"Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity." — Henry van Dyke

Somehow the first day of August was to be an interesting day for many people. Strangely the connection of three cities- London, Brighton and Sanditon- was also to be stronger and more pronounced today more than any other day.

Two messengers in London were to change the fate of the Parker and the Heywood family fortunes. The first messenger delivered a message to Carlton Street in London from the Prince Regent to a grey-haired sleepy gentleman and the second one was sent to the Sanditon hotel by Mr Thompson's assistant to deliver two vital documents to his employer.

Seeing that the first messenger was local it certainly reached our honourable, grey-haired gentleman, who woke up at six in the morning after a restful sleep, much sooner. This said gentleman always woke up early even on his day off and on the weekends. This old gentleman was also quite famous. HIs name was John Nash, the famous architect.

He expected his Saturday to go as he had already planned. He was going to enjoy a leisurely breakfast at home, go for his weekend walk in Hyde Park and read his favourite book. He did not expect to be travelling anywhere especially after having just completed the Royal Pavilion in Brighton for the Regent which had earned him a very generous commission. However, the project itself had been a very difficult one to bring to its final fruition due to the Regent's extravagant and sometimes unreasonable requests.

Imagine this fatigued and overworked gentleman' surprise when he received a message from the Regent himself just after breakfast. The urgent message conveyed to this talented architect that his sovereign wanted him to travel to Sanditon to find Lady Susan. He was commissioned to get an update on the restoration of the town. He also wanted Mr Nash to inform the lady of his intention to visit the seaside town at the beginning of September to attend the summer ball.

His frustration reached boiling point after receiving such a request- he thought to himself without daring to voice the thought aloud that he was not the Regent's messenger boy- he was architect for heaven's sake! Yet he knew that he could not refuse this request no matter how ridiculous it seemed as he needed to secure the Regent's patronage for his next project.

It was bad enough that he was worried about not being able to find a decent assistant to help him with that new project. It was most frustrating that all the potential candidates turned out to be dandies and not ever worth speaking to! Not to mention their abominable drawing skills! He hated to admit it, but he was getting old and his energy was flagging. He would not give up, though. He would keep looking until he found the right person for the job.

He nursed his hot cup of coffee between his two hands savouring the warmth and consolation that it provided. The decision was an obvious one. He would fulfill the Regent's request. He sighed resignedly and decided to at least take advantage of this opportunity and breathe some fresh sea air. Who knows! He might just be able to rest there, which was certainly what was necessary for him at present. Thus, he sent a messenger to Sanditon to book him a room at the hotel where Lady Susan was staying. With any luck, he would have reached Sanditon by the time the hotel reservation had been taken care of. He also instructed his valet to prepare his things for a short stay at the seaside town.

Two hours later two new arrivals reached the Sanditon hotel. The first one was Mr Nash's very smart unmarked four-horse carriage that had left central London at six in the morning. You might wonder whether Mr Nash managed to read that book. Well, he did so and he even had a small nap during the carriage ride. He was satisfied that at least one of his goals for the day has been achieved.

His valet took care of the booking arrangements that had already been made on his master's behalf. Thus, our architect retired to his room to prepare for his day and maybe later join Lady Susan for a second breakfast and a cup of tea. His preparations took him a good half an hour as he had needed to change from his travelling attire and refresh himself with a bath to shake off the dust from the road.

The second one was the messenger for Mr Thompson. The receptionist made sure to deliver the message to the gentleman straight away. The lawyer was certainly surprised to receive a message from his assistant. There were no pending issues to be dealt with, so he had asked his assistant to log some of Parker family's documents and put them in some sort of order. They were all mixed up and it was extremely difficult to find anything at all.

He opened the missive and read it with interest. His assistant wrote to him that a letter from Mr Parker senior had been misfiled whilst it should have originally been included in his will. His ever-efficient assistant had sent it to him. It was all there in black and white. The letter stated clearly that should any mismanagement of the Parker fortune was to take place in the hands of Tom Parker, that he was to be disinherited and all the fortune was to revert to his siblings with Sidney as the main executor. His assistant also included a message from the Parker tenants asking to be released from the Parker family home.

