~Charlotte~

I laid on the cold, wet sand for what seemed like forever. My world felt like it was coming to an end. My heart hurt. I felt as if I couldn't breathe. I had to keep telling myself this wasn't going to be forever. I had to keep going. I had to face each day knowing it was one day closer to Sidney returning. As difficult as it might be, I had to continue living.

With a heavy sigh, I pulled myself off the sand and stumbled back up the embankment to walk back to Sanditon House. When I arrived, Lady Susan and the Prince Regent were preparing to leave.

"Charlotte," Lady Susan gasped. "What's happened to you?"

"Sidney left for London. He will leave for Antigua in a few days."

She took my hands in hers and gave me a sympathetic look. "I will check in on him when I return to London. You both have weathered bigger storms. This one shouldn't be any different."

I tried to smile. "This seems like the biggest storm we've had to face."

"Don't lose hope, Charlotte. I'm confident everything will work out," she assured. Her words gave me little comfort. I swallowed against the lump in my throat and nodded my head, trying my best to not show how upset I was.

Lady Denham and Alison joined me outside as Lady Susan and the Prince Regent came to give their goodbyes. They both looked me up and down; Alison with a look of understanding and Lady Denham with a look of disgust.

"Lady Denham, you have been a wonderful host. We appreciate your hospitality dearly," Lady Susan said.

"I'm happy to oblige," Lady Denham said.

The Prince Regent looked at me with questioning eyes. I'm sure I looked a fright. "Miss Heywood, you have given me a great deal to think over. I have come to enjoy my time here in Sanditon and wish to return in the near future. I have decided I appreciate your notion of building a playhouse, but I think it needs to be a proper theatre. I have decided to invest in your ideas and hope to return for the first ever Sanditon Theatre production. You are a true visionary, which has surprised me entirely, but I am greatly intrigued to see what else you can accomplish. Perhaps you will write the first play."

I glanced at Alison and then Lady Susan who both had large grins on their face. As sad as I was, this gave me a small glimmer of happiness. People from all over would come to see plays and spend their holidays in Sanditon. "Thank you." I didn't know what else to say. I hadn't expected anything. It was enough he came to visit and enticed plenty of visitors to follow.

He nodded his head towards all of us before boarding his carriage. Lady Susan said goodbye one last time before joining him in the carriage and driving away.

As soon as they were out of sight, Lady Denham began rambling on. I didn't listen and instead left to head back inside. I went straight to my room and crawled under the covers. Not a soul bothered me the entire day, which I was grateful for. I spent the day crying, staring blankly at the wall, sleeping, or simply dreaming of chasing after Sidney and not allowing him to leave. My anger towards Lady Denham only grew with every thought going through my mind.

The next day, I didn't wish to get up. A tray of food was brought in, but food had little interest for me. Alison tried to crawl in bed with me to talk and encourage me to get up, but I rolled over and didn't talk to her. Later in the day Mary and Diana came by and tried to encourage me to get up saying they had a gift for me. I asked the servant to tell them to leave it downstairs and ask them to leave. I had every intention of asking to stay at Trafalgar House with them, but right now I couldn't bring myself to leave the bed. I just wanted to be left alone.

In the evening, I could hear Alison and Mr. Crowe downstairs with Lady Denham, which made me even more upset and resentful. I was happy for my sister, truly I was. I liked that she found happiness with Mr. Crowe. What bothered me was how accepting Lady Denham was. Why couldn't she be as accepting to Sidney?

The following day was much the same. Alison attempted to get me out of bed to go into town with her, but I refused. Even Lady Denham tried to coerce me from my room with her brash and demeaning way of words.

Days of this went by. I had no interest in doing anything but staying in bed.

Georgiana arrived after a week of being cooped up in my room with my sorrow. I asked her to leave at first, but she insisted she stay.

