Chapter 3

James Stringer checked his pocket watch once more. One hour left until he needed to be on the coach bound for London and his future. His last conversation with Charlotte Heywood had made him reconsider his decision to pass up the London apprenticeship. It truly was the chance of a lifetime and he was getting more excited and anxious by the moment. He was certain now it was the right choice. There was nothing binding him to Sanditon. His father had been his last concrete tie to the town. James had every intention of someday returning to Sanditon and settling down – once he'd made a name for himself as an architect. He finished packing his bags, a couple of mementos, and left the key on the mantle. He opened the front door and turned around to take a long slow look to fix this home in his memory. He took a deep breath and let it out as a sigh. Closing the door he decided he'd not look back. "Leave the past in the past, Stringer." The home would be rented to another family after today. He hoped they only had happy memories of the old place. James had one thing left to do before heading to the hotel to catch the stage.

Stringer found the spot without delay. He'd been here so often in the past three weeks he was surprised there was any grass left for the path he'd forged. He took off his hat and held it in his hands, "It's me. I'm going. I know you think I'm foolish, and maybe I am. But I can't spend my life wondering what would've happened if I'd only just taken this opportunity. This is my chance to do something great with my life and my name. You accused me of trying to impress Miss Heywood. While I admit I had my eye on her, none of this was ever about Charlotte. It was always about making you proud. I hope you'll watch to see all the magnificent buildings I make. And I hope you'll be proud of me. I love you, ya stubborn old goat. Goodbye, Da."

James walked with purpose to the hotel. As he neared, a flash of purple taffeta darted in front of him. Before he could react, he found himself colliding with Miss Lambe.

"Miss Lambe, I beg your pardon, are you alright?"

Miss Lambe straightened and answered Mr. Stringer, "Mr. Stringer, I'm sorry, that was my fault. I'm alright, thank you." Looking down and seeing him carrying his bags she said, "Running away, sir?"

Mr. Stringer replied, "Something like that, Miss. I'm heading to London to take an apprenticeship."

"Good for you, Mr. Stringer. Get out of this God-forsaken town while you can. You never know what horrible thing will happen next. Nothing good ever happens here. Will you be seeing Mr. Sidney Parker while you're there?"

"Yes, Miss. Mr. Tom Parker has asked me to deliver some documents to him when I arrive. Do you have a message for me to give him as well?"

Miss Lambe smirked and said, "Yes, please tell him I'm dead, Mr. Stringer."

Laughing nervously Mr. Stringer replied, "Right…I'll be sure to let him know. Ah, there's the stage now, I'm sorry I really must leave you now, good day to you, Miss Lambe."

"Good day, Mr. Stringer."

Georgiana Lambe watched as Mr. James Stringer rushed to meet the stage coach. She couldn't help but think what a perfect fit he and Charlotte would have been if Sidney hadn't gotten in the way. Sidney always ruined everything. He ruined her own happiness, and now he'd ruined her best friend's happiness. She would never forgive him.

Georgiana had to quietly sneak back into her prison. Her one comfort was writing to Charlotte and Otis. She had forgiven Otis. She didn't think he really meant to betray her to Beacroft. It was truly all a big misunderstanding. Otis would never do anything to intentionally harm her, she was certain of that. She sat down at her desk and looked out the window overlooking the sea. How she missed Antigua—the warm air, the sunshine, her home. Georgiana dipped her pen in ink and smiled as she began her correspondence:

Dear Charlotte,

You'll never guess who I just bumped into on the street—Mr. James Stringer. He's heading to London to take an apprenticeship. I hope you see him while you are visiting Lady Worchester. He is the best kind of person, Charlotte. He's a much better man than Sidney Parker. I'm put out that I cannot be there with you. There is no end in sight here. I shall wither away and die in this horrid boarding house. There has been absolutely no diversion here since you've gone. Please write soon with stimulating news of London, before I die from boredom."

Yours,
G

Charlotte had to laugh as she read Georgiana's latest missive. She was always so over dramatic in the most amusing way. Everything was the end of the world to Miss Lambe, and yet much to her dismay, the end of the world never had the decency to arrive. She folded the letter thinking she would write Georgiana after tea this afternoon. Lady Susan walked into the library and observed Charlotte's pleasant countenance.