Mr Thompson got up from his chair as if he had been poleaxed. He had forgotten! He was to go to the Trafalgar House this morning for the Parker family meeting! He did not have a minute to waste. He got ready as fast as he could, put both letters in his suit pocket folding very carefully and rushed to the receptionist asking for Mr Sidney Parker. He had to speak to him now!

The receptionist was not sure whether Mr Parker had woken up yet. The lady was dreading the gentleman's reaction. Though exceedingly handsome, Mr Sidney Parker really was a difficult customer to deal with when somebody upset him. Therefore, she was reluctant to comply with Mr Thompson's request at first as he knew of Mr Parker's temper. She sensed Mr Thompson urgency though and sent a servant to wake Sidney up. She hoped that he would understand.

Thus, a couple of minutes afterwards Sidney was being forcefully woken up after a heavy thud on the door. He grumbled and swore to himself as he shot up from the mattress. They had interrupted his dream! He was dreaming of Charlotte and it was a most pleasant dream! He sighed aloud and got up to read the missive that had been pushed under his door.

He could see that it was a message from Mr Thompson. The lawyer profusely apologised for the inconvenience of waking him up, but he must speak to him before he left for Trafalgar House as a matter of urgency. Sidney knew how efficient their family lawyer was. He would never have had Sidney woken up in this manner if it had not been vitally important. The lawyer also asked Mr Parker if he could kindly meet him at his room, that was only a couple of doors away from his, in 10 minutes' time. Sidney completed his morning absolutions swiftly and was dressed within the designated time. He found himself 10 minutes later knocking on Mr Thompson's door.

Mr Thompson opened the door and sighed with relief at the sight of Sidney. His voice betrayed that relief as he addressed his client, 'Mr Sidney, I am so relieved to see you and that you could make it. Please, do come in. I took the liberty to ask for breakfast to be delivered for both us of in my rooms.'.

Sidney walked into the room and the lawyer led him to a pleasant sunny sitting room where full breakfast with coffee and tea had been laid out. Both men were keen to break their fast before discussing anything at all. They ate their bacon and eggs hungrily and enjoyed their coffee. Mr Thompson even remember Sidney's weakness for chocolate.

Sidney grinned at him, 'Mr Thompson, have you been speaking to my housekeeper in London? How did you know about my weakness for chocolate cookies?'

Mr Thompson grinned back at him and responded with evident humour in his voice, 'Your father let it slip one day when we were lunching. Take it as an apology, sir, for dragging you from your bed so abruptly this morning.'

Sidney could only laugh aloud, and Mr Thompson joined him. They had a hearty laugh and then Sidney devoured his cookie whilst finishing the remainders of his coffee. He looked up expectantly at the lawyer.

Mr Thompson did not speak to start with. He simply took the two missives out of his suit pocket and gave them to Sidney to read. 'Please read the missives, Mr Sidney, and then we will talk.'

Sidney did as he was told. He read the missive from their tenants and smiled. Then, he read his father's instructions and he could not grasp what he was reading. His dearest wish was coming true. He had a way of getting Tom out of the picture permanently and legally. Sanditon and his family's future were safe!

He stuttered, 'Mr Thompson, how... when...?'

The lawyer understood his client's surprise, 'I was as surprised as you were when I read your father's instructions. My assistant was cataloguing the documents on your family's file at our offices. This letter had apparently been misfiled with an old contract. He sent to me this morning along with your tenants' letter.'

Sidney was still in shock. 'This means, then, that what we have been trying to do is now legal. Is that right?'

Mr Thompson smiled and nodded, 'Yes, Mr Sidney. It is. Mr Tom Parker cannot dispute it. We can make it even more official by me reading the document to your whole family later today. Would that suit?'

Sidney nodded energetically, 'Absolutely, Mr Thompson. That would really show Tom that it is a real legal document with our father's signature.'

Mr Thompson nodded his agreement, 'That is all settled then. How do you want to deal with the missive for your tenants?'

Sidney read it again, considered for a moment and replied, 'They say that they would vacate in fifteen days. That suits us admirably. Please send someone to inspect the building and assess any repairs that need to be done to the rooms as well as someone to work on the gardens. The repairs should start just after the tenants' moving out date, I would like it to be made habitable for Tom's family, Diana and Arthur by the end of August.

