Chapter 11

Sidney stood looking into the fire, nursing his whisky. He wasn't sure what to make of the copies of missives he had received anonymously. They were all love letters addressed to Eliza. They were all signed, "S." But he hadn't written any of them. Any love letters he'd penned had been for Charlotte and were safely locked in his bottom desk drawer. Perhaps this is what Lady Susan had meant in her letter to him, suggesting there was plenty of evidence supporting a broken engagement between him and Mrs. Campion. That still didn't answer the question of who was sending the letters, and why he had received copies of them. Sidney mulled over in his mind all the men he knew with names beginning with "S." Just as he was becoming frustrated trying to summon all memories of acquaintances over the years, Georgiana entered the study.

Georgiana saw the letters on the desk and briefly read a couple. "These don't look like they're written in your hand."

"They are not. It would appear Mrs. Campion has been carrying on an affair. Arthur was right. She is not to be trusted; she never was trustworthy and never will be." Sidney threw back the rest of his whisky and placed the glass on the service table. "I'm just unsure at this point who it is she is corresponding with here."

Georgiana looked at him with a knowing smile. "Honestly Sidney, does it really matter? You have the evidence you need to call off your engagement. Break it off and go to Charlotte."

Sidney shook his head and looked at Georgiana, "It's not quite that simple. I have these letters, but they are signed in my initial. She could easily claim they are from me."

"But they are not in your hand."

"No, but it is close enough to call into question. Her standing in society is still higher than mine. They would take her word over mine. I need more evidence. Something more substantial…and I need to find out the name of the man." Sidney sighed, deep in thought.

"Well, I will leave you to your thoughts. I've just come to tell you I'm off to Lady Worchester's for tea. I should be back in time to join you for our dinner engagement. Mrs. Barton will accompany me."

"Good. Please give Lady Susan my best…and Charlotte…please tell her I look forward to seeing her at the Regent's Ball tomorrow."

Georgiana smiled, "Of course."

/

Georgiana arrived in the parlor to an expectant Lady Susan. "Ah, my dear Georgiana, I'm so glad you were able to spare the time to meet me for tea, there is much to be discussed."

"It's my pleasure, Susan. Will Charlotte be joining us? I did so hope to see her today."

"Yes, Charlotte will be along shortly, she is out for a walk. You know how she so loves fresh air and exercise." Susan gestured for Georgiana to sit down at the tea table. "Now, tell me my dear, did Mr. Parker receive my package?"

"Yes, he did. And I daresay he is rather perplexed by the revelations held within. He is concerned there is not enough evidence to call off the engagement. I left him trying to solve the mystery of who 'S' is…he has no idea."

Susan smiled mischievously, "All will be revealed at the perfect moment, Georgiana, I can assure you of that."

/

Charlotte breathed deeply as she took in the colorful leaves adorning the trees in Hyde Park. The air certainly wasn't as fresh as Willingden's, or as invigorating as the sea breeze of Sanditon, but she was glad for the crisp, open air nonetheless. Plus, it was so nice to be alone for a little while to organize her thoughts. After Wellesley's confession, Charlotte felt confused and all knotted up inside. What could he have meant about a grand theatrical scheme? And what would be so shocking that she would need a warning?

"Miss Heywood!"

Charlotte whirled around at the sound of her name to spy James Stringer striding toward her, wearing a gentleman's suit and his usual wide, friendly smile. "Mr. Stringer! What a pleasant surprise! How is your apprenticeship going? It feels like it's been an age since we last spoke."

"Yes, so it does. Please forgive me. Things have been more hectic than I anticipated. My time is not my own these days, I'm afraid."

"Not at all, Mr. Stringer, I completely understand. Have you been able to show off any of your designs yet?"

"As a matter of fact, I have been put in charge of a special project just recently. It's been quite an exciting opportunity to have full charge of the designs and materials."

"That's wonderful! What is the project?"

"Ah, I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to discuss it at this point. But I do promise to tell you once I am free to do so. How is life among the beau monde, Miss Heywood? Do you think you'll stay forever?"

"Oh heavens, no! I am afraid I do not truly belong among London's elite. I've been missing Willingden as of late, and have actually just decided to return home shortly after the Regent's Ball tomorrow."

James looked at her curiously, recognizing the war of emotions raging within his dear friend, but being too respectful to call her out. "Well, London will not be the same without you, Miss. I hope to see you at the Regent's Ball tomorrow. Could I be so bold as to ask you to save me a dance then?"

Charlotte's eyes lit up, "Of course, Mr. Stringer, I'd be delighted. I did not realize you would be there, this is such a wonderful surprise!"