"I know exactly how you feel," she said sitting down on the bed with me. "When I lost Otis, I thought I'd never leave my bed again. I wanted to waste away to nothing. I felt entirely alone and lost."

For the first time, I felt like someone understood. I sat up slightly in the bed and wiped the fresh tears away from my face. "I suppose I forgot you went through a separation as well. How did you overcome it?"

"Arthur Parker helped, if you can believe it," she said. "He is such a good friend and even though I try to hide it, he makes me laugh. I think that's what you need; someone to make you laugh and bring some enjoyment back into your life. At least for you, Sidney will come back. I'm not so sure about Otis. But I have to keep going."

"I feel like I'm shattering into a thousand pieces," I explained with fresh tears streaming down my face. I don't understand why this separation is so different than when I went back to Willingden.

She placed her hand on mine and squeezed affectionately. "I know. It's because you love him. I remember that feeling well. It's unbearable at times. Other times it won't hurt quite as bad."

"I just want to sleep and pretend like it's not real."

"You do want to be healthy and happy when he returns, don't you?" she asked.

I sighed and rolled my eyes. "Of course, I do."

"Then no more sleeping during the day. It's time to get up and get dressed. We have places to go and things to see."

I groaned. "I don't know if I want to go anywhere. I can't be around people right now."

"I'm not taking no for an answer. Now get up. There's a dashing young man waiting downstairs to see you," she said.

"Who?" I asked. Surely it couldn't be Sidney. Who else would be downstairs waiting?

She grinned deviously. "You will have to get up to see who it is."

"Georgiana, I don't wish to see anyone. I just want to stay here."

"You will want to see this one. I promise," she said urging me further to get out of bed. "Now get up."

Even though I didn't want to get up, I obliged and put myself back together. Talking to Georgiana did help a little, but I still didn't feel whole. If we were going into town, I wanted to get a letter sent to Sidney. Before going downstairs, I wrote out a quick letter to him expressing how much I missed him already. How much I couldn't wait for us to be married and how I was going to take these two years to plan and prepare for the perfect wedding that would suit us. I also told him about the unusual engagement of Sir Edward Denham and Eliza Campion who were now in Lady Denham's good graces and planning to spend plenty of money on developing Sanditon further. I expressed how Lord and Lady Babington were just as concerned about the validity of their plans as I was. There was still so much I wanted to say, but Georgiana was already calling from the bottom of the stairs. I quickly folded the paper up and stuck it my reticule before heading downstairs. At least the one good thing about this was being able to send a letter. Perhaps there would even be a letter from him already.

I walked down the stairs to see the back of Arthur standing with Georgiana at the bottom of the steps. Did Georgiana truly refer to Arthur as a dashing young man waiting to see me? Why would Arthur want to see me? When Georgiana saw me coming, she tapped Arthur on the shoulder. He turned around revealing a small black and white puppy in his arms. I gasped when I saw it. I couldn't take my eyes off of him.

"I told you there was a dashing young man waiting to see you," Georgiana said, grabbing my hand and pulling me closer. Arthur had quite the excited grin on his face as I reached out to pet the puppy on the head.

"Where did he come from?" I wondered. "Whose is he?"

"He's yours, silly," Arthur said.

"Mine?" I questioned curiously. "I don't understand."

"He's from Sidney," Georgiana explained. "He had him sent here from London with specific directions to bring him to you."

"He thought it might help to have something to hold close while he is away," Arthur added.

"Sounds like a ridiculous nuisance, if you ask me," Lady Denham said from the other side of the room. "A dog in Sanditon House? Preposterous!"

"You won't need to worry, Lady Denham," I said. "I don't plan to stay much longer so the puppy won't be a nuisance."

"What do you mean you don't plan to stay much longer?" she wondered.

"I've decided it would be more appropriate to stay with the Parker family. I am going to be one of them after all."

"Don't be ridiculous, Charlotte. Trafalgar House is already overflowing with people. Why on earth would you want to stay there?"

