This my first attempt at a Sanditon fanfic and also my first attempt at a British period drama fanfic so I may not always use the correct style of English for that time period so I apologize in advance if it's not entirely accurate. Like everyone I was left disappointed with the end of season one and I am still holding on to hope for another season. I've had this idea for a while and have just been trying to map it out in the best way possible. I'm also perfecting trying to write in third person so please let me know of any mistakes you find in that regard. I've decided to start with a prologue summarizing episodes one through eight and then segue into my original story in the official chapter one. I can't exactly say how long this story will be. I hope you all don't mind a slightly long winded prologue.
Notice: Some of the characters I have made up but the rest belong to Jane Austen
PROLOGUE
The Parker family was faced with an uncertain future after the devastating fire that burned the terrace and the stunning revelation that the eldest Parker sibling, Tom, had not secured insurance in the event of an emergency in the quaint seaside resort, Sanditon. The task to attempt to save the Parker family, including Tom's wife and children, from ruin and restore Sanditon to its former glory had fallen upon the second eldest Parker sibling, Sidney. He was to travel to London to secure a loan to cover the damages as well as the workers' wages.
In returning to Sanditon for the summer, Sidney had not anticipated what he would find there. In years past, Sidney did not particularly care for the seaside resort that his brother had outlandish plans for. It was always Sidney's ambition to see the world. His time in Antigua, in particular, changed his life. A decade prior a heartbroken Sidney had been abandoned by whom he thought was the love of his life, Eliza. He had hoped for a future with her but in the end she chose to marry Matthew Campion, a wealthy businessman who couldn't have been much younger than his own father, Philip Parker, God rest his soul. Sidney returned to England after the death of his mentor and father figure, Frederick Lambe, as the guardian of Lambe's daughter, Georgiana. It had been Mr. Lambe's wish that his daughter take her place in polite society when she became of age. However, that was still two years away. Sidney's relationship with Georgiana was difficult as she resented him making her come to Sanditon and for separating her from the man she loved, Otis Molyneux. Sidney had been wary of Mr. Molyneux for some time and his point was further proven when he discovered that Mr. Molyneux had intended to marry the young, wealthy mulatta in order to pay off several debts. It only made Sidney doubt the genuine love Mr. Molyneux claimed to have for Georgiana. Sidney refused to have Georgiana suffer a similar heartbreak like his own. Sidney hoped that his relationship with Georgiana could improve potentially to where she could see him as more than just her guardian but rather as a friend or even a brother.
That particular summer, Tom had big plans for Sanditon. He had hoped to get the word out to the most affluent group of people from London and beyond. Sidney was tasked with bringing a few friends from London to the seaside resort. He was surprised, however, when he arrived in Sanditon, to find another, albeit, unlikely guest. He can remember riding up on his carriage on the outskirts of town to find his sister in law, Mary, walking with a simple looking young woman named Charlotte Heywood who came from a small village by the name of Willingden. She had been invited to Sanditon by Tom after she assisted Sidney's brother and sister in law when their carriage overturned. He had foolishly mistaken her for a new maid and their first meeting would set off a series of events and encounters that would change the way Sidney looked at his family, Sanditon, and himself.
At first he had dismissed Charlotte as being a silly, inexperienced girl who had learnt and seen nothing of the world. But as time went by she proved to be quite practical and capable. They first sparred words the day after Sidney's arrival in Sanditon on the balcony at the ball to commemorate the start of a hopefully prosperous summer season. Their next few encounters, although short, were no better than the first. When Charlotte attempted to apologize for her words, Sidney rebuffed her and expressed in no uncertain terms that he did not care for her opinion or how she felt. Even after an embarrassing and unexpected encounter at the coves Sidney could not avoid the young woman. It was not until Old Stringer's accident that Sidney saw just how capable Charlotte truly was. Their opinions of one another were tested again when Georgiana disappeared seemingly with Otis. Charlotte had helped the two lovers arrange a secret rendezvous when Sidney had strictly forbade his ward from seeing the man she loved. But it all turned out to be a trick. Sidney had traveled to London in the hopes of finding information that would lead him to Georgiana's whereabouts and with unexpected help from Charlotte, who defied Mary and stole away on the London coach alone, discovered that Georgiana was being taken across the border to Scotland by a man to whom Otis owed a debt. Charlotte had vouched for Otis insisting that he was a good man who made one terrible mistake. She had accused Sidney of not wanting Georgiana's happiness and when he asked her what she knew of love she simply responded that she would sooner be naive than "insensible of feeling". Sidney surprised her by asking if that was really what she thought of him and replied that if he were as she described, his life would have been much easier. Charlotte had questioned Sidney's definition of love when it turned out that the boarding house owned by the man who had taken Georgiana was not just a boarding house. Thankfully Sidney and Charlotte were able to find and rescue Georgiana and although the events that had transpired ended the relationship between Georgiana and Otis for good, Sidney paid off Otis' debts.
