(See A/N at the end of the chapter)
The next few days were very busy in Sanditon. Samuel's men arrived and filled the rooms at the Crown hotel. Sidney kept his room at the hotel as well even though he longed to be under the same roof as Charlotte. Amused by the soon to be married couple, Mary made sure that both of them behaved with propriety.
Keeping their affection to a minimum, Sidney and Charlotte organized Tom's papers as best they could together. They occasionally inquired about certain documents and to their surprise and relief Tom was able to provide them with what they needed. They were able to gather enough to start and planned to continue organizing in increments along the way. Together with the investors and the additional workers, Tom and Sidney began holding meetings with Mr. Stringer and Mr. Robinson.
Meanwhile Charlotte, with the help of Mary and Georgiana, was also organizing the upcoming ball to welcome the investors. Although the summer was coming to end they decided to loosely work with the theme of rebirth. It was not going to be as extravagant of a ball as the previous ones of the season but they hoped everyone would still have a wonderful time.
When the day of the ball arrived Sidney came to Trafalgar house to fetch Charlotte for a walk.
"A fine, fresh day," Sidney commented with a small smirk, repeating the words he spoke the morning of the Midsummer ball.
"Yes, indeed." Charlotte replied, catching on.
"Bodes well for the ball tonight."
"Yes."
"Are you looking forward to the ball?"
"Very much. I love to dance, especially with a certain someone."
"Oh? And who might that be?"
"My handsome fiancé."
"Well he's a very lucky man. And I have no doubt he only wishes to dance with you as well."
"He did tell me that once, in more or less words, before we openly declared our feelings for one another, when I thought he preferred to dance with other ladies."
"Well then even though the words hadn't officially been spoken, by those words alone it is clear that he had feelings for you then."
"Yes, I believe so."
They smiled and smirked at each other, chuckling lightly. Sidney then reached out to grab Charlotte's hands gently in his. The look in his eyes was full of happiness and love.
"I was actually hoping, once again, that we'd find a moment to be alone together tonight."
"Were you?"
"Yes. The time we have spent together in the last few days seems like all business and no pleasure. I know it's not exactly proper but I'd like to have more conversations with you without eyes and ears on us all of the time. I've missed you."
"I've missed you too, but I know it will all be worth it in the end. There is much to look forward to and I have faith that everything will be alright."
Charlotte looked down at their joined hands and intertwined their fingers.
"Your words restore me, Charlotte."
"Are you worried about something, Sidney?"
"No, but as I've told you before, sometimes I cannot accept that I deserve happiness. After so many years of thinking that way, it's hard to let it go. I was alone for so long and I guess I became accustomed to it but then you came along and turned my world right side up."
Charlotte smiled and squeezed Sidney's hands. "As you know, I am inexperienced with the workings of a relationship and subsequently a marriage but the one thing I am absolutely certain of is that I love you and I will do whatever it takes to keep you. We will navigate through this together at our own pace. If you want to wait a little longer to have the first banns read, perhaps until the start of the new year, I am okay with that. There is still much to be done in preparing for the Prince Regent's visit as well as any events that may be held during the upcoming autumn and winter season."
"That did cross my mind. I wasn't sure how you would feel about it. Are you absolutely certain, Charlotte? Know that I am entirely in your power and only wish to fulfill your wants and needs."
"Yes. I would like us to continue to get to know one another. I want to know all of your hopes, dreams and fears. Your words just now were a good example. I don't want to have to worry about anything else while planning our wedding. I cannot help the nervousness I still feel about hosting the Prince Regent. I want to focus on that right now. I know I will have your and Lady Susan's help and support, but I think also feeling prepared may help ease that nervousness as well."
"As you wish, my darling. For now, knowing that after tonight everyone in Sanditon will know that you are mine is enough for me."
Charlotte blushed but still smiled and went up on her tiptoes to peck Sidney on the cheek and briefly on the lips. After a moment she suddenly became pensive.
"What's on your mind, dearest? Is something also troubling you?"
"Perhaps it is a silly thought but do you think if Sanditon becomes successful, Mrs. Campion would dare return? Although I'm doubtful she cares about the town, she may plan to come see for herself that we are together, and if the Prince Regent can be convinced to return to Sanditon in the years to come, certainly word could reach her ears about it."
"If she does, we will face that together. I will certainly not make the same mistake twice, I promise you that. Although I know you can handle yourself in front of her I will not leave your side for any reason and I will defend you if I deem it necessary, propriety be damned."
Charlotte smiled and kissed Sidney on the cheek once more. The two lovers continued walking along the cliff tops arm in arm.
After leaving Charlotte for her dress fitting, Sidney completed his own errands in town before escorting her back to Trafalgar house promising that he'll see her at the ball. He was most eager to see her in her dress.