I took the puppy in my arms and held him close to my chest, smiling down at him and falling in love with him instantly. "Perhaps it's because I feel more welcome with the Parkers than I do with the Denhams."

"Shall we go?" Georgiana asked leading the way towards the door.

"Where's Alison?" I asked.

"She's at the Babington home visiting with Mr. Crowe," Georgiana explained.

"Of course, she is," I said with a smile. "She is going to love this little guy just as much as I do."

"He's easy to fall in love with, that's for sure," Arthur added.

We walked out the door to see Edward Denham and Eliza Campion arriving with another gentleman I didn't recognize. I didn't stick around to see who it was or find out why they were there. I simply wasn't interested.

"Jolly good," Arthur laughed as soon as we were away from the house. "I do enjoy how you ladies put Lady Denham in her place."

"She infuriates me to no end. She's entirely the reason Sidney and I are separated right now," I said.

"And Tom," Arthur added. I hadn't really thought about it, but he was right. Tom was just as much to blame. How could I forget Sidney was doing all this to save his brother from his blunder? "I do wish there was more I could do. I've supplied Sidney with the bulk of my inheritance to get him to Antigua and invest in whatever new business venture his friend from there has in mind. I do hope it works out for all our sakes."

"What are you going to name your puppy?" Georgiana wondered while changing the subject, which I was entirely grateful for.

There was only one name that came to mind. "Sidney."

"Sidney?" Georgiana shouted. "That's a terrible name for a dog. What are you going to do when he returns? Both Sidney and the dog will be so confused about which one of them you are speaking to."

I was crushed when she said it was a terrible name, but she did make a good point. "What would you suggest then?"

"Dash? No, how about Jack? Or Tippy?" Georgiana named off.

"What about Prince?" Arthur suggested. "Or perhaps name him after a place like Brighton or Oxford."

"I have the perfect name," I announced. "Heraclitus."

Both Georgiana and Arthur stopped from walking and gave each other confused expressions before looking at me with the same confusion. "What does it mean?" Georgiana asked.

"It's something only Sidney and I would understand. I want to keep it that way, if you don't mind?" I explained.

"Heraclitus it is!" Arthur announced jubilantly.

I held the puppy close, feeling as if it was Sidney who I held close in my arms. "Where exactly are we going?" I wondered.

"In town for a special birthday party," Georgiana explained.

We walked the rest of the way into town and came to Trafalgar House where Mary and Tom were waiting with the children. They had quite the spread set up of food and treats with tea. They welcomed me wholeheartedly into their home and family celebration for Jenny's birthday party.

What I noticed first when walking in was Sidney's portrait missing from the wall. I stared at the blank spot and couldn't move. "Where is the portrait?" I asked Mary feeling tears begin to fill my eyes. Even though it didn't resemble him very well, it still reminded me of him and I had looked forward to coming here just to see it.

"It's at Lady Denham's home," Mary explained with a confused expression.

"Don't tell me you never opened the gift we brought you?" Diana asked.

"I suppose I never did."

Mary tucked her arm around mine. "Dear Charlotte, I have gifted you that portrait. I thought you might appreciate it while you're separated."

"It's been at Lady Denham's all this time?"

"See what I mean about getting up and living?" Georgiana asked. "You miss out on a lot when you waste away in bed."

I laughed. "I suppose you are right. I'll have to be better about getting out of bed and welcoming guests who bring gifts."

We laughed and played all through the day celebrating Jenny. The children loved Heraclitus and begged Tom and Mary for a puppy of their own. While everyone was still busily celebrating Jenny, I slipped away to finish my letter to Sidney. I thanked him for the most wonderful gift of Heraclitus and how the children wanted a puppy of their own now. I told him not to worry about us; Georgiana and I would take care of each other while he was away. I truly believed I was going to be alright with him gone. I didn't like being parted, but I was determined to be happy while he was away. I hoped he was feeling the same.

