjoying the upbeat first dance of the night, even if the room was overcrowded. The dance was very long and by the end we were all exhausted and struggling to catch our breath. Sidney came closer to me as we both clapped our hands for the orchestra.
"Who else are you being passed around to tonight?" he asked as the loud clapping came to an end and we walked a few steps to the side of the room.
"Lady Denham expects me to dance with the Moreland men. She's trying to convince them of Sanditon's charm in hopes one or more may decide to live here and potentially invest in the development of the town."
He nodded his head. "Well, I suppose I will do the same and try to promote Sanditon to anyone who will listen."
"Every little bit helps," I reminded.
"Come find me later if you wish to dance again," he said.
I smiled. "I definitely will." He let out a light chuckle before leaving me alone. I turned around to face the crowd and took a deep breath. I saw Alison and Mr. Crowe dancing again. I had a feeling he wouldn't allow her to dance with anyone else during the night unless he approved.
Thomas, the middle brother and to my own conclusion the lady's man, approached me first. "How do you do, Miss Heywood," he said sweetly.
"Very well, thank you," I said. "How are you enjoying the ball?"
"I haven't had the pleasure of dancing yet, so I can't give a fair answer to your question. Perhaps you'll be interested in joining me at the next dance?"
"Of course," I agreed. He nodded then asked if I wanted a drink. I accepted his offer and a few minutes later he brought me a drink.
"I must say, Miss Heywood, you are looking rather lovely tonight. Perhaps the most beautiful in the room," he said boldly.
"Thank you, Mr. Moreland." I felt rather uneasy after his comment. My eyes scanned the crowd searching for Sidney. He was speaking with a group of men and distracted.
"Charlotte," Georgiana spoke from behind me. I had never been more thankful for a familiar face.
I took her hands in mine. "Georgiana, how happy I am to see you."
"This whole dance is rather dreary, but at least I get out of the house," she said.
"We will do something extra special here soon," I assured.
"Have you had a chance to speak to Sidney about my letters?"
"I haven't, but I will."
Mr. Moreland grabbed my hand and whipped me out to the dance floor. "A new dance is starting," he said. I stumbled as I was pulled out to the dance floor but did my best to steady myself. I didn't like the way he grabbed me without my consent and pulled me out to the dance floor, but I obliged the best I could.
We faced each other and bowed before I placed my hand in his and he pulled me close. I tried my best to keep some distance between us, but he kept pulling me closer. My heart raced and my mind went wild with memories of Mr. Fritz. I didn't wish to dance with him any longer but felt powerless to do anything about it.
"You have caught my eye, Miss Heywood," he said.
"Did I?" My voice trembled.
"Yes. When I first laid my eyes on you, I knew I would make you my wife."
I laughed. "Mr. Moreland, I think you may be mistaken. How can you come to such a conclusion? You don't even know me."
"What is there to know?" he wondered. "You are of marrying age, in Sanditon looking for a husband, are you not?"
"Indeed, I'm not," I assured powerfully. "I have no intentions of marrying anyone anytime soon, especially someone I've barely met."
He pulled me closer as we moved across the floor. "I'll have you know; many women would be lining up for a chance to marry me. You'd be a fool to turn me down."
"Then it shouldn't be a problem to find someone else. I will not be marrying you," I assured.
I stopped mid dance and pushed him away, excusing myself from the dance. I walked towards Georgiana, but Sidney was in front of me before I reached her. I could tell he was upset. His eyes were filled with anger as he stared down Mr. Moreland who still stood out on the dance floor looking at me with a smug look on his face. I placed my hand on Sidney's chest. "Sidney, look at me," I demanded.
He begrudgingly broke his glare on Mr. Moreland and looked down at me with a shaky breath. "Are you alright?" he asked. His voice seethed with anger.
"I'm fine. Everything is fine. Please don't cause a scene."
"What did he say to you?" he asked, glaring back at Mr. Moreland who now left the dance floor with an arrogant air about him. I watched as Sidney's jaw clenched and his breathing got shallower and more intense.
"It doesn't matter what he said. I'm fine," I assured.
He broke his trance and looked at me again, taking a deep breath and calming slightly. I tried to reassure him with my eyes that I was fine. "Dance with me," he ordered taking my hand and leading me out to the dance floor.
He swung me around and took me in his arms for the dance. He was still tense and watching Mr. Moreland from the corner of his eyes.
"Sidney, please look at me," I begged. He focused his attention on me, but his forehead was still creased with a frustrated expression and his jaw still clenched. "You have to trust me. I can handle men like him. I had a very good teacher show me how to punch a man in the nose if he gets unruly, remember."
