A/N: Hello everyone. I have decided to post this story I am working on which I first posted on Ao3. It is still in progress. I am aware that I have another Sanditon story here unfinished (ironic, I know) but this story just came to me so I have decided to leave the other story on hiatus. Hope you enjoy this one.
Charlotte woke up the morning after the masked ball a little later than normal and feeling slightly out of sorts. The previous day had been filled with so many emotions. She and Sidney had managed to save Georgiana from her kidnapping and return safely to Bedford Place. Afterwards, Sidney had allowed Georgiana and Otis a proper parting. Realizing that Sidney had listened to her previous words surprised Charlotte. While not at all proper, being alone in a carriage with Sidney and managing civil conversation with him was enlightening for Charlotte.
That night at the masked ball that Lord Babington so graciously got them an invitation to to promote the Sanditon regatta, Charlotte and Sidney shared a very meaningful dance. But Charlotte's dreams were dashed when, as soon as the dance ended, Sidney left the dance floor to greet his ex fiancée Eliza Campion. Her mood instantly shifted as the ball soon came to a close and they returned to Bedford Place.
After dressing, Charlotte exited her bedroom. She saw that the door to Georgiana's bedroom was still closed so she decided not to disturb her. She knew that Georgiana would need time to recover from her heartbreak and her kidnapping. She made her way downstairs and heard noises coming from the kitchen. As she walked in she saw Sidney giving instructions to the kitchen staff. He heard her footsteps and turned around.
"Good morning, Miss Heywood."
"Good morning, Mr. Parker."
"I was just inquiring about breakfast this morning. Do you have any preference?"
"I'm fine with anything."
Sidney nodded as he gestured for her to take a seat at the table.
"Tom went out early to see if he could raise further interest in the regatta. Is Georgiana still abed?"
"I assume so, yes. Her bedroom door was still closed when I came down the hall."
Sidney sighs. "I fear she will be upset for a while. I am realizing that I have no idea how to comfort a heartbroken teenager. You might have better luck than me."
"What she went through isn't easy. Give her time. If I may, Mr. Parker, I would suggest not pressuring her to talk but simply let her know that you are willing to listen if she does."
Sidney nodded. "Thank you, Miss Heywood. I will be sure to follow your advice."
Minutes later breakfast was served with just Sidney and Charlotte at the table. Surprisingly neither of them felt any awkwardness. After having been together alone in a carriage they were likely past that point. Although Charlotte still felt uneasy after the events of the previous evening with Sidney spending the rest of the night after their dance next to his ex fiancée. However, she knew it was not her place to accuse him. He had every right to talk to any woman he wanted, even his ex.
Charlotte didn't realize that she had become lost in thought when she heard Sidney speaking again.
"Penny for your thoughts, Miss Heywood." He asked with a slight smirk. Those were the same words he spoke on the balcony at the first ball of the summer. This time, however, Charlotte knew he was not goading her.
"Oh I was just thinking that these past few days have been quite overwhelming, that's all."
"They have indeed. Speaking of which, I have not properly thanked you for helping me find Georgiana. I apologize for saying that you were an added burden. You proved yourself a useful asset in the search, knowing exactly where to find to Mr. Molyneux."
"Apology accepted. I then must apologize for following you into the boarding house."
Sidney smirked. "Well, now I know that you have been somewhere and learnt something."
Charlotte blushed. Sidney decided to change the subject, feeling comfortable in her company.
"So tell me, Miss Heywood, how are the preparations for the regatta coming along?"
"Very well. Everything should be ready this coming week."
"I understand you are also helping my brother with paperwork - financial papers, that is."
Charlotte suddenly sighed but hoped Sidney didn't notice. "Yes. I am organizing all of his papers related to Sanditon to the best of my ability. There is quite a lot. Plus, the paperwork for the regatta: the list of expenses and such."
"Excellent."
Charlotte decided at that moment that she needed to tell Sidney a concern that she had.
"Mr. Parker, may I confide in you something?"
Sidney was surprised by this question. What could Charlotte possibly need and want to trust precisely him with?
"Of course. What is it?"
"I've been hesitant to bring this up with your brother for fear of making assumptions but in going through the documents he has, I could not find anything that indicates that the terrace building is insured."
Sidney stared at her, wide eyed. "Are you certain?"
"Yes. I assure you that I have looked everywhere and multiple times but can't find any paperwork that shows proof of insurance."
Sidney sighed with frustration. "I hate to say this but it doesn't surprise me. Christ, Tom!"
"Why do you think he didn't get the building insured?"
"I don't know but I would not be surprised if Tom would rather spend money on everything EXCEPT insurance."
"What should we do? Should I tell him that I know?"
"No, not yet at least. I will handle it. I need to stay here a few extra days to tend my businesses anyway so that will give me the opportunity to go to the bank and inquire about the insurance without Tom finding out."
"Okay."
"Miss Heywood, can I trust you to look after and keep Georgiana company until I return to Sanditon for the regatta?
"I promise, Mr. Parker. I truly apologize for dismissing your sincerity before."