"Everything alright, dear?" Mary asked coming into the room I had hidden away in.

"Of course. I'm just finishing up a letter to Sidney. I want to get it in the post before the end of the day."

She sat down next to me and took my hands in hers. "Tom and I have had many separations because of business and other reasons. Before we could marry, my father insisted he establish himself and have a good income. It was heartbreaking to be apart. We had a long engagement while Tom did everything he could to prove worthy of my father. I suppose it's why he continues to work hard and overdo his ambitions. He always feels the need to be bigger and better than before."

"How is Tom?" I wondered.

"He was quite upset with how things were handled, but he's adjusting to the changes. He does have a great amount of guilt for what he's put his family through and wishes to make it up to all of us somehow. He feels terrible that there wasn't more he could do for you and Sidney before he had to leave. He has plans to continue developing Sanditon once he can find investors to try and build our family fortune again. He feels entirely responsible for all of our family struggles."

"The Prince Regent plans to invest in an actual theatre here in Sanditon. He wishes to visit often. A regular visit from the Prince Regent will bring in plenty of new patrons."

"That's wonderful news!" Mary exclaimed. "Does Tom know?"

"I don't believe so," I said. "The Prince Regent told me right as he was leaving. I haven't spoken to anyone since then."

"I'm sure Tom will be thrilled to hear the news. We should go tell him."

I followed Mary back into the front room where the children were playing and giggling with Heraclitus on the floor.

"Mary, Charlotte," Tom said standing from the floor and chuckling to himself. "I think it's safe to say I must make a trip to London to find a puppy for our children."

"Tom!" Mary scolded. "You can't be serious. It's already enough to take care of the children. We don't have time for a puppy as well."

"What if Heraclitus was here for them to play with?" I asked.

The room was quiet, other than the children who were oblivious to anything but the puppy. "Whatever do you mean, Charlotte?" Mary asked.

I took a deep breath and looked around at everyone's curious faces. "I was hoping to ask, if you wouldn't mind, if I stayed here with all of you while I wait for Sidney to return?" There wasn't a sound in the room. Even the children had stopped playing and were now listening. "I realize it's already quite crowded here, but I don't feel welcome with Lady Denham any longer and wish to stay here instead if you'll have me."

Mary smiled and wrapped her arms around my shoulders. "Of course, we will have you. We'd be happy to have you. You're family, Charlotte."

"Absolutely!" Tom proclaimed loudly. "I sure do miss having my record keeper."

"Family sticks together," Diana added.

"Yes it does," Arthur said. "And Miss Lambe is our family as well." I watched as Georgiana leaned into Arthur and smiled. She needed family connection just as much as I did.

"We will need to make some arrangements beforehand. Could you wait until the end of the week?"

A part of me dreaded having to go back to Lady Denham's, but if I knew it was only for a few days, I decided I could manage. I sat down next to Georgiana and continued to watch the children play with Heraclitus while Mary served up cake. Coming here was exactly what I needed to feel better.

Once back at Sanditon House, I found the portrait wrapped with a white sheet and brought it up to my room. I pulled the sheet off and leaned it against the wall and sat in front of it for most of the evening with little Heraclitus in my lap. Staring at the portrait gave me a sense of closeness to Sidney. I treasured the painting and was entirely grateful for the Parker family for not only gifting it to me, but for being entirely welcoming.

Days went by. The weather had changed quite drastically. The chilly mornings were now almost unbearably frigid. On occasion we would get a nice day, but we had more rainy days than sunny. I spent most of my time with Alison and Georgiana while we played with Heraclitus. On rainy days we spent time with Esther or in town with the Parker family. I had tea with Mrs. Stringer on occasion. I did enjoy our talks on architecture. She was such a proper woman, sometimes it was hard to believe she married Mr. Stringer. When seeing them together, though I understood why. They were a perfect match in so many ways. Mr. Crowe had to go to London for business, so Alison felt the sting of being separated as well, although not nearly as deep a sting as mine was. We supported each other and helped plan out her wedding. Mother and Father had every intention of Alison coming home to be wed, as it was customary to be wed in the bride's hometown. Even if it was customary, I had every intention of marrying in Sanditon. This was my home now. Father would have to get over his rule about not going more than five miles from home if he wanted to attend his eldest daughter's wedding. I had made up my mind, and he of all people knew there wasn't any changing my mind.

