~Charlotte~
Sidney and I finally made our way home after an extended stay with the Babington's. We were greeted with welcoming arms and lots of town gossip. As soon as we returned, Sidney got to work figuring out where to set up Mr. Fredrickson's art gallery in town as well as the library Alison and I had been trying to find a place for. Lady Denham's books needed to be shared with the world. My father had returned with my brother Simon to help with the Arab stallion area. Sidney was gone a lot helping and always managing something. Even though I wanted to be a part of it and somehow found a way to sneak into the action at times, I had to learn to take it easy.
It was getting harder to hide the pregnancy. Many of the staff knew but didn't say anything. Thankfully Alison was oblivious. I had suspicions Georgiana knew, but again she didn't say anything. At least not to me.
Sanditon was quite a bit busier than when we left. Nearly all the apartments at the Terrace were taken up for the season, new people were always arriving. There was much discussion about building a second hotel as well as the stable for the stallions.
Mr. Fredrickson had settled into a small partition among the shops in town. It wasn't quite as big as the place he had in London, but he was happy and thrilled with all the new business he was going to get in a resort town. As promised, he delivered the painting of the cabin in the woods and arrived to paint a portrait of me and Sidney. I had relented to Sidney's wishes and had the painting of him moved to the upstairs hallway. He wasn't thrilled about it, but he liked it there more than the front room.
Sidney and I sat together outside for the painting to start to take shape. Mr. Fredrickson was quite the artist. With focused attention, he moved his brushes and pencils across the canvas with so much ease. Sidney and I had opted to wear what we had worn on our wedding day. I loved the dress Lady Susan helped create and wanted an excuse to wear it again before it didn't fit anymore. Mr. Fredrickson positioned us sitting on the ground, with Sidney behind supporting me. I appreciated Mr. Fredrickson allowing us to be in a more relaxed position. Most paintings were stiff and dull.
"How is the town?" I asked Sidney as we sat very still.
"Very well," he responded. "Everything is coming together. Although, I'm not entirely sure what to do with all Lady D's asses. I never realized she had so many and there isn't much of a need for them."
"She swore by their milk. She thought it was the cure for everything," I explained. "That and sea water."
"Yes. But what do we do with them now? I don't know many people who still believe this."
"Perhaps we could keep just a few and donate the other's?" I suggested.
"I had a thought along those lines," he said.
"Please hold perfectly still," Mr. Fredrickson snapped.
Both of us stopped talking and straightened into position. "We can discuss it later," he whispered.
For most of the day, we sat for Mr. Fredrickson. Thankfully he did let us have a few breaks in between. He promised us he had enough done, and he could work on the finer touches at his gallery. He promised to bring it back in a week. We thanked him for his time and sent him on his way.
"Now, what was it you had a thought about?" I asked, taking Sidney's hand and leading him on an early evening walk. He grinned and squeezed my hand.
"What do you think your family would do with goats?" he asked.
"My family?" I questioned.
"We could give them to your family. Sustain them, but still have access to that milk if we were to ever need it. We could even build the Denham donkey sanctuary in Willingden. There's nothing in Lady Denham's Will stating it needed to be built here."
I thought on it for a moment. I wasn't sure how my father would take the suggestion. However, I was sure my siblings would love to have new livestock on the farm. "I suppose we could talk to father about it."
"Speaking of talking to your father," he began. "He asked me the other night why we haven't told anyone about the pregnancy. I take it you asked him not to say anything while he's here?"
"I know I need to tell everyone. I'm just concerned about my sister's feelings, as well as Mr. Crowe's."
"You can't hide it for much longer," he said, affectionately rubbing his hand across my stomach.
"I'm aware," I said with a loud sigh. "I want to talk to Alison privately first. I will do it first thing tomorrow."
Sidney brought my hand to his lips for a gentle kiss, before we made our way back to the house.
In the morning, I paced our bedroom floor while Sidney watched me with concern. I bit at my nails, questioning how exactly I would tell Alison without hurting her.
"Charlotte," he said, sitting up in the bed. He reached out his hand, silently asking me to come to him. With a worried sigh, I walked across the room and sat down next to him, taking his hand and allowing him to rub his thumb across my knuckles for comfort. "You have to tell her. He placed his other hand on my stomach. You can't keep hiding our baby. He's getting too big."
"He?" I questioned with a grin.
"Or she," he clarified. "Whatever it is. We need to tell people. There's going to be talk around town if there isn't already."
I placed my hand against Sidney's muscular stomach and leaned my head against his chest. "I know," I whined. "I just don't want to hurt her. What if they never have a child? Alison would be heartbroken."
"I'm sure that's not true. And if it is, she'll have an amazing sister who will support her and comfort her and also give her lots of nieces and nephews to love."
I rose my head to look at his face. He already had a smirk on his face. "Lots of nieces and nephews?" I asked with a giggle.
He playfully sighed and brushed my hair out of my face. "I can't seem to keep my wife off of me. I might have a talent for impregnating her with just my eyes."
I laughed so hard, I had to lay back on the bed to give myself air. The baby was already starting to dig into my ribcage. Sidney leaned down and laid next to me, rubbing my cheek with his thumb and looking at me so tenderly. He leaned towards me and gave me a sweet kiss, before his hand made it to my stomach. His hand always seemed to find a way to rest where the baby was. His favorite thing was to feel the baby kick and wiggle inside of me. He was filled with excitement to be a father. He adored the Babington children and it was hard for him to leave them when we did. Sometimes I wished we could go back to visit them.
"Alright," I said, determined to tell my sister the news. "Should we get dressed for the day?"
Sidney helped me up to my feet so we could get dressed and head downstairs where everyone else was.
We were greeted by everyone at the breakfast table with pleasantries. It seemed everyone had something to do during the day. It was a beautiful day and deserved to be enjoyed. I asked Alison if she would like to go for a walk with me after breakfast and perhaps walk along the coastline. She agreed with excitement. My nervousness was quite overwhelming, but I had to get it out.
Sidney gave me a kiss, wishing me luck before he left for the day. I was thankful for his gesture. Once everyone had left the house, Alison and I began our stroll through the park arm in arm while Heraclitus ran out in front of us.
Just as I was about to open my mouth to speak, Alison spoke first. "Charlotte, I must tell you something. I've been a bit hesitant to tell you, but I think it's time to come out with it."
