Sanditon Season 2: The River and the Man

Chapter 103

Warrick sighed as he heard the front door crash open and moments later a frightened butler stumbled into the study with his usual decorum absent. Having spent the good part of the hour putting his affairs in order for the coming days which were about to get ever more complicated he shuffled papers agitatedly.

The return to Sanditon was still set but now it was likely complicated by rumor of Charlotte's disappearance. He hoped he had not been lumped into that debacle. That would likely not help things, but with the ruckus, he was hearing he was sure Mr. Sidney parker had forced his way inside Pessham house.

"What is it?" he asked impatiently.

The butler studdered and his eyes were wide with fright.

"Warrick!" the shout roared a hasty demanding tone and the Captain straightened his stiff collar and braced himself for another unpleasant interaction. Today had started out promising but it had all gone wrong the moment Clara had met him outside the Crown Hotel.

"Mr. Sidney Parker." Warrick regarded him with a lazy acknowledgment as he stepped into the marble-tiled foyer. "I wish I could say I am surprised to see you, but the events of the day have been unusual and at this point, nothing surprises me. I suppose you are after Georgiana," he said with a frown.

When Sidney just panted Warrick looked down. "No..." he shook his head. "Then I suppose it is actually Miss Heywood you search for." he sighed resolved to see that it was known in Sanditon that Charlotte had been in his ignorant keeping.

"Where is she?" Sidney demanded. "I will see her to determine her well being."

Warrick shook his head and put up his hands. "I am afraid I cannot show you to her. She refused to stay."

Sidney squinted at him, his eye and mouth twitching exposing his raw anger and frustration. "What do you mean by taking her from Sanditon. Surely it was not her idea!" he assumed taking note of the bruising that shined the bridge of the Captain's nose and darkened the bags under his eyes.

Warrick nodded stepping closer. "On that count you are right." Not really expecting to be punched again he blinked then felt blinding pain worse than Miss Heywood dealt him. Cupping his nose again he squeezed his eyes shut.

"Curse it, Sir, you do hit hard." he laughed but also winced in pain. He stumbled and tried to shake off the stars floating around his head. "I deserved that one too I suppose, but I am not to blame for Charlotte's unplanned trip here. Miss Clara Brereton thought her an obstacle and saddled Charlotte and I with the scandal."

"You could have stopped it, turned around!" Sidney shouted.

Warrick shook his head. "How? Charlotte had been drugged then stuffed in and trunk loaded in the back of my carriage without my knowledge. Trust me, this was not the plan." he said accepting a handkerchief from the butler. "I commit cleaner intrigues than all of this. Come, man, I deserve way more credit."

"Drugged?" Sidney said mulling over the word. "Is she well?" his heart pounded.

Warrick nodded. "Well enough, she gave a bloody nose too. She is glorious when angry. I confess It is a weakness of mine to see her so."

Sidney tensed at the Captain's observation of her astounding temper.

Warrick shook his head. "She didn't trust me enough to stay here either. She took my carriage and my driver and left."

Sidney cursed. "Where? Certainly not Sanditon, for I just came from that direction." He paced.

Warrick chuckled. "Have you so quickly forgotten your ward?" He asked wincing as he dabbed at his bleeding nose. "Charlotte is headed to Gretna Green where Miss Lambe is traveling to finally wed her love. I don't know if she is trying to stop but she seems to think you will be very angry with her and in turn, she is very angry with me."

Sidney shook his head. "You played a part in this drama?" Sidney seethed.

Warrick nodded and sighed. "Yes, I did... Charlotte's part was minor and well-intended and I assure you she would not have supported my actions done without her knowledge." he laughed. "You do not yet understand the favors I have done you."

Sidney shook his head too impatient to listen to him. "When did she leave?" he asked not caring for her involvement just her safety.

A trip to Gretna Green could take up to four days and attempting a trip of that length alone was dangerous. Fear cut through him recalling her actions before to help find Georgiana and how he had only been lucky to come upon her when her life was about to be taken from her by a disgusting man who wanted more than her life.

"I believe she has at least four hours on you. And is likely riding the horses hard," he said.

Sidney cursed. "Does she have any means at her disposal?" he asked.

Warrick shook his head. "I gave her the notes I had and some coins. More than enough to get fresh horses along the way. She will likely drive through the night to try to catch up to her friend. But she cannot convince them to change course."

Sidney shook his head. "You have no idea the danger you have caused to Charlotte and my Ward. I hope to never lay eyes on you again," he said coldly. "Do not return to Sanditon, you are no longer welcome."

Warrick nodded disappointedly. "We shall see about that upon a day," he answered. "I hope you one day see I am not your enemy. I am not Charlotte's either."

Sidney shook his head. "I care not what excuses you tell yourself," he muttered.

Warrick looked at his clothes. "Let me offer you a dry change of clothes and a meal to take with you."

Sidney shook his head. "I have not the time."

Warrick nodded. "You will take the time. You could be stricken then what are you good for? Nothing." he said with a shuddering sigh.
Sidney nodded and closed his eyes. "I must find her before something happens."

Warrick touched his shoulder with comradery. "You will find her. But don't you worry. The girl knows how to give a righteous right hook." he smiled kindly.