Don't Look Back

Chapter 73

 Sidney couldn't watch the coach drive away, but with the window open, he could hear her. Their last moments entangled together were momentary heaven, and he would draw upon the memory to focus him.

"Really, Sidney, you could have waited." Esther rolled her eyes.

"Shhh, my dear," Babington said under his breath and took her hand.

She scoffed. "They didn't even hide it at the last," Esther complained.

"They are in love." He whispered. Sidney could well overhear it.

Babington's wife, Esther, was not bothering Sidney in the least. He was trying to listen to the wheels on the carriage as it was leaving.

"You are going to be free to wed her, my friend." Babington patted Sidney's shoulder. "I believe in our justice system."

Nodding, Sidney wanted to as well.

"I will help arrange for Flora's comfort. She seems rather attached to Charlotte." Esther sighed. "She has been crying for nearly half an hour."

"I will go see her." Sidney finally said. "She needs her father to comfort her in these times."

Babington took Sidney by the arm and helped him.

"You grow steadier on your footing, old friend," Babington commented.

Sidney just focused on what little he could make out directly ahead of him.

Coming to the nursery, Flora was on the floor crying. Sidney could sense right where she was.

"Flora." His voice shook.

"Why did Miss Charlotte have to go?" She asked pointedly. "Why does everyone go away?"

Sidney's throat became tight. "Do you mean your mother?"

Flora shrugged.

"Your mother—" he began but stopped himself. "I can't speak easily of your mother right now, but she was a complicated person who struggled to understand herself."

Flora's eyes were wide as she listened to her papa. "Is my mother why Miss Charlotte left?"

Sidney winced and nodded. "In a way, yes. But we can hope that Charlotte will come back to us." He didn't wish to lie to her.

Flora put her hand to his face. He could feel her warm little hand. "And your sight, papa?"

"It is returning, my precious one. Slowly but I think it will return."

Flora's tears touched him, and he pulled the girl to him.

"Charlotte didn't leave because I was naughty, did she?" Flora asked. "I try to do my lessons."

Esther laughed. "Though she values a strong intellect, Charlotte cares little about any of that."

Sidney nodded. "Indeed, I know that to be true."

"Regardless, you need a new governess." Esther sighed.

Realizing he never settled with Charlotte on all that was owed for the agreed services rendered, he stood. His hand was still in Flora's little girls.

"Babington, can I request your assistance in a few matters of finance before the night is upon us?" He asked.

Lord Babington nodded. "Indeed."

"Good lord," Crowe entered. "What is all this?"

No one replied, and all went silent until Crowe stiffly muttered.

"I have half a mind to go chasing after them."

Esther laughed and side-eyed him. "Them being the younger Miss Heywood?"

He grinned cheekily. "I will not say a word for fear of teasing Lady Babington."

Esther laughed. "You are the king of teasing, Crowe. What has changed you?"

Mr. Crow nodded. "Indeed, I am. But I fear the shoe is on the other foot, and I would rather not look into the mirror and have it done to me."

"Does the younger Miss Heywood welcome your attentions?" Esther could not help her direct questions, which cut to the quick.

Mr. Crowe shook his head. "I have no notion, and I will not ask. I simply will be a pest she grows used to. Perhaps she will become fond of me after a span of time."

Sidney smiled. "You intend on following after her?"

His friend nodded. "That is once I know you are well on your way free of this issue you find yourself in."

Thinking of the issue, Sidney wondered how long it would take.