The next day Sidney found himself once again in the carriage but this time it was taking him back to Sanditon and back to Charlotte. It had only been a week but he found that he had missed her dearly.
What a whirlwind of a week it had been, from reuniting with old friends to meeting the Prince Regent to meeting Charlotte's family and getting her parents blessing to propose to her properly and hopefully without any interruption this time. He had thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Heywood family even if Charlotte couldn't be there with him. With that many children in the household it was certainly a bit chaotic but Sidney found himself entertained by their stories and antics. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that Charlotte would be a wonderful mother one day. And for the first time in his life he was hopeful to become a father.
Another thing Sidney knew he had to take care of was Georgiana. He hoped that maybe she would agree to live in the Parker home with him. Of course she would have her own lady's maid and anything else she needed for propriety's sake. And Charlotte would no doubt help him out when it came to Georgiana's well being. Talking to Georgiana and Mrs. Griffiths would be his next task.
After what seemed like a lifetime Sidney looked out of the carriage window and saw the familiar cliff tops and the sea. Traveling to Sanditon had been like a chore to Sidney in the past but this time he had never been more thrilled to smell the sea air. The carriage finally stopped in front of Trafalgar house and he exited. He knocked on the door and seconds later heard commotion from inside and could barely make out the children saying "Uncle Sidney is here!"
The door opened and immediately the children rushed to greet their uncle first. He picked up Henry and stepped into the foyer. Tom and Mary walked in to greet him as well. Mary spoke before Tom could.
"Sidney, it is so wonderful to see you. How was the journey back?"
"It was good, Mary. Thank you."
"Sidney, we have much to discuss now that you've returned." Tom said.
"Yes, Tom. I know."
"Tom, let's let Sidney settle in and recover a bit from the journey. Perhaps you'd like some tea or something to eat, Sidney?"
"Tea would be fine, Mary. Thank you."
Sidney exhaled and looked around for Charlotte but didn't say anything. Mary noticed and just smiled before footsteps were heard approaching. Charlotte walked in with a smile on her face.
"Hello, Charlotte." Sidney said not worrying about using her Christian name in front of his family.
"Hello, Sidney. Did you have a pleasant journey?"
Sidney tried not to smile too big at hearing his Christian name on her lips. It sounded beautiful coming from the woman he loved. "It was long but yes I did. Thank you."
After sharing casual conversation that had nothing to do with Sidney's trip to London nor the fire, the four of them finally made their way to Tom's study. Charlotte and Mary sat next to each other while Tom and Sidney each sat in their own chair.
Tom was the first to speak. "Sidney, before we get down to business I would like to apologize for burdening you with my problems. I do not wish to be in competition with you over who owes who what and what we expect from each other. If I am to be cast aside, I deserve it."
"Tom, it is not my intent to permanently take over the reins of Sanditon. I know how much this town means to you. But I will implore you not to over budget. As much as you might want it to be, this isn't Brighton. It has never been my intention to be harsh by saying this but please try living within your means. You will be at liberty to give input on the design, but I will handle the finances. First thing tomorrow I will personally talk to Mr. Stringer and the workers and pay them. I found three investors and one of them will bring his own workers and pay them himself. They will all be arriving in a few days time. If more funds are still needed I will speak to Lord Babington and Mr. Crowe. The Prince Regent and Lady Worcester will be arriving in a few weeks so we must be prepared to show them everything else Sanditon has to offer. Charlotte and I will handle that but preparations will still need to be made beforehand so you and Mary are welcome to give your input on said preparations."
Tom nodded. "I don't know how I will ever repay you, brother."
"By promising me that you will put your family first from now on. By making sure that your children have a bright future with no worries that you can prevent. It will take time but this is something that can and will be resolved. I realize my own fault in this as well. Perhaps I was only doing the bare minimum of what you asked of me many times. However, I will not help in such great lengths if it means I must give up my entire life and my happiness."
"We would certainly not ask that of you, would we, Tom?" Mary said.
"Of course not. Sidney, Charlotte, I owe you both an apology for my behavior in London. I realize some things that I said were hurtful to both of you."
"I did what you asked of me and invited Mrs. Campion to the regatta, Tom. I will acknowledge in front of Charlotte that her brief reappearance in my life confused me. I understand that due to her wealth she is an influential person and that her presence in Sanditon could have been beneficial but she herself told me that she came to Sanditon for me, not for the regatta. Several things happened the day of the regatta that made me realize that I no longer have feelings for her. She is the same ambitious woman she was ten years ago. I do not believe she ever cared for me. Too much time has passed for second chances. I would rather look at what's right in front of me than take steps backwards."
Sidney met Charlottes eye as he said this. She felt her face get a little hot. Mary smiled. She never doubted that her brother in law had a good heart despite everything he had been through. Charlotte certainly brought out the best in him.
"Your happiness is important to us as well, Sidney." Mary said. "We would certainly not wish to take it away from you. This could be a new beginning for all of us. As devastating as the situation is, there is always a silver lining somewhere. And I have no doubt that Arthur and Diana will be overjoyed to hear the latest news." (AN: I know that Arthur and Diana were present when Sidney returned from London in E8 but I couldn't think of how to include them in this scene of my story)
"Well I think for now all is in hand. We will just need to make sure that the building site is cleaned up. Hopefully Mr. Stringer and the men will not object to staying, but I will discuss it with them tomorrow."
"Tom and I will get to work straight away on ideas for you two to showcase when Lady Worcester and the Prince Regent arrive."
"Yes. I realize it's time that some improvements be made elsewhere around town so I will present those ideas to you soon, Sidney."
"I will be glad to hear them and figure out the budget, Tom. One more thing I wanted to discuss with you, even though Arthur and Diana aren't here. Since I will be staying in Sanditon for the foreseeable future I hope you all would not mind if I stay in our Parker home."
"Not at all, Sidney. Arthur and Diana would surely not object either. We can help you air it out so it's livable to your liking and includes the necessary staff."
Sidney smiled and nodded.
The conversation tapered off and Sidney spent the rest of the day at Trafalgar house. As expected Arthur and Diana were overjoyed by all the latest positive news.
Sidney decided to retire to the hotel early to see if he could catch Babington and Crowe to update them on everything. He also needed a good night's rest. After bidding good night to Tom, Mary and the children, Charlotte walked with him to the foyer.
"I will go speak to the workers first thing in the morning and I was wondering if you'd like to walk with me some time after breakfast?"
"Of course. You know I enjoy our walks together."
Sidney smirked. "Also, I need to go and see Georgiana as there's something I wish to discuss with her and I'd think she'd want to know about us as well."
"Very well, Sidney. I will be waiting for you tomorrow."
"Sweet dreams, my love."
"Sleep well, Sidney."
Sidney walked back to the hotel with a smile on his face.