We should not need any new furniture in the Parker house but do make a list of what is already there for Mary and Diana to go through. They may spot something that has been missed out. Once they confirm, we could move some pieces of furniture from the other Parker-owned houses.

In addition to the above, please send two other people to inspect Trafalgar House and the house where Arthur and Diana live for any repairs. Those are to be prepared for new tenants and the repairs are to start straight away. We need to recap any previous losses and rent them out as soon as a suitable tenant becomes available.'

Mr Thompson was taking notes as Sidney was giving him his instructions. Knowing full well how efficient his client was, he already had ready blank paper to compose messages for the messengers to delivery both for Sidney and some for himself. Sidney took them and nodded gratefully at the older man- he thought to himself that this man was a prince amongst men for this thoughtfulness.

Firstly, started penning a message to Mr Stringer with instructions for further workers to be hired for the repairs in the Parker properties and the house he was to live with Charlotte. He would give it to the young man tomorrow afternoon during their meeting. Secondly, he wrote to their tenants acknowledging their request.

It is not to say that Mr Thompson was bone idle whilst Sidney was writing his messages. Not in the least. His first message was to his assistant. He wrote to him asking him to send down three surveyors by the middle of this week and to also send him by messenger the list of the furnishings of all the currently occupied Parker residences and the lease forms for new tenants. He also informed him that he would stay in Sanditon at least for an extra week and to forward any urgent missives from their other clients to him to the Sanditon hotel. His second message was to his wife and children informing them of the intention to extend his stay at the seaside town.

Mr Thompson enquired after Sidney's messages, 'My messages are done, Mr Sidney. Shall we send them off?'

Sidney handed his letter to their tenants and Mr Thompson rang for the bell. A maid showed up who took the messages and took them to the receptionist. The messengers were on their way to their destinations within 5 minutes of her leaving the room.

'All done, Mr Sidney. I have asked my assistant to get the surveyors to Sanditon at the beginning of the week. I will undertake to make a list of the furniture at your paternal home and other Parker residences myself. Would you want to employ some workers from Sanditon for the repairs?'

Sidney nodded again, 'Yes, Mr Thompson, that would be best. I will speak to Mr Stringer as soon as you give me the list of repairs that need to be made on each house.'

He paused to collect his thoughts and a huge grin graced his face, 'There is also another reason why the repairs need to be done fast. You see, Miss Heywood has accepted my hand in marriage. I hope to speak to her father today to make it official. If all things go as planned, then we are to be married by the end of August.'

Mr Thompson smiled at the young man and shook his hand heartily, 'Congratulations, Mr Sidney. You will be very happy. She is a beautiful, clever and worthy young lady. She reminds me of my Margaret when she was younger.'

Just mentioning Charlotte's name and somebody else praising her virtues made Sidney grin wider, 'Yes, I am an extremely lucky man, Mr Thompson. Do you have the time by any chance?'

Mr Thompson looked at his watch, 'It is just after nine in the morning. When is your meeting to start?'

Sidney said, 'Just after nine thirty. Would you walk to Trafalgar house with me? Please make sure that you keep my father's letter with you. I will get my hat, outerwear and the documents I need. I will then meet you at the reception area in five minutes' time. Thank you so much for alerting me so promptly. It is very much appreciated. I will see you shortly.' Both men, then, shook hands and Sidney departed for his room.

He had a spring in his step as he hopped around his bedroom like an excited rabbit checking the documents he needed for the meeting with his siblings and the ones for Charlotte's father. In no time at all, he joined Mr Thompson for the short walk to Trafalgar House.

In the meantime, at eight thirty Mr Nash was on his way to the dining room to find Lady Susan being surrounded by a large family of very well-behaved children and other adults. Lady Susan was just about to sit down and start her breakfast of hot toast and hot chocolate when she spotted him at the door of the sitting room looking unbelievingly at the large group of people in the dining room. It was no small wonder he did that as the whole room had been completely taken over by the Heywood clan and their guests.

'Mr Nash, what a pleasant surprise this is! Do come and join us and allow me to introduce you to my friends.' said she whilst smiling at him brightly.

'Lady Susan, I would be delighted to join you. Lead the way. However, I am come here with a message for you. Please grant me some of your precious time to convey it to you later today. It is from our common friend.'

