Sanditon Season 2: Finding Their Way Back To Each Other

Chapter 6: Back In Sanditon

~~Charlotte~~

"We are coming upon Sanditon House," I said waking Georgiana and Alison from their nap. I couldn't sleep so I busied myself with a book. I found that lately, reading was the only distraction from my own unbearable thoughts.

We braced ourselves as we pulled into the yard of Sanditon House. A butler came out and collected our bags bringing them inside while we said our goodbyes.

"You will come visit me, won't you?" Georgiana asked sounding sad.

"Of course!" I said wrapping her in a hug. "I will insist on maintaining our friendship."

"I'm not sure Lady Denham will approve." I hated to see Georgiana sad.

"We will find a way," I assured. Georgiana gave Alison a hug and insisted she come and visit as well before climbing back in the carriage.

We turned towards George to wish him safe travels back to Willingden.

You both will need to return to Willingden eventually," he said with a grin.

"Does that mean?" Alison asked not actually finishing her question before George excitedly answered.

He nodded his head and his smile grew. "I asked Jane to marry me and she's accepted."

"Oh George! I'm so happy for you," I said.

Alison hugged him tightly congratulating him also. "We will definitely return for your wedding."

"I will send word when we have set a date," he promised. "I'm sure it won't be long before we get word announcing an engagement for both of you also."

"Perhaps," I said dismissively.

George boarded the coach and continued on his way to bring Georgiana back to Mrs. Griffiths.

Alison and I were led inside and told to wait for Lady Denham. Alison glanced around the house with a look of awe on her face. "It's rather large, isn't it?" I said.

"I've never seen anything like it," she replied.

"Ah, there you are, Miss Heywood," Lady Denham greeted walking into the room rather slowly. She looked different from the last time I saw her. She seemed older, maybe even weaker. I feared her illness that almost took her life left her in a terrible state. "I was beginning to have my doubts you would ever arrive."

"I do apologize for our tardiness," I began. "We got here as quickly as we could."

"I'm sure you did," she said with a condescending tone.

"Lady Denham, I'd like to introduce my sister, Alison." My sister curtsied but didn't speak. I could tell she was nervous.

"Cat got your tongue, dear?" she asked.

"Not at all, Lady Denham. I think I'm quite overwhelmed with the splendid appearance of your home," she answered still looking around in awe.

"I'm afraid it's quite outdated. I've begun doing some renovations already. My drawing room floor had to be redone immediately. Would you like to see it?"

"Very much," Alison said. We followed Lady Denham into her drawing room to see her new floor. I remembered that last time I was in there it had a large snake curled around to the center. I couldn't imagine what it looked like now. Perhaps a more modern design donned the floor?

We walked in to see a donkey as the center focal point with a motif of different colored tiles surrounding it. I didn't care for it.

"What do you think?" Lady Denham asked.