(A/N: same scene like in episode eight but with different dialogue) Finally dressed and ready for the ball Charlotte entered the parlor to see Mary standing in front of the fireplace. Mary turned around when she heard Charlotte's footsteps approaching.
"You look absolutely radiant, Charlotte. Just as you did the night of the Midsummer ball. Tonight is certainly a big night for us all but especially for you and Sidney."
"Yes, it is. I just hope my nerves will not get the best of me."
"There is nothing you need to be nervous of. You belong with Sidney. Ever since you arrived in Sanditon, I was always hoping he'd take an interest in you and you in him. From the moment I introduced the two of you, I knew that your presence alone would challenge Sidney and break his armor. I am only sorry that I did not speak up sooner, especially when Mrs. Campion was here. Tom could not look past his own nose and see what was going on."
"It is alright, Mary. It's not your fault and Sidney and I do not want to fault Tom either. He was going through enough already as it is with the fire."
"Yes, thank you for being so understanding, Charlotte. I must ask though what happened between the end of the regatta and the morning of the midsummer ball. Don't think I didn't see the looks you two gave each other before you left for your walk into town."
Mary chuckled while Charlotte blushed. "Well, when you and Tom went to rest after the regatta, I wandered into the study to leave some papers in there and became once again fixated with the model of Sanditon. Then suddenly Sidney entered the room, much to my surprise. He told me that he was looking for me and that Mrs. Campion had already left for London. He said he didn't go with her because he'd rather be here. He then said that while he was a great deal less than perfect he believed that he was his best and truest self when he was with me. Then he turned and left the room. I cannot say how long I stood there, processing his words. It took me quite some time to fall asleep that night."
Mary beamed. "Sidney has never spoken like that in front of us. I'm glad that you bring out that side of him."
Charlotte smiled. "Even now I do not know if I could express my feelings as eloquently as he did but telling Lady Susan that Sidney's good opinion meant more to me than anyone else's came out of me so easily."
"You and Sidney no doubt have a full and happy together ahead of you. And I'm sure some more little Parkers will be added to the family in the near future."
"I definitely hope so."
Mary smiled. "Well, I think we have a ball to get to."
Charlotte smiled back and walked out with Mary to head to the ball.
Meanwhile Sidney was at the hotel getting ready himself. He would be waiting for Charles, Nicholas and Samuel to escort them to the ball. Tom was uncharacteristically nervous to address the people of Sanditon. Sidney and Mary did their best to help calm him. It was quite a good surprise for Sidney to see Tom so calm and professional during their first few meetings with the investors and Mr. Stringer. Sidney believed it was because of Mary that Tom behaved more appropriately and didn't get too worked up and object to things just because he thought he could. If Tom was still upset that Sidney currently held the reins of Sanditon, he didn't let it show.
He walked out to the lobby to find the three men waiting for him,
"Well Parker, we cannot wait to see what a Sanditon ball is all about!" Charles said. "And we are of course delighted to witness the announcement of your engagement, Miss Heywood seems to be an intelligent and practical woman even from our small acquaintance with her so far."
Sidney grinned proudly. "She certainly is."
As soon as the four of them entered the ballroom, Tom walked up to them.
"Sidney…gentlemen, welcome. Mary and Charlotte, as well as Lady Denham, will be arriving shortly then at the top of the hour we'll begin the festivities. I am overseeing that everything is ready."
The three men nodded but Sidney noticed the nervousness under the surface of his brother's seemingly cheerful demeanor. As Tom turned to walk away Sidney reached out placing his hand on Tom's shoulder, stopping him.
"Tom," Sidney began. "Everything will go smoothly and I am certain everyone will understand once they hear what you have to say."
Tom exhaled. "I do hope so, brother."
"They will. Everyone deserves a second chance. You have that second chance, do not waste it."
"I know. I promised myself I would learn from this lesson."
"You are a good man, Tom, with a wonderful family. Make them proud."
Tom smiled a little and nodded before Sidney lowered his arm from his shoulder.
A short time later Mary and Charlotte entered the ballroom arm in arm.
"Our men are looking dashing, are they not?" Mary whispered in Charlotte's ear as they looked across the ballroom.
Charlotte blushed a little but nodded. While she obviously loved Sidney's many good qualities she had to admit that he was certainly good looking. His piercing brown eyes and gorgeous smile captivated her. There was compassion and kindness behind that hard stare he had when they first met. She watched as he was engrossed in conversation with the investors but a moment later. as if sensing her presence, he turned his head in her direction and a smile immediately came to his face when he saw her. Tom also noticed them so he and Sidney excused themselves from the current conversation and walked over to Mary and Charlotte
The two women took the arms of their leading men and the four of them walked back over to their three special guests. A short time later guests began trickling into the ballroom. Finally, Lady Denham made her entrance.
"Well, it seems like everything has been organized nicely." She said as she walked up to the group.
