Don't Look Back

Chapter 44

It was sometime later that his exhausted body found his more modest but accommodating apartments.

The building had a cook and a keeper, but he often had little need of either when he was in Sanditon so he knew it was too late to ask for a meal to be sent up.

"Oh Mr. Parker!" the landlady said fanning herself. Her dress was casual evening wear.

She often flirted with him before, but she was far older than he.

"I had expected you." her voice inviting.

He frowned. "You did?"

She blushed. "Pardon me, I overstep. I can have modest fare sent to your room." her recovery was clumsy.

He nodded curtly. Seemed all of London had heard something of his drama. Now was as good a time as ever to find out exactly what that story was.

"Mrs. Fielding," he started to say as she bowed her head.

"Yes Mr. Parker?" her reply was light.

He cleared his throat. "Will you explain to me what the word seems to be in London about my marriage?" he asked. "Seems all of the city is aware to a degree about a personal issue in my life, and I wish to know if it has any truth."

She now had crimson cheeks and fanned herself anxiously. "Oh, Mr. Parker it is quite a scandal. But you must know there was always some measure of talk before, but now it is just shocking."

He blinked and the jaw clenched. "How is it so shocking if it was all known before?"

She shook her head. "It is the other news from Sanditon. About you, and well...that you love another," she whispered. "A girl who is most unsuitable..." she whispered coyly, with an intrigued squeal. "I simply cannot believe it."

Sidney felt his rage boiling over. "Where is the source of those rumors?" he asked.

She fanned herself and shrugged. "I assumed they were started by your wife in response to her being shunned from the tea rooms of London." she laughed. "And poor show to bid sympathy from the ladies of the Ton. Too bad she does not realize we all know what she has been doing."

Sidney clenched his fist. If he were not so exhausted he would probably do something drastic. But as it was, fetching his carriage and then the energy to continue on when awake for so long was going to overcome him at some point. And he had another appointment tomorrow.

"I'll have you know, I have spoken out for you." she continued as his hand went to his brow to soothe the great headache that spread. "I told them, I have never seen Mr. Parker with a lover or bring one around here."

Sidney held up his hand, tired by the subject. "Please, I know you mean well... But do not speak about my private activities," he said turning.

"The other news of Sanditon I am sure you wish to also know." she continued as he rose the stair.

Turning on the riser he shifted. "What else?"

She fanned again. "Lord Sellac is embroiled in a second scandal as well. A young Miss Beauford."

Sidney sighed and his shoulders dropped as he turned.

"Does that not shock you?" She raised her voice, baiting him into further conversation.

He shook his head. "No Mrs. Fielding, he is a cad with little concern for any reputation. Even his own. I feel very sorry for her, however." he came to the landing. "Now, please... I will take that food."