Sanditon Season 2: The River and the Man

Chapter 23

Lady Susan followed Bell upstairs as the servant carried a most precious package.

"Your dress is finished my dear for Lady Winthrop's Orange and Lemon ball," she said holding a wrapped package. "The dressmaker is keen to know if it needs any alterations."

Bell brought in the dress.

"Oh, I was wondering if it would even be finished. It sounded so complicated." Charlotte said as the package was opened. She put down her book and looked at it in awe. The shining silver silk of the base layer of the dress shone like treasure as the gold lace sheer floated over the smooth texture. There were a few random spangles here and there, but it was not overly adorned. The only ruffles were its capped shoulders.

A simple wide gold sash over a dark green sash finished the beautiful dress.

"Lady Winthrop's Orange and Lemon dance is the perfect opportunity to present you to the entire ton now that you are well established among the Beau Monde." she smiled.

Charlotte looked at the dress in wonder and the white ballroom slippers that went with it.

"I don't deserve such luxury," she whispered. "This is a dress fit for a princess. Lady Susan, you have done so much for me. How am I ever to begin to repay you?" She knew it was far finer than even the dress she borrowed from Lord Babington's sister the night Sidney had danced with her for the second time.

Susan smiled. "Oh tosh, my dear you have reminded me of a good many lessons that I should have paid more heed too long ago." she waved her off. "I confess I had a good many preconceived notions of what you would embark on when you arrived here. While you have succeeded wildly in securing the support of the Beau Monde and that is not just thanks to myself. Indeed you have done that of your own fine merit. You have not found happiness have you my dear?" she asked as Charlotte took off the dress with the maid Bell's help.

Charlotte shook her head. "Susan, I have been very content here learning everything you have taught me. I know ever so many people that my mind overflows with names that I can't scarce put to a face." she laughed. "You have gifted me a cherished opportunity to make lasting connections here, that have offered me many roads to travel."

Susan smiled sadly. "But?"

Charlotte frowned as the dress slipped over her head. She was still facing Susan as Bell was putting the sash around her waist.

"But I feel lonely here," she whispered. "If-"

Susan smiled. "If Sidney Parker was on your arm you would think otherwise would you not?"

Charlotte smiled sadly. "Of course it would be more bearable. I just miss the country. The sound of roosters in the morning instead of passing carriages."

Lady Susan nodded. "I could arrange for you to visit home, or even Sanditon before we are off to Brighton in the spring. Would you like that?"
Charlotte sighed and thought. "Let me think on it for a time. I am not sure Brighton... I fear it could ruin Sanditon all together for me and I would hate for it to lose its dearness."

Lady Susan sighed heavily. "Promise you won't let fear guide you?" she said taking her hand. "Fear has stopped too many from chasing experience and dreams."

Charlotte took a deep breath and nodded. "I shall try."

Lady Susan smiled. "Good, for you will need a lot of bravery at the Orange and Lemon ball."

Charlotte frowned. "You look like something is going to happen."

Lady Susan nodded. "It will be an important ball for you. Surely there is gossip and some may not take a fancy to you but you must have the fortitude to face it as you have everything else, my girl. The Beau Monde is on your side so none can bring you down." she said straightening her bodice and helping her to situate her dress accordingly and smiled.

"In this, no one will dare to cut you down," she said standing back taking her in. "Charlotte," she said breathlessly, her dark eyes twinkling as they always did when amused or charmed. "You look like a shiny treasure in that dress. The gold and silver complement your complexion beautifully my dear."

Bell joined her admiring the silhouette and smiled appreciatively. Lady Susan leaned to talk to the Maid.

"When dressing her hair string, the pearls through the loose fluffy curls my dear. none of the tight ones that are coming into fashion." she rolled her eyes thinking of the trendy tight curl fashion and wanted to gag.

"Think soft and ethereal."

When Bell nodded Charlotte turned and looked at herself in the full-length mirror. It was a perfect dress and she smiled smoothing the fabric over her stomach and admired her bust. She had gained some of her figure back especially in the bosoms and she was glad for it. London had been good for her broken heart.

"You will cut a fine figure of womanly grace tomorrow at the ball," she said as Charlotte helped Bell to take the dress off. "Will you dance a few dances with Captain Warrick?" she asked.

Charlotte took the dress over her head. "I should think I would if he asked me."

Lasy Susan frowned. "Do you like my dear cousin, Charlotte?" she asked.
Charlotte looked at her and raised her eyebrow. "Like what? A romantic partner, heavens no."

Susan smiled and put her finger to her chin in contemplation and interest. "Why?"

Charlotte pulled back on her day dress that was a light cotton and laughed. "Forgive me for I wish no offense but I imagine he is a rouge and not safe to love." she draped her red shall around her shoulders and sat on the bed.

Lady Susan laughed a bright and cheery tone. "What is Mr. Sidney Parker if not a rouge himself? Are they not cut from a similar pattern?"

Charlotte shook her head. "No, perhaps they are or not, but I haven't the slightest interest in anyone romantically."

Susan looked at her doubtfully. "Besides Mr. Parker."

Looking away sadly. "He is an impossible match. He can't count anymore as a prospective romantic partner," she said laughingly trying to get to a better place in regards to Sidney Parker.

"In regards to my cousin, I think your view is correct. I love my cousin, but..." she said smiling. "He is a rouge, and loves women for many reasons and usually does the wrong thing where they are concerned. He would ruin you and hate himself for it. And you would hate me for putting you in his path, though I don't do it lightly or as a joke. He is an important member of my family. If you are close to me you cannot avoid some level of association with him. Just... Don't fall in love with him." she said simply.

Charlotte frowned. "My heart cannot be so easily engaged."

Lady Susan smiled and touched her face. "Good. I just hate to see your heartbreak again."

Taking her hand Charlotte smiled. "Don't fear on that account."

Susan smiled and embraced her. "I hope so." her concern was true.