Chapter 1

It had been three weeks since Charlotte arrived back home in Willingden, heartbroken and feeling as if her entire world had been turned on its head. Three weeks since she had seen Sidney, when he had abruptly stopped her coach only to bid her one final heart wrenching farewell. Why did he have to come at all? It would've left her much more at ease if he had just chosen to stay away. Charlotte had started to heal a bit and then there he was, telling her he didn't love Eliza. The last thing she had wanted to hear was an impossible declaration of his love for her, so she had cut him off, "You mustn't speak that way…" Why did she always have to be so sensible?

Since arriving home, she had fallen back into the comfort and safety of her family life. She had always loved caring for her siblings and living in the country and all that entailed. Charlotte's daily refuge was a long walk followed by an evening of reading. She refused to feel sorry for herself or dwell in the depths of her despair of having the love of her life ripped from her world. With each day that passed she was able to place him to the back of her mind for longer periods of time. Only when she was alone with her thoughts did her mind wander to him…that dance that changed everything in London…that rowing lesson on the day of the regatta…his voice echoing in her mind, "….I'm my best self, my truest self, when I'm with you." Then there was their walk along the cliff tops; how uncharacteristically shy and awkward he had behaved. It only served to endear him to her even more. She had been so certain that he meant to propose to her that fateful night at the Midsummer's Ball in Sanditon. If only Sir Edward hadn't barged in like a madman. If only there hadn't been the fire. If only they hadn't been interrupted and intercepted at every single turn. If only Tom Parker weren't so irresponsible. If only Sidney weren't so responsible. If only. Perhaps she'd be here visiting her family as Mrs. Parker.

One glorious, sunny morning a breathless Alison came upon her in the garden. "Charlotte! A letter has come for you from London!" Charlotte removed her gardening gloves deliberately and wiped her brow with the back of her hand. Could it be from him? Slowly and with much dread she took the letter from Alison's eager outstretched hand, "Thank you, Alison."

"Well aren't you going to open it, sister? Aren't you the least bit curious?"

"Yes, right. I think I'd like to take a walk and read it privately if you don't mind."

A bit crestfallen, Alison conceded, "Oh…right. Yes, yes of course dear Charlotte."

Alison watched as Charlotte slowly strolled down the garden path out into the pasture and out of sight. Poor Charlotte. She wouldn't say anything but she had changed during her time in Sanditon. Alison could only guess at the reason for her sister's sudden distracted behavior. One day while they were fishing all together at the pond, Charlotte sat on the bank completely in a daze, a million miles away as a fish fought on her line to free itself. It was only when their brother, John, ran up and grabbed her line from her that she came back to the present. Alison hoped that Charlotte would see fit to confide in her soon, otherwise she would have to pry. And Alison, unassuming and sweet as she was, absolutely hated to pry into other people's business.

Charlotte walked slowly through the far pasture turning the letter over and over in her hands. She hadn't even looked at the postscript to try and decipher the handwriting. She didn't want to know who it was from or what news it contained quite yet. There is something to be said for the old adage, "Ignorance is bliss." She came to the bank of the fishing pond and stared out at the water, sparkling like sun on glass. Sitting down in the row boat on the shore, she startled at the vivid memory of his voice ringing in her ears, "May I ask you something, Miss Heywood?" She looked around expecting to see him standing within her reach. But there was no one. How real he still was to her. His voice was so rich, so alive in her memory. Settling herself into the little two seated rowboat, Charlotte took a deep breath, held it, and looked down. Her breath came out in a rush of relief when she saw the postscript. Susan. Charlotte slowly opened the letter and began to read the elegant, polished handwriting.

Dearest Charlotte,

I hope my letter finds you well in both health and spirit. I must confess that life has been a great deal less bright since leaving your company. Shortly after returning to London when last we met, I received the most troubling news regarding The Terrace in our beloved Sanditon. Perhaps even more troubling was the knowledge that the entire project was uninsured. How shocking! I do hope that Mr. Tom Parker is able to find a way to right his wrongs. How terrible not only for his dear wife, Mary, but for his entire family.

Speaking of Mr. Parkers, does a certain someone know that you are irrevocably in love with him yet? It was obvious to me from my interactions with him that he is irrevocably attached to you in heart, Charlotte. There has never been a man more desperately in love with a woman than Sidney Parker is with you, Miss Heywood. It was written quite plainly all over his face. Remember my dear; I am never wrong when it comes to love.

Life in London has been much less interesting without you, dear friend. I do so hope that you will accept this invitation to join me at my home in London for an extended period. There are many people in my circles that you must meet. I will send a coach at your earliest convenience upon acceptance.

I eagerly await your favorable reply, dear Charlotte.

Yours,

Susan

Charlotte glanced up from Susan's letter to gaze out across the pond and far pasture. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply as a comforting breeze caressed her face and combed its fingers through her dark curls. Perhaps a long visit with Susan would be a good thing. She loved meeting new people and dancing at balls. Maybe this would help her heal her broken heart more quickly. Would it be worth the risk of seeing Sidney and Eliza out in society together? Charlotte put that out of her mind. She could no longer live her life based on hypothetical situations. Charlotte decided right then and there that she would go to London. She still believed that life should be full of adventures. And Charlotte was determined to have as many as she could, if only to remember that she was still alive; that she could still feel something other than an aching loneliness in her heart.