"What is it?" I asked.
"I'm with child," she blurted with a small giggle after the words left her mouth.
"You're certain?" I asked, almost afraid to believe it. There had been times before when she thought she was, but it turned out she wasn't. I hoped this time was different.
"I'm absolutely certain this time," she assured. "I have been feeling miserably sick the last month or so. I've been drinking tea and eating toast like you have been doing."
I stopped in my tracks and stared at her in disbelief. "You know?"
She laughed. "Charlotte, it's hard not to figure out. You're practically bursting through your dress."
"How long have you known?" I wondered.
"When I noticed you drinking mother's tea, I suspected. Then when you went off to London with Mr. Parker, I thought you went there to hide your pregnancy further. I wasn't entirely sure why, but I suspected it had something to do with me."
I gave her a sympathetic smile. "I didn't want to hurt your feelings. I knew how much you wished you were pregnant every month."
"Charlotte, even if I never have a baby, I'll always be thrilled to hear about a new niece or nephew. I will dote on them as if they were my own." I hugged her tightly, feeling silly for thinking she would be upset. Our bond was stronger than anything. I knew if roles were reversed, I'd be happy for her. How silly of me to think she would be any different.
"Does Mr. Crowe know?" I wondered.
"I haven't told him yet. I'm quite nervous. The times I've mentioned I might before, have always caused a rift between us. I know deep down he does want children, but he's terrified of losing me in the process. If I'm not pregnant, he gets to hold on to me a little while longer."
"I didn't tell Sidney until I was nearly three months along. Perhaps you should wait a while longer just to be sure. Perhaps he will be more open to the idea once he knows you are already farther along. I understand he will probably have fears again when the baby comes, but we will show him how strong the Heywood women are," I said determinedly.
"Perhaps you're right. I'll wait a while longer."
We began to walk again, both of us feeling much more at ease. "When are you due?" I asked.
"I believe in January. What about you?"
"I suspect August. Perhaps in September."
"That's only a few months away!" she shouted. "Charlotte! We have so much to do."
"I know," I sighed. "Sidney wants to hire a nanny. I didn't want to at first, only feeling like I would need one on rare occasions. The more I think about it, I feel like it might be a good idea. Mary has a nanny for her children. And with the demands of Sanditon, I don't want to risk my child."
"Mother always did the chores with us strapped to her back," she reminded.
"I remember. I do want to be the type of mother our own mother was, but I do feel there will be times I'll need a nanny. I just don't know if I'll need one all the time."
"I'm sure you will work it out. You always do," she said with a smile. I squeezed her arm tighter and quickened our walk.
We discussed our pregnancies for most of the morning. Around the noon hour we found our way to the building of the stable. Sidney and Mr. Crowe as well as Tom and my father and brother were all there along with many other men. Sidney noticed us walk up and with a concerned expression came over to meet us. "Everything alright?" he asked.
"Everything is wonderful, Mr. Parker," Alison said, letting my arm go and walking around him towards her own husband.
He watched her leave before focusing his attention back on me. "How did it go?" he asked.
I smiled at him and took his hand in mine. "I shouldn't underestimate my sister. She's known all along."
"Did she?" he laughed.
"She noticed all the signs rather early on," I explained with a giggle. "She also let me know she's with child. Due at the beginning of the new year."
"Is that so? Does Crowe know?"
"Not yet, so you mustn't say anything," I warned.
"I will hold on to the secret," he promised. "Now that Alison knows, can we announce it to everyone else?"
"Yes, tonight we will make an announcement at dinner."
"At least that concern is over. I'm afraid we may have another concern on our hands," he informed.
My facial expressions changed from elated to worry. "What is it?"
He chuckled and took a step, so he was standing next to me rather than beside me. He tilted his head towards the building area and my eyes followed where he gestured. "Your brother Simon seems to have an admirer," he explained.
I found Simon standing at the base of the building, talking with Philida Beaufort and another young woman I did not know. I suspected a knew charge of Mrs. Griffiths, or rather Mrs. Hankins now as she and Mr. Hankins did marry about a month earlier. She still continued with her boarding for gentile young girls even in marriage. Philida stood in front of Simon with her hands behind her back swaying back and forth with a huge smile on her face as she talked, while my brother stood in front of her with nervous smiles and glances at the ground. "Goodness me. Would it be a good match?" I asked myself more than Sidney. He still chose to answer anyway.
"Knowing what we know about Miss Beaufort's father, I'm certain he would disapprove."
"If they do choose to be together, we will need to help them. I refuse to let my brother lose out on love merely because of his position. I will find a way to make sure he has the fortune her father wishes."
Sidney laughed, placing his hand at my back and turning me towards him. "I wouldn't expect anything less. We will do what we can, of course."
Later in the evening we had all of Sidney's family for dinner, and we did finally tell everyone about our baby. Of course, everyone either already knew or at least suspected. We were greeted with congratulations and well wishes. It was nice to finally have it out and not have to hide any longer.
It seemed as soon as I announced the pregnancy, my stomach decided to double in size. Even Mr. Fredrickson was shocked when he brought us our finished painting. He didn't know I was pregnant when he started painting, so to see me quite round now was confusing for him. He worried we would be disappointed that he did not depict the pregnancy in the painting. We both assured him that was not the case. He had done a wonderful job and did such fine work with the small details. He even took notice of the freckles across my nose and Sidney's upturned lips and wrinkle between his eyes when he's thinking hard. I loved the painting and was very thankful for Sidney having the idea to commission it from Mr. Fredrickson. We had it hung in the front room so as soon as someone walked in, they might see it. My father grinned every time he walked by it. He was very happy to see our union so successful. He was also very happy we were still within visiting distance. It was a bit more than his five-mile standard, but doable, nonetheless.
My father stayed for nearly a month before he returned back home with the asses in tow. He wasn't entirely sure what to do with all of them, but thought they might be a good investment. Simon remained with us indefinitely while we continued to work on the Arab stallion stables. He was very happy to stay and looked forward to when the horses would arrive. Although, I believe he looked forward to spending more time with a certain young lady who had caught his eye. He was looking forward to playing in the cricket match with the other men.
