Don't Look Back

Chapter 39

Charlotte felt positively parched as they left Trafalgar house with the four of Tom's children. The girls being quite a bit older and managing the younger ones with youthful motherly interest freed both Sidney and Charlotte for more conversation.

"Thank you for accompanying me, Miss Heywood," Sidney said not looking at her.

Charlotte glanced nervously. "Well, you did insist."

He turned and smiled with a slight chuckle. "I have a tendency to do that in regards to you."

Walking a respectful gap between them she felt keenly aware of everyone in Sanditon and feared wagging tongues.

"So, what are the expectations of employment?" she asked getting to the point, wondering if she could politely excuse herself sooner rather than get too invested in this outing.

Sidney's brow's raised as he flicked the cane out ahead of him. "Oh, I thought it was you who would set the standard."

She frowned. "I know nothing of governess rates, or even expected schedules. The last I was around children were your nieces and nephews and my own siblings, otherwise, I have just been the fortunate companion of Lady Worcester."

He smiled. "She, I believe counts herself the fortunate one." his tone laced with personal envy.

Blushing she looked ahead. "I know how to teach. I helped educate my younger brothers and sisters," she explained seriously. "I just have not taken it on as a profession."

He nodded curtly. "I do not need to be convinced of your mental acumen, Charlotte," he said simply. "Just your reliability to remain in Sanditon..." he said. "for Flora, that is until I secure another governess." he rushed to explain the reasoning was not exclusively personal and he too looked ahead to his smiling child who held her cousin's hand.

Charlotte's eyes followed in interest.

"If I make a promise I generally follow through." she frowned feeling her irritation rise and a blush crept up her cheeks.

Sidney nodded and his jaw tensed at his ill-chosen words. "Indeed, where I am far from a man of my own word." he reflected bitterly.

She looked at him bewildered by his statement. "Pardon?"

He shook his head. "I speak of my promises to you," he replied.

"But you never promised me anything," she said.

He turned slightly as they walked and ventured near as the path narrowed as a man wheeled by sparing them both a look.

"I did make you think I was to make you an offer, did I not?" he asked.

She shook her head. "What use is any of this topic to the education of the youngest Miss Parker?"

He blustered and felt foolish. "Quite right." he clammed up. "I just said something quite-" he rolled his eyes. "Consider it forgotten if you wish."

She nodded as her attention fell to the girls running and giggling.

"So when will you be moving to Grandview? Soon, correct?" she asked.

He nodded.

"I will not need to live in the same house," she said firmly. "I do not wish tongues to wag more than they will."

He nodded and swallowed. "Indeed, but they seem occupied with the actions of my wife and my departure from her at the moment."

She winced. "A situation I would rather not get too far entangled, real or imagined."