When Alexander, Leo and Augusta arrived at Trafalgar House, they found Miss Heywood having tea with Mary Parker and Miss Georgiana Lamb. Invited to partake, they all settled down together in the beautiful front parlor of the Parker residence. It was full of light and the sun shone through the windows, gilding everyone in a golden halo. Charlotte could not keep her eyes off of Alexander's face. He was in excellent humor today and was making lively conversation. She was a bit befuddled by her dream and kept looking at his lips and blushing. It was even more disconcerting that he noticed, at least once, and looked at her quizzically. Fortunately, the conversation turned to the search for Georgianna's mother and that topic was so engrossing that Charlotte forgot about her dream and all the unanswered questions left between herself and Mr. Colbourne.
One issue on which all were of like minds was the subject of abolition and the sugar boycott. It was a pleasure to have a lovely group of people to support Georgianna so fully. Everyone contributed their best ideas to help her in her quest to find her mother. It was decided that the most expedient course of action was for everyone to contact their acquaintances in the abolitionist community. Most of their time was spent listing their various friends and connections, eliminating any that were duplicates, and making plans for how to make inquiries on Miss Lamb's behalf. When they had planned sufficiently and eaten well, they agreed to meet again the following week, when there might be a chance of some progress.
Mr. Colbourne took the opportunity to speak for a moment with Charlotte while Augusta and Leo were borrowing some books from the Trafalgar House Library. As they stood in the hall, he took advantage of the moment to satisfy his curiosity.
"Miss Heywood, I hesitate to speak. I have no right to hurry you, but I wonder how I should proceed while I wait for your reply."
" I have given some consideration to the time-frame. I am committed to staying in Sanditon for three months to assist Miss Lamb. I will have an answer for you at the end of the three months. "
Alexander breathed a sigh of relief. He bent to kiss her hand. " I am at your service, Miss Heywood. I hope that by assisting Miss Lamb you and I might establish a friendship based on trust and common interests. Whatever you decide, you may always count on me in that regard."
Augusta and Leo entered the room, accompanied by Mary. Charlotte nodded to Alexander and hugged both of the girls. Georgianna and Mary exchanged knowing looks as the Colbourne party left. There was no mistaking the tension between the two of them… every time their eyes met, sparks flew. Unbeknownst to Charlotte, they were intentionally engaging Mr. Colbourne in these efforts to give Charlotte and him a chance to become acquainted again.
