Chapter 4
Sidney sat at the desk in his study reading the first sentence of the new Sanditon contract for the fifth time, unable to focus long enough to comprehend the words. He sighed heavily and sat back in his chair. Sidney ran his fingers through his hair as if trying to clear away the mental fog that had settled in since Stringer had told him that Charlotte was staying in London. He was a fool to not propose to Charlotte when he had the chance. He was a complete villain to engage himself to someone like Eliza Campion. It was the only way he could save his brother and the entire Parker family. He thought to himself, "Congratulations, Parker. You've come full circle in life by leaving the one you love for money. What an unforgivable, miserable fool you are after all."
He had arrived in London the day after the devastating fire that claimed the life of Old Stringer and destroyed the nearly completed Terrace at Sanditon. He knocked on door after door, met with bank after bank, with no luck. Sidney had gone to another ball that fateful night after a day filled with more rejection. He felt more and more desperate as time expired. He had to be back in Sanditon tomorrow with a solution for Tom. Otherwise, they would all be ruined. That's when she approached him.
"Sidney, I'm glad to see you. I hated how we left things after the regatta. I'm sorry if I came on too strong. But I want you to know that I meant everything I said then. I had hoped for years that we would stand together again."
He rolled his eyes internally. This was the last thing he needed right now. What would it take for Eliza to get the message that he had moved on?
"Eliza, I'm sorry if you felt upset. I thought that I'd made myself rather clear about where I stand on our future, however."
Eliza's eyes grew cold, but her smile didn't falter. "You made yourself quite clear. Though, I have to say it's a shame that your affection for Miss Heywood will never result in your marriage to her."
Sidney's jaw twitched at this and his shoulders tensed, ready to defend Charlotte from Eliza's undeserved daggers. "And why is that, Eliza?"
"I understand that your brother has had some misfortune as of late. I also understand that you have come to London trying to find assistance but have been unable to secure any interest whatsoever."
"And how would you know that, Eliza?"
"It's the beau monde, Sidney. Tongues wag. Now, as you know, I am the wealthiest woman in the country. And I am prepared to invest in Sanditon."
Sidney's demeanor changed from defensive to relieved in a single moment. "Truly? But I thought you hated Sanditon?"
"Come now, Sidney. I never said I hated it. It's not my favorite place on earth, but it would be the perfect place for us to take the children in the summers wouldn't you agree?"
"Us? Children? Eliza, what on earth are you trying to say?"
Eliza leaned in close, "If you marry me, the money will be yours and we can save Sanditon and your family, together. If you don't marry me, the money will remain mine, and you know how much I loathe Sanditon."
His choice had been impossible. The clock was running out on Lady Denham's mercy and he had to move quickly or risk losing everything. So he'd agreed. Then he'd gone back to Bedford Place and drunk himself into a stupor. He had found love in Eliza years ago and lost it. Then, he had found his soul's mate in Charlotte Heywood and now had lost her. Alas, he was still a miserable, lonely wretch, and would remain one until his dying day.
Sidney lit a cigarette and poured himself a drink. Just remembering it all made him sink farther and farther into his heartbreak and regret. Charlotte was here now. He had to see her, to talk to her. He needed to look into her soft brown eyes and see that she was in as much agony as he; that she still loved him. He would find a way to be with Charlotte if only for a moment. He was suddenly looking forward to every evening engagement Eliza would drag him to starting with tonight. Sidney finished his drink, put out his cigarette, and went to dress and hopeā¦hope that she would cross his path tonight.