I went into town every day to drop off a letter for Sidney and typically picked up one of my own from him. Most of the letters from Sidney were of his business dealings in London. Apparently, he had quite a bit to prepare there with his importing and exporting business before his long departure. He was also tasked with collecting all personal items from the Parker family's London home to be sent to Sanditon. He loved the name I picked out for little Heraclitus and thought it very fitting. He asked me to stay clear from Mrs. Campion and Edward Denham, which I had done a good job doing. I had even gotten good at avoiding Lady Denham. Alison still remained in her good graces, but I had become the outcast. Mary had promised me a room at Trafalgar House at the end of the week, but with all their belongings arriving by freight, she had gotten busy and neglected to have a room set up. She apologized profusely, but I assured her a few more days was not the end of the world. I didn't mind waiting even though all my belongings were pack and ready to go.

Diana and Arthur had taken a trip to London to see to their last bit of belongings, thinking Sidney wouldn't remember certain things without their help. I think part of their decision to travel to London was to see the doctor they spoke so highly of. I almost thought about asking if I could go with them, but if I did it meant yet another painful goodbye. I couldn't do that to Sidney again.

On a particularly warm day, I picked up a letter from the post and walked down on the beach with Heraclitus. I settled into the sand and placed the puppy in my lap while I opened the letter.

My dearest Charlotte,

Words cannot express how much I miss you. I think about you every moment of every day. What is this affliction that has consumed my every breath? My life is yours alone. I live and breathe for your love. The next two years can't come quick enough. I dream of holding you in my arms again. I dream of our marriage and our future together. These last weeks have been unbearable without you. I have taken up fighting again, simply to pass the time and relieve some tension. Please don't think badly of me for it. I ask myself everyday why I didn't ask you to come with me; propriety or not. I shouldn't have come alone. Now I fear it's too late. I board a ship in two days for Antigua. I promise I will continue to write, but with mail traveling across seas, I can't imagine you'll receive letters on a timely manner. Please don't worry if you don't get a letter for a month or two. It only means the ships are slow.

How is Sanditon? I trust everyone is in good health. I half expected to see Babbers back here in London by now, but a letter from him stated they plan to stay a little while longer since Esther has been so ill during her pregnancy. He doesn't think it safe to move her just yet. Have you checked in on them? I'm sure you have. I'm not sure why I even ask such a question.

How is Georgiana? Ornery as ever, I'm sure. Please tell her I discovered Otis Molyneux is on a Navy ship at the moment and is unable to receive letters. She can send them to my business overseer here in London if she would like. He has been instructed to continue watching and waiting for his safe return to deliver all of Georgiana's letters.

Crowe has been in town attempting to sell his father's home, but to no avail. He has good intentions to help pay the debt, but with no one willing to buy I'm not sure when or if he will be able to help much. I do believe he wishes to set up a home in Sanditon for him and Alison. I despise asking him to pay Lady Denham with money he has intended for their future on my sake. I'm sure you feel the same way. Perhaps you and Alison can talk some sense into him when he returns?

How is Lady Denham? Have Edward and Eliza completely manipulated her? I'm surprised Lady D has allowed them into her life again. Although, I guess it's not quite a mystery when you think about Lady Denham's obsession with wealth. I'm sure Mrs. Campion waving her fortune in front of her was quite enticing.

