Chapter 9

Sidney's heart thumped in his chest as he approached Tom and Mary in the parlor. It had only been thirty minutes since his meeting with Lady Worcester, but the more time passed, the more hopeful he became about the prospect of the Prince Regent's funding and how it may impact his impending wedding.

"Ah, Sidney. There you are," Tom said. "We were just wondering if you going to make it back in time for our excursion."

"Hello, Tom, Mary. Tom, may I speak with you for a moment?" Sidney answered, trying to hold his composure.

"Yes, of course," Tom said, exchanging curious glances with Mary. He followed Sidney into the front hall.

"Tom, I have it on good word that the Prince Regent wishes to invest in Sanditon."

Tom's mouth made the shape of an "O". "What? The Prince Regent? Are you sure?" he questioned in amazement.

"Yes, I am sure."

"Is that what your meeting was about?"

Sidney hesitated, remembering Lady Worcester's warning to him. "In a manner of speaking, yes. Some of the contacts I made while in London a few weeks ago seem to be working in our favor." Sidney had not told Tom he had called on Lady Worcester and was unable to meet with her, so there was no means to connect her to the Prince Regent's sudden interest in Sanditon.

"Why, Sidney, that's…that's fantastic news!"

"The Prince Regent is sending a financier, Lord Fairchild, to meet with us at two o'clock. We will unfortunately have to miss the tour of the city."

"That's quite all right. I can see London any time. And I will enjoy myself much more if Sanditon has another investor, especially one as prominent as the Prince Regent. Sidney, you have outdone yourself!"

"Well, do not thank me yet, Tom. We must have the meeting first. There could be terms of the agreement that we would need to abide by—"

"I will do whatever is needed to secure the Prince Regent's funding," Tom said. "Sidney, you…you have truly been a godsend. I do not believe I would have survived the tragedy of the fire without you."

"Tom—" Sidney wanted to steer away from the emotion Tom was effusing. He loved his brother, but the overt words of affection were uncomfortable for him.

"No, I am serious, Sidney. You have supported me in my endeavor to make Sanditon a destination for London's finest. Just imagine: with your marriage to Mrs. Campion, Lady Denham's investment, and the Prince Regent, Sanditon will be everything I've dreamed of. And more!" Tom clapped Sidney on the back, grinning madly.

Sidney bristled at the mention of marriage to Mrs. Campion but kept silent.

"I shall wait until we talk to Lord Fairchild before telling Mary," Tom said.

"I agree. That would be best."

"Wonderful. Sidney, thank you again." Tom and Sidney walked back into the parlor as Mary looked up expectantly.

"Is everything all right, Tom?" she asked.

"Yes, Mary. I'm afraid Sidney and I will miss today's excursion. He needs my assistance on the business matter he spoke of earlier."

Mary looked bewildered, then concerned. "Well, all right. But Arthur and Diana will be disappointed. Mrs. Campion, too." Mary sent a cautionary glance towards Sidney.

"Do not worry about Mrs. Campion," Sidney said. "I will ensure she understands."

The doorbell rang and Sidney heard Mrs. Campion say hello to the butler. A moment later, she was standing next to him. "Good day, Sidney. Mary, Tom."

"Good day," Tom and Mary replied in unison.

"Well, is everyone ready to see London? It is a delightful day. Where are Arthur and Diana?"

"Upstairs with the children," Mary said. "Let me get them."

"Yes, please do. I want everyone here for the exciting news I have to share." Mrs. Campion smiled at Sidney as Mary hurried past. Mary called Arthur and Diana from the bottom of the staircase and moments later, they both came hurrying down.

"What is this exciting news, Eliza?" Sidney asked. Mary had rejoined Tom and now Arthur and Diana were within earshot.

"Lady Susan Worcester is hosting a dinner to celebrate our engagement. It will be at her home tomorrow evening and all the Parkers are invited."

Sidney felt as if he had taken a right hook to the jaw. A dinner at Lady Worcester's home to celebrate his engagement? Tomorrow? The noblewoman had mentioned nothing of the sort during their meeting. He cleared his throat to swallow the rising discomfort.

"When did this come about?" he said.

"This morning. I saw her at the jeweler's. She apologized for the invitation being so late. Apparently, she has been in Venice for the past few weeks. I cannot tell you what an honor this is, Sidney. Lady Worcester is the crème de la crème of London society. She does not entertain often, but when she does, I've heard they are most spectacular events!"