Sidney took me on an open carriage ride along the coastline and through town, where we were greeted by many new patrons. "Do you see how busy the coast is? How many people are enjoying the sea? All of that is thanks to you. This season has been the most successful and promising season we've ever had," he said.
"I don't feel as if I've done anything other than be a good friend to those around me and helping out where I could," I said.
He chuckled. "You are always so modest to what you've accomplished. If only you would take some credit for what you've done."
"I'm looking forward to the annual cricket match and regatta," I said, changing the subject. "I'm slightly disappointed I won't be able to play this year."
"There's always next year, my love," he said, taking my hand and holding it tightly while he held the reins with one hand. We visited the spot in town where the theatre was being built. I had received word from Lady Susan they she and the Prince Regent had spent half the season in Brighton, but as the area filled up and got too crowded, they would secretly make their way to Sanditon for a quieter, more relaxing environment. I didn't mind them coming secretly instead of bringing along a large entourage. We were rather successful without the Prince Regents patronage.
After a long day out and feeling quite exhausted, we returned home. Sidney pulled the open carriage in front of the house and hopped down before coming over to help me down. He practically lifted me off the carriage and placed me on the ground. The baby kicked rather hard when I made my way towards the house.
"Everything alright?" Sidney asked with concern.
"The baby is moving quite a bit. Would you like to feel?" I asked. We stopped at the front door and I took Sidney's hand, placing it against the spot I felt the kick. Occasionally while lying in bed at night, Sidney would feel the baby flutter, but this was different. This was strong, determined kicks. He waited a moment, hoping to feel something. Just as I was about to tell him I didn't think we would feel anything more, it happened. The tiny baby inside of me kicked with all its might and for the smallest of moments made my stomach bulge. Sidney's eyes widened with astonishment. We both laughed excitedly.
Sidney leaned in and kissed me, feeling extremely happy. "I love you, Charlotte. Thank you for giving me everything I have ever dreamed of."
I traced a finger along his jaw, feeling the scruffiness of his chin hairs. "You have given me the world, Sidney. It is I who should be thanking you."
He kissed me again and just as he started to deepen the kiss, the baby kicked again. He laughed against my mouth, feeling the baby kick his hand. "Perhaps this baby is looking for something to eat."
"You may be right," I said. With another chaste kiss, Sidney led me inside but didn't remove his hand from my stomach, as the more I moved the more the baby kicked, and he was enjoying every moment of getting to feel how strong our child was.
"Perhaps something sweet?" Sidney said with another laugh. He was well aware of my craving for sweet things. I was always asking the staff to make fruit pies or biscuits with jam. I wondered if my craving was more fruit based rather than sweet based. I could eat an entire bowl of strawberries if given the opportunity.
We stopped just inside the front door and had another laugh as the baby kicked once again. Sidney's infectious laugh was quite endearing as he held my stomach between his large hands. He kissed me on the forehead and whispered he loved me. My heart was full of so much happiness.
We did not notice someone was even in the room at first. Sidney glanced over my shoulder and suddenly his happy exterior changed to confusion. I turned around and saw Mrs. Campion standing in front of us. She stood under the painting of Sidney and I as if she had been admiring it before we walked in. In a protective stance, Sidney stayed at my side, placing one hand behind me back and another against my protruding stomach. I placed my hands over his and just as quickly as I did, Eliza's eyes focused on my stomach or possibly on the ring on my finger. Perhaps both. Her mouth hung open while she took everything in.
"Mrs. Campion," I greeted. "What a surprise."
"What are you doing here," Sidney snapped angrily.
She hesitated to find words. "I'm confused. Where is Edward?"
"Last we heard he and Clara escaped to Scotland to be married. She was carrying his child. I believe it was mentioned that he had a distant relative living there," I explained. Her eyes darted between Sidney and my stomach as she was putting the pieces together. "You look rather exhausted. Did you just arrive in town? Perhaps on your way back from Antigua? I heard you made a trip there. Would you like to stay for some tea?"
She stared at me with a perplexed expression. "I don't understand. Did Edward give you permission to stay here in my absence?"
"This is our home," Sidney said rather angrily. Heraclitus came running in and jumped on Eliza who cried from fear. I shouted at Heraclitus to get down, but it was Sidney with his whistling who got him to sit at our feet. Sidney patted him on the head, letting him know he had done a good job.
"Lady Denham's Will stated the house would belong to me and Edward. Why would the two of you consider this your home?" she asked in a snippy voice.
"About that. There's a letter from Lady Denham left here for you that should explain everything," Sidney said, leaving me for the first time to gather the letter the solicitor had asked us to hold on to for Eliza.
Eliza and I stared at each other uncomfortably from across the room. My hands instinctively rubbed my stomach, accentuating the large bump. After a few moments, Sidney walked in and handed her the letter before making his way back towards me and assuming his protective stance next to me. I smiled up at him, silently letting him know we were alright. We waited silently while Eliza ripped open the letter with a smirk on her face and began to read it. I suspected she thought it was going to be good news about the inheritance she assumed she would receive. Her smug face changed to anger as she continued to read. Her eyes darted towards us one last time, before she threw the letter to the floor and stormed out of the house.
Once she was gone, Sidney noticed his trunk he had packed for Antigua sat in the hallway. Eliza had graciously brought it home to him intact. I picked up the letter she had left on the floor to see what Lady Denham had said to her. Sidney stood behind me reading over my shoulder.
My dear Eliza,
I'm not entirely sure what possessed you to think you could deceive me in such a disgraceful way. Have you no dignity? To think you can traipse into my home and suddenly become the heir to my fortune is despicable even for you. I have no respect for a woman whose only mission in life is money.
Unfortunately, I was much like you at one time. However, Charlotte and Sidney have taught me more about life and love in such a short time that I fathom you have yet to learn. Perhaps it's time you find a better way of living before it's too late, like it was for me.
There's so much more to life than fortune. When you die, you will not be able to take your fortune with you, but you will be able to take the memories of the loved ones you had with you. And in those who loved you, you will live on in spirit. Your fortune isn't going to care about you while you rot in the ground. Try to remember that.
Learn how to be a more respectable woman and perhaps love will find you too. Although, I find it hard to believe you will ever change your ways. I won't hold my breath.