Lady Susan nodded her assent to the plan and led him to the group. She introduced him to the Heywood parents, their children, Anne, Frederick and Dr Levinson, whom Mr Nash already knew. He was seated next to Dr Levinson to make him feel more comfortable during the meal.

The meal continued after the introductions had taken place with the minimum fuss. The newcomer originally thought that such a disruption would have made the younger members of the group pay him unnecessary attention as it had sometimes happened in London. However, to his relief, this was not the case. The children concentrated on their breakfast, the adults spoke pleasantly to each other and he enjoyed a hot cup of tea and a scone whilst enjoying his conversation with Dr Levinson who had Mr Nash's full attention as he was recounting the events that had brought him to Sanditon and his plans to make it his base of operations.

Mr Nash was full of wonder. How did this small seaside town even manage to seduce the illusive and industrious Dr Levinson of Harley Street, the sweetheart of the upper classes? He was reaching the conclusion that there must be something quaint and special about the place. He was indeed really looking forward to finding out exactly what that was.

The breakfast meal was over in record time. The children were bundled upstairs to be made ready for the picnic and the Heywood parents excused themselves to make their way to Trafalgar House. Frederick and Anne also left to retrieve their outerwear as they were to lead the group to the picnic location. This left Lady Susan, Dr Levinson and Mr Nash in the dining room. She invited both gentlemen to follow her to the sitting room where they could speak more freely. This was a very well-timed request seeing that the rest of the guests were coming down to the sitting room to break their fast.

The two gentlemen and the lady thus entered an empty sitting room and settled on the sofa. Mr Nash was still full of wonder and he exclaimed, 'I have never spent a more pleasant breakfast meal with children being present. How did they get them to behave so well? If that were in London, they would have removed the youngest children from the room instantly!'.

Lady Susan and Dr Levinson only smiled at each other, but Lady Susan was the one who responded to her guest, 'Mr Nash, no wonder you are surprised. The Heywoods are an extraordinarily genteel family. Both Mr and Mrs Heywood have instilled in their children from a very young age the principle that tantrums would not gain them any favours. They are always well behaved, and it is truly a pleasure to be around them. '

Dr Levinson went on, 'They are indeed a wonderful family. I thoroughly agree with Lady Susan.'

Mr Nash was eager to learn more of the family, 'However did you make their acquaintance, Lady Susan? I am all curiosity'.

Lady Susan then told her guest what brought both Dr Levinson and her in Sanditon. She told him how she made the acquaintance of Charlotte at Mrs Maudley's ball in London, how she came to Sanditon to visit the young lady as well as about Dr Levinson's and her intention to purchase one of the completed apartments each. She also casually mentioned they were to meet with Mr Stringer, the project manager to review the sketches for their new houses.

Mr Nash's interest was immediately piqued at that information as Lady Susan expected it would have been. She wanted to help Alison and Mr Stringer and Mr John Nash was instrumental to her plans. She had to keep him on their side and interest him in the apartments.

'Apartments, you say? Has this Mr Stringer drawn the architectural designs himself? Would he think me to be terribly presumptuous if I had a peak at them?' Architecture was our Mr Nash's passion and the opportunity to view some new architectural designs was not to be missed at any cost. He felt like a child who was eager to visit his favourite candy shop. He was even more excited than normal because this young man could well become his new apprentice. He really looked as excited as Arthur when he was enjoying his buttered muffins!

Lady Susan smiled at her success. She had him in her power now. This was the first step. She just hoped Mr Stringer's plans were good enough. Those were her silent thoughts, but she commented instead, 'I am sure Mr Stringer would be happy to grant your request. The gentleman is to join our picnic today. I will introduce him to you once he arrives. You can even ask him yourself. I will also introduce you to the Parker family and especially Mr Sidney Parker who is the brains behind this project. The Parker family will join us for the picnic this afternoon as they had a previous appointment this morning.'

Mr Nash was delighted with her response, 'Wonderful news. I look forward to that.' Lady Susan then skilfully turned the conversation to what has been happening in London and asked Mr Nash to tell them. He obliged and thus regaled them with the latest scandals. He also discreetly conveyed his message to Lady Susan about the regent's visit at the beginning of September. She understood. She realised that August would be a very busy month after all! What with the rebuilding of the apartments and the summer ball to organise!

