Chapter 5
Charlotte looked at her reflection and took a deep breath. The blue gown suited her nicely. It reminded her of the gown she'd worn to the Midsummer Ball in Sanditon. What was she doing here? She felt as though she would take flight for all the anxious butterflies fluttering in her stomach. Charlotte picked up her gloves and put them on slowly, trying to calm herself and prepare her heart for who she may see this night.
She slowly made her way down the stairs to find Susan waiting and watching her with a sparkle in her eye and a sweet smile. "Charlotte, you are a vision! Are you ready to be the belle of the beau monde?"
Charlotte smiled nervously and said, "Thank you, I'm not so sure about being the belle of anything, but I am ready to go."
"Darling, you will have a wonderful time. I have someone in particular I'd like to introduce you to."
The women headed to the carriage and were carried off into the night, toward the ball and the exciting possibilities the event promised.
Mr. Wellesley waited near the entrance as instructed by Lady Worchester earlier that day. He was curious about this Charlotte Heywood. He had every intention of playing along with Lady Worchester if it meant his secret was safe. He needed to make a financially sound match, and couldn't risk his indiscretions being broadcast around the beau monde. Wellesley straightened his cravat and craned his neck to see if the women had arrived yet. At this moment, Sidney Parker and Eliza Campion arrived and walked toward the entrance where he was stationed.
Mrs. Campion, with her ready, sparkling smile was the first to speak, "Mr. Wellesley, how nice to see you this evening. Are you waiting for someone?"
"Good evening, Mrs. Campion, Mr. Parker. Yes, as a matter of fact, I am waiting for my companion to arrive with her chaperone."
Sidney looked around impatiently. Eliza continued her questioning of Mr. Wellesley, "You don't say! Don't leave us in suspense, who is this lucky young woman?"
"Ah, there she is now, arriving with Lady Worchester."
Sidney and Eliza spun at the same time to see Charlotte Heywood disembark from Lady Worchester's carriage. "If you'll both excuse me; have a pleasant evening." Wellesley made for Charlotte and Lady Worchester.
Sidney felt a hot spring of jealousy burst forth inside. Wellesley's companion? Charlotte? Did she and Wellesley have an agreement? She was more beautiful than ever. He felt as though he'd been sucker punched in the gut as he watched Charlotte greet Wellesley with a radiant smile and sparkling eyes. Oh my dearest Charlotte, how I miss you. He had to speak to her privately to find out the extent of her attachment to Wellesley and if she still longed for him as he longed for her.
Eliza watched in disbelief as her arch rival exchanged greetings with Mr. Wellesley. Who did Charlotte Heywood think she was showing up here looking like that? She would make sure Charlotte was put in her place by the end of tonight. Eliza never entered races she couldn't win. She would ensure her victory this night.
Susan spoke first, "Miss Charlotte Heywood, may I present Mr. Alexander Wellesley of Hampshire. He will see that you have a lovely time this evening, won't you, Mr. Wellesley?"
"Absolutely, my Lady. Miss Heywood, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Wellesley brought Charlotte's hand to his lips for a quick kiss, "And if I may pay you the compliment, you are the prettiest woman in London this evening."
Charlotte felt her cheeks flush in embarrassment and smiled, "You may sir, although I do believe you should have your eyes examined, Mr. Wellesley." At that moment, as if by instinct, Charlotte looked just past Alexander Wellesley to see Sidney Parker standing at the front entrance. Their eyes locked. Her smile faded slowly and she struggled to catch her breath. He looked at her as if she were the only drop of water in a desert. She heard his heart crying out to hers in that moment. Oh my dearest Charlotte, how I miss you. Charlotte didn't notice Eliza Campion staring daggers at her. All she could see was Sidney. He smiled softly at her. Before she could return his silent greeting, Charlotte was brought back to the present by an expectant Mr. Wellesley holding out his arm to escort her in to the ball. When she looked back, Sidney had disappeared. Oh how she hoped he wasn't just a figment of her imagination, and yet the mended side of her heart hoped he was in fact, only an apparition. Charlotte smiled at Mr. Wellesley and slid her hand into the crook of his arm. So affected by the sight of Sidney, Charlotte had lost her focus on what Mr. Wellesley was saying. Get hold of yourself, Charlotte.