"All is in hand, Lady Denham," Sidney replied. "My brother will do the speaking when we start."
Lady Denham nodded and stared at Tom for a moment. "Good luck, Mr. Parker."
Tom nodded in reply, a hint of shame and embarrassment on his face that luckily only Sidney seemed to notice.
Moments after, Mrs. Griffiths, Georgiana and the Beaufort sisters arrived. Charlotte had been worried that her engagement to Sidney had only reminded Georgiana about how things ended with Otis but Georgiana had told her that she was truly happy for her and Sidney and that she really wanted to mend things with Sidney.
Once they believed everyone had arrived and the clock had struck the top of the hour, the music that had already been playing stopped and the conversations throughout the room quieted down.
Tom took a few steps forward towards the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. I am sure you are all wondering why a ball is being held this evening so soon after the Midsummer ball. I will be explaining all of it before we start the dance and festivities. Most of you may already know that there was a fire the night of the Midsummer ball. The fire severely damaged Waterloo Terrace. I made some mistakes going into the construction of the terrace and did not acquire insurance on the building. Therefore I and the town became in debt for a hefty amount. That night I had promised individuals attending the ball rooms on the terrace and you cannot imagine the guilt that I now feel that I can no longer fulfill these requests at the present time. However, thanks to my brother, Sidney, investors have been found and repairs and construction will resume on the terrace building. We are currently laying out the plans once again. Tonight is meant to be a thank you to these investors, to show them what else Sanditon has to offer. I hope you all will join me and my family in making them feel welcome."
Tom paused as words of agreement and applause were heard throughout the ballroom.
"On a happier note, tonight also serves as the purpose for making a very special announcement. It is my absolute pleasure to be able to formally announce the engagement of my brother, Sidney Parker, to Miss Charlotte Heywood!"
The room erupted in loud cheers and applause. Charlotte's arm was tucked under Sidney's elbow as they stood next to Tom, both smiling gratefully. Once the cheers died down Tom continued speaking.
"Lest I forget, ladies and gentlemen, I have one more important announcement to make. In about three weeks time another special visitor will be arriving in Sanditon. It is my plan that another ball be held to welcome this particular guest. As for their identity, it will remain a secret until their arrival, and once my family and I have confirmation on the date of this person's arrival you will all be informed of said date so that we may all put our best foot forward to give our guest a proper welcome. Now, it is my hope that we can all forget our troubles just for tonight and rejoice in the rebirth of Sanditon. On with the dance!"
The crowd applauded once more as conversations resumed and guests stepped onto the dance floor.
Sidney immediately turned to Charlotte. "May I have this dance, future Mrs. Parker?"
Charlotte smiled and nodded.
They stepped together on to the dance floor and began to dance.
"Do you remember when we danced at the first ball of the season?" Sidney asked.
"Yes, I remember our conversation where you did not even look me in the eye!" Charlotte replied.
Sidney smiled sheepishly. "I was trying not to let on that I was intrigued by you and attracted to you. I had a reputation to uphold, remember?"
Charlotte chuckled and teased, "And how did that end up working for you, Mr. Parker?"
Sidney laughed. "Actually, it worked out very well. I am my best and truest self with the woman of the dreams currently in my arms."
Charlotte simply smiled in reply hoping that it would convey the happiness and love she was feeling.
When the song ended they walked off the dance floor hand in hand.
"You should ask Georgiana for a dance. I think she may tire of having Arthur as her only dance partner," Charlotte said.
Sidney nodded. "Yes, you're right. I have not had the chance to talk to her much since I returned from London. And I imagine Mr. Stringer wants to dance with you despite now knowing of our engagement."
"Sidney!" Charlotte admonished.
"What? Am I in the wrong? I was watching him when Tom made the announcement. I'm sure deep down he's disappointed even if he'll say he's happy for you, for us."
"I suppose so but I think he will come to accept it. Any other woman would be lucky to have him as a life partner just as I am lucky to have you."
"Well I cannot argue with you there, Miss Heywood…soon to be Mrs. Parker."
"Mrs. Parker sounds very suitable."
"It does indeed. Just promise me one more dance before the night is over."
"Of course! Now, go to Georgiana."
Charlotte leaned up and kissed Sidney on the cheek while he grabbed her hand and gently kissed it before letting go.
Sidney walked over to where Georgiana was sitting next to Arthur and Diana. As he got closer she noticed him and eyed him curiously. Sidney looked at Arthur.
"Brother, may I borrow your dance partner for a moment?"
"Of course, Sidney!"
Sidney extended a hand out to Georgiana. "Would you do me the honor of this dance?"
A small and surprised smile crept up on Georgiana's face as she took Sidney's hand.
"I wasn't expecting you to ask me to dance tonight," Georgiana said.