As for the Will you and Edward so graciously had written up for me naming you and Edward as heirs, was all a fake. The real Will was written many months ago leaving everything to Charlotte so she can continue to teach others about what true love means. Her unwavering love for Sidney, but also for Sanditon is what's most important. With Sidney at her side, Sanditon is left in good hands, rather than money grubby hands like yours and Edwards. Sanditon will live on because Charlotte will see to it. You will learn a lot from her if you give her a chance.
I trust you will take these words to heart.
Lady Denham
I almost enjoyed her letter more than my own. Lady Denham may have been brass and even rude on many occasions, but she knew more about life than all of us. I felt she was wrong on one of her points. Sanditon wouldn't live on because of me, Sanditon would live on because of her. I may be the one here overseeing everything that's happening now and everything that will happen in the future, but it wouldn't have been possible without her and her generosity.
"I'm rather upset my letter wasn't so eloquently written by Lady Denham. I was merely told to take care of you," Sidney said with a playful laugh.
I turned around and wrapped my arms around his neck. "And you have done a fine job of fulfilling her wishes."
"Well, as long as I'm following Lady Denham's requests, I suppose life should be good."
"Life is very good." He leaned down and gave me a kiss full of passion and love. There was no denying Sidney's love for me. There was no denying my love for him either.
~Alison~
"Walk with me?" my husband asked of me in the late afternoon. A fear came over me with his request. I hadn't told him about the baby yet, worrying about how he would take the news. On many occasions I thought he knew and was going to confront me, but then he would do or say something else entirely. I was nearly three months along in pregnancy. I was going to have to tell him eventually. I stood up and followed him out of the house. He took my hand in his as we walked from the house towards town. He was quiet and seemed to have a lot on his mind.
We had begun to settle into our marriage. Things were still so new and there was a lot of learning we both had to do. When we married, we hadn't known each other long. Even though we did spend as much time as possible with each other before the wedding, there was still so much I didn't know about my husband. And equally there were plenty of things he didn't know about me. "Where are we going?" I asked.
"I have a surprise for you."
I wasn't expecting a surprise. What sort of surprise did he have in mind? His grip around my hand tightened as he grinned excitedly. We walked a good distance away from Sanditon House and came upon a blanket with a picnic set up. A servant stood beside the blanket. He bowed towards us as we walked up to him. "Thank you. We can manage from here." The servant walked away and headed back towards Sanditon House.
"What is this?" I asked.
"I thought we could use some time alone." He led me over to the blanket and sat me down across from him. I was in amazement at how sweet he was being. This wasn't like him. "I've had all kinds of things packed for us. Whatever you would like is yours." I looked through the basket and found plenty of sandwiches, dried and fresh fruits, pies, nuts, and so much more.
"There is enough food to feed everyone back at Sanditon House. Why so much?" I asked.
"I wasn't sure what you would want to eat, so I had it all packed."
"This is a wonderful surprise. Thank you." I leaned towards him and planted a sweet kiss on his lips. We ate heavy plates of food and enjoyed the sunshine as well as each other's company for most of the afternoon. He laid his head in my lap while I combed my fingers through his hair. We were content just being with each other for the day.
"What do you think of this place?" he asked abruptly.
"This place we are right now or Sanditon?" I wondered.
He sat up and took my hands in his before meeting my eyes with his. "This place, where we sit right now."
"It's beautiful. There are trees for shade, but still plenty of light, I can see the sea from here as well as the town. It's a wonderful spot for a picnic."
"Would it be a wonderful spot for a home?" he asked with a grin.
"I don't understand."
"If you approve, I have commissioned for a home to be built right here, in this spot, for us," he explained. I was so stunned by the news that I couldn't make words. "I don't mind living with Charlotte and Sidney. There's plenty of space in that big house of theirs, but it doesn't feel like ours. I want us to have our own. We are still close enough so you can visit your sister whenever you feel the need to do so. It's time for us to settle into our own home and make our own life."
"I don't know what to say. This is beautiful."
"Do you approve?" he wondered with a hopeful tone.
"Yes!" I laughed. "Yes, I approve." I flung myself towards him and wrapped my arms around his neck, kissing him passionately. He pulled me into his lap and deepened the kiss, while holding my head to his.
"I have an architect coming out next week to start drawing up some plans." He tucked a wayward strand of hair back into my bonnet as he spoke. "I want you to have everything you ever dreamed of. Start picturing it." He pointed out into the distance. "Right over there will be the drawing room, and next to it will be the dining hall. You can have your own personal parlor with a piano and embroidery area. Or if you would rather have a writing desk, we will make that happen. We will have servant quarters on the bottom half of the house."
"And a nursery?" I asked, feeling bold enough to tell him. This seemed like the right time.
He tightened his hold around me and became quiet for a moment. "Yes, of course, we will have a nursery." His demeanor changed when I mentioned the nursery. For a moment, I had changed my mind about telling him. "I know you are anxious to start a family, especially seeing Charlotte with child. And I know I haven't been the most supportive of this idea, given my history. I am trying. I know you wish to have children. Perhaps living in our own home will make it easier to come to fruition."
I pursed my lips and looked down. My fingers nervously traced across his chest. "We may have a child before the house it built." Once the words were out of my mouth, I raised my eyes to meet his. He searched my expression for answers. He began to breathe heavily, and his forehead wrinkled with worry. I brushed my thumb across his cheek, trying to relax him as best I could, but failing miserably.
"Are you?" he asked, anxiously. I nodded my head and tried to smile.
"I am certain this time. I'm at least three months along. Charlotte has been a great support. I know you will worry, but you have to believe everything will work out. I have faith I will be just fine, and we will have a beautiful child with your green eyes and curly hair. He will have your wit and your charm."
"And if it's a girl? Will she have your spunkiness and strong-will?" he asked with a smile.
"Absolutely!" I promised. "Are you pleased?"
"I won't lie to you, Alison. I'm terrified. I can't help that. But I am happy, and I look forward to being a good father with your guidance."
"You will be a wonderful father. I already know you will." I kissed him, feeling a huge relief to finally have it out in the open.
"One small request," he said, pulling away from the kiss.
I giggled. "What is it?"
"Can Charlotte deliver our baby?"
"You wish Charlotte to deliver our child?" I asked, taken back by the request.