James smiled ruefully, "Believe me when I say I did not think I would ever be invited to a royal engagement, but alas I have unintentionally made acquaintance with some folks in the upper crust, as it were."

"That should surprise no one, Mr. Stringer. You have always been destined for great things. I look forward to seeing you, then."

"Likewise. Good day, Miss Heywood." James tipped his hat and bowed, taking his leave.

"Good day, Mr. Stringer." Charlotte smiled after him.

/

Realizing the time, she began making her way home. She was already late for tea. Charlotte's mind whirled with excitement as she walked along. Turning a corner, she collided with a hard figure. The jolt stopped her in her tracks and she looked up to get her bearings. Hands held her upper arms to steady her, and soft, deep brown eyes stared back into hers.

Her name came out as a sweet, longing breath, "Charlotte."

Charlotte gasped for breath, "Sidney."

Sidney stood frozen, holding Charlotte, too shocked by the electrical current passing between them to realize how their current situation appeared to the passerby. The sound of a carriage approaching brought him back to reality and he quickly released Charlotte and took a step back. They both felt the loss immediately.

"Forgive me, Miss Heywood, I was too occupied in my thoughts. I should've paid more attention to where I was headed. Are you alright?"

With a slight shake of her head, Charlotte shook off her reverie and responded, "Not at all, Mr. Parker. I am guilty of the same. I am alright, thank you."

For a moment they both stood there, awkwardly, not knowing exactly what to say or do next.

Charlotte broke the silence, "I was just headed back to Lady Worchester's after a walk."

Sidney smiled slightly, "Ah, yes, well I shouldn't keep you in that case. Although…are you alone Miss Heywood?"

"I am."

"May I see you back, then?" Sidney looked at her hopefully. Propriety be damned.

Charlotte hesitated and looked around her. No one seemed to be paying any attention to them. "You may. Thank you, Mr. Parker."

"It's my pleasure." Sidney started to fidget nervously. Get it together, man. "Are you looking forward to the Regent's Ball tomorrow?"

Charlotte smiled, remembering another conversation beginning quite like this one, "Yes, I am. I love to dance."

Sidney chuckled, "Yes, I remember. You are quite an accomplished dancer as I recall."

Charlotte blushed, "I fear your memory fails you, Mr. Parker."

Sidney smiled and responded quietly, almost under his breath, "I doubt that, my darling."

Charlotte gasped, surprised, "Please Mr. Par…"

Sidney stopped and turned to follow Charlotte's gaze. He realized they were across the street and a block down from Eliza's home. There, stood on her front step, was Alexander Wellesley. Sidney pulled Charlotte behind a hedge to avoid being seen, as they both watched what happened next. As the man awaited entry into Mrs. Campion's home, a small, delicate hand, attached to an arm adorned in rose colored silk reached out and pulled Mr. Wellesley inside by the collar. The door slammed behind him. Charlotte stood there in shocked disgust. She then looked over at the man next to her. His expression was unreadable.

"Mr. Parker?" Charlotte looked at him questioningly.

"Come, we should get you home."

They walked the rest of the way in silence. Charlotte was unsure of what to say. Sidney wrestled with emotions brought on by an old familiar betrayal, mixed with a feeling of…relief. He realized they were at their destination when Charlotte silently turned and began walking up the steps.

"Charlotte, wait." He took the steps two at a time to reach her. Stopping in front of her and gazing into her doe eyes, "I…I…" Sidney winced at his sudden loss for words.

"It's alright, Mr. Parker, truly. Thank you for accompanying me home. I look forward to seeing you at the Regent's Ball tomorrow. I'm certain you have much to think about at the moment." She smiled sadly at him and took another step away from Sidney.

"Uh, actually, Lady Susan has invited Georgiana and me to dine with her tonight."

Charlotte's heart lifted. "Well then…"

"Well then."

They both smiled at each other, bidding each other good day.

/

Inside, Lady Susan and Georgiana watched and listened to the muffled conversation, undetected, from the window of the front parlor.

Georgiana turned to Susan, "Well this is an interesting turn of events…"

"Indeed. If you'll excuse me, Miss Lambe, I have some pressing matters to attend to before this evening's…main event. Susan raised her eyebrows and smiled mischievously leaving a slightly bewildered Georgiana looking on after her.

/

Thanks again for your encouraging comments! The best gift a fan fiction writer can receive is the knowledge that others enjoy their story. I know it seems like it's taking forever to get to the Sidlotte HEA here. And actually, if I had gone with my original story plan, it would've happened a couple of chapters ago. But when inspiration hits, I try to roll with it and strike while the iron's hot. I hope you enjoy this installment. Happy reading!