"Well I did promise you that we would become closer as friends even though I am still your guardian at the present time. I have not been able to make the most of that promise since I returned from London. And while our engagement has been formally announced, it would not be proper to only dance with Charlotte."
Georgiana smiled. "No I don't think it would. But I am glad to dance with you."
"Whilst I was in London I thought a lot about what you said at the Midsummer ball, about my intentions with Charlotte. I knew that if I could not find investors that I would've had to give up my happiness therefore potentially breaking Charlotte's heart in the process."
"And why is that?"
"Considering I have a past with the wealthiest widow in London, the only solution would have been marriage. So I probably would have given you permission to slap me or something because you would have been right: I would have ruined Charlotte's happiness had it come to that."
"I do not know if I would have. I think being married to someone you didn't love would have been punishment enough."
"That would have been the worst punishment imaginable."
"Yet, the investors you found are here and you just announced your engagement to Charlotte. It all worked out in the end."
"Yes, Charlotte told me the same thing before I proposed to her. I guess I never believed that I deserved such happiness or deserved a woman like Charlotte."
"I admit I feel the same way about my own happiness right now. Now I understand the heartbreak you went through years ago."
"You have plenty of time to find the right person to spend your life with. And I promise you that whether it's on your wedding day or if you face heartbreak again, Charlotte and I will always be there for you."
Georgiana smiled and her eyes were a little glassy. By then the song had ended and Sidney had escorted her back to her seat. Before Sidney walked away, Georgiana stopped him.
"Sidney, I just wanted to say thank you. Knowing I have your support means so much to me. Now I don't think I'll feel so alone here."
Sidney smiled. "I am glad to hear that and I promise you that I will not neglect you again. I promise to meet your needs to the best of my ability from now on."
(A/N: Backtracking a bit to also include Charlotte dancing with Stringer)
As soon as Sidney left her side, Charlotte watched for a moment as he approached Georgiana. She could see the surprise on Georgiana's face as Sidney led her on to the dance floor. As if almost on cue, Stringer approached her.
"Miss Heywood, may I have the pleasure of a dance?"
Charlotte nodded.
"I just wanted to congratulate you, miss. I hope you will be very happy…truly."
"Thank you, Mr. Stringer. I have been meaning to ask how you are doing?"
"I am well enough, I suppose. Getting back to work has been a decent distraction. If I may, I admit I feel better that Mr. Sidney Parker is overseeing the rebuilding."
"I understand and I do not blame you. You might not believe it still now but Mr. Tom Parker has deep regret for everything. Perhaps one day you might be able to forgive him."
"Perhaps. I truly do not know. I do not expect Mr. Sidney Parker to be in control permanently. That does not seem like something he wants for himself or for you."
"He has other obligations in London as well so no I do not think he wants to have this as a responsibility forever even when we are planning to build our life together here in Sanditon."
"That is understandable. I hope Mr. Tom Parker learns to better manage everything by the time his brother hands the reins back over."
"We can only hope he will. Thank you, Mr. Stringer for the dance and for agreeing to stay in Sanditon. You have tremendous talent and I cannot wait to see the final product of the rebuilt terrace."
"You're welcome and thank you, miss."
Charlotte walked back towards Georgiana, looking for Sidney. She did not see him but caught Georgiana's eye who looked up and across the room. Charlotte immediately smiled and turned around, looking up to see Sidney standing on the balcony. She exited the main ballroom, through the curtain and up the steps, then down the short walkway.
Sidney immediately took her hands in his.
"I thought we could rewrite the history of the last time we stood here together," Sidney said.
Charlotte smiled widely. "That sounds like a wonderful idea."
"This balcony will always be an important part of our story. I think you would agree we have both learned something from our time on this balcony."
Charlotte nodded.
"I have never thought that I was the best with words, especially words from the heart, but you brought out the side of me that I had hidden away for a decade. I am the happiest I have ever been when I am with you. It is because of you that Sanditon is saved and it is because of you that I am saved. Before you came into my life I was a shell of a man. I thought no woman would ever love me, but you do. You saw the best in me when I could not see it in myself. You accept my scars and my flaws and do not judge me for them. You taught me to appreciate my family and this town. I truly feel like my life is starting now, with you. And I hope to be the husband that you deserve and the best father to our children. I love you, Charlotte Heywood. So I want to ask you once more: will you accept me as your husband?"
Tears ran freely down Charlotte's cheeks as she smiled and nodded furiously. "I love you too, Sidney! Yes! There is no doubt in my mind that I want you as my husband forever!"
Sidney smiled and took Charlotte's face in his hand as he leaned forward and kissed her fiercely.
Today was a new beginning for Sanditon, Sidney, Charlotte and the rest of the Parker family. Sidney would never take a single moment for granted from now on.
A/N: Sorry for the long delay. I've been going through some personal things recently and haven't had the mental energy to write. Hope the length of this chapter makes up for it. Thanks for sticking around.