Return to Sanditon - A Novella

~ Seventeen ~

Beechwood House, London residence of Lord and Lady Babington

The ball had ended a short while ago, and as was customary, Sidney and Crowe had stopped off at Babington's townhouse for a nightcap. Sidney's mind was full of Charlotte. How he wished things were resolved and it was she who was with him now. They had returned to the ballroom minutes apart to find their absence had seemingly gone unnoticed. Other than a curious look from Lady Susan, they seemed to have gotten away with their private interlude.

He hadn't spoken to Eliza for the rest of the evening and instead took himself off to the card room until it was almost time to leave. He bid her farewell at the end of the evening, and if her manner held more frost than usual, he chose not to acknowledge the fact.

"Interesting evening, don't you think?" Remarked Babington as he settled himself next to the fireplace, brandy in hand.

"Indeed. Quite unexpected," replied Sidney, readying himself for the inevitable interrogation.

"So, are you going to tell us where you disappeared to after supper? You were seen heading out on to the terrace and did not return for almost half an hour," Babington probed.

"Really? So long? I merely stepped out for some air," Sidney replied cautiously.

"Curious indeed. Miss Heywood was also absent for much of that time too," Crowe sat down and shared an amused look with Babington.

"Ah, yes. Right," Sidney acknowledged awkwardly, "Well ... I ... err ... happened to be there at the right time to see off a pest who was causing her some distress then we shared a few words, is all," Sidney focused intently on the amber liquid in his glass.

Crowe smirked, "That's not how Foster tells it! He arrived in the card room rather flustered and advised me to keep a leash on my friend."

"He should consider himself fortunate that I allowed him to walk away," Sidney scowled, downing his brandy in one angry gulp.

"We were not the only people to notice your absence, Sidney," Babington warned, all trace of amusement gone. "Mrs Campion and I were dancing when we both saw you slip out. Once the dance had ended, she followed."

"Hells teeth! Why didn't you say something earlier?" Sidney jumped to his feet in alarm. "She could ruin Charlotte if she saw us alone!" He frantically paced as he recalled precisely what Eliza may have seen.

"Don't be hasty, Parker. Eliza would hardly embarrass herself so close to her own wedding," Crowe reasoned, "Imagine the woman is highly unlikely to flaunt the disloyalty of her husband to be."

"That's quite a risk, don't you think?" Sidney rubbed his temples, a headache threatened, "Eliza does not yet know of my plans to walk away from the union. Unless it is she who calls it off, she will be out for blood."

Babington nodded. "We tread carefully, and Sidney, you must show more care in your interactions with Miss Heywood. It is obvious to anyone with eyes that you are in love with her. I'm sure the very last thing you desire is to ruin her good name."

Crowe sipped his drink before speaking, "I spoke to a few of my less savoury acquaintances this evening. Those who partake in the pleasures of Beecroft's establishments." He looked up and caught Babington's eye, "Sir Edward has been spotted. He is down on his luck and accumulating quite a debt."

Babington was silent for a moment, "I hate the thought of that reprobate coming once more amongst us. Esther assures me that she will never let him distress her again. It was her idea, after all." He frowned and then met his friends enquiring gaze, "I don't like it one bit, but I agree, he is our best hope. If he has debts, he may well be open to an arrangement."

Sidney nodded slowly in agreement, "So, where do we find him?"