"If she can deliver twins for Esther and restore Esther's health after she nearly died, there is no one else I trust more than your sister to deliver our child."
I smiled and him and twisted one of his curls around my finger. "I think I may agree with you. I'll talk to her about it."
Knowing Charlotte would potentially deliver our child calmed him significantly. He pulled me close to him and placed his hand against my stomach. There was still so much apprehension in his expression, but with time I hoped he would be able to relax more.
~Sidney~
Charlotte didn't leave the house much in those last months, as it was either too blistering hot, too exhausting, or too hard to breathe. I worried about her safety daily, no matter how much she tried to reassure me she was perfectly fine, and everything was normal. Seeing how Esther was in those last months, made me fearful for Charlotte.
Thankfully, Charlotte's mother and two of her sisters came to visit and stay with her in the last month of pregnancy. She also had Alison at her side nearly day and night. They had bonded in a new way as they shared their pregnancies. Crowe was a disaster, but never let his true feelings show in front of Alison. He didn't want to upset her, fearful if he did, he would somehow hurt her or the baby. He spent many nights sitting up with me discussing his fears, having a drink or two just to calm his nerves, and simply just needing advice how to best support Alison and be a good father when the baby arrived. He desperately wanted to be better than his own father was.
At the annual cricket match, even though Charlotte and perhaps even Alison wished to play, they sat under an umbrella enjoying the day and cheering us on. We lost to the laborers and I decided the only reason we lost was because we didn't have Charlotte to help us win. She enjoyed hearing this and hoped she may be able to play in the next game.
Right before the annual regatta, I got word that there was trouble in London with my business. As much as I hated leaving Charlotte so close to her delivery, I had to go figure out what was going on. I felt confident she was in good hands during my absence. I promised her I would be back as quickly as I could. My hope was it would only take a couple days to figure out what was going on and fix the problem.
I decided to take Arthur with me as he wished to visit friends in London, and Georgiana asked if she could go too. I had no doubt her motivation for going to London had to do with seeking out information about Otis. She had still not heard from him even though she sent a letter to him almost daily. Charlotte and I talked frequently about our wish for someone new to come along and interest her. At least then we wouldn't have to watch her suffer from the rejection of Otis not returning her letters.
"Do you suppose there will be any parties for us to attend?" Arthur asked as the carriage made its way to London. "It's been ages since I've attended a London party. I do hope so."
"I'm not planning to stay long, if I can help it," I announced. "I don't plan to attend any parties and will be returning to my wife as soon as possible."
"Just because you plan to return, doesn't mean I have to. I have no one to return to," Arthur said.
"Whatever happened to the maid you were interested in?" I asked. Georgiana's interest peaked in the conversation.
He sighed and looked out the window. "I came to the conclusion I was not attracted to her for her beauty or her personality. I was merely interested in her baking skills. She kept me well fed and my home well cleaned. I'm not sure I will ever be interested in the ladies. It's just not my style."
His words made me question his meaning, but I didn't press the subject any further. I decided his life was his own. He didn't need me meddling in his personal affairs.
We arrived in London in the early evening. The carriage pulled up in front of our London home and a servant hopped off the carriage to open the door for us and collect our bags to bring inside. We settled in for the evening and at first light, I made arrangements for the carriage to take me to the docks.
"Can I come with you?" Georgiana asked.
"I suppose so," I said, agreeing to let her come along.
We made our way to the docks and met with my trusted business overseer, Mr. Gregory to discuss the issues we were having. With so many ships coming in and out of Europe, we weren't getting many jobs anymore. My business relied on my ships being chartered to carry goods from one place to another. With so many other people doing the same, my business was hurting. "We will need to find a way to entice businesses to believe our ships are better suited for their goods. How we do that, I do not know. But there must be a way."
"Believe me, sir, I have been trying everything I can to keep the companies we already work with as clients. It's a competitive world out there in the sea. So many companies are going with the cheapest options rather than the most reliable. I believe we have proven our reliability, however, cost wise, we are still higher than most."
I sighed, thinking on this. Could we afford to cut costs merely to keep our clients happy? "How much would we need to cut?" I wondered.
"Nearly half," he explained.
"Half?" I shouted. "That's not possible. How are these other shipping companies able to afford such a cut?" I wondered.
"I've been trying my best to find out their secret. I'm struggling to find any rhyme or reason to it," Mr. Gregory explained.
I grumbled, trying to run numbers in my head. We wouldn't be able to cut the price by half, but we could potentially cut the cost by ten percent. We would have to hope our current costumers would be satisfied. In the meantime, I would have to do my own research on figuring out what the secret to these other shipping companies was.
"Excuse me, Mr. Gregory?" Georgiana cut in. "I'm hopeful you may have some word on the whereabouts of Otis Molyneux?"
"I'm afraid not. Last I heard he was on a naval ship in the middle of the ocean. It's a grueling training they go through. I wouldn't expect to hear anything from him for at least a year while he is in training."
"It's been nearly a year already. Shouldn't he be returning soon?" she wondered.
"It's hard to say. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't."
She sighed defeatedly but thanked the man anyway and left yet another letter for him to give to Otis as soon as he heard word of his return.
Georgiana and I walked slowly along the docks. "Do you wish to go shopping while we are here?" I asked her. She shook her head, looking sad. "You might feel better doing something fun. Perhaps we could catch a show at the theatre? Arthur may enjoy a show as well."
"If you wish me to go, I'll go. But I honestly have little interest in doing anything right now."
I felt just as defeated as she did. As much as I tried to do right by her, she still had a bitterness towards me.
"Well if it isn't Sidney Parker," a man called out. I stopped and turned towards the voice. The familiar face of Mr. Davidson, my acquaintance from Antigua, walked towards me with a huge grin on his face. "You are a hard man to track down. I expected you to be in Antigua months ago. Then I hear from your fiancé that you had a last-minute unexpected family matter to attend to and she was sent in your place."
"Mr. Davidson, I'm quite confused. Who did you speak to in my absence?"
"An Eliza Campion. She explained everything and advised me to come to London to seek you out instead of waiting for you to come to Antigua. We lost touch once the ship docked here in London."
"I'm afraid you are mistaken. Eliza Campion is not my fiancé, nor am I connected to her in any way. My wife, Charlotte, lives in Sanditon, half a day's journey from here. She's expecting our first child."