"That sounds simply wonderful!" Arthur exclaimed. He and Diana smiled broadly.

"Yes, it does," Tom said. "Lady Worcester visited Sanditon for the regatta and this might be a perfect opportunity to invite her again."

"Tom!" Mary chastised. "The woman is inviting us to her home to celebrate Sidney and Eliza. I hardly think it will be the time to proposition her about Sanditon."

"There is never a bad time to proposition a member of the beau monde about Sanditon, my dear," Tom retorted. "It's called advertising."

"Oh, and I suppose Miss Heywood will be there," Mrs. Campion continued.

"Charlotte?" Mary asked.

"Yes, she is visiting Lady Worcester. She was present with her at the jewelry shop. Were you not aware?"

"Why, no," Mary said, stupefied. "I have exchanged letters with Charlotte, but she mentioned nothing about traveling to London."

"Mmm, perhaps it was a sudden trip. She said she only arrived yesterday."

Sidney struggled to stay on his feet. Charlotte was here. In London. Visiting Lady Worcester. Again, the noblewoman had said nothing in reference to this. Nothing at all.

"Are…are you sure it was Miss Heywood?" he managed to say haltingly.

"Oh, quite sure," Mrs. Campion replied. "I am truly shocked she didn't tell any of you. She spent the summer with you, did she not?"

"Yes," Mary said. She had seen the color drain from Sidney's face and wanted to change the subject as quickly as possible. "Perhaps it was as you said, Eliza. A sudden decision. Anyhow, it will be lovely to see her again."

Mrs. Campion smiled but did not respond. She turned to Sidney, who despite his best efforts, was pale as a ghost. "Well, Sidney, shall we go?"

"Uh, Tom and I won't be attending," Sidney said.

"Why not?" Mrs. Campion's tone was now sharp like broken glass.

"I need Tom for the business matter that arose this morning."

"Sidney, we have been planning this for weeks. Can your work not wait for one day?"

"I'm afraid not. It is rather urgent."

Mrs. Campion pressed her lips together in frustration and inhaled deeply. "Very well. Our carriages await."

Mary, Arthur, and Diana headed for the door, with Arthur and Diana chattering about the dinner at Lady Worcester's and seeing Miss Heywood again. Mary looked at Sidney sympathetically as she passed. She did not know how Charlotte came to be in London and why her presence was not known until now. But Mary knew it must have come as a terrible shock to Sidney. She wished she could do something to ease his suffering.

Mrs. Campion waited until the group was outside before turning back to Sidney. "Are you sure you did not know Miss Heywood was in town?" she asked in a low voice.

Sidney's face contorted at the accusation. "No, how could I possibly know such a thing?"

"I find it rather interesting that she arrived the week of our wedding. The timing seems…peculiar. Don't you agree?"

"I am not privy to Miss Heywood's mind. I have not spoken to her since before she left Sanditon."

"Hmm, I see. I would think if she were to tell anyone she was visiting London, it might be you." Mrs. Campion stared at Sidney, her words weighted with a charge he did not fancy. He had had no idea Charlotte was in London or why she was in London. There had been absolutely no correspondence between them. It was certainly not because he did not want to hear from her. There were moments where he believed he would give his right leg to receive a letter from her, to see her script across the page, to trace where her hand had been with his own. But he had not indulged in such fantasies nor would he. Sidney had built a reputation on honor and respect, as a businessman and as a person. He would not jeopardize that, even for the woman he so dearly loved.

Mrs. Campion left a moment later, and he gripped the back of the settee for support. The fact of Charlotte being mere miles away from him made his head swim. But he couldn't think of her now. He had to focus on the meeting with Lord Fairchild. He had to ensure Tom would run a solvent operation from this point forward.

"It has been quite the afternoon already," Tom said, offering Sidney a drink and pouring one for himself. "Dinner at Lady Worcester's tomorrow. Charlotte being in town. There's no imagining what is left to unfold."

Sidney quaffed his drink in one swallow and held his out glass to Tom for another. "Yes, indeed," he said. He checked the time. Lord Fairchild would arrive in three quarters of an hour. "I shall have tea and food prepared for Lord Fairchild. We want to appear as hospitable as possible."

