Return to Sanditon - A Novella

~ Ninteen ~

Parker Residence, Bedford Place, Cheapside

A commotion in the entrance hall alerted Sidney of visitors. He made his way as quickly as possible to find calamity reigned in what was usually an orderly space. Bags and trunks were strewn in various piles, hat boxes teetering on top. Small humans raced in circles around and around whilst excited chatter filled the room.

"Sidney! We're home! And look who has come to stay!" Arthur greeted cheerfully.

"Children stop!" Mary scolded, before turning and greeting Sidney with a kiss, "Sidney, I'm so sorry to have descended upon you like this. I decided a few weeks in town were greatly needed and what with your wedding occurring in a little over two weeks, I thought you may appreciate some support."

"Mary, welcome. This is your home as much as mine, and you don't need to explain," Sidney smiled reassuringly. "Now, where are my nieces and nephew? I will get a maid to show the children up to the nursery to get settled."

He bent to kiss each of the children before moving to greet Arthur and Diana.

"So, you travelled up together? I'm glad of it. Though, a shame you had to cut your visit to Sanditon short. I trust all is well?" Sidney shook hands with his brother and kissed his sister's cheek.

"Oh, it was no bother, brother. Mary wished to travel as soon as possible, and as Miss Lambe is also returning to London, we would have been starved of company," Arthur replied jovially. "There's nothing quite like the comforts of one's own home."

Once the new arrivals were settled and removed the dust from their travel clothes, they met again in the parlour for tea.

"How was the journey?" asked Sidney, casually reclined on the gold brocade sofa.

"It was tedious, I'm afraid. We would have arrived sooner had one of the horses not lost a shoe," Mary replied as she poured the tea and graciously distributed them, "And what of you, Sidney? Are you well?" She considered him for a moment before asking tentatively, "Have you seen anything of Charlotte, I believe she is lately to town?"

"Err ... actually, I have seen Miss Heywood. Just yesterday, in fact." Sidney replied, unable to meet Mary's eyes. He shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny.

"And?" Mary prompted.

"Oh, ah, yes, Miss Heywood is well," he replied hastily, "She and her sister are spending the season here with Lady Susan Worcester."

"Yes, yes, I'm aware. Charlotte wrote and advised me of her plans. No, I mean how where things left between you?" Mary prodded.

Sidney's mind went immediately to the kiss they had shared last evening and their stolen dance. He cleared his throat and replied, "Friendly."

Mary raised her eyebrows, but left the matter unchallenged, "And Mrs Campion? Your feelings there are unchanged, I take it?"

Sidney wasn't entirely sure how to respond. He looked across and noticed Arthur and Diana chatting animatedly by the fire. He stood and walked to the window. Mary joined him there and waited patiently for him to speak.

"In truth, Mary, my feelings for Eliza have not changed. I still feel nothing for her. I know I should feel something, I thought I would after the past be shared," Sidney sighed. "It's somewhat flattering, I suppose, that she wishes to marry me so much she is prepared to use a large part of her fortune to ease our financial burden. However, the association makes me feel mercenary and beholden, and that is no way to begin any marriage. She will grow to hate my indifference, and I shall hate her more for making me give up my own happiness for coin," he sighed wearily.

"Thank the Lord, you have realised what an unnecessary sacrifice this is. We will find another way to save Sanditon, and you will find your happiness," Mary smiled reassuringly. "Have you told her?"

"Not yet. It is unheard of for a man to break an engagement, particularly so late in the day, without losing both her reputation and his own. I am trying to lay a trail for her to follow that will allow her to jilt me without causing her reputation unnecessary harm," Sidney looked across and saw the understanding and warmth in Mary's expression.

"You are a good man, Sidney Parker. You show more kindness than she deserves. Blackmail, and that is what this arrangement has been, is an unsavoury business indeed," She shook her head in displeasure, "Just don't wait too long".