In the meantime, Mr and Mrs Heywood were in Trafalgar House. They arrived at five minutes past nine finding the house to be very quiet. Mrs Heywood was used to seeing one servant or another on her visits there. However, she was not surprised to find May opening the door for them. She remembered that she had given the servants the day off.

The Parker children and Charlotte had already breakfasted, so they were ready to go with them. Both parents greeted their daughter with a warm hug. They noticed her happy face and her engagement ring, which meant that had no doubt at all what happened the night before. They asked Mary for some time with their daughter and followed her to her room.

Charlotte was bursting to confide to her parents. The moment the door was closed, she told them of Sidney's proposal. Mrs Heywood was delighted with the news and she hugged her daughter anew from her excitement. Mr Heywood was taking it all in. His Charlotte was getting married! Both ladies looked at him expecting his reaction. Charlotte got all nervous and asked hesitantly, 'Papa?'

He realised that he had been absorbed in his thoughts for a moment too long. He sought to reassure his first born. 'I am well Charlotte and very happy to hear your news. I was just thinking that you have grown up so fast. I approve of this match. We owe Mr Sidney Parker more than we can possibly ever be able to repay for bringing you back to us. He is a worthy young man and he loves you very much.

Your mother and me will speak to him after the picnic. We want you to join Alison and Emily after the picnic and wait in Alison's room. We will speak to him alone first and we will then call you in the room.'

Charlotte beamed at her father's words and ran to hug him, 'Oh, thank you Papa! He is really the best man for me! I love him so very much!'

Mr Heywood hugged his daughter back and noticed how his wife had tears of happiness running down her cheeks. He knew than that he had done something that pleased her. He was glad. He liked making his wife happy.

The beautiful moment between Charlotte and her parents had only lasted ten minutes or so before they heard a knock on the door. Charlotte bade the visitor in the room. It was Mary. Charlotte looked at her parents, they nodded their permission and Charlotte rushed to hug Mary. Mary was shocked at this, but she returned the hug, nonetheless.

'Charlotte, whatever is the matter?', asked Mary with a concerned face.

'Mary, Mary we will be sisters! Sidney asked me to marry him yesterday!', Charlotte exclaimed excitedly.

Mary's concerned face changed to a face of extreme happiness and a huge grin appeared on her face. 'That is such wonderful news, my dear Charlotte! I wish you both joy! Welcome to the family.'

Charlotte beamed at her future sister, 'Thank you Mary. Are the children ready to go?'

Mary laughed aloud at the question, 'They are so ready that they would have burst into the room themselves unless I promised to bring you all three downstairs in the next 5 minutes.'

The whole group laughed at the comment and joined Mary downstairs where they found three very excited children greeting their uncles Sidney and Arthur as well as their aunt Diana and Mr Thompson. Tom was still absent from the room.

The children noticed the three Heywoods and ran to them exclaiming all three at the same time, 'Can we go now?' All the adults laughed at this. Mary bid her children goodbye and reassured them that she would see them this afternoon. She then led Arthur, Diana and Mr Thompson to the sitting room, winked at Sidney and left Sidney alone with Charlotte and her parents. Mr and Mrs Heywood took the children outside silently communicating with their daughter that she had a minute to bid her fiancé good morning.

Only then did Sidney and Charlotte dared look at each other. She smiled her brilliant smile at him and the knot that he had been feeling all morning simply disappeared. He could not help but smile back at her.

She took his hand and brought him to the study where she lost no time kissing him senseless. He was taken aback at first. Yet, it did not take him long to catch up and ravish her with his mouth, holding her warm body plastered to his. After a moment of two, Charlotte broke the kiss and whispered to him, 'Papa said yes, Sidney! We are officially engaged!'

Sidney's face was alight with happiness. He kissed her again more deeply than before and twirled a giggling Charlotte around the room. He ended up saying. 'Charlotte, Charlotte! I am officially the happiest man in the world!'

Charlotte replied with a wink at him, 'That makes me then the happiest woman in the world then in return!'

She then went all serious and told him, 'Good luck today, darling. The meeting will go fine. Keep those negative thoughts at the very back of your mind. Promise me.'

Sidney looked at her sheepishly, 'You knew that I would fuss over this, didn't you?'