"What happened?" he asked.
"It was nothing. He just said he wished to marry me, and I told him no."
"He asked you to marry him?" he asked sounding even more angry. I could feel his hands tighten around my waist and hand.
"Sidney, please don't cause a scene."
"I won't, but I will be making sure he knows you are not eligible."
"Can we speak about something else?" I begged.
He sighed and tried to relax for my benefit. "What do you wish to talk about?"
"Georgiana thinks you are preventing her letters from reaching Otis. Is it true?"
"I don't have any idea why they are not reaching him. I haven't tampered with the mail. I assure you," he said.
"Is there a way we can find out why?" I wondered. "To put her mind at ease?"
"I will send out some inquiries to find out why next week."
"Thank you. I'm sure it'll make her feel better. I think she's worried more than anything. Worried he doesn't want to hear from her any longer, or perhaps something dreadful has happened to him."
"I understand her concern and I will do what I can to find out."
With every word we spoke, Sidney relaxed. "Have you had any luck promoting Sanditon?"
He sighed. "Regrettably, no. Most of the men here are only here because of the Prince Regent. They aren't looking for a new holiday spot."
"We have to keep trying. Someone is bound to see the benefits of Sanditon's future," I said.
He sighed and smiled down at me. "You're right. We will keep trying until there's no hope left."
Once the dance was over, we left the dance floor and joined the Babington's who were standing along the wall. Mr. Crowe and Alison joined us. "It's a wonderful night for a party, isn't it?" Alison said joyously.
"Indeed, it is," I agreed.
Esther looked irritated by the statement. "It's far too hot and crowded in this room. I feel nauseous just standing here."
I placed my hand on her arm. "I don't believe that's because of the party. You have a baby growing inside of you. Everything feels different when you're with child."
"Who are these men my aunt is entertaining?" she asked nodding her head towards the other side of the room. We all turned to see her laughing and looking joyous while speaking to Lord Moreland and three of his sons, including Thomas Moreland. I could hear Sidney's low growl when he saw him.
"Lady Denham is hoping for new investors for Sanditon. She believes Lord Moreland will be a great investor especially if one of his sons finds a bride here in Sanditon and decides to settle down here," I explained.
"Oh, yes," she said drawing the words out while she watched them from across the room. "She did mention something about them."
"I believe I remember her speaking on how she has sold Sanditon as a place to find brides to him, which is why he came," Lord Babington explained.
"Is he trying to find brides for his sons or for himself?" Mr. Crowe asked. "He seems to be rather flirtatious with Lady D and she is eating it up." We all laughed, seeing his point. Lady Denham giggled like a schoolgirl at his every word. I scanned the room for Georgiana and saw her speaking with Arthur and Diana along with another older man who looked familiar, but I couldn't place the name.
"Who is speaking with Georgiana?" I asked Sidney so only he could hear me. He turned to see and then looked at me. "I believe his name is Lord Grasmere."
"Oh yes," I said remembering the name now. Lady Susan had introduced him at the regatta. "Is he a friend of Arthur and Diana's?"
"I couldn't tell you. I saw him in London once and he spoke of meeting my brother and sister at the doctor's in London. Neither of them has spoken of him much," Sidney explained.
"Georgiana looks miserable. Perhaps you should ask her to dance," I suggested.
He smirked. "I'm fairly certain I'm the last person she'd wish to dance with."
"Which is exactly why you should. Show her you care about her wellbeing. Help her have a good time," I urged.
He sighed and gave me a look of irritation. "As you wish," he said agreeing to my request.
"Mr. Crowe," I said getting his attention. "How about that dance you promised me?"
He bowed in agreement and offered me his hand. Alison looked on proudly. This dance was another group dance changing partners often and moving in and out of formations. I watched Georgiana who still had a sadness about her while she danced with Sidney. I didn't know how to cheer her up, but I had to find a way.
After the dance, I bowed politely at Mr. Crowe before he made his way back over to Alison. Sidney was speaking with Georgiana and I didn't want to intrude. I noticed Lady Susan watching me with a smile on her face. I walked over to her and took her extended hands as she pulled me to the seat next to her.
"Are you enjoying the ball, my dear?" she asked.
"Very much," I answered. "It's been a delightful evening."
"I see you have a new piece of jewelry. Might I assume it was a gift from Mr. Parker?" she wondered.
I touched the necklace around my neck and smiled. "It is. He said it was his mothers," I added.
"What a special gift he has given you," she said with a smile. "I always knew everything would work out for the two of you."
I sighed and looked down at my lap. "We just need investors for Sanditon so Sidney can get out of the debt with Lady Denham."
