The Tuesday tea at Peacham House was an odd affair. Her mother had invited a list of people she had never met before. Neighbors to be sure but such a cast of characters. There were two elderly widows with ear horns, two unrelated gentlemen in matching walrus mustaches and a French woman wearing pantaloons by the name of Madame Sand who actually knew Lady Susan well.
When Lord Peacham descended the staircase to join the company, he locked eyes with Lady Susan, lost his balance and fell down the remaining three stairs.
Such an uproar! Charlotte rushed to help him into a chair and lifted his twisted ankle onto the ottoman.
"I'm fine. I'm fine. No need to fuss on! I'll be very well where I am love. Please introduce me to your friend."
Charlotte brought Susan over to her father. The introduction was interesting.
"Lord Edgar Peacham, this is my dear friend Lady Susan Worcester."
"I am so sorry about your fall, Lord Peacham, should we call the tea short?"
"No, no madam, I am quite myself in every way other than an irritating twist. Nothing my fashionable walking stick can't remedy."
"You are a very brave soul. And an absolute hero for bringing Charlottes siblings with you to London. Charlotte tells me that are a tricky bunch to wrangle." They laughed
"Yes, they are that. Allow me to introduce them to you now. Everyone take your seats. The children will be presented."
Charlotte was agog. Her feral brothers and sisters were dressed to the tee in their Sunday best, hair combed, and faces shined. They came down the stairs one at a time, curtsied for the company and went into the dining room to help themselves to a biscuit. They were going to join the party!
Charlotte stood by her mother who beamed proudly. "Who is responsible for this feat of daring do?"
"Our Governess, Mrs Shields. They eat out of her hand!"
When Toby and Maggie came down together in matching pinafores, Charlotte cried. She missed their sweet faces. The hugs and compliments continued for at least thirty minutes and then her older brothers arrived, with James.
"It is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Heywood." James bowed. "Lady Worcester." He took Susan's hand and bowed again.
"The pleasure is ours, Mr. Stringer? Am I correct? From Sanditon?"
"Yes Ma'am." He blushed.
"Susan, these are my ferocious brothers, Henry, William and Benjamin."
"How do you do, Lady Worcester." They all made their best attempt at pleasantries. Charlotte turned her back and rolled her eyes. The boys escaped to the biscuit table.
"I am afraid we must be going, Charlotte. We need to be back in time for dinner at Winterview." and with that they said their goodbyes and Charlotte and James could only stare at each other in despair.