Chapter 9 Trafalgar House

When he returned to Sanditon, James was determined to finish the details of the rebuilding before the snows. When the weather turned, the interior finishers would come in and all he would be required to do would be to inspect their work with Mr. Tom Parker in the Spring.

"Oi, Stringer! Welcome back to Sanditon stranger!" Robinson gave James a hearty slap on his back as Hercules came running to slather him with saliva.

"Aye! I'm Mr. Stringer. Who might ye be?" He teased back. Robinson gave him a light punch in the gut and the two of them scuffled while the dog jumped about in excitement.

"Mr. Stringer!" Tom Parker called from the door of Trafalgar House, "A word!"

"I'll meet you at the pub for a pint!" Robinson and Hercules took off down the road while James dusted himself off and brought his bags over to the Parkers.

"Mr. Stringer! So good to see you back. I hope all was well with Miss Charlotte. You will have to catch us up. After such a long ride, I'm sure you'd like to wash up and have some tea. " Mary couldn't wait to hear the news from Willingden.

James was escorted into the kitchen where he washed his hands and face while the pretty young scullery maid watched him with a look on her face that was a cross between awe and admiration. She handed him a towel with a blush and he dried himself giving the towel back with a wink that took her breath away.

James was not sure how to deliver his news to the Parkers. He raked his hand through his hair as he was led into the Parlor and offered a chair near the former Mrs. Campion. Sidney sat nearby, legs crossed, perusing the racing forum. He stood when James entered, tucked his cigarette between his teeth and offered his hand like a true Gentleman.

After they all settled in and the tea poured, James gave them the news of Mr. Heywoods death.

"Oh dear! How horrible. I must write to her at once and send condolences." Tom was quite struck by the news. He sat at his desk at once. Sidney, brows knitted, had to be more careful how he reacted. He waited on Eliza for his cue.

"Indeed, such a loss. How tragic. He couldn't have been very old. What is the family to do now? Poor little things." Eliza knew the correct sentiment.

James began, "Mr Heywood had a friendship with Lord Edgar Peacham of Landsdowne, the neighbor. Lord Peacham is annexing their farm and letting the family stay on at Heywood Hill indefinitely. He's even paying them for use of the land. They are taking everything day by day."

"How did Charlotte look?" Mary was eager to hear that she was holding up well.

"Beautiful as ever." James blushed which made Sidney fume. "Miss Heywood always seems at her best when situations are at their worst. She is holding the family together admirably. You know she had been the land manager before her father died. She ran everything herself."

"She has survival skills, that is for sure." It was the first thing Sidney Parker contributed since the conversation started. It was the perfect thing to say then he excused himself and left the room.

"Well, I am just relieved she will not be a penniless pauper. " Eliza glanced sideways at Sidney as she took a delicate sip of her tea.

"By the way, Young Stringer" Tom changed the subject, "you have been summoned to London. I received a missive from James Nash Esquire and he is in need of your services as a foreman on a project for the Prince Regent."

"What?! Forgive me. I thought I heard you say James Nash wants me for a project for the Prince."

"I know." Tom was excited, "You are free to go when you are ready. I will release you to no one more deserving of your skills and talent."

"Nash? I can not believe it. I thought he would have forgotten about me completely!"

"Could it have been Lady Worcester who spoke on your behalf?" Mary suggested. "She was impressed with her new apartment. She is letting one in the new works for the summer and she came through for a tour."

"They are very good friends, I hear." Diana was eager to interject.

"Aye. It could have been." James agreed. "But the rooms are not even finished yet."

Eliza was intrigued by this news. She considered the benefits of associating with someone working closely with the Prince Regent. "I presume you will be in London for the Winter. You must call on us when you are in and have tea with Mr. Sidney Parker and myself. "

"Thank you, Ma'am." James stood up and bowed then followed Tom into his study to read the letter and work out the details of his next few weeks.

The new works were completed on December 15th ahead of schedule and under budget. James had channeled every bit of energy and attention into the project to protect him from pining too much for Charlotte Heywood.

James was anxious to get to London by early January so he could settle into his flat and get started. He was offered accommodations at the Masons club due to his father's connections. He figured that would be the worst part of the apprenticeship. That and being away from his beloved Charlotte.