"Yes, I spoke to Lady Denham about your situation. We had a very lovely conversation. I think in time everything will work out. I have every faith Lady Denham will come around," she said.
"Before he has to leave for Antigua?" I wondered helplessly.
"I can't promise anything, but she seems more agreeable than you described. I think more than anything she feels hurt by the Parker family, Tom especially for taking advantage of her. And also Sidney, who lied to her for weeks and expected to earn her favor by using her affection for you as his ploy."
"I don't believe that was Sidney's intent at all. He was merely trying to make amends in any way he could."
"I know, my dear. It's only how Lady Denham perceived the situation. In time she will come around."
"I hope you are right, and sooner rather than later."
"I think your biggest hindrance might be Mrs. Campion," she said. "I have done what I can to make her step aside, but she is rather relentless. She has no intention of giving up without a fight."
I glanced across the room and found her standing with Sidney and Georgiana. They appeared to be arguing. I could tell Sidney wasn't happy and Georgiana didn't look much better. "Do you have any advice on what to do about her?" I asked.
"The only advice I can give is to continue to stand by Sidney and assure him you don't plan to go anywhere. Support him in his fight to escape her. And most importantly, don't let Mrs. Campion intimidate you. You hold more power than you believe by merely standing your ground."
I listened to her advice and took a deep breath before walking across the room towards Sidney. I joined him and Georgiana and caught just a bit of the conversation they were having with Mrs. Campion.
"Mrs. Campion," I greeted, slipping my hand around Sidney's arm. "What is the topic of discussion?" Sidney glanced at me with disbelief across his face while Georgiana smirked.
"We were having a private conversation," she sneered.
"I see. And what was your private conversation about?" I asked feeling petrified but trying to listen to Lady Susan's words in my head and be strong.
"It doesn't concern you," she said glaring at me.
"I'd disagree," Georgiana interjected. "I believe it has everything to do with Charlotte."
"I don't believe this conversation has anything to do with you either, Georgiana?" Mrs. Campion chided.
"If it has to do with you marrying Sidney, it has everything to do with me. Or have you forgotten we are a package deal?" Georgiana said.
Mrs. Campion grinned and glared at Georgiana. "How could I forget."
"Eliza, I don't know what you want from me," Sidney started. "I've made it perfectly clear many times I don't plan to marry you. I have enough reason not to from your treatment of Georgiana alone."
"What is Georgiana to you but a nuisance you won't have to worry about after a few short years?" Mrs. Campion said.
"You are mistaken, Mrs. Campion," Georgiana said. "Sidney is my family as is Charlotte. And family doesn't go away after a few short years. Family is for life."
I smiled affectionately at Georgiana and took her hand in mine.
"And what about the money? Isn't that what you're really after?" Mrs. Campion asked.
"If a fortune is all you have to offer, there isn't much use for you," I said. "I assure you; the debt has been dealt with."
"How so?" she wondered.
"I paid Lady Denham with everything I had," Sidney explained. "I'm utterly a poor man with nothing now." He smiled and lightly chuckled staring down at my hand wrapped around his arm protectively before glancing up and meeting my eyes. "But it doesn't matter. I still feel like the wealthiest man in the world."
"I've never known you to be so foolish," she chided.
"That's the thing, Eliza. You don't know me. I don't believe you ever did. I surely never knew you, not truly," Sidney said. "I've begged and pleaded with you to release me and still you hold on. Why, when you know there's no hope?"
"I've never given up on something I truly want," she explained.
"Why on earth would you want someone who doesn't love you?" Georgiana asked.
She laughed. "You poor, naïve girl. Love is purely a myth," she scolded.
"I disagree, Mrs. Campion," I said. "Love is definitely not a myth. People fall in love when they least expect it. Sometimes you just have to open yourself up to the possibility. Perhaps instead of pursuing an impossible feat, you should see what else the world offers."
She sighed and pursed her lips tightly. "What is your plan to marry? Once the banns are read, it'll be determined impossible to wed. I'll make sure of that."
"We'll wait," I announced confidently. "I'm quite certain my determination is far stronger than yours."
"And if it's not?" she asked. We glared at each other as if no one else was in the room.
I smirked. "The fact you are willing to give up your fortune to a man just to have him marry you, while instead that same man gave up his fortune to have me, shows how much power I hold over your insignificance. Excuse us, Mrs. Campion." I steered Sidney and Georgiana away from her and walked to the other side of the room.
Once far enough away, I let out the breath I was holding in. Sidney and Georgiana stared at me in disbelief.
"Where did that come from, Charlotte?" Georgiana asked.
