And yet there will be happiness...

Reception. Part 2

Sidney made his way through a group of smartly dressed people, they were talking, whispering, laughing, gossiping, he looked around, with horror realizing how much he hated everything that was happening here and at other receptions, along with this came the understanding of where he was now and what he was going to do. Sidney knew that his actions were probably stupid and thoughtless, but he didn't care now, he had to see Charlotte, he had to hear her voice, at least for a moment closer to the one that was the meaning of his life and the memories of which warmed his heart.
Finally, the crowd parted and he saw her, she was talking to Lady Susan, Charlotte smiled at the Lady, her beautiful eyes reflected the candlelight, and Sydney froze, fascinated by this moment. He thought of another ball, here in London, when he had the good fortune to dance with her, to look into her beautiful eyes, to hold her hands, and to be so close that he could feel her breath on his skin.
Sdney looked at Charlotte and could not believe that this beautiful lady who shone in this room now could be his wife. This was no longer the girl he had allowed himself to scold at the ball and say rude things afterward, simply because he was childishly unwilling to admit that she was right. Now before him stood a girl whose beauty and grace can only be admired. He felt pride and delight at the thought that of all those present, only he could know what she was in reality, how much warmth and light inside her, only he knew how much she able to love.
Then Charlotte raised her eyes and looked straight at him, and with a slight tremor, she kept her face amiable, but the slight flush on her cheeks betrayed her agitation.
"What does she think of me? Will Charlotte want to talk to me? it flashed through his head. Emotions flooded through Sydney, and his heart was pounding so loudly that he thought the whole room could hear him.
"Lady Susan, miss Haywood," he said, his voice trembling with emotion, and bowed to the ladies. Only Sydney knew how much he wanted to take Charlotte's hand in a thin white glove and kiss it, press it to his chest.
Lady Susan returned Sydney's greeting.
"Mr. Parker," Charlotte said softly, and looked back at Sydney.
It seemed to him that he was drowning in her eyes, and Sydney was trying to find in them a confirmation that all was not over for him. Until the moment he'd seen her today, he'd thought he was almost resigned to his fate, but now, standing so close to Charlotte, he didn't want to believe that there would be anyone else in his life besides her.
"How are you, Miss Haywood?" "I haven't heard from you since you left Sanditon," he said in a hoarse voice.
- Thank you, I am very well, I was at home with my family - told Charlotte, voice its sounded quietly, but cheeks again were covered with blush - as Your Affairs Mr. Parker?
"Mine?"  He was suddenly taken aback by her simple question. In any other case, he would not hesitate to answer "thank you, everything is fine", but here... He couldn't tell the truth, but he didn't want to lie to her either (and he didn't give a damn about decency).
- All simply remarkable with me and Sydney, he cannot wait for wedding, he's not himself from this -  said Eliza happily, coming to Sidney and taking his under the hand.
- Lady Susan, miss Haywood, we  just like again on regatta in Sanditon. I didn't think you would want to be in London again, miss Haywood, I don't know what entertainment you could find here. Oh, no, I know you must have brought a volume of Heraclitus with you, how nice it is.
There was a moment of silence, Charlotte was momentarily confused, and Sidney, taken aback by Eliza's insolence and rudeness, freed himself from Her hand and looked at Eliza with undisguised displeasure, and frowned. "Mrs. Campion!  Sydney said loudly, stopping her and choosing words.
"Don't worry, Mrs. Campion, we have a rich cultural program, lots of invitations and visits, and I don't think Charlotte will be bored, although a love of books is very commendable for such a young lady, and many others, including older ladies, should learn from her," Lady Susan interrupted in her quiet way.
Eliza gave her a grin of displeasure, feeling the full force of her response.
"Lady Susan is right, Mrs. Campion, you don't have to worry, there are a lot of interesting things in London that might interest me," Charlotte said defiantly.
Sydney suddenly felt unbearably ashamed. "It's all because of me. This is my fault for everything that happened. I made the decision to get engaged in exchange for helping Tom, it's only a deal, but I hurt Charlotte then and I'm doing it now" Sidney suddenly felt how vile and petty Eliza can be and he wanted to protect his Charlotte from her in any way, unfortunately now there was only one way.
- Ladies, I'm sorry, but I must leave You, I wish you all the best-said Sidney, collecting the remnants of self-control in a fist, but not coping with a again looked at Charlotte, as if saying goodbye to her personally, politely bowed and left the Hall, leaving Eliza standing alone for the second time today, the expression on her face was not transmitted.
It took Charlotte a lot of effort not to look back at him, but she did it with honor.
"I'm sorry," Eliza said, giving the ladies her fake smile and following Sidney.
When she left, Charlotte tried to catch her breath, which did not escape from Lady Susan.
- All well, girl my - you is famously with all has coped-quietly told Lady Susan - I think Mrs. C. still gets its.
"But I -" Charlotte began.
"Charlotte, I told you that there are no final results in everything about love, and you don't have to give up because the race isn't over yet. Charlotte smile at her words, and the ladies relapsed into the atmosphere of the evening.

#Sanditon #Sanditonfanfiction