After rescuing Georgiana; Sidney, Charlotte and Tom attended Mrs. Maudsley's masked ball along with Sidney's friends, Lord Babington and Mr. Crowe. Tom used the event in the hopes to attract London's beau monde to Sanditon for the upcoming regatta. Charlotte was overwhelmed by the event not only because she felt that she didn't belong but also because she was concerned about her heartbroken friend. At one point during the ball while Tom and Sidney were occupied, Charlotte retreated to a quiet corner and found herself in a room with Lady Susan Worcester. Lady Susan noted that Charlotte seemed overwhelmed and after a short conversation it led her to conclude that Charlotte was in love with Sidney. At first Charlotte denied the fact but minutes later when she found herself on the dance floor with Sidney, she allowed herself to cherish that moment with him. However, that special moment was short-lived when she watched Sidney make his way over to a woman who Charlotte soon learned was the woman who had broken Sidney's heart a decade prior, Eliza Campion.
Upon returning to Sanditon, Charlotte was left confused by Sidney. Sidney himself was confused by his old feelings for Eliza and his growing feelings for Charlotte. He had been tasked to show Eliza around Sanditon as they prepared for the regatta. When the day arrived, Tom noted that Sidney was a different man and insisted that Mrs. Campion was the cause. Sidney, however, was in no rush to label things and it was Arthur who observed that if he were in his brother's position he could not bring himself to trust Mrs. Campion again. At the same time, Charlotte had spoken to Young Stringer and regarded him as a sympathetic listener when he had hoped that they could be something more than just friends. Later, while preparing for the race Sidney had taken Charlotte with him out on the boat. While it may have been improper he was glad to spend some time alone with her. It was there that he asked Charlotte why he couldn't accept that he finally had a chance at happiness. He expressed that he always thought that he was ill suited for matrimony. She responded that she didn't believe anyone was ill suited for matrimony, not even Sidney but that perhaps it was only a question of compatibility. He pondered her words for a moment before agreeing. A short time later, back in the company of Mrs. Campion, Sidney once again encountered Charlotte who this time was joined by Lady Worcester who had made the trip to Sanditon for the regatta and for Charlotte. She was curious to see if Charlotte had made any progress with Sidney but was also not unfamiliar with Mrs. Campion. The four of them engaged in conversation on the topic of marriage. Mrs. Campion wondered that since Charlotte was of marrying age if there was anyone in Willingden that she was interested and assumed that anyone from London society would not interest her. Charlotte begrudgingly satisfied Mrs. Campion's ego by agreeing that yes, she was a farmer's daughter who would likely not have anything in common with London society. She excused herself quickly and took a second alone to compose herself while Young Stringer caught sight of her. Just then, however, Sidney caught up with her and attempted to apologize on behalf of Mrs. Campion. Charlotte stated that now she had no doubt as to how Sidney regarded her. Sidney stopped her as she attempted to walk away but she was the one who ended up making him stop in his tracks when she asked, "What is it you want from me?"
Although the Parker brothers lost the race to Young (James) Stringer and his friends, Sidney realized that Charlotte potentially had the same feelings for him that he did for her when Stringer cryptically told him that winning the race was not the "prize" he was after. (A/N: While it's certainly up for interpretation, I am personally convinced that Sidney knew what James meant when he said this) Afterwards when the crowd had dispersed, Sidney was surprised to find Mrs. Campion waiting for him. She spoke of a second chance for them, but Sidney knew that he was not the same man that once loved her. Mrs. Campion returned to London and Sidney returned to Trafalgar House in search of Charlotte. When he found her in the study, she was admiring Tom's model of Sanditon on the table. His presence startled her for a brief moment as she had assumed that he had returned to London with Mrs. Campion. She was surprised when he revealed that he would rather be in Sanditon. He then expressed that it was she who made him aware that he was not perfect but that he believed he was his best and truest self when he was with her. With a simple "that is all" he walked away leaving Charlotte stunned by his declaration.