Enough about them. How is little Heraclitus? I'm sure he's not so little anymore. I am pleased he's given you so much comfort. I just hope when I return, he doesn't think me a scoundrel trying to take his owner away from him. It may take some time to get acquainted with him to accept me into your life.

I suppose this letter has gotten a little long. Please tell me all about Mr. Crowe and Alison's wedding when it happens. Since I won't be there for the Babington christening, you'll have to write to me all about that as well. Keep me informed on all that happens in Sanditon. I want to know everything, so I feel as if I'm actually there experiencing every aspect of your day with you.

With all my love,

Sidney

I took a deep breath and wiped the tears away from my face. As much comfort as his letters brought me, they also brought so much heartache and turmoil. He has no idea how many times I'd thought about boarding the coach to London to find him and set sail for Antigua with him. It was a comfort to know he considered I do the same thing.

As I started to get up from the sand, Heraclitus leaped out of my lap and chased after a bird, barking and causing a ruckus. I chased after him and called for him to come back, but he kept running farther and farther away, causing me to cry hysterically.

Out of the rocks, a man confronted Heraclitus and scooped him up into his arms. I ran across the sand and came upon Mr. Isaac Moreland holding Heraclitus.

I breathlessly stopped in front of him and took Heraclitus from his arms. "Thank you, Mr. Moreland."

"Not a problem, Miss Heywood," he said kindly. "Perhaps it's time you get your little dog a lead?"

"Perhaps you're right," I agreed.

"Who is your little friend?" he wondered, reaching out and rubbing my puppy's head.

"This is Heraclitus," I said, holding him up closer to my face.

"If you do not hope, you will not find that which is not hoped for; since it is difficult to discover and impossible to attain," he said proudly.

I stared at him curiously. "You know Heraclitus?"

"A little," he admitted with a grin. "It appears you know him as well."

"Probably more than I should."

"Is that the reason for the name?"

"No," I answered slowly. "It's a long story. One I'm sure would bore you."

"I have nowhere to be and know very few in Sanditon. I think I might appreciate the company. Perhaps we can walk into town and find a store to buy a lead for little Heraclitus here while you tell me the story," he suggested.

"Of course," I agreed.

We began walking across the beach slowly and silently. "About this name?" he wondered.

"It's…" I paused thinking on if I wanted to let him in on the story. "I suppose it's a special meaning between me and Sidney."

He nodded his head and chuckled under his breath. "Not so much a long story, but rather a private story."

"Precisely."

"Well, I suppose I don't need to know the origin of his name after all," he said.

"I thought you and your family were leaving right after the Prince Regent's visit. It's been days since he's left."

He sighed and looked out on the horizon. "With my brother Andrew now engaged to Clara Brereton, we will remain here until they are wed."

"Did you ever discover why they were engaged so quickly? Did they know each other previously?"

"Turns out they met the night of the ball and my brother was so smitten he proposed on the spot," he explained. "Andrew has always been the pleaser, doing everything our father requests of him. Father wanted up to find wives. Andrew found a wife. Our father couldn't be more pleased and reminds the rest of us daily to be more like Andrew. It's quite insufferable. Which is why I find myself on the beach this afternoon to find some quiet. Instead I found a barking dog."

"I do apologize if he disturbed you," I said feeling horrible.

"Not at all. I actually appreciate the distraction."

"Any luck on a bride of your own?" I wondered.

"I feel as if that's an impossible task. Like you said, all the good ones have been chosen already."

"Perhaps you'll have more luck in London. There is a party of some sort every night and plenty of women to choose from."

"I suppose time will tell," he answered.

We walked the rest of the way silently and came to the familiar alleyway I took often. When I looked down the dark alley, I saw Edward and Clara in what appeared to be a heated conversation. I grabbed Mr. Moreland by the arm and pulled him back so as to hide from the two of them. I listened to their conversation while Mr. Moreland studied me curiously. I did my best to explain with a nod of my head and pointing out down the alley.

