Sanditon Season 2: The River and the Man

Chapter 63

Sidney, Lord Babington, and Captain Warrick stood as the ladies left the table.

Charlotte brushed past him and he closed his eyes smelling the jasmine scent he had recently associated with her.

Lady Denham slowly hobbled out of the dining hall. "I'm off to my bed, but since Lady Babington is the true hostess for the spring party I will not force all of you to an early rest. She can entertain you all better than I can I dare say." She looked to Charlotte. "And you Miss Heywood, I would not wish you to miss out on the enjoyments. Just check on me before you retire," she said patting her hand.

"Good night Lord Babington, Captain Warrick...Mr. Parker," Lady Denham said and eyes Mrs. Campion. "And you Mrs. Campion, I hope you found your room comfortable," she asked seriously.

Mrs. Campion nodded. "Of Course, Is has a pretty view of the fountain in the courtyard."

Lady Denham nodded and stared at her long then turned to Charlotte again and smiled warmly. "Good night," she said as she went to sit in a chair that two servants lifted and brought up the stairs as the ladies left the men to their after-dinner port and smoking.

Charlotte stood disappointed that Lady Denham had not requested her. The last thing she wanted to do was sit in the grand parlor with Mrs. Campion. But no matter, Esther would be there and that was the blessing.

—

Sidney sat down as he watched the ladies leave his eyes on the back of Charlotte and he felt a pang as he watched her turn to see them sit back at the table. It was customary for the men to stay at the table and talk while the women retired after for some tea and evening refreshments in a comfortable parlor.

"How has the Sanditon visit been for you Captain Warrick?" Lord Babington asked over his port.

The captain shrugged. "Been a little dull. All the diversion I get is watching Miss Heywood rush about too busy for anyone."

Sidney frowned. "Too busy for anyone?" he asked.

"Course that would perk your interest." Captain Warrick said taking a drink. "Yes, she has been unattentive to the young bucks that come to call. Those being mostly myself. Mr. Stringer has more luck. I assume that is because she wants to know everything about building. Cozy they are over his drawings." he said eyeing Sidney who ground his teeth.

"And this does not bother you?" Sidney asked.

The captain leaned forward. "No." He said firmly. "I'm not really the jealous type. Mr. Parker, you can't have them both." he smoked on his cigarette. "Pick one, or you just might lose them both." he swirled his glass. "I don't think Mrs. Campion likes to be jealous."

Lord Babington grunted and coughed. "I take it you have designs on Miss Heywood?"

Laughing he drank again. "Fantasies more like... completely dishonorable ones I assure you but I hesitate to push that envelope into reality. She deserves much better than my roughish self. I am a Naval Captain, I don't intend on taking a wife with me to sea, which is my home." He shook his head. "She has a head for adventure, but that girl should be a mother and partner for someone who would share her passions and interests. Maybe Mr. Stringer is the chap." he puffed and relaxed. "He sure seems keen on the idea, though I am not sure how Miss Heywood feels. She wasn't interested weeks ago, but perhaps she warms to him."

Sidney stared at him surprised.

"When it comes to Miss Heywood I am not your opponent, Mr. Parker," he said putting his glass down to be refilled. "But there are others out there that are."

Smoking his own tobacco he held it in a breath as he looked down and pondered.

"I have no stakes in the game," Sidney said with an emphasis on the word 'stakes.'