She beamed at him, 'I did. That is why I told you about papa's consent to our engagement first thing. I knew you would fuss about two things today. The first one would be papa's response to our engagement and the second one would be your meeting with Tom. I cannot help you with the second. However, I can reassure you of the first.'

He gave her a grateful glance, kissed her gloved hand and hugged her. He whispered in her ear, 'Not only I am the happiest man in the world, but I am also the luckiest one to have you in my life'. He then proceeded to tell her in whispers what he had discussed with Mr Thompson. She took it all in and she was awed at how beautifully everything was coming together.

They stayed embraced until they heard a knock on the door. It was the sign that Charlotte was to join her parents. She gave him a quick peck on the lips, smiled at him and left the room leaving him to grin like a fool. He did not follow her out of the room, though. He poured himself a stiff drink of brandy instead to prepare for the ordeal to come as he waited for the rest of his relatives and Mr Thompson to join him.

Charlotte found her parents waiting for her outside and they set out for the hotel in high spirits. They arrived just after nine thirty at the sitting room. The maid approached Mrs Heywood informing her that the rest of the group left with the food and that Mr Stringer was waiting for them at the reception area. Mr Heywood took his cue, smiled at his ladies and went to fetch the young man whilst they entertained the children.

Mr Heywood arrived at the reception to find a tall, lanky young man walking back and forth in agitation. He had to admit to himself that his daughters certainly chose good looking men for their partners in life. She could just imagine how well suited his Alison would be this young man.

He approached and said aloud, 'Mr Stringer? I am Mr Heywood. Thank you for accepting our picnic invitation. Will you come with me to the sitting room?'

Mr Stringer was tongue tied for a second. This was miss Alison's father! He did not know how he would be received, and he fretted all the way to the hotel. However, seeing this friendly welcome untied his tongue and he found himself saying, 'The honour was mine to receive your kind invitation, Mr Heywood.' He then followed his host to the sitting room. Mrs Heywood and Charlotte welcomed him as soon as they saw him. Mrs Heywood then asked them all if they were ready to go and five of them made their way to the picnic spot. They made a quick stop to pick Georgiana and the Beaufort sisters as the house was on the way.

They found the picnic sport easily enough. They could not miss the excited voices of the youngest Heywood children. They now agreed with Mr Arthur that the place had been ideal for this picnic. It was a sheltered nook of the beach with very few people around and shallow paddles. Their whole group was spread on five blankets. The food was placed on the middle blanket and everyone else was using the rest of the blankets to sit down and enjoy the sunny day.

The moment they came into view a throng of children approached them and took the three Parker children into their folds. Some of the children were building sandcastles with the help of their nurses and older siblings, others were playing tag and running around excitedly. Anne was helping one of the group of children with their sandcastle, Frederick and Dr Levinson were running around with the boys playing tag and Lady Susan was sitting down with a guest talking amicably.

Charlotte joined the third group of her siblings on the sandcastle building activities along with Georgiana and the Beaufort sisters leaving her parents, Lady Susan, Mr Stringer and Mr Nash to their introductions and discussions. Lady Susan took the opportunity to introduce Mr Stringer to Mr Nash and then fell into easy conversation with Mr and Mrs Heywood.

Mr Stringer was thunderstruck to discover that he had just been introduced to his idol, Mr John Nash! He could not believe his ears when he heard Mr Nash's request to view his Sanditon architectural plans. He quickly and enthusiastically assented to the request. Both men then proceeded to discuss Mr Nash's last project and the merits of using one sort of carving versus another one.

Mr Nash was impressed. If this young man really rang true and his skill was what he suspected it to be, then it meant only one thing. It meant that he had just found his newest apprentice. He would wait until he saw the designs before making his final decision. He realised that he owed the Regent a great debt, indeed.

Lady Susan kept an ear out for Mr Nash's conversation with Mr Stringer. Judging from Mr Nash's reaction to the young man, she would bet half her fortune that Mr Stringer had just won himself an apprenticeship. She knew that Mr Nash was a methodical and careful man when it came to his apprentices. If he did find that Mr Stringer's designs were good enough, then Mr Stringer would be granted both his most earnest wish for an apprenticeship and the possibility to gain Alison's hand in marriage.