Upon returning to Lady Susan's estate, Charlotte and Georgiana went to their respective bedrooms to ready themselves for dinner. While she and Georgiana were staying with Lady Susan, Sidney was staying at Bedford Place. Charlotte found that whenever she and Sidney were apart, even just for a few moments, she had missed him. She never knew that she could feel so much love and longing towards another person. Sidney never tired of reminding her that she changed him in ways he never thought possible and that he was entirely in her power. Charlotte had laughed when Sidney once told her that they could be outliers together if she ever still had moments when she felt out of place. But she had misjudged him when it came to his family and even Georgiana. He truly did care about them and took responsibility when needed.
As she was smoothing out her dress after putting it on, Charlotte heard the bell ring signaling Sidney's arrival. She almost hurried out of her bedroom and to the foyer but slowed her pace and took a breath while holding on to the knob of her bedroom door.
Now that their wedding day was getting closer, Charlotte was getting excited but also nervous. She knew that she and Sidney would build a good life together but she had absolutely no idea what to expect from intimacy in her and Sidney's relationship and it terrified her. Even though she came from a large family, her parents did not discuss such things at home. Other than his obvious frequenting to the boarding house, Charlotte couldn't help but wonder what Sidney's relationship with Mrs. Campion was like. She knew that they were both young but they were also engaged therefore Sidney was certainly more experienced. She tried not to let her fears get the best of her but at times it was hard to erase those thoughts.
Before she could turn the doorknob there was a soft knock on the door. She opened it to find a smiling Lady Susan on the other side.
"Are you ready, Charlotte?"
"Yes, my lady."
"Mr. Parker has arrived. I sent him to the drawing room to wait for you. I will allow you some time alone before the meal so I trust you both will be on your best behavior."
Charlotte blushed. "Of course, my lady."
"I will come fetch you when dinner is ready. Now, go on."
Charlotte nodded and followed Lady Susan down the hall to the drawing room. As soon as she entered her eyes landed on Sidney standing near the fireplace but facing the mantle. As if sensing her presence he turned towards her with a bright smile on his face and she smiled back. Without a word he strode towards her and when he was close enough he pulled her into his arms and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.
"Hello my darling. How are you? Was your day successful?"
"I am well. My day was successful but I missed you. How was your day?"
"I missed you too but my day was also successful. For now my businesses are running smoothly therefore we can return to Sanditon the day after tomorrow."
"Very well. I think I'm quite ready to go back."
Sidney smirked. "You miss the sea air?"
"Yes, I do. As well as our walks on the cliff tops."
"As do I. The air is indeed too stifling here. I may not have always had the best relationship with my brother, as you know, but it is you who has made me appreciate Sanditon and my family. I will never be able to thank you enough for that. I am more than ready to settle down there and build a home with you."
Charlotte smiled. "You know that family is important to me. Even when things are not official just yet, I truly felt part of your family the moment I arrived in Sanditon. Mary is like an older sister to me who I look to for guidance, Arthur is now like my lovable and fun brother. And you…you are the first and only man I will ever love."
Sidney smiled and leaned in for a soft kiss.
"I almost forgot. Did you find a wedding gown?"
"Indeed I did."
"I cannot wait to see it."
"Just a few more months."
"It can't get here soon enough."
"I feel as though it's been worth the wait. We've accomplished so much since the end of last year's summer season."
"Yes. I am confident that the second annual regatta and midsummer ball will be a success. I cannot wait to begin our lives together. I wasn't truly living before you came into my life, Charlotte. Thank you for making me feel alive again."
Tears welled up in Charlotte's eyes. "I love you, Sidney. So very much."
Sidney held Charlotte a little tighter. "I love you too. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me."
Just then there was a soft knock at the door. Lady Susan's voice came from the other side.
"Sidney, Charlotte. Dinner is about to be served."
"We are coming, my lady." Sidney replied.
Charlotte looked up at Sidney, her expression telling him that she did not want their private moment to end.
Sidney chuckled and kissed Charlotte's forehead. "Come, my Admiral Heywood. Allow me to escort you to dinner."
Sidney took Charlotte's hand and tucked it in the crook of his elbow and they made their way to the dining room.
Once everyone was seated and dinner was served, casual conversation began around the table.