"I see," he said, confused by the information. "No matter. I still came to seek you out and offer you a business proposition."
"Shall we, perhaps, have something to eat while we discuss the terms?" he offered. With my shipping business hurting, the thought of a new business adventure sounded appealing.
"Of course." He eyed Georgiana who stood next to me. "Forgive me. This is Georgiana Lambe. You may remember her father who lived in Antigua."
"I do remember Mr. Lambe. I'm surprised to see her with you, of all people," he pointed out.
"How so?" I asked.
"Given what happened. I thought you gave up slavery?" he asked.
I glanced towards Georgiana, who was beginning to catch on to his meaning. "I am no slave," she snapped. "I am an heiress to a fortune."
"Georgiana!" I warned. This was not the type of man you mention your fortune to. She looked at me angrily, but I hoped she understood my silent warning.
"I see," he said, intrigued by the news. "Well, shall we?" As interested as I was in a new business adventure, there was something about the man that made me uneasy. I didn't know him well, but we were acquainted while I was in Antigua.
We stepped inside a hotel dining hall and were seated near a window. Georgiana was gawked at by everyone in the hotel. I could sense the anger building inside of her. I almost wished I put her on the carriage and sent her back to the house.
We ordered drinks and got comfortable. "Tell me. What is this new business you have in mind?"
"Perhaps not something we should discuss in front of the lady," he said. Once again, Georgiana got angry.
"I'll leave you to it then," she said, standing from the table and walking a distance away to look out a large window overlooking the water and the ships coming into the docks.
"What is your connection to Miss Lambe?" he asked once she was away from us.
"Mr. Lambe appointed me her guardian upon his untimely death," I explained.
"Yes, I… I did hear about what happened. Tragic accident."
"Accident?" I scoffed. "I don't believe it was an accident."
He smirked. "No reason to talk badly of the deceased. Let's discuss business."
"Yes, let's." My frustration with the man was growing by the minute. If his proposition wasn't foolproof, I had no interest in speaking to the man again. I wondered if his attitude towards Georgiana, was how I was once perceived by others.
"You have ship, yes?" he asked.
"I do. My ships are chartered by companies wishing to trade and sell goods to other countries."
"Excellent!" he said. "If you agree, your crews will set sail with these goods like normal, then make a detour and collect another type of goods to be brought to other lands. The profits on these goods is excellent and the demand is high."
I took a large swig of my drink, thinking there had to be a catch. "What sort of goods are we talking here?" I asked.
He looked around, making sure no one was listening and leaned in to whisper the words. "Slaves. There are hundreds of them being shipped all over the world. Antigua, the Americas, even some British areas under secret pretenses."
"This is illegal," I said.
He tossed his head to one side, raising his hands as if he was weighing the legality of it. "It's a gray area. Most shipping companies are taking part in this and it's overlooked by the governments in every nation. It's not necessarily legal, but no one ever gets in trouble for doing it."
"I won't take part in it," I said.
"Mr. Parker, now is the time to strike on this new adventure. You will be buried if you don't enlist your ships for the cause. Mrs. Eliza Campion has already assured me you would be in agreement."
I took a deep breath trying to find the right words, without blowing up on this man. "Do you see that young girl there?" I asked, pointing to Georgiana. "She has had to grow up without either of her parents because of the revolting practice of slave trading. I have to live with the guilt every day because I wasn't able to save her father from his fate for doing the right thing and freeing his slaves. I do not agree with slavery, nor will I be a part of anything to do with slavery. Whatever Mrs. Campion told you was all lies. Mark my words, I will do everything in my power to bring your surreptitious operation down. Excuse me!" In haste, I got up from my seat and walked towards Georgiana. I grabbed her arm, slightly too rough and pulled her towards the door.
"What happened?" she wondered, once we were outside.
I was still angry and could barely speak. "I was propositioned to partake in slave trade. I will not have anything to do with it."
"He asked you to help him in slave trade?" she asked, shocked by the news. "How could he?"
"Trust me, Georgiana. I will do everything in my power to stop this." Now it made perfect sense why these shipping companies were able to charge near to nothing for chartering. They were making their fortunes in another way. How I would go about shutting these illegal slave trade ships down, was an impossible feat, but I had to find a way.
I talked to multiple people over the next few days trying to get feedback about what they knew of the operation and if I could gather enough people on my side to help shut it down. I even spoke with Lady Worcester who had a direct line to the Prince Regent. Hardly anyone was interested in helping me, which made me even more angry. Even Babington suggested I let it go. I couldn't.
Feeling entirely defeated, Georgiana and I arranged to return to Sanditon. "Sidney," Georgiana began. "If I had access to my fortune, I could buy slaves and then free them."
"I won't let you waste your fortune like that. We need to find a way to shut down the operation all together. I won't give up. We will find a way," I promised.
"I don't see it as wasting my fortune. I see it as doing good for others. For a cause that means a great deal to me."
"Even if I wanted to, I can't touch your fortune, nor can you until you turn twenty-one or until you marry."
"There has to be a way around that," she said.
I sighed. "Right now, I just want to get home to Charlotte. I have been in London longer than I anticipated. We can discuss this later."
We boarded the carriage for home and slowly made out way through the streets. Georgiana was silent as she stared out the window. I spent the quiet of the ride thinking on what I had discovered and what could potentially be done. My only hope was the Prince Regent would listen to Lady Worcester and potentially do something about it.
When we arrived back in Sanditon, Charlotte was a welcome sight. I clung to her like my life depended on it. She sensed my agony and suggested we go for a walk. As much as a walk was troubling to her aching pregnant body, she still went with me. I explained everything that had happened and everything I tried to do. How Georgiana once again resented me for not doing more. I was out of options on what else I could do. Charlotte calmed me with her comforting touches and words.
"You know I support you and we will find a way to put an end to this. We will find someone who has some power to make a difference," she said. I nodded my head in agreement.
"I shouldn't burden you with all my troubles," I said, realizing how selfish I was for unloading on her in her condition.
"Nonsense," she said with a giggle. "This is what a marriage is about. We support each other in our worst times. I will always support you."
I placed my hand on her stomach, rubbing across the bump. "How is our child?" I asked.
