Return to Sanditon - A Novella

~ Twenty-Six ~

The Serpentine, Hyde Park

Charlotte sat on a picnic blanket, surrounded by Parkers. Only one of their number was missing from their outing. Charlotte had not seen Sidney since Vauxhall, although unsurprisingly, she had thought of him constantly. She understood his need to focus on his plans, and she had to believe he would find a solution. Time was marching on. Less than two weeks remained before the scheduled wedding was to take place.

Georgiana was also present today, as a de facto member of the Parker clan. She had become far less bitter in their time apart, Charlotte mused. Perhaps the sting of loss had abated. She decided to test the waters while they had relative privacy.

"Shall we take a stroll?" Charlotte asked. When they had reached a convenient distance, she spoke again, "How are you faring, Georgiana? You seem much improved since we last spoke in Sanditon."

Georgiana replied thoughtfully, "Yes, I believe I am. I have heard from Otis. He wrote to inform me of an offer he had received. Otis has been asked to accompany a senior member of the Sons of Africa to the Americas. His work is valued, and he shall be able to affect real change," she smiled proudly, "He has found his calling, and hopes to increase his standing. They say the America's are a land of opportunity. When I come of age, I shall join him there."

"I'm pleased for you Georgiana. You do him a great service by allowing him time to prove himself to you," Charlotte replied gently. "Love asks great sacrifices of us sometimes, does it not?"

"Don't think I haven't noticed your sacrifice, Charlotte. And, for whatever it's worth, I see every day the sacrifice Sidney has made. I will admit to judging him harshly, his behaviour has not always been so worthy, but people change. Like Otis, Sidney appears to truly want to prove himself, and I cannot find fault in that."

As they meandered around the lake, chatting amiably, they were hailed from a nearby carriage.

"Well met, Miss Heywood oh, and Miss Lambe, a pleasure indeed."

They turned to see Sir Edward Denham smartly attired in travelling clothes. He jumped the final step from his carriage and strode across the grass to join them.

"Sir Edward, I hope we find you well?" Charlotte spoke politely, unsure how she should greet him after his scandalous behaviour during the Midsummer ball.

"Indeed, Miss Heywood. Life is grand. I say, my aunt is within the carriage and was so hoping to pay her respects to you. Would you oblige an elderly woman with a moment of your time?" Sir Edward spoke in a cajoling voice that grated on Charlotte's nerves.

"Georgiana, do you mind waiting for me? I shall be but a moment," Charlotte turned to her friend and whispered, "This is all a bit odd; I must see what has brought Lady Denham to town. She abhors the place."

Georgiana reluctantly agreed to wait while Charlotte made her way to the carriage. As she approached the door, hands grabbed her waist and hoisted her inside. Edward jumped in after her, slamming the door behind him. He knocked on the roof of the carriage, and it jolted into motion.

As she took stock of the situation, Charlotte realised two things; first, Lady Denham was not present, and second, Eliza Campion was.