Lady Susan had also extended the dinner invitation to the Babington's. They all still met or corresponded to discuss Sanditon's progress. The renovated terrace was nearing completion and the committee had begun discussing whether or not there was a possibility that another terrace building could be built in another part of town. Tom was excited at that prospect but Sidney calmed him down. Sidney actually wanted to see if they could start laying out plans for the promenade along the cliff tops. He was determined to fulfill Charlotte's wish.
Georgiana could always be counted upon with changing the topic of conversation.
"Sidney, did Charlotte tell you what happened after we left the dress shop today?"
Charlotte almost rolled her eyes and Sidney looked at her with a curious expression.
"What are you talking about, Georgiana?"
"We ran into Mrs. Campion outside the dress shop." Georgiana replied, simply.
"You did? What did she say? Was she rude to either of you?"
Charlotte answered this time. "No, my love. There's no need to worry. She did not even acknowledge Georgiana and me. Lady Susan did all of the talking. She told Mrs. Campion that you and I will be married soon and that she and the Prince Regent will be attending our wedding."
Sidney looked at Lady Susan incredulously. He was not angry but rather amused by Lady Susan's boldness.
"I figured there was no point in beating around the bush, Mr. Parker." Lady Susan replied. "She would have found out eventually. Why not give her a taste of her own medicine? After insinuating that Charlotte's only options for a husband are in Willingden why not show her that an accomplished man such as yourself does not care about the differences of social class and wealth, that what is most important is true love and compatibility."
Sidney smiled and nodded. "You are quite right, Lady Worcester. Charlotte once told me that compatibility is an important part of a marriage. And I certainly discovered last year that Mrs. Campion and I are no longer compatible or maybe we never were. Charlotte and I may have started off on the wrong foot but that was due to my own stubbornness."
"I understand the situation you were in, Mr. Parker, but I knew the both of you would sort out your feelings for one another eventually."
"I don't want to even imagine what would have happened if I hadn't filed for the insurance on time. My entire family, including myself and Charlotte, would have been implicated. My brother obviously does not have the best reputation with the banks."
"I know what you are thinking, Mr. Parker. I hope though that you would have been directed to me straight away if it had come to that."
Lady Susan glanced knowingly at Charlotte. Charlotte nodded.
"You have been a great help to my family, my lady. I know that your friendship with Charlotte is a large part of the reason why you invested in Sanditon but I am still grateful all the same."
"That is true but I do believe this project has potential. It just needed the right leadership. It is evident that your brother is passionate and determined but he lacks the proper skills to take on a project of this scale on his own. That is where all of us come in. My closest friends within the beau monde and myself are growing tired of Brighton. The Prince Regent is as well. Sanditon is the perfect alternative location."
"We certainly hope that Sanditon will continue thriving in the years to come."
"I have no doubt it will."
The rest of the night is very pleasant. Sidney stays as close to Charlotte as he can over the course of the evening. He would find any excuse to squeeze Charlotte's hand or run his fingertips on the skin of her arm. Charlotte would also return the caresses. When it was time for Sidney to return to Bedford Place for the night, Lady Susan allowed him and Charlotte one more private moment in the drawing room to bid each other goodnight.
Sidney had his arms around Charlotte's waist as hers were laid flat upon his chest.
"I won't be able to come by in the morning but I will later in the afternoon so we can all dine together. We will leave for Sanditon the day after at first light so you and Georgiana need to make sure you are both packed and ready to go."
Charlotte nodded. Sidney spoke again.
"I sense something is troubling, darling. Please share with me what is bothering you. You can tell me anything."
Charlotte took a deep breath.
"I find myself nervous as everything is getting closer."
"Nervous about what?"
"I feel quite inexperienced with… the marriage bed."
Charlotte's cheeks turned bright red as the words left her mouth. Sidney chuckled softly and moved one of his hands from her waist to gently caress her cheek.
"My darling Charlotte, you have nothing to worry about. As you already know, my experience was only from power and pleasure, not from love. You rightfully chastised me by saying that love cannot and should not be paid for. Therefore, in a way, we will be learning this together. That facet of our marriage is something just between us. We do not have to answer to anyone the intimate details. I may still feel like a rogue but I am your rogue, Charlotte. Only yours."
"You may be a rogue, Sidney Parker, but you are also a gentleman."
Sidney kissed Charlotte on the forehead and held her a little tighter as they enjoyed the last few seconds of privacy they had for night.