Sanditon: Episode 9

8

At the beginning, there was just a stretch of light, slowly growing wider. Concentrating on it, Charlotte realised that the light was the window, growing bigger as she opened her eyes. The window of her former room in Trafalgar House. Next to the window, between the table and her bed, was a chair, and on that chair sat her father, his cheeks wet, his hand covering hers. »Charlotte.«

»Papa,« she said, tasting salt and sand on her tongue.

»My darling daughter.«

She felt tears running down her own cheeks, and she couldn't say why: Because her father was sitting by her bedside, calling her his darling daughter? Because she had nearly drowned, together with that lady? Because her last adventure in Sanditon had gone so terribly, terribly wrong? Because it was not Sidney Parker who had gathered her up and carried her to Trafalgar House, but Lord Babington, conveniently having a morning walk on the beach with his lady?

There was a short knock on the door, and Mary Parker entered with Dr Fuchs in tow. »Ah, our young heroine ist erwacht,« the German doctor said in his slow and distinct manner, and »Oh, Charlotte, my dear!« Mrs Parker added. Now there were already three people around her bedside, staring at her in a rather emotional manner. Charlotte sat up as good as she could. »I'm quite alright. Just a bit dizzy.«

»We must make sure that you have not suffered a concussion of the brain,« the doctor said.

»I think I'll just need a glass of water. How is Mrs Campion?«

»In shock, but otherwise unhurt.« Mrs Parker sat down by her bedside. »Oh Charlotte, my dear. You did save her life.«

»I don't ...«

»Yes, you did. Apparently, she lost hold on the ground when she moved into the deeper water, and then panicked. She was so lucky to have you close by.«

She was so stupid to have moved away from the attendants in the first place.

»I think I should like to sleep a little now,« Charlotte said, suddenly tired.

»Of course, my dear.« Mr Heywood leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. »Sleep. Tonight, we'll pack, and tomorrow we'll leave this horrible place for good.«

When she woke up again, there was only Mary Parker sitting by her bedside, no sign of her father or the doctor. »Oh Charlotte. You're with us again.« There was so much affection in Mary's smile that it nearly made Charlotte cry.

»Where's my father?«

»He's gone over to Mrs Griffiths to arrange everything for your journey tomorrow. Mrs Griffiths has sent some clothes for you, so if you like to join him ... or join me for a cup of tea downstairs first ...«

»I think I'll rather join you.«

»Good. I'll be waiting. Take your time, my dear.« She quickly touched Charlotte's hand and moved out.

Trafalgar House, normally a place of children's laughter and animated family discussions, was oddly quiet. The sun beamed in through the windows, the servants moved about in their usual silent and efficient manner, but apart from Mary, taking care of the tea pot when Charlotte entered the drawing room, there was no-one from the family around.

»Where is everybody?« she asked.

»Tom has been called out on business, and Arthur and Diana have taken the children to the beach. It still is a beautiful day, but the whole town has been in uproar, and I thought you might prefer some peace and quiet.«

»I do,« Charlotte confirmed, slowly sipping her tea, finally losing that salty taste in her mouth.

»Are you feeling quite restored?« Mary asked.