Sidney nodded. Just then they heard footsteps approaching and Georgiana entered the kitchen.
The next week or so passed by in a blur to Charlotte. She and Georgiana had returned to Sanditon with Tom while Sidney stayed in London. The last minute preparations for the regatta were completed. Charlotte was relieved but that relief soon turned to confusion when Sidney returned to Sanditon with Mrs. Campion on his arm. In hindsight Charlotte knew that influential people were needed to spread the word about Sanditon but she couldn't help but still feel disappointed. The only positive thing about it was that Lady Susan Worcester attended the regatta as well. But not even Lady Susan could prevent Mrs. Campion's insults nor Sidney making an ill timed comment. However, later that evening after the conclusion of the regatta, Charlotte was surprised to find Sidney still in Sanditon. He had said that he had decided not to return to London with Mrs. Campion. He then expressed that while he was far from perfect, he believed that he was his best and truest self when he was with Charlotte. The next morning an offer to walk into town together instead led Sidney and Charlotte to the cliff tops where they kissed. Before leaving for the Midsummer ball, Charlotte asked Mary how she knew that Tom was the one and Mary had responded that one just knows. At the ball, Sidney and Charlotte were finding it difficult to get a moment alone together. It wasn't until Sidney had made his way to the balcony where they first sparred words and Charlotte had finished sharing a dance with Young Stringer that they were finally able to talk. Sidney had immediately taken Charlotte's hands in his. He had recalled the last time they stood on the balcony together and had hoped that Charlotte saw him as a different man. She had replied that he was the same man but much improved. He had credited her with causing that improvement within him. He had said that he had never wanted to put himself in someone else's power before nor care for anyone but himself. Before Sidney could ask Charlotte a very important question Edward Denham had burst into the ballroom. He had attempted to speak with his stepsister, Esther, before Lady Denham asked Sidney and Lord Babington to escort him out. A short time later Lord Babington returned to the ball alone telling Charlotte that Sidney was making sure that Edward got on the coach to London. Meanwhile, having decided to leave the ball early, Arthur and Diana were horrified to stumble upon a massive fire in the terrace building. They hurried back to inform Tom. It took hours for the townspeople to put out the blaze. Tom's worst nightmare had seemingly come true. It became even more devastating when they learned that Old Stringer died in the fire.
The next morning Charlotte had gone to see Young Stringer to give her condolences. On her way back to Trafalgar House she ran into Sidney.
"Good morning, Miss Heywood. Are you walking to Trafalgar House?"
"Yes."
They fell into step together. After a few moments of silence, Charlotte remembered the issue with the insurance.
"Mr. Parker, you never did tell me how it went in London getting the insurance."
"I was successful and everything was processed immediately."
"That's a relief."
"Yes. What happened last night would've been a lot worse. I am frustrated that Tom never told me about the lack of insurance. If you hadn't done so instead, he would be in deep debt right now as a result of the fire."
"I do wish I didn't have to be the one who told you but I felt that I had no choice."
"Thank you, Miss Heywood. Truly. You are not to blame for doing the right thing."
Charlotte nodded as they neared Trafalgar House. As soon as they stepped through the door after being led inside they could hear muffled yelling. They immediately exchanged a glance at each other. Tom must've told Mary that the building was uninsured. They made their way to Tom's study. Tom saw them immediately.
"Sidney, Charlotte! So relieved that you are both here. The fire has ruined us!" Tom exclaimed.
"Why, Tom?" Sidney asked feigning ignorance, hoping that Tom would finally tell him the truth.
"You see, the insurance premium was too high on the terrace building. There is no insurance to cover the damage caused by the fire. You must rekindle with Mrs. Campion! She has the funds if the bank will not do anything!"
Hearing Tom say this made anger boil inside of Sidney and even though he didn't dare look directly at her in that moment he knew that Charlotte was hurt by Tom's words too. She managed to hide it well. So he decided not to make his brother suffer any longer and got right to the point for Tom's sake as much as his own.
"Actually, there is insurance, Tom."
"What? What do you mean the terrace building is insured?"
"The morning after the masked ball in London, Miss Heywood kindly informed me that she could not find any documentation for insurance on the terrace while organizing your papers. The main reason I stayed in London those few extra days before returning for the regatta was to visit the bank to confirm that Miss Heywood was correct. The paperwork was filed and effective immediately."
"Thomas, I hope you realize what Sidney and Charlotte have just done for you!" Mary said.
"It's all right, Mary." Sidney said. "The only thing I expect in return is that Tom realize that he should not neglect you and the children ever again and also realize that I no longer have any romantic feelings towards Mrs. Campion. I did not stay in London WITH her."
"But you have been pining for her for a decade!"
"Seeing her again did leave me confused at first, I will admit to that, but only because I was beginning to have feelings for another. In spending time with Mrs. Campion I soon realized that I had changed and she had not. I am leaving her in my past where she belongs. I fully intend to court and marry the one who now owns my heart."
"Who?" Tom asked.
