Chapter 9

The ride to Trafalgar House was quiet. Not solemn, but comfortable silence. Having Charlotte on the bench next to him warmed his heart and knowing that she was not in love with Ralph Starling comforted him. He still was not sure how she felt about him, but he had to help her through this first before they could get to the subject of their relationship.

Upon their arrival, the coachman opened the coach door, and once again, Alexander exited and offered his hand to Charlotte as she stepped down unto the solid earth. The Parker's footman opened the entry door, and they both hesitantly passed through the doorway. Mrs. Parker and Charlotte's sister, Mrs. Alison Fraser, removed themselves from the parlor into the foyer, just as Mr. Fraser made his way down the staircase.

"Charlotte, are you alright? Whatever is wrong?" Alison question as she approached her sister to comfort her.

"I am fine. Mr. Colbourne found me and offered to bring me back."

Alison took him in, silently nodded at him. Not able to stay silent for long, she voiced, "Thank you for looking out for my dear sister."

"I do so with great pleasure," he responded. He noticed her chin rise just a touch as she took in his words, then nodded again.

Just then, the door opened again, and in strolled Mr. Ralph Starling. Alexander had never looked at the man closely before, so while in the close proximately, he took in Charlotte's intendeds features. He was tall, slightly taller than he was, dark hair, and pleasantly dressed. His dark eyes had a spark in them, signaling happiness, and the smile that erupted on his face when his eyes fell upon Charlotte told him all that he needed to know about Ralph Starling – he was absolutely infatuated with her. He did not doubt that this man was in love with her. If not love, very much besotted with her.

He eagerly greeted everyone, and then his eyes fell upon Alexander. "I'm sorry, I do not believe we have been introduced. I am Ralph Starling." He extended his hand to shake Alexander's hand. Alexander returned the gesture.

"Alexander Colbourne."

"Oh, the illustrious Mr. Colbourne. Charlotte has spoken of you and your girls often. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Ralph voiced in a heartfelt manner.

"News made it to us this morning that Miss Heywood would be leaving today, and I wanted to make sure I said farewell, but also to encourage you all to stay for our ball tomorrow evening. Miss Heywood has worked so hard on it, it would be a shame for her, and her family, to miss it."

"She let us know there was a ball, but I had no idea she had assisted with it," Mr. Starling confessed. He looked at Charlotte, surprised.

"She did not just assist; she took control of the planning. My sister-in-law thinks a lot of her and said it could be her wedding present to her."

Mr. Starling made his way over to Charlotte and gently slid up to her. "What an amazing gift. Maybe we will have an opportunity to use the skills at home in Willingdon. My dear," turning to Charlotte and looking down at her, "Perhaps we should stay for the ball, so we can all enjoy the fruits of your labor."

She looked up at him, her eyes wide. "You will stay for that?"

"Well, yes my dear, if it will make you happy."

"It would make me very happy indeed."

Alexander released a breath he did not realize he was holding. She was staying.

"Good. Well, I came by to see if we were ready to leave, but since we are staying, could I interest you in a stroll along the Promenade?" He looked at Charlotte expectedly, smiling at her.

"Well, I should go to Heyrick Park and…."

"We can take care of everything today if you would like to spend the day with your family. Tomorrow will be another busy day also, so save your energy for that."

She looked at him, her eyes questioning him, but her voice remained silent.

"A stroll would be nice then. I can show you everything I love about Sanditon." She shrugged out of Alexander's cloak and reached for her own coat that was in the front closet. Conversation was continuing, but all Alexander took in was Mr. Starling offering her his arm as they made their way from the house and into the street.

"That was rather awkward", Mary Parker stated after the door had closed. "Mr. Colbourne, please come into the parlor, I believe there may be things that need to be discussed."

The small party made their way into the room, where Mary Parker closed the doors in the event Charlotte and Mr. Starling returned sooner than expected.

Alison Fraser spoke freely and quickly. "Ralph is a good man, but he is not the man for my sister." She was looking directly at Alexander. "She is marrying him to benefit our family, but he will not make her happy. He does care about her a great deal, and I do not doubt that he will treat her honorably, but…. But he is not the man for her." She moved towards him, her eyes pleading with him. "She needs someone who will challenge her and allow her spirit to remain intact."

"Miss Heywood told me about the agreement between Mr. Starling and your father. Are things truly that bad?"

"Unfortunately, I believe they are. Declan and I are doing what we can to help, but there needs to be more than just help."

Declan continued for his wife. "The ground is not what it once was. I have told him we could implement crop rotation, new crops, but he doesn't believe that will work. Starling has the same philosophy as Father Heywood, so even if Starling takes over, I feel the same thing will happen, but to both farms, leaving them in even worse condition."

"We implement crop rotation at Heyrick Park, and its proven to be beneficial. Our farmers are working with local markets, shop keepers, some products even going to London, some being requested. Do you think he would be open to considering a change in direction?" Alexander questioned.

"It's down to the money now, and there is none. Its hard to make changes when there are limited funds," Declan explained. Alison nodded her head in agreement.

"What if you were able to plead your case? There must be a way," Mary implored.

Alexander was thoughtful for a moment, then started thinking orally. "What if we were to get a message to him, that someone wanted to invest in his farm, anonymously, you being the contact Declan. A percentage of the yield could be used as payment until the investment was returned, with interest of course because I do not want them thinking it is a handout, just a helping hand. Just enough money to introduce new crops and maintain rotation. And maybe say something to discourage him from forcing Charlotte's hand to Mr. Starling."

Mary immediately voiced, "I think were on the right path."

"If we can draft something, I could ride straight to Willingdon today and discuss it with him by evening, and be back here tomorrow," Declan volunteered.

"You would do that?" Alexander questioned.

"Charlotte is my sister now, and the Heywood's are very important to me. Besides, I like Ralph, he is a good man, good neighbor, but he isn't for Charlotte," Declan honestly expressed.

"Well, we should get to work then". Mary then escorted him to Tom's study, putting the plan to save the Heywood's from ruin into motion.