Not The Same River - A Sanditon Sequel

Chapter 2

When the day arrived for Charlotte's departure, it was not one conducive to travel. It had rained heavily throughout the night leaving the track that led to and from her home muddy and difficult to traverse, and the sky was still laden with angry clouds that looked as though they might burst at any moment. The carriage made slow progress but Charlotte was in no rush. Each turn of the wheel brought her closer to London, closer to him. She knew there was little possibility that she wouldn't run into him at some point and although a goodly portion of her longed to be near him once again, another, more sensible portion, was deeply concerned that her heart was not nearly healed enough for the encounter.

When she finally arrived at the 'Coach and Horses', it was raining once more. The Parkers' coach was already waiting. The coachman quickly secured her luggage and helped her into the carriage. "Nice to see you again miss." He offered with a smile and handed her a small parcel wrapped in cloth. Eager to make up for lost time, they were under very quickly and travelling at quite a pace. The roads were better now and Charlotte made good progress. She opened the package given to her by the coachman and was pleased to discover an apple, some cheese and bread, along with a small bottle of what Charlotte hoped was water.

Feeling somewhat restored by her mini picnic, Charlotte allowed herself to look forward to seeing Sanditon once more. She had very much missed the town, with its bracing sea air and fascinating residents. She rolled her eyes as she considered that she would be forced to call on Lady Denham during her brief stay, but was comforted by the hope that she might encounter Mr Stringer.

Her reverie was interrupted by her arrival. She opened the coach door to see all of the residents of Trafalgar house but one, waiting to meet her.

"Oh Charlotte!" cried Mary, "It is so good to see you!" she threw her arms around Charlotte, daring the approbation of passers by. Mr Tom Parker cleared his throat, "Yes, well, welcome Charlotte. Come on now children, let's get inside." He said as he herded the party off the street. Alyssia and Henry almost caused Charlotte to trip as she entered the house, so enthusiastically did they grab at her skirts in welcome and, to her great joy, Charlotte also realised that James was now walking. Almost falling into a chair whilst scooping the children into her lap, she enquired, "But Mary. Where is Jenny?"

Mary's countenance changed as she took Alyssia from her now overloaded guest. "She's in bed ill, I'm afraid."

"Oh dear," replied Charlotte, "nothing serious I hope?"

"No, no. In fact she is recovering slightly now. Dr Fuchs says that she just needs rest." Mary smiled but mother's worry darkened her features. Charlotte reached for her friend's hand, who gratefully took it, adding, "It does mean however, that we will not be accompanying you for the rest of your journey to London tomorrow. I don't want to move her, you see? Not for another week at least. I do hope you understand?"

"Of course." declared Charlotte, "A week here with you will be lovely" Although she was sorry for any delay in seeing her friend Lady Worcester, Charlotte could not help but be relieved at anything that might postpone that most dreaded of all meetings.

Mr Parker, who had entered the room and heard the last part of the conversation, interjected. "No need. No need." said he, "My brother is returning to London himself tomorrow and has happily consented to taking you with him." Charlotte felt her heart in her shoes. "Your brother?" Her voice sounded weak even to her and she hastily cleared her throat.

"Yes Arthur and Diana are to return, themselves. So, you see, there need be no change in your travel arrangements." Charlotte let out a large breath. Only Mary noticed and squeezed the hand she was still holding.

Tea was ordered and the two ladies chatted happily as Charlotte's things were taken upstairs. Although the two were regular and intimate correspondents, nothing could compare with the joy of reliving those events face to face that had only previously been recorded in writing. In such a manner a very cheerful hour was passed and it was only when the clock struck three, that Charlotte realised that she had somewhere else to be. "Oh dear!" she proclaimed, "I must call on Lady Denham!" Mrs Parker was in complete agreement. "Yes indeed. If she were to find you had passed through without calling..."