For both Sidney and Charlotte that conversation did not leave their thoughts as sleep took over. Early the next morning, Charlotte visited Georgiana and saw Tom and Sidney out nearby overseeing the latest progress on the terrace. The two shared a subtle glance before Charlotte entered Mrs. Griffith's abode. Georgiana was wary when Charlotte recounted previous night's conversation with Sidney. A while later Sidney arrived at Trafalgar house to bring Tom some paperwork from London and after greeting Charlotte they agreed to walk together into town as Charlotte had a dress fitting. Their walk instead took them to the cliff tops. Sidney made a comment about the weather and the ball later that evening. Charlotte then noted that they were not walking into town. Slightly embarrassed, Sidney suggested they turn back but Charlotte agreed that a walk on the cliff tops was more to her taste and that there was no urgency for her dress fitting. Feeling bold, Sidney expressed that he hoped that they could find a moment to be alone together and that he had woken up that morning recalling their conversation from the night before. Charlotte revealed that she did as well. Sidney looked deep into Charlotte's eyes, whispered her Christian name and leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. Charlotte immediately responded and it was a most precious moment for both of them.
Later, as they were preparing to leave for the Midsummer Ball, Charlotte asked Mary how she knew that Tom was "the one". Mary simply replied that "one just knows". Arriving at the ball, Sidney was looking forward to finding a moment alone to talk to Charlotte. However, it seemed like luck was temporarily not on his side as every attempt he made to approach Charlotte was thwarted by someone or something. At one point he watched as James Stringer politely asked Charlotte for a dance. As they conversed Charlotte alluded to the fact that she wasn't entirely sure that she would return home to Willingden anytime soon. Young Stringer subtly expressed that he knew of the reason why Charlotte was reluctant to return home and wished her happiness. Meanwhile, Sidney's longing looks towards Charlotte did not go unnoticed by his friend, Babington, who wished Sidney good luck as he himself made another attempt to woo Miss Esther Denham. Georgiana then approached Sidney and questioned his motives regarding Charlotte to which Sidney responded that it was not at all his intention to hurt Charlotte. After watching Georgiana make her way to the dance floor with his brother, Arthur, Sidney retreated to the balcony. Charlotte watched him and once her turn on the dance floor with Young Stringer was finished she made her way up to the balcony to join Sidney. He immediately grabbed her hands gently and spoke of the first time they exchanged words on the very same balcony at the beginning of the summer. He acknowledged that he was brute to her back then and when she responded that she deserved everything he said he immediately denied that and said that he hoped he was a different man in her eyes now. She then stated that he was the same man but much improved. He attributed the change within him to her. He expressed that he never before wanted to put himself in someone else's power nor care for anyone but himself. Before he could continue both he and Charlotte were alerted to a ruckus on the dance floor. Sir Edward Denham had come in an attempt to speak with his sister Esther after being disowned by their aunt. She promptly told him to leave and Sidney and Babington escorted him out of the ballroom to a coach to send him to London. Charlotte had been comforting Esther when Babington returned to the ball alone relaying to Charlotte that Sidney was making sure that Edward was safely dispatched to London. Meanwhile the younger Parker siblings, Arthur and Diana, had left the ball and come upon the sight of the terrace up in flames. Old Stringer had been up inside the building and had unfortunately suffered a heart attack which caused a lit candle to fall to the ground and ignite the fire. Within minutes Diana had informed Tom what was occurring. He and Charlotte arrived at the scene where the townspeople, including Sidney, attempted to douse the flames. Tom could only look on in shock and sadness. The next morning when the fire was completely contained, Charlotte paid a visit to Young Stringer while the Parker siblings surveyed the damage. It was then that Tom revealed that he had forgone acquiring insurance for the terrace as it was too expensive. He acknowledged that he was ruined but his siblings were determined to help him make things right. Although outraged, Lady Denham agreed to give the Parkers a week to come up with the money in order to save Tom from the debtors prison.
"I shouldn't be in London more than a week, but I have to do everything I can to help the family," Sidney told Charlotte as he handed his luggage to the carriage driver.
"How I manage that I have no idea," He continued as he turned to face Charlotte.
"I believe you will," She replied.
He stepped closer to her as he gently grabbed her hand. "And when I return, we'll finally have a chance to finish our conversation."
Charlotte didn't reply as Sidney leaned forward to rest his forehead against hers. How he longed to kiss her just as he had on the cliff tops but he knew it would not be appropriate and he was determined to keep Charlotte's reputation intact.
He reluctantly let go of her hand and stepped away and into the carriage, repeating that he would return in a week.
As the carriage made its way to London, Sidney's thoughts were consumed by what the future would hold him, Charlotte, his family and Sanditon.
A/N: I know I left out some memorable Sidlotte moments but I may reference those ones in future chapters.