"I don't know whether to be frightened of you or to kiss you in front of all these people?" Sidney said with an astonished grin across his face.
"I don't know what came over me. Lady Susan gave me advice to stand up to her, so I did."
"I'm quite impressed," Sidney said.
"As am I," Georgiana agreed.
I took Georgiana's hands in mine and looked at her sincerely. "I want you to know, I consider you my family too. You'll always be my family."
She smiled and for the first time in a while looked truly happy. "It's nice to know I'm not alone and have people who truly care about me. For the longest time I've felt entirely lost in a world full of people."
"I said it the other night and I do mean it, Georgiana. You are family. I considered your father my own father when I lost mine and you my sister. There's a special bond between siblings."
She nodded her head. "Perhaps you can stop acting like my father, then?" she wondered.
Sidney chuckled. "Not a chance."
"Well can you at least figure out why my letters aren't getting to Otis?" she begged.
"Charlotte and I were just speaking about that. I assure you, I had nothing to do with it. I will send some inquiries next week to find out why."
"Thank you," she said with a sigh.
"Miss Lambe, is it?" Frederick Moreland asked, approaching us hesitantly. He was the brother that I thought looked bored earlier in the day. He still seemed indifferent, but had a slight glint of excitement in his eyes. "May I tempt you out on the dance floor?"
She glanced at me with those annoyed eyes, but ultimately took him up on his offer to dance.
"Sidney!" Tom called from a distance away, motioning for Sidney to come over. He stood with Diana and Arthur who were still speaking with Lord Grasmere.
Sidney sighed and excused himself before joining his family for their conversation. I looked around the room, noticing how everyone was having a pleasant evening and enjoying their night. Even the Prince Regent, who hadn't moved from his seat all night, but graciously accepted every family who wished to make their acquaintance known. Lady Susan sat next to him and affectionately cared for his every need throughout the night. I had come to the conclusion, despite the run-in with Mrs. Campion, the night had turned out rather well. I had every confidence that my luck at balls had turned around.
"Miss Heywood," Isaac Moreland spoke from a few steps away. I glanced up at him, feeling a moment of dread. I didn't care to dance with another Moreland son if they were anything like Thomas Moreland. "May I offer you a dance?"
"I suppose you can," I agreed. A part of me dreaded it, but another part of me was reminded that we needed to convince more people to invest in Sanditon. I had to do what I could. I placed my hand on top of his and walked out to the dance floor. He took my hand in his and began to spin me around the dance floor.
"I have been watching you throughout the night," he admitted. My first instinct was this was going to be another terrible incident like the one with his brother. I searched the room looking for Sidney, knowing he was watching and probably ready to pounce at any moment. I didn't want him to cause a scene, so I tried my best to not let what he was saying bother me.
"Were you?" I said trying to feign interest.
"I take it you aren't as eligible as Lady Denham claims?" he wondered. "I haven't had the pleasure of meeting the man who has been at your side most of the night, but I gather he has won your heart."
"You would be correct in your hypothesis."
He nodded his head and smiled. "I must apologize for my younger brother's behavior earlier. He can be a bit forward at times."
I smiled, feeling a little more at ease. "No reason to apologize. It wasn't your fault."
"We all have a lot of pressure being put on us to marry, me especially being the eldest," he said trying to excuse his brother's behavior. "Our father wants to see us all married off before he dies. He seems to think he is on his deathbed."
"What makes him believe he's dying? Is he ill?"
He chuckled. "Not in the least. He's quite healthy. His father died at his age, so he believes he will too. It's been rather bothersome for all of us to be constantly reminded of his imminent death while being expected to find wives as quickly as possible."
"I would hope that type of pressure wouldn't dissuade you or your brothers from finding love rather than settling for someone unsuitable just to satisfy your father."
"I'm afraid he wouldn't see it that way. Love is not something he believes matters."
"I can say on great authority, love matters a great deal in a relationship. Without a sense of compatibility, there really is no point in marriage."
He grinned and stared at me a long time taking in what I said. "I'll have to keep that in mind."
He looked away and took a cleansing breath and spinning me around again.
"I understand you aren't originally from Sanditon," he began. "What brought you here?"
"This is my second time visiting. Lady Denham asked my sister and I to come be her companions for a while. I truly love being in Sanditon," I answered. "How do you like Sanditon?"
"I haven't seen much of it yet. We just arrived today. Perhaps you'd be tempted to give me a tour?"
"I'm sure I could," I replied. I had come to the conclusion that my first impression of Isaac Moreland was incorrect. He may appear proper and a little guarded, but instead he surprised me and reminded me quite a lot of Sidney. He was kind and friendly.