"Yes, yes, and I shall get my architectural plans for Sanditon. I thought it would be best to bring them to London. The possibility of meeting someone at the wedding who might have interest was too great for me to leave them at home. It's much easier to explain the vision I have for Sanditon with the drawings, you know. Sometimes people just aren't able to see the potential in an old fishing village. I shall also check on the children upstairs. They should be napping but I want to be sure the nanny knows we are not to be disturbed."

The men parted and Sidney busied himself with instructing the housekeeper and setting out ink and a pen in the event of a contract signing. As he set the items in the parlor, he realized his hands were moist from sweat. He was nervous to a degree that he had not been since walking along the clifftops with Charlotte. He had so badly wanted to be alone with her. He had so desperately needed to know if he had made a fool of himself the night of regatta, when he told her she made him a better man. When she told him she much preferred walking with him to returning to town for her dress fitting, he nearly tripped over his feet in relief. He had worried that he had driven her away, first from his boorish behavior toward her and second from mistakenly believing he could recreate the past with Mrs. Campion. But Charlotte had forgiven him and provided him with another opportunity to be a proper suitor. He could think of no better way to express how he felt about her than to show her. At first, he wondered if she would allow him to kiss her. Should he ask her permission? He did not want to assume and take something she did not wish to give. But he found himself speechless, looking into the depths of her eyes, and all he could manage was her Christian name. It came from his lips as an offering. Everything he was, belonged to her. To his joy, she accepted. She answered "yes." They kissed, with the wind from the sea nearly carrying them both away. Sidney could not remember the last time he had felt such ecstasy. He thought he would just kiss her once and it would be enough. It wasn't. She yielded to him, pressing her body against his and he enfolded her in his arms to bring her closer as their lips met again and again. It was only because he felt himself yearn to kiss other parts of her body—the dimple in her chin, the heavenly column of her neck—that he slowly pulled himself away. The last thing he wanted was to defile her or embarrass her in any way. He kissed her forehead and the hand that had been resting on his shoulder.

"There will be another time," he said. "Soon." He had decided to propose, because she loved him and accepted him, and he had not felt this at peace in his entire life. He had walked away from Charlotte once and was not about to repeat the error. He would have proposed right there, but he thought the Midsummer Ball would be more appropriate. A proposal on the balcony, where their relationship took its first steps. He wanted to provide her with a beautiful memory of being on that balcony, rather than the one of him berating her for no reason other than his own fear and belligerence. If he had been honest with himself then, he would have admitted he believed she was the loveliest woman he had ever seen. He wasn't offended by her. He was intrigued by her. He desired to see the world through her eyes, to hear her observations and opinions, to talk with her about things such as why seashells were different shapes and colors. But honesty would have meant opening the door to his heart, a door that had been closed many years before. He wasn't ready. So, he lashed out and hurt her, a regret he had been carrying for the whole of summer. Yes, a proposal on the balcony was most fitting. Their journey had brought them in a full circle.

Charlotte had looked at him, her rounded face flush from the contact, and nodded. His fingertips brushed the curve of her cheek and they made their way down the cliff, hand in hand. Sidney's life was beginning anew. And yet, circumstances beyond their control intervened. Sidney wiped his hands on his breeches, struggling to not remember those circumstances. But he heard his brother's footsteps descending the stairs, his reminder in the flesh.

"The children are sleeping and once they wake, the nanny knows to not allow them downstairs until I give the word," Tom said.

"Good. Everything here is ready." The housekeeper had set out the tea and a few edibles on a side table. The doorbell chimed and Sidney looked at Tom expectantly as a booming man's voice filled the hall.

Lord Fairchild made his entrance into the parlor. He was a robust man, slightly shorter than Sidney with straight, reddish hair graying above the ears. His gray eyes searched the room from ceiling to floor as he familiarized himself with his surroundings and walked around with chest puffed out as if he owned the house.

"The Misters Parker," Lord Fairchild said.

"Yes, I am Tom Parker and this is my brother, Sidney. It is an honor to meet Your Lordship."

The three men shook hands. Sidney noted that Lord Fairchild's grip was crushingly strong.

"Would you care for some tea or something to eat?" Sidney asked.

"No, no, though it is appreciated. I'm much too busy today, so let's get down to business, shall we? As you know, I represent the Prince Regent. He is prepared to make you an offer to support this…Sanditon. God only knows why—there are enough resorts on the coast already—but that is none of my concern. My understanding is there is an immediate need for financing to repair a terrace."

