Return to Sanditon - A Novella

~ Thirty-One ~

The following day, Sanditon

It was her wedding day. Charlotte could hardly believe it. She would be wed in a little over an hour to the man who had stolen her heart almost from their first acquaintance, though she had not realised it then. Susan had helped her understand her feelings, but she had fought against the notion for so long. There was no denying it now. Her heart was full to bursting at the thought of spending the rest of her days with Sidney. She knew with a bone-deep certainty that wherever life took them, they would be happy.

Charlotte's only sadness on this, her special day, was the absence of her parents. They had received a letter from her father, who had thankfully consented to the match. Her mother had had a hand in that she was sure. Had circumstances been more conventional, they would have been married from Willingden with her whole family present to share her joy. It couldn't be helped. There would be time enough to visit and allow them to meet her new husband.

A knock sounded at the bedchamber door, and Mary entered. She and the Parker family had returned to Trafalgar House after thanking Lady Denham for her kind hospitality. Sidney and Crowe had moved to the Crown Hotel until the wedding, and Lady Susan and Alison had accepted Lady Denham's invitation to stay on at Sanditon House, along with Esther and Babington.

In a newly purchased dress of pale, cornflower blue, she made her way down the stairs. Tom had agreed to give her away in the absence of her father and was waiting to escort her. The day was fine, and she had elected to walk the short distance to the village church. Before she set off with the children, Mary took Charlotte aside to give her a wedding token.

"It is customary for a bride to wear something borrowed," Mary smiled. "These were my mother's pearls. The very ones I wore on my own wedding day."

Charlotte hugged her tightly and said, "I would be honoured, Thank you."

Mary's eyes were filled with emotion as she clasped the necklace in place, "We are to be sisters Charlotte. I could hope for no one dearer than you to fill that role."

Sidney and Babington had arrived at the church early. Babington thought it was highly entertaining and ribbed him mercilessly for his keenness. Even Crowe had been despatched from the hotel earlier, to arrange Charlotte's surprise. Thus, it had all fallen into place at last. Mary and Tom had taken him aside and offered him a ring that had once belonged to his mother to give to Charlotte on their wedding day. It was a plain gold band set with a cabochon-cut amethyst. It was pretty, unique and understated and would suit her perfectly.

At last, Crowe arrived and confirmed that all was in order for Charlotte's surprise. He took a swig from his hip flask and stated, "Trust, me, man. It's all under control."

Sidney was starting to grow impatient as he checked and rechecked his fob. At long last Mary arrived with the children. They were so excited to realise that Charlotte was to become their aunt. Finally, Esther, who would stand as Charlotte's attendant, alerted them that the bride had arrived.

Tom and Charlotte arrived at the church a few moments past the hour. It was a bright, sunny September day with little chill in the air. It was as if summer had returned specifically for her wedding day. The thought pleased her.

Tom took her hand, "I am so happy that fate has brought us here, Charlotte. Sidney is as happy as I have ever seen him, and that is all I could ever wish for. Are you ready?"

Charlotte nodded.

As they entered the church, Esther greeted them and asked them to wait a moment. Charlotte was confused until an unexpected face appeared in front of her.

"Papa!" Charlotte laughed and hugged her father, joyful tears filling her eyes. "You came. I am so very happy you could be here today. Mama?"

Her father smiled broadly, "How could we miss our eldest daughter's wedding?" Tom placed her hand in her fathers and smiled, "It was all Sidney's doing." With a wink, he hurried down the aisle to his seat.

As the music began, Charlotte and her father made their way to the front of the church where they were met by an awestruck Sidney. He blinked to reveal eyes that were glistening with emotion, but his darling face was filled with joy. They turned together and recited their vows.

When Mr Hankins pronounced them man and wife, Sidney could wait no longer. He gathered Charlotte into his arms and kissed her soundly, to a great deal of cheering and laughter.

A wedding breakfast was held for them and their small party of guests at Sanditon House. Lady Denham was in excellent humour and was heard to proclaim, that had she more time, she would have hosted an event equal to any of those held in London.

Sidney and Charlotte had not one moment alone but enjoyed themselves nonetheless, due to the festive atmosphere created by their friends and relations. Mr and Mrs Heywood were warmly welcomed by all and were heard to say that whilst it wasn't Willingden, Sanditon had a certain charm.

Sidney finally managed to tempt Charlotte away from the celebration with a promise of fresh air and a temporary escape. Charlotte smiled contentedly as he slipped his hand around her waist and drew her to his side. Ambling through Lady Denham's gardens, Sidney asked softly, "Are you happy, Mrs Parker?"

She looked up at him, grinning, "You are the first person to actually refer to me thus."

He smiled in return.

"I shall constantly be looking around for Mary, I am sure." She laughed, "And, no, Sidney, happy does not do justice to the way I feel. It's as if I could conquer the world."

"I'm glad. I know the service was a simple country affair, you weren't too disappointed?" Sidney asked cautiously.

"Disappointed?" Charlotte looked up at him in befuddlement, "Why would I be disappointed? It was perfect."

Turning into his arms, she wrapped her arms around his middle. He needed no further prompt. He sought out her lips and kissed her.

"So, Mrs Parker, would now be an appropriate moment to bid our guests farewell?" He asked in a deep, rumbling voice that made Charlotte more a little breathless. He added with a wink, "I've a mind to teach you a little more than kissing."