"Tomorrow then? Perhaps we can take a carriage ride through the town and along the coast?"
I smiled, feeling quite at ease with him. "It would be my pleasure."
The dance ended and dancers left the floor while new dancers filled the floor for the next dance. Isaac offered his arm and led me off the dance floor to the side of the room.
"Well, Miss Heywood, Lady Denham assured my father this was the place to come if we were looking for brides. It appears quite a few of the ladies here tonight are spoken more. Perhaps you can point out the ones who are still available?" he asked.
I thought on it for a moment, trying to think who was still available. "Well there is the Beaufort sisters I spoke of earlier today." I scanned the room looking for them.
"Yes, I had the pleasure of meeting both of them. Perhaps a bit too young for my taste, though."
I laughed agreeing with his thoughts. "Yes, perhaps."
"Anyone else?" he wondered.
"Diana Parker is available. She's a wonderful woman, but a little high-strung, I suppose," I nodded in her direction who was standing near Arthur and his brother Benjamin looking to be having a pleasant conversation. I glanced around the room again, looking for anyone I might know. Mrs. Campion was cornered by Lady Susan and it came to me that she was indeed single even if she refused to believe it. "Mrs. Campion is a widow, and she comes with a fortune."
He turned his head to look at her but didn't seem that interested. "Yes, I've heard of her. Not very good things, I might add."
I glanced around again and standing in the corner was someone I hadn't seen in quite some time and definitely didn't expect to see tonight. "I haven't seen her in a few weeks, but I believe Clara Brereton is still available. Although she did have an unfavorable incident with Sir Edward Denham, Lady Denham's nephew," I added. "I'm afraid I don't know many more of the ladies here tonight. Many are visiting specifically for the Prince Regent's visit."
He nodded his head with a smile. "Perhaps there aren't as many eligible young ladies in Sanditon as Lady Denham led us to believe."
"I'm afraid not."
"Well, you've given me a great deal to consider. I appreciate the help, Miss Heywood. I look forward to the tour of the town tomorrow." He bowed his head and walked away towards the other side of the room.
I was joined by Alison and Mr. Crowe who began telling me about their evening and what they had witnessed between attendees. Sidney joined us after a few moments. I smiled up at him, but something was off about his expression.
"Charlotte," he began. "Would you do me the honor of joining me on the dance floor again?"
I leaned in so only he could hear me. "Sidney, we've already danced twice tonight. You know if we dance again it's declaring our engagement."
He smirked. "I'm well aware of what a third dance will mean." He put his arm out for me to take and be led to the dance floor.
I took his arm and looked at him intently. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Are you having second thoughts about marrying me?" he asked as we stepped out onto the dance floor.
"No. Of course, not," I answered. "But here of all places; in front of this crowd? This isn't some sort of jealousy is it?"
We took our places across from each other. I could already feel the eyes watching us and the gossip spreading. "Whether it's because of jealousy or not, it doesn't change the fact that I have every intention of marrying you. The rest of the world should know you are spoken for," he declared, fully indicating to me that this was definitely due to jealousy.
I breathed my nervousness away and focused my attention on him. We bowed towards each other, then took each other's hands and spun around the floor before coming together. Sidney held me close to his body, pressing into me with so much intent and desire. He grinned as if he was enjoying every moment of holding me close and moving me across the dance floor. There were no words spoken other than with our eyes being solely focused on each other. There was no one else in the room who even mattered anymore. We were together and would always be together. I had lost all sense of dance steps and just focused on being with Sidney and letting him lead me. I would always let him lead me to wherever he wanted me to be. At the end of the dance, he held me close and refused to let me go, even though other dancers had begun to leave the floor. His face was inches from mine, and I felt the longing he had to kiss me. I felt it too. I didn't even care where we were or who we were surrounded by.
He smiled a huge smile and tilted his head slightly like he was overwhelmed with happiness. "Charlotte," he breathed shaking his head like he was lost for words. "You've made your mark on the world, made Sanditon a better place, saved my family, made me a better man, saved me from a lifetime of regret. Is there anything you can't do?"
"Marry you," I breathed.
"We are one step closer to making that a reality," he said, widening his smile. I thought he referred to us declaring our engagement in front of everyone, but it was much more than that. "She's released me, Charlotte."
NOTES: If anyone is interested, there's a facebook group called Sanditon Survival Book Club. There's a fanfic awards going on right now in the group and this story, among plenty of other amazing stories, are up for the first round of voting. I know some of you are already in that group, but if not please consider joining and voting for this story or any other wonderful story.