"Yes," Tom said. "We had an unfortunate fire. The terrace was going to be the next stage in Sanditon's development. Visitors could rent and stay for a week, or a month. I was even planning options for purchase. But without the terrace, there isn't sufficient lodging and our prospects for long-term visitors have suffered."

"And the amount to repair the terrace is eighty thousand pounds, correct?"

"Yes." Tom held his hands behind his back to keep from wringing them. Lord Fairchild's curtness was off-putting.

"The Prince Regent will give you the eighty thousand pounds and an additional one hundred thousand pounds beginning this year for the next five years. Sanditon should be profitable by then. After five years, the Prince Regent will review the financials and assess if further investment is needed." Lord Fairchild's boots were making large circles as he walked.

"An additional one hundred thousand pounds?" Tom was flabbergasted. "My God, that is incredible."

Sidney shared his astonishment but kept his feelings to himself.

"There are conditions," Lord Fairchild continued.

"Why, yes, yes, of course," Tom concurred.

"All decisions regarding Sanditon will be under my purview. The finances, the insurance, the building plans, the laborers, everything. No decision will be made without my approval."

Tom shifted on his feet. "Well, that would mean I am no longer in control of Sanditon."

"That is correct. You will work for me as a business developer and liaison. Your sole responsibility will be to bring new businesses and visitors to Sanditon."

Tom looked helplessly at Sidney. "But, Lord Fairchild, as gracious as this offer is, perhaps we can negotiate. You see, Sanditon has been a dream of mine and it would be very difficult—"

"Mr. Parker," Lord Fairchild interrupted, stopping his pacing for a moment. "With all due respect, this is an investment for the Prince Regent. It is not charity. And you have not proven yourself to be a capable businessman. How does one build a terrace without the proper insurance coverage? The Prince Regent will not have his money go up in smoke, as it were."

"But, Your Lordship—"

Sidney grabbed Tom by the arm. "Tom, what are you doing?" he said harshly in his brother's ear. "The Prince Regent is offering you an incredible amount of money. Sanditon will be financially sound for years to come."

Tom pulled his arm free. "But I have no say as to how that happens. Sidney, I have worked for years to bring Sanditon to life and now it is being torn away from me."

"Lord Fairchild, would you excuse us for a moment, please?" Sidney grabbed Tom's arm again and dragged him into the dining room. "What the hell are you doing, Tom?"

"What do you mean, what am I doing? I am trying to save my dream. You heard him: I will control nothing. He could come in and change everything. He probably will change everything just because. 'God only knows why. This Sanditon.' He's making a mockery of it. He doesn't understand what it means to me. What it means to the Parker family."

"Tom, you're not thinking clearly. This is an opportunity. Perhaps the reason you haven't been able to focus on the details is because there are too many of them. The architecture, the laborers, the finances. It is a great burden to ensure all of these aspects are done properly. With Lord Fairchild in charge, you can focus on a small part of Sanditon. You'll be able to spend more time with Mary and the children—"

"You're making excuses," Tom spat. "This is my dream, Sidney. A hundred years from now, I want people to know that I created Sanditon. That the Parkers were pioneering people. Have you ever had a dream? Have you ever wanted a legacy? No, of course you haven't. You've spent the greater part of ten years, roaming the world, drinking and carousing, in the name of nursing a broken heart, when I've been in Sanditon, turning dust into a diamond."

Sidney's jaw tightened with anger. His brother was being beyond unreasonable. "There is no need to be insulting, Tom."

"I am going to tell him no," Tom said, ignoring Sidney. "We have enough money. Between Lady Denham's investment and your marriage, Sanditon will have a solid foundation. The Prince Regent can confiscate someone else's enterprise."

"You will do no such thing." Sidney's hands clenched Tom's vest and he stepped so close that their noses nearly touched. "You will go back in there and tell Lord Fairchild you are accepting the offer or so help me I will break your arm."

Tom's eyes rapidly moved in response to the alarm he was feeling. He was not sure if he had ever seen Sidney this furious. "I…I just need time," he said, the words tumbling on top of themselves.

"We don't have time." If there was even the smallest chance that the Prince Regent's money could help sway Mrs. Campion into ending the engagement, Tom had to agree now. Sidney could not explain that, so instead he said: "I do not think the Prince Regent will appreciate waiting for an answer to such a generous offer."