"Good news, Charlotte?"

"I've just had an amusing note from Miss Lambe. It's nice to know some things never change, isn't it, Susan?"

"Indeed, it is. Well what say you, my dear girl? Shall we take a bit of a stroll before tea? It's an absolutely beautiful day."

"Yes, quite. I will meet you at the front door. I'll just get my bonnet."

Susan had spent the last day and a half getting Charlotte settled at Berkeley House. They spent the better part of yesterday shopping for gowns and all sorts of clothing and accessories necessary for being part of high society for an extended time. Charlotte was flabbergasted by Susan's kindness and to be honest, felt very much out of her league. She still hadn't figured out what she was doing here and why she was being showered with such affection by such a great Lady. Susan was all too happy to have someone to shower such affection upon; Charlotte was like the younger sister she'd always wished for but never had.

The two women took a turn and walked past Bedford Place. Charlotte didn't realize where she was until she looked up and saw the house. Lady Susan smiled nonchalantly and turned a curious eye toward the house. She hoped Mr. Parker was home and that he happened to be looking out the window right about now. Charlotte kept her eyes fixed straight ahead hoping Mr. Parker wasn't home; and if he was, that he wouldn't be coming out or looking out his window any time soon.

"Miss Heywood? Is that you?"

Charlotte whirled around at the sound of a familiar voice. "Mr. Stringer?"

"It's wonderful to see you, Miss! I didn't know you were in London?"

"Yes, I'm Lady Worchester's guest for the next several weeks."

Mr. Stringer turned to Susan, "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance again, my Lady."

Susan smiled, "The pleasure is entirely mine, Mr. Stringer. What brings you to London?"

"I've accepted an apprenticeship with an architect, ma'am."

James looked at Charlotte and smiled, "Thank you, Miss Heywood, for your encouragement."

"I've only just had a letter from Miss Lambe saying you'd reconsidered. I wish you the very best of luck, Mr. Stringer!"

"Thank you, Miss Heywood. Well, I had better let you ladies continue your stroll. Mr. Parker is expecting me at Bedford Place."

"Is Mr. Tom Parker in town then, Mr. Stringer?" Charlotte held her breath.

Mr. Stringer gave her an apologetic look, "No, Miss, Mr. Sidney Parker."

Charlotte held her hands to keep them from shaking. "I see, well, good day, Mr. Stringer. It was wonderful to see you again."

Stringer nodded to Charlotte and then to Lady Susan, "You as well, Miss Heywood…my Lady."

Charlotte looked stricken. "Are you alright, Charlotte? Shall we turn back?"

"No, no, I'm well. Let's continue on, Susan. I cannot have truly believed I would be able to spend time in London and not see or hear of him. I will be fine. It was just a surprise to know he was home when we walked past just now."

Mr. Stringer was greeted as he was shown into Sidney Parker's study.

"Ah, Mr. Stringer, Tom said I should expect you with the newest contracts for the Terrace. How was your trip from Sanditon?"

"It was favorable, Mr. Parker. Here are the contracts."

"Thank you, Mr. Stringer. Please, have a seat. Can I offer you refreshment while you're here?"

"Yes, thank you, sir."

Sidney went over to the side table and lifted the top off the decanter. "Brandy alright?"

"Yes, thank you."

"What news of Sanditon, Mr. Stringer?"

"I ran into Miss Lambe right before travelling here yesterday."

"Oh? Was she keeping out of trouble? I'm sure she had something to say."

"Yes, she said to tell you she's dead, sir."

Sidney grimaced and handed Stringer a glass. That confounded girl. He would never win her favor. Nothing was ever good enough for her. "Ah, well, then I know she's doing just fine. She's always the most full of life when she's cursing me."

Stringer shifted uncomfortably. "I've just met an acquaintance of ours from Sanditon in the street as well."

Sidney turned around and took a drink from his glass, "Oh? Who might that be?"

"Miss Heywood."

Sidney froze. He was sure his heart would pound out of his chest. Charlotte. He had heard that cad, Wellesley, prattling on about something at billiards a few days ago—something about a guest Lady Worchester was hosting, but he hadn't heard the guest's name. My Dearest Charlotte. She's here.