London,

June 1824

Two weeks into her second visit to London, Charlotte had attended three balls, two plays and no less than four dinner parties hosted by those counted among Lady Susan's acquaintance. She had been introduced to Lords and Ladies and to politicians and diplomates, and though she doubted any of those fashionable people would continue any acquaintance with her when she departed London after the christening of Lady Susan's anticipated babe, she had enjoyed herself immensely.

Charlotte had but barely arrived and situated herself at her friend's Berkeley Square residence when she had been bundled into a carriage and escorted to yet more fittings at Bond Street and Oxford Street's finest establishments. For Lady Susan anticipated her young friend would be a great success among the beau monde and she would strive to ensure it.

That night they were to enjoy more intimate entertainments hosted here in Lady Susan's own home and she looked forward to an evening spent in pleasant company. She knew that Miss Harriet Garrows, the daughter of Viscount Garrows, would be among the attendees and Lady Delilah Maverthorpe, Lady Susan's niece, whose family had already arrived and she could only be delighted to know them better.

Many others who would be present, she knew, were a good many years her senior and far too refined to bother ingratiating themselves with someone they viewed as beneath their notice. But this did not pain Charlotte. What did she want with friends who considered themselves so superior to her and would be little more than coldly civil?

At that moment Charlotte was sat in an intimate corner of the large drawing room on the first floor engaged in conversation with Lady Delilah about the death of Lord Byron, news of which had reached London just days before her own arrival. As they spoke the guests began to arrive and they were shortly joined by Miss Harriet.

It was some minutes later that Charlotte gasped as she looked up to see the last party to arrive. She had not expected to see anyone from Sanditon again, least of all at a party held by Lady Susan. So she was shocked indeed to come face to face with Esther Denham. Or rather Lady Esther Babbington who, even as Charlotte was immersed in her own thoughts, had noticed the familiar face and moved to join the three girls.

"Miss Heywood, what a surprise! I did not know you were in London. You must be very pleased to have received the invitation to Lady Susan's dinner party? Lady Delilah, Miss Garrows, a pleasure." She greeted the girls and the latter two murmured polite greetings in return.

"I too find myself surprised Lady Babbington for I had not thought we would meet again. I am always delighted to be in Lady Susan's company; such is the nature of friends is it not? You are well I suppose?" Charlotte replied as she steeled her nerves. Of course, Lady Babbington had not expected to meet her here. It was not, after all, a place one would typically find an insignificant gentleman's daughter.

Just then, Lowdes appeared to announce the evening meal and the group arranged themselves to go down to dinner where Charlotte and Esther had not been placed near each other. Further conversation would have to wait until they retired to the drawing room once again as the gentleman smoked their cigars and partook of their whiskey.

~•~

Later that evening, once meats and pastries had been enjoyed by all, the man gathered for spirits and discussions of politics and the terrors that were their wives as the ladies retreated once more to the comforts of the drawing room.

Charlotte sat with Lady Susan and the pair were quickly joined by Lady Babbington who was curious to know why Charlotte had suddenly appeared among the Ton. Surely even her evidently close friendship with the Lady could not wholly explain her popularity among the cream of society?

"Lady Susan, Miss Heywood. You are both well?" Esther greeted as she slipped into one of the delicate French chairs around the mantle.

"We are Lady Babbington, I thank you. Marriage appears to agree with you and so I shall suppose you, too, are well." Lady Susan replied. Esther smiled and turned to Charlotte.

"And you Miss Heywood? I find I am most pleased to renew our acquaintance, unexpected though it was." Esther dissembled.

"Yes, I am well, Lady Babbington. Lady Susan was most kind in inviting me to visit with her until Christmas, though we will be removing to Badminton House at the end of the month and are not likely to return until the summer heat passes." Charlotte explained to Esther's incredulity. It certainly explained a great deal,; if Lady Susan had taken Charlotte into her sphere of influence, perhaps even sponsored her introduction to good society then of course she would be keeping company with the august personages present that evening. Esther smiled. She may not have been overly fond of Charlotte Heywood, but she had appreciated her forthrightness.

"You must call me Esther, Miss Heywood. And perhaps we might call upon each other while you are in Town?" Esther suggested as the gentleman joined the ladies and she noticed her husband approaching.

"Very well, Esther. And you must call me Charlotte." Charlotte smile back before she greeted Lord Worcester and Lord Babbington as they joined them.


London,

July 1824

Some days later, both Charlotte and Esther could be found strolling through Hyde Park in each other's company. Though somewhat surprised at Esther's cordiality, Charlotte found she enjoyed the other woman's conversation. Lady Babbington had a frankness in her address that she had not before encountered and she appreciated the directness in a way she had not anticipated.

Charlotte quickly found her acquaintance with Esther growing into a strong friendship that she hoped would withstand the test of time. For her own part, Esther soon found herself counting Charlotte Heywood among her truest friends, and, while not yet long in duration, she looked forward to the time she could also send Charlotte invitations to join her either here in London or at their country home in Suffolk. Perhaps she could conspire with Lady Susan to arrange Charlotte's introduction to suitors of higher status in society to ensure their friendship would continue for many years to come.