Mary hid her mischievous smile as she exchanged a look with Charlotte. Charlotte's cheeks turned slightly pink.
"Oh for god's sake, Thomas! Have you really not worked it out yet?" Mary exclaimed, exasperated.
"Worked out what?"
"Sidney and Charlotte are in love!"
Tom gasped. "Sidney, Charlotte…is it true?"
"Yes, Tom. In fact I was nearly going to propose to Charlotte last night but Edward's interruption and the fire prevented me from doing so. Of course, I plan to rectify that soon."
Charlotte blushed but couldn't stop from smiling at her future fiancé.
Tom gasped again as if realizing something. "Sidney, Charlotte…What a fool I've been! Of course, at the masked ball in London when you danced together! You both looked so happy and I was wondering why! I truly, truly apologize for not noticing before and what I said just now when you walked in about Mrs. Campion was incredibly selfish of me. I beg you both for forgiveness."
"I forgive you, Tom, and I know Charlotte does too."
Charlotte nodded. "It's in the past and now we can all focus on the aftermath of the fire and make sure that we have everything we need to begin rebuilding as well as pay the workers what they are owed."
"Yes. Thank you, Charlotte. I don't know how I will ever repay you for doing what I should have done."
"All I want in return is for all of you to become my family officially. You all have been so kind and welcoming ever since I arrived."
Sidney smirked. "Surely you can't be including me in that."
"Of course I am including you!" Charlotte admonished. "Because I know that anything rude you ever said to me was because you were afraid of opening your heart again. I cannot fault you for that. Your good opinion means more to me than anyone else's."
Sidney smiled. "Well then, Miss Heywood. Although, I cannot wait until the day I can call you Mrs. Parker."
"And I can't wait until the day I become Mrs. Sidney Parker but first we need to make sure the repairs on the terrace can start as soon as possible. Will the insurance cover everything?"
"It should but I will inquire about having backup funds on hand. We can possibly use that to pay the workers. Perhaps I will speak to Lord Babington about that to see if he has any suggestions about potential investors."
"I can write to Lady Worcester as well. If it weren't for her, certain visitors may not have attended the regatta."
"That is an excellent idea. She is also close to the Prince Regent. If she and Lord Babington can convince him to visit Sanditon, that would be extraordinary."
"Indeed it would. Do you think we could extend him an invitation to our wedding? And speaking of which, when would you like our wedding to be held?"
"When and where does not matter as long as I'm marrying you but if you want to have it as soon as possible we can or we can wait until the next summer season. I do actually want to court you for a bit."
"Well, I know I want to have it here in Sanditon. Perhaps I can convince my father to finally travel away from Willingden even if just for a few days. With summer coming to an end I'm not sure if the colder climate will be ideal but I don't necessarily want our wedding to be some big spectacle to begin or end next summer's season of events either."
"Well, if the Prince Regent attends that may cause an influx of visitors but having him on the guest list doesn't mean we have to invite the entire beau monde either."
Sidney knew that Mrs. Campion would likely hear about his nuptials, especially if Lady Worcester and the Prince Regent attend, but he truly did not care what she thought.
"Perhaps then late spring would be the right time. We can focus on the wedding plans first before planning the summer's events. I will write to my family straight away to give them the news."
"I would very much like to meet your family and get your father's blessing."
Charlotte smiled. "Then I will write to my family and let them know I will be coming home for a short visit. Perhaps Georgiana can come with us - for propriety's sake."
Sidney smirked. "I'm sure she wouldn't mind getting out of Sanditon for a few days."
"It is settled then."
"Oh I am overjoyed for you both!" Mary said, moving to hug Charlotte and then Sidney.
"I am truly happy for you, brother." Tom said, clapping Sidney on the shoulder. "I promise to fully support your courtship and marriage. You have found yourself a marvelous woman. I mean that."
"Indeed I have."
"And I promise that you do not have anything to worry about while you are visiting Willingden. When you return I will have no problem giving you the reins of the rebuilding project if you are willing and able. I know that you have your business in London but it is you who should be at the helm of this project."
Sidney stared at his brother, stunned by his offer. "Tom, you do not have to do this. I do not wish to take this from you."
"I know, but at least when it comes to finances you have more knowledge than I. Besides, there were things with the original design that I was not satisfied with. I can work on that while you and even Charlotte, if she'd like, handle everything else. I want this to be our project from henceforth. With you and Charlotte and other potential investors having roles in this as well, that will ease my burdens and stress and allow me more time to spend with my family as I should. My children are growing up so fast. I would hate to miss those precious moments."
Sidney and Charlotte smiled, hearing the sincerity in Tom's words. Mary had unshed tears in her eyes as she went to embrace her husband. He sighed in relief and hugged his wife back tightly.
"Forgive me, Mary. Sidney is right. I have neglected you and the children in trying to make my dreams of Sanditon's prosperity come true. I have made mistakes, but I will do everything I can to rectify them."
"I love you, Tom. I promised that I would stand by your side no matter what. This is our new beginning."
And Mary was right. Things were looking up for Sanditon and the Parker family.