Sanditon Melodies

Chapter 18: Decision time

Charlotte was really nervous about her meeting with Babington. She'd spent a long time (in hindsight, too much time) thinking about what to wear. She wanted to look professional, but didn't want to go OTT as she'd met Babington informally already. Eventually she decided on a semi-casual look consisting of a floaty blouse, skirt and wedges and headed out to the Crown Hotel where they'd planned to meet over lunch, Babington thinking this would be a neutral place away from prying eyes. Charlotte was stood in the hotel lobby waiting for him, too anxious to sit and had just finished her text to Sidney when he walked through the door.

"Charlotte." He said, a wide grin on his face as he went up to greet her by shaking her hand.

"John. How was your journey?" Charlotte asked politely, noticing he had dressed smart/casual so she had thankfully selected the right outfit.

"Oh fine thanks. Thankfully the trains were on time." Babington replied. Charlotte smiled shyly at him and there was a moment of nervous silence. "Shall we go in?" He suggested.

"Sure." Charlotte replied as Babington gestured for her to go first into the hotel restaurant. They were ushered to a table by a friendly waiter who took their drinks order.

"Have you managed to go out surfing again this week?" Babington asked, deciding he would start by engaging in small talk.

"Yes, I went out yesterday with Mary."

"Ah – so have you caught the bug now?"

"Well, it's a lot of fun. My technique leaves a lot to be desired though."

"You'll get there with practice." Babington said.

"That's what Sidney said."

"Well, Sidney and I agree about a lot of things. Like you for example." Babington commented. Charlotte blushed in response. "So are you enjoying your extended stay here in Sanditon?" He asked.

"Yes I love it here. It seems to be working out OK. The only thing not going so well is my dissertation."

"Your dissertation?"

"Yes – for my Philosophy Masters." Charlotte explained.

"Oh right. When's that due in?"

"End of August."

"Right." Babington replied, thinking he'd need to factor this into his plans for Charlotte. "Did Sid tell you his Dad was a philosophy professor?"

"Yes he did. I know his work actually. He was a brilliant mind."

"He was." Babington agreed. A sombre mood threatened to fall on them, so Babington quickly changed the subject.

"So what do you fancy to eat?"

They perused the menu and ordered their main courses when the waiter returned with their drinks.

"I guess we better get down to business." Babington said.

"That would be good."

"Perhaps it would be worth me setting out how I see this working and then you can let me know what you think."

"OK."

Babington spent the next fifteen minutes talking and Charlotte listened attentively while they waited for their food. He explained about what his role as her manager would look like. How he would take on the day-to-day business dealings so that she could just focus on her music. He would help her develop a career strategy; find ways to promote her music and give her more exposure; organise gigs and recording sessions; and negotiate contracts and handle all the paperwork. Babington told Charlotte he had a lot of contacts in the industry – label managers, venues, producers, publicists, and a number of people in the media. He sold himself well and Charlotte was very impressed.