She smiled and placed her hand on mine. "Getting rambunctious. I can barely sleep anymore with how active this baby of ours is. I will be thankful when all this is over, and I can hold our child in my arms."
I sighed, thinking on it. How easy our child's life will be compared to those of color.
I found it harder to sleep at night, thinking on what I knew. Thankfully, I normally found Crowe sitting up at night and talked with him quite regularly. He was in full support of helping me to put a stop to the illegal slave trading operations going on. We just needed to find a way to go about it. Neither of us had any good ideas.
On a rather quiet day, there was a knock at the door. Charlotte and I sat in the drawing room alone while everyone else was out for the day. Mr. Molyneux was ushered into the room by a servant.
"Mr. Molyneux," Charlotte greeted, standing to her feet rather awkwardly.
"Miss Heywood," he said, removing his hat and nervously twisting it in his hands. He was dressed in a naval uniform and stood tall and proper. I stood to my feet and walked to Charlotte's side.
"It's Mrs. Parker now," Charlotte corrected, rubbing her hand across her protruding stomach.
He glanced at her stomach briefly, before looking back towards me. "Right," he said.
"What can we do for you, Mr. Molyneux?" I asked.
"I was hoping to see Georgiana. I was told she was here. I have been away on a Navy ship, training for the service. I have grown a lot in the last year. I haven't gambled one time, even given the opportunity. I have bettered myself and my position in hopes to come back here and be given permission to marry Georgiana," he said nervously. "If she'll still have me, that is. My affection for her has not changed, nor will it. I would like to think you may be a more reasonable man and consider me a suitable option for Georgiana."
A part of me still didn't trust the man. I wasn't sure I ever would. He and Georgiana would suspect and accuse me of not trusting him or not finding him a suitable match because of his skin color, which wasn't true. Charlotte would be the only one who would understand where I was coming from. "When she is twenty-one, she is free to marry who she pleases," I announced.
As soon as the words left my mouth, Georgiana and Alison came walking into the room. Georgiana stopped in her tracks, stunned by the sight of him. As soon as Otis spoke her name and gave her a smile, she ran to him for a passionate and emotional embrace. I grumbled at the sight of them.
"A word," Charlotte said, pulling me out of the room and into another. I huffed and stared at her expectantly. "You have to give them permission to marry."
"I don't have to do anything of the sort," I shouted. "I still don't trust him. He's after her fortune, I know it. He will end up hurting her if she marries him."
"She will marry him despite how you feel about him. If she has to wait another year to turn twenty-one, she will. But the only thing that will come of that will be more resentment towards you and we will lose her forever. At least if you give her permission now, we may still have some contact and be able to oversee she is well taken care of. You have to look at this rationally instead of emotionally. I know you don't trust him, but he needs to be given a chance."
"I'm not giving him a chance if I agree to let them marry. Once they marry, there's no getting out of it if he fails to provide for her. Do you not understand how this could ruin her life?" I said angrily. "He could take off with her fortune and leave her a ruined woman. Is that what you want for her?"
"Of course, it's not. But I don't believe he would do such a thing. I believe he is more honorable than you give him credit for. If you would look past your own fear and truly see how much they love each other, you may just see some similarities between them and us."
She was right. She was always right. I sighed and placed my hands on my hips. She looked up at me with a determination in her eyes. She wasn't about to back down. "Would it be so terrible to ask them to wait a year?" I wondered.
"You can try. But if they wish to marry now, you have to give your permission. She is not going to get over him, much like I couldn't get over you. He too, clearly won't be able to let her go, no matter what obstacles stand in his way, much like you for me. They love each other. You have to see that."
"I just don't want her to end up hurt."
"I have a thought on how to prevent this," she said.
"What did you have in mind?" I asked curiously.
She smiled and took my hand in hers to lead me back into the drawing room. "Mr. Molyneux, Mr. Parker and I have spoken and have a proposition for you. Given Georgiana's fortune, we would like to know what your intentions are with it?"
"I don't have any intentions for it. I don't rightly care about the fortune. I just wish to have Georgiana," he said. Charlotte looked towards me with a knowing expression. He could say all kinds of things, it still didn't mean much.
"Would you be willing to sign a contract stating you won't touch Georgiana's inheritance?" Charlotte asked.
"I don't understand," Mr. Molyneux said.
"When I inherited Lady Denham's fortune, Sidney refused to touch any of it. He kept the entirety of the fortune in my name instead of taking claim of it merely because we were married. Would you be willing to do the same?" she asked.
Everyone in the room stared at him expectantly. He glanced around the room before fixating his eyes on Georgiana. "If it means we can marry, I will sign whatever contract you wish me to sign. I don't want the money. I just want Georgiana."
"It's settled then. Right Mr. Parker?" Charlotte asked pointedly.
I sighed frustratedly. "Right," I agreed through gritted teeth.
Georgiana hugged Otis and grinned excitedly from ear to ear. I still wasn't sure I could trust him, but Charlotte seemed to think we could. I hoped she was right.
Two weeks later, the solicitor came and had papers drawn up stating Otis would not have access to Georgiana's fortune without written consent from her. He signed the document willingly and a copy was given to both Georgiana and me as her guardian. Days later, Georgiana and Otis were married in an outdoor ceremony at Sanditon House. I still wasn't happy, but I bit my tongue and shook the man's hand and gave Georgiana a hug congratulating them. Charlotte stood by me, doing her best to reassure me I had done the right thing. There was one good thing that came out of the union. Georgiana had never smiled so much in all the years I had known her. If nothing else, she was truly happy, even if it did end up being short lived. I prayed I was wrong. After a short visit to London, they returned to Sanditon House, which I was thankful for. At least being here I could oversee Georgiana's safety.
As time for Charlotte to deliver the baby got closer, everyone in the house was on high alert. Charlotte spent most of her days in bed resting or relaxing in a chair in the drawing room. She didn't wish to move much and seemed extra tired. I did all I could to make her more comfortable. Anxious would be an understatement for how I was feeling.
"Is there anything I can get you?" I asked in the evening hours. Charlotte laid in bed, nearly asleep after a long, hot day. Charlotte's mother stayed by her side, saying the time was getting close. I was thankful her mother was here with us. A woman familiar with labor and birth as well as a comfort for Charlotte was exactly what she needed; what we both needed.