Tom gulped for air as Sidney's hold on his clothing made it difficult to breathe. "Yes, yes, of course you're right. I...I shall accept the offer."

Sidney let his brother go with a shove. "You say I don't think of the Parkers' legacy. I've thought of nothing but the Parkers' legacy each time I lent you money, each time I solicited bankers and other patrons such as Lord Babington and Mr. Crowe on your behalf. You would do well to remember that."

Tom looked at Sidney but was silent. Sidney extended his arm for Tom to leave the room first. Lord Fairchild was still walking in circles when they returned.

"Ah, gentleman. I trust your talk was productive," he said.

"Indeed," Tom replied. "Lord Fairchild, I accept your offer."

"Wonderful. My lawyer has drawn up the contract and all it requires is your signature."

Tom smiled and asked to review the contract first. Sidney read over his shoulder as another pair of eyes to ensure that the offer Lord Fairchild had put forth was clear and concise.

"Everything is in order," Tom said after a few minutes. He reached for the quill and ink Sidney had prepared and signed in the requisite place on the contract. Lord Fairchild then did the same.

"Well, gentleman, it has been a pleasure meeting you. I will be making my first official visit to Sanditon next week to arrange the financing for the repairs and to square away the insurance for all current and future projects. Do set aside some time on your calendar, Mr. Parker. We have much to discuss."

"I will, Your Lordship. Thank you," Tom said. "Please tell the Prince Regent I am most grateful. I cannot think of a more convincing reason for businesses and people to come to Sanditon than knowing he is an investor."

Lord Fairchild nodded and turned to Sidney. "And as for you, Mr. Parker, I hear congratulations are in order. I have not yet met Mrs. Campion, but I hear she's a lovely woman."

"Thank you," Sidney answered. "I will show you out." Sidney led Lord Fairchild to the door and shook his hand in salutation. The butler closed the door behind him, and Sidney requested his hat, coat, and walking stick.

"Sidney, I think you and I should tell Mary the good news together," Tom said, coming down the hall. "You were right before. I…I lost my head for a moment. I know that I would not have received that offer if it had not been for all of your efforts."

"If that is your attempt at an apology, it is remarkably poor." Sidney began putting on his coat.

"Sidney, where are you going? We should have a drink to celebrate."

"Do not breathe a word of the Prince Regent's offer to anyone," Sidney said.

"But…but why? It's glorious news. I was going to tell everyone when they returned."

"I need to tell Mrs. Campion first and will do this evening. I do not want anyone knowing until I have told her."

"I don't understand—"

"You do not need to understand. Just do as I tell you." Sidney turned to walk out.

"Sidney, I know you are still angry and if you would just let me—"

"We are finished here, Tom." Sidney closed the door and left his brother standing in the hall. It had been a hell of day and Sidney was in no mood for more conversation with his brother, let alone a drink with him. He set off down the street, needing to calm himself. Tom's words had cut Sidney to the bone. Sidney could not believe, after all the trouble Tom had wrought—failing to pay the laborers, hiding the truth from Mary and the family about the lack of money, not having insurance on the terrace—that Tom could still be so arrogant and so foolish. Sidney had forgiven his brother many times. He was not sure if he possessed the ability to forgive him again. Tom seemed incapable of learning from his mistakes. Yes, he finally agreed to the Prince Regent's offer, but Sidney should not have had to threaten him first.

Sidney's anger was still boiling as he walked. He needed the fury to subside in order to think clearly about what lay ahead, and walking was the best option to accomplish that. He could not do what he really wanted to do—punch Tom in the nose—so he concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other and driving his walking stick into the ground with more force than necessary. After walking for a mile, he began to regain perspective. Today had been a momentous day. Lady Worcester had spoken to the Prince Regent and the Prince Regent had agreed to invest in Sanditon. Sidney had learned that Charlotte, his beloved Charlotte, was here in London. And if the conversation with Mrs. Campion about Sanditon's funding worked in his favor, there would be no need for Lady Worcester's dinner because he and Mrs. Campion would no longer be engaged. His reunion with Charlotte could truly be the reunion he had wished for: he could finally propose to her and they could begin a new, marvelous chapter in their lives. Together.

Indeed, today could possibly be the day when the nightmare he had been living for the past few weeks came to an end.