Dear Miss Heywood,

What a surprise to see you at the exhibition. As I am sure you have already guessed, the painting is mine.

Please do not be upset. Painting your likeness, as you were that night in October, was the one thing that kept me going the first few weeks in London. I missed you so terribly then.

It was such good fortune to have been invited to your Step father's tea. I was terrified to see you after leaving Landsdowne but I realized our paths would likely cross since I will be overseeing his remodeling of the East Wing and I would miss Maggie and Toby too much. I still ache.

You may have guessed that I go to the pub with William on occasion and I still correspond with Henry. I doubt the new Governess would allow me to take the younger ones for a walk. You are the one I long to hear from...and about... but I can't bring myself to call.

You seem to be making a splash in London. I read about your escapades in the papers whenever another young Lord loses his heart to you. Have none of them captured your fancy? Could you still think fondly of me?

I did not lie when I said work is all consuming. I am making a name for myself and can not be distracted. I also do not want to interfere with your social success. It would be unseemly for such a lady as yourself to be seen walking through the park with a bloke like me.

Please do write to me, now that this first letter is over and the door open. I receive correspondence in Mr. Comptons care at the British Institution. I have a studio on the top floor courtesy of the Prince Regent. Please stop by when you are next in that part of London.

Sincerely,

Mr. James Stringer

Charlotte smiled. He was in as much pain as she was. It did not sound as though he had found another young lady to court. She was grateful that he was still in contact with her brothers. If all he would ever be was a close family friend, then she would have to accept it. But she remembered his kisses, his body, his touch with an ache so deep, she felt she would drown in it.

Since arriving in London, she and Alison had been the talk of the ton. Alison even more than she. Charlotte knew well that because Alison was younger and more beautiful in that pale, thin, elegant way society preferred, she was more the object. Alison's manners were impeccable and she kept her opinions to herself. Of course she was the favorite.

The sisters danced and dined with the best. Lady Susan's influence enabled them to expand their reach to the upper echelons. Not that it made an impression on Charlotte who thought most of the eligible men of that tier were uninformed and uninteresting. She preferred the lively conversation of artists and actors to the stodgy pleasantries of politicians and philanthropists, much to her mother's chagrin.

Alison and Lady Peacham were shortly to dine with Charlotte and Lady Susan in Mayfair. They had written to tell that they had some special news. They had just entered the drawing room for their cordial before dinner when Alison couldn't wait another minute and blurted. "I'm engaged!"

Lady Susan and Charlotte were agog at the ring and approved of her choice, Lord Charles Darington, a squire and a rising star in Parliament.

"I knew Lord Darington had something in mind. He had been so attentive to you, Miss Alison, I am not surprised." Lady Susan could never admit she did not know what was happening socially.

"I wish you all the very best! " Charlotte was much relieved by the announcement. Attention would be drawn away from her for awhile. But not too long.

"I did want to tell you first as I knew my marriage would raise eyebrows. Me being the younger of the two sisters."

"I am not offended in the least. I have been doing an excellent job of fending off unwanted suitors and will continue to do so."

"You will want to make a choice before May, Charlotte. We can not wait forever and you must get on with your life. Rear Admiral Campbell has been an avid admirer of yours. Wouldn't you like to sail the seas on the arm of a powerful military hero?"

"Not particularly. I would rather build an empire with a little known architect named James Stringer."

"Did you know about this. Lady Susan?" Charlottes mother said in exasperation. "It would seem that James Stringer is still on my daughters' list."

"No. I did not. Charlotte does not speak to me of these things. Last I knew she was deeply in love with a Mr. Sidney Parker but that was before he married Mrs. Campion. Love is not an open book."

Charlotte went to Susan and took her hands, "I'm sorry for not telling you about James. Susan. He is the best of men."

"Yes" her mother continued, "The two asked permission to marry over Christmas but Lord Peacham and myself want more for Charlotte. She can do better financially."

"But I can not do better morally. No one is more steadfast and true than James!"

"Is he?" asked Lady Susan, amused. "I will admit, Mr. James Stringer caught my eye in Sanditon when his team won the regatta. He is a strapping specimen of a young man."

"And so nice, and thoughtful, and talented. He would never say a cruel thing to anyone." Charlotte's voice cracked

"...and my brothers and sisters love him!" added Alison "Even mother and Sir Edgar love him."

"Is it only his position in society that is held against him?" said Lady Susan

"That and his weak financial situation." lamented Lady Peacham

"Ah love." replied Lady Susan with a twinkle in her eye