"Will you just stay with me? Hold me?" she asked, reaching for my hand. I took her hand and crawled onto the bed with her.
"I'll leave you two alone," Mrs. Heywood said with a smile. Once she was out of the room and had shut the door, I curled up next to Charlotte and pulled her close to me, her back flush against my chest. My hand rested against her stomach. I felt the baby moving around inside of her as Charlotte grimaced.
"We still have not decided on names yet," Charlotte whispered, rubbing my hand with hers.
"I think we've decided on a boy name, just not a girl name," I reminded.
"I had a thought on a girl name."
"Did you?" I said, snuggling up closer to her and breathing in her sweet scent.
"I was going through some of Lady Denham's papers the other day. In all the time I knew her, no one ever spoke her Christian name. She preferred the formal Lady Denham title. Do you know what her first name was?" she asked.
I thought on it for a moment and came to the conclusion I didn't. "I'm sure you are about to tell me," I chuckled. "I take it you want to name a daughter after her?"
"It only seems fair. Lady Denham would be so proud, and she's done so much for us. Her given name was Lavinia. Don't you find it to be a beautiful name?"
"Lavina?" I repeated. "Sounds like a perfect name for a daughter."
Charlotte hummed in agreement. I could sense her smile without even looking at her. Within moments, Charlotte was asleep. I fell asleep shortly after her, feeling thankful just being with her.
Two days past, and still no baby. Charlotte's mother insisted the time was close. However, every day of waiting seemed like a lifetime. Charlotte was miserable in the heat. I enlisted Charlotte's young sisters who accompanied their mother to wave fans across her. Charlotte was ever thankful for their help. Crowe and Alison spent many days overseeing the building of their new home not far from us. There were new buildings going up all around us with the help of Lord Grasmere and the successful season in Sanditon. I, too, had a small building project going up deep in the woods not far from the main house. Charlotte's cabin was coming together. I couldn't wait to surprise her with it.
Late in the night, I was awoken to a grimacing sound. I reached for Charlotte in the bed and found her gone. I quickly sat up and found Charlotte pacing the floor, rubbing her stomach. "Charlotte?" I questioned with concern.
She smiled to reassure me. "I'm fine. I just felt a slight pain. Walking seems to help ease it."
I crawled out of the bed and walked to her. I placed my hand at her back and rubbed her stomach with the other, kissing her forehead in an attempt to soothe her. "Want me to walk with you?" I offered. She grinned happily and nodded her head. We walked out into the hall and began walking up and down the long hallway rather slowly. At one point, the pain hit her so hard, she nearly fell and had to lean against the wall. I held her tightly, not letting her fall. "Charlotte, this doesn't seem right. Do you think it's time?"
"Perhaps it is," she said through clenched teeth. "Will you get my mother?" I helped her back to the bedroom and sat her down on the bed before running down the hallway and banging on Mrs. Heywood's door. The entire household was awoken from my sudden outburst. Charlotte's mother ran to the bedroom to look her over. I stood in the doorway, more panicked than ever. I had nearly forgotten how to breathe. Mrs. Heywood turned towards me and nodded her head. I hadn't noticed everyone else standing in the doorway peeking in, until there was an exuberant cheer coming from behind me. Alison pushed her way around me to enter the room for support and help to their mother. There was a pat on the shoulder from Crowe who tried to steer me away from the room. I stood unmoving in the doorway. I couldn't leave her. I shrugged Crowe's hand away and walked into the room. Charlotte noticed me coming towards her and reached for my hand. "Sidney, stay with me?" she asked, breathing heavily as another pain hit her.
"Always," I assured, gripping her hand tightly and sitting on the bed with her. Charlotte's mother and sister eyed me curiously, but nothing either of them said was going to make me leave.
Through the night, Charlotte continued to be in agony. All I could do was hold her and try my best to give her some sort of comfort. She rested her head against my shoulder as I sat behind her to support her. With every pain that hit Charlotte, I forgot how to breathe and had to remind myself to breathe again once the pain was over.
"She's getting close," her mother said excitedly. I found myself taking deep breaths along with Charlotte as the anticipation overcame me. Charlotte's tormented cries, I was sure, echoed through the house. She was in so much agony, tears sprung to my eyes feeling helpless to do anything to stop the pain. "Charlotte, you need to push now. It's time." With all her strength, Charlotte pushed. She gripped onto my hand, using me for support. All I could do was continue to encourage her with my words and give her sweet, reassuring kisses against her clammy forehead. "Again, Charlotte. You're doing great." Charlotte pushed again and again to the point I didn't think she had any more strength left to push again. With one last push, the baby emerged and laid across the bed. Charlotte's mother cleaned it off and wrapped the baby in a cloth. Charlotte, breathless and exhausted leaned her head back against me.
"Is it alright?" I asked, hearing the sweet sound of a baby cry. A wave of relief rushed over me when I heard that cry.
"She's perfectly well," Mrs. Heywood assured. "You have a daughter."
Charlotte rose her head and looked at the baby for the first time. "Let me have her," she said breathlessly, reaching out her arms. Charlotte's mother gently placed the baby in Charlotte's arms. Charlotte was overwhelmed with joy, as was I. She was the most perfect baby I had ever seen. She looked so much like Charlotte. I was in love even more than I ever thought was possible.
"She's beautiful," I whispered, softly touching our daughter's head with my fingertips.
"Lavinia Rose. That's what I've decided to name her," Charlotte whispered, turning towards me with a happy smile on her face. I couldn't help but kiss her lips in that moment of absolute contentment.
NOTES: Only one chapter left, I think. This has been such a fun continuation to write. Hopefully we will get the news of a second season soon and will see where Mr. Davies had planned to take the story. I still have faith it'll happen. I have been posting this story over on Archive of Our Own (AO3) where the Sanditon fandom is very active. I've started writing a couple Sidney/Charlotte alternate universe, modern stories and posting them there. One story is Sidney as a cowboy and another where he's a fireman. Both of these were pretty much requests from fandom twitter friends. I don't think I plan to post these stories here, but if you want to read them you can find them on Archive of Our Own under the same pen-name. Also, if you haven't joined twitter yet or have but you haven't started following me, please do so and let's discuss future stories ( graffiti4). I'm always up for suggestions and talk about Sanditon.