Sidney accompanied a haughty and jealous Eliza into the ballroom and went immediately to find refreshment for himself. He had to get away from her. On the carriage ride here she had done nothing but berate him for not being a "proper" fiancé to her. He showed her no affection either in private or public. They hadn't even sealed their alliance with a kiss. It turned Sidney's stomach to think of replacing Charlotte's kiss with Eliza's. He didn't know how he would fake his way through this sham of a marriage. Damn Tom. Damn him and his foolishness; his selfishness. Seeing Charlotte with Wellesley had nearly undone him. Speak of the devil himself…Wellesley approached the table to retrieve two glasses of champagne.
"Mr. Parker, I trust you're having a pleasant evening?"
"I've had worse, Mr. Wellesley. And you? How do you find Miss Heywood?"
"She's exceedingly beautiful. I look forward to monopolizing her this evening."
Sidney's jaw twitched and his eyes turned dark and foreboding, "Yes, well, good luck with that, Wellesley."
Wellesley smirked and said with an air of excessive confidence, "Thank you, Mr. Parker. I daresay I won't need it but I thank you just the same. Good night to you."
Eliza hadn't let her eyes leave Charlotte since she'd appeared in the ballroom. She started toward Charlotte, intent on filling her in on the extravagant wedding plans for the future Mrs. Parker.
Susan intercepted her, "Mrs. Campion! How nice to see you this evening. It's good to see you seeking diversion during such a stressful time as planning your upcoming nuptials."
"Lady Worchester, it's good to see you. Yes, it has been most stressful planning. You know how it is for us ladies; we must make all the decisions. Sidney has the easy job, just show up." Eliza cackled.
"Yes, quite. Would you walk with me, Mrs. Campion? I'd love to hear all the details you have planned so far. Come; let's find a place we can talk, spare no detail."
Eliza softened at the sudden interest and attention from Lady Worchester. If she could gain her as an ally in London society, she would be unstoppable.
"Miss Heywood, would you do me the honor of sharing this dance?"
"I would be delighted, Mr. Wellesley." Charlotte took Alexander's outstretched hand and let him lead her onto the dance floor. She smiled sweetly at him as they began to dance. It was an altogether pleasant dance, getting to know Mr. Wellesley better. He was an amiable fellow, if not a bit cocky. He was full of life and very handsome—and he was well aware of the fact. He reminded her exceedingly of her eldest brother, Thomas.
Sidney watched Charlotte dance with Wellesley from a corner of the room. The music came to an end and the couples applauded the orchestra. Sidney pushed away from the wall and made straight for Charlotte. Wellesley left her side just as he arrived. His heart pounded and his palms started to sweat as he stood there in front of her, trying to make a coherent sentence.
She looked up at him with those soft brown doe eyes and breathlessly spoke, "Mr. Parker, it's good to see you."
"Miss Heywood, you are a much welcomed sight here in London." His eyes searched hers.
"Am I?" She asked softly.
Sidney's reply came in a near whisper, "Yes. Would you like to get some fresh air with me, Miss Heywood? I feel as though I am being stifled in this room."
"Yes. I am quite warm from dancing."
Charlotte and Sidney made their way out a side door onto the garden terrace. Several other couples were taking a turn about but didn't pay much heed to them. Charlotte led the way down the terrace steps to the garden and then slowed her steps that Sidney might catch up. Sidney fell into step next to her comfortably.
"Char…"
"Sid…"
They both stopped and turned to each other and chuckled. They stood there, looking at each other, smiling, and each drinking in the sight of each other. Slowly their smiles faded and Sidney cleared his throat to speak first.
"Charlotte, I am not married."
"I know."
"I cannot bring myself to even embrace her as a fiancé should be wont to do."
"Sidney, please d…"
"There you are, Miss Heywood!" Wellesley approached with two glasses of champagne. "I was beginning to think you had disappeared altogether." Alexander eyed Sidney, sizing him up.
Sidney clenched his jaw, his hands turning to fists.
"I'm quite well, Mr. Wellesley, I'm sorry to have worried you. Mr. Parker and I know each other from Sanditon and were talking about old times while I caught my breath from dancing. Is it time for the next dance?"
Mr. Wellesley smiled at Charlotte and offered his arm, "I daresay it is, my dear Miss Heywood. Shall we?"
Charlotte turned to Sidney, "We must continue catching up on the news of Sanditon another time, Mr. Parker."
Sidney gave a tight smile and bowed, showing Wellesley his displeasure at the unwelcomed interruption, "Yes, of course, Miss Heywood. I look forward to it."
He watched her walk away arm in arm with Wellesley and sighed, still annoyed.
Charlotte strolled back toward the ballroom with Wellesley, annoyed and yet relieved. I cannot bring myself to even embrace her… He still longed for her as she longed for him.