"What do you mean you're engaged?" Edward asked of Clara.

"I had no choice. Thankfully I found someone who would engage themselves to me on the spot of our first meeting," Clara explained.

"That's preposterous. Why on earth would you do such a thing?" Edward wondered.

"I might ask you the same thing. Rumors are spreading like wildfire you engaged yourself to the richest woman in all of England," Clara countered.

"It's simply a business arrangement. That is all."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Clara wondered.

"She wants revenge on Charlotte. I want Lady Denham's fortune," Edward explained.

"You've already tried to gain her fortune. What makes you think you'll be successful this time?"

"I already have," Edward said with a chuckle. "She's already changed her will right in front of me. She adores Eliza and is right proud of my choice of bride. She believes with the combined fortunes and joined efforts we can build Sanditon bigger and better than any town in England. Everyone will be flocking like birds to come here."

"Since when do you care about Sanditon?" Clara asked.

"I don't care a fig about Sanditon," he stated harshly. "I care about getting my hands on what is rightfully mine. I will take any means possible to make it happen."

"And how long do you plan to pretend to be engaged while you wait for our aunt's death?"

"Eliza and I have an understanding. We plan to have a long engagement while she travels to visit a sick relative. What she truly plans to do is travel to Antigua where Sidney Parker is and try to win him back. All while I'm here taking care of our ailing aunt. If she's still not gone when Eliza and Sidney return, I will be the heartbroken nephew who only wishes for comfort from dear old aunt."

"You can't be serious?" Clara said. The rage inside of me was building exponentially. I wanted to ring Eliza's neck. I should have known this engagement they had wasn't true.

"I assure you, it's every bit truth. Everything is falling into place just as we planned."

"Well, I suppose I should wish you every happiness." It sounded as if Clara started to walk away but Edward pulled her back.

"You haven't answered my question. Why are you engaged to a man you barely know?" he asked.

I could hear Clara breathing heavier as if she was trying not to cry. "Like I said, I don't have a choice. If I don't marry as quick as I can, I'll be ruined for life."

I knew instantly what she meant. "Are you? You're with child?" Edward said catching on. "With my child?"

I could hear her crying and as if Edward pulled her close to him. "I have to marry someone."

"Marry me," Edward blurted.

"I can't. You're already engaged. Did you forget that?" she shouted.

"Not truly. In time it'll be over."

"I don't have time to wait, Edward. This child is not going to sit inside of me waiting for our aunt to die so you can collect your inheritance," Clara scolded.

"I'll figure something out," Edward said. "I'm not about to let you marry yourself to someone else when you're carrying my child."

"At least with Andrew I'll have protection. My child will have everything he desires in life. I won't have to worry about anything."

"You won't have to worry about anything with me either. I'll make this right. I'll send you away to have the baby and as soon as I collect the inheritance, I'll come collect you and our child. We will marry in Scotland and start a new life away from this retched place."

"You'll hide me away like a harlot for ten years while we wait for your gallant return," Clara chided. "I'm sorry, Edward. I won't do it."

I could hear Clara walking away. "Do you love me?" Edward called after her.

She laughed. "Do you even know what love is?"

Nothing more was spoken between them. I heard Clara walk away and Edward punch the wall with a grunt before leaving.

I let out the breath I was holding and looked up at Mr. Moreland who stood in rather close proximity while we both listened to their conversation. He seemed a little nervous and took a step back. "I suppose we know what they are up to now," he said with a nervous chuckle.

"I must warn Lady Denham," I said.

He nodded his head. "I believe I need to warn my brother as well."

"Please excuse me." I curtsied and ran through town towards Sanditon House. How I wished I'd taken the carriage. As much as I needed to warn Lady Denham, I also needed to warn Sidney. I'd have to travel to London.

NOTES: Please let me know your thoughts. I truly enjoy reading reviews. This story is coming close to an end and I'd love to know what people think.