And yet there will be happiness...

The masquerade ball. All masks removed.

The ovation that Tom had so masterfully broken at the ball continued. During this time, he went through all the stages from misunderstanding to universal happiness, standing in the center of the hall to the noise of applause. It took Tom a moment to realize that all this was real and was happening right here and now. "The Prince Regent, the tournament, Sanditon - it can't be! This is just incredible!"
With great difficulty he found Sidney in the crowd, who was smiling at him and applauding too, Charlotte was standing shoulder to shoulder with him, and it seemed to Tom that she was laughing merrily with happiness. Looking at these two people standing so close to each other, so tenderly and openly sharing their joy and warmth, he realized for the umpteenth time how blind and stupid he was, not noticing this before.
Thousands of questions about the tournament fell on Tom as if from a cornucopia, and he gladly accepted this game, delighting in the atmosphere of excitement and fun. It was Tom Parker's day and the world should remember it for a long time.

- It's incredible, it's amazing, I couldn't even count on it - Babbington said with a smile as he and Esther walked up to Sidney and Charlotte.
- I didn't even expect this - quietly told Esther and closely with easy smile dreamt on Charlotte - believe here not go off without you, Miss Hеywood?
She blushed, smiled a little, and lowered her eyes.
- All of this only thanks to Charlotte - with warmth and pride in voice said Sydney - she arranged it - and having looked it in eyes added - I so grateful to you for all. Look, my brother is just happy, and I am....- he hesitated, realizing that he was sinking back into her eyes - and I'm happy, too..
- Well, if everyone is happy, then I, too, - was heard from behind Sidney's voice fairly filled Crowe - finally I can relax like a normal gentleman and not to discuss with everyone about the tournament, have long had to drink, and those ladies seem to don't mind dancing.
Babbington laughed, and Esther, using Crowe's own weapon, rolled her eyes spectacularly with a sigh, telling him how much he couldn't stand him.
Sidney and Charlotte looked at each other with a smile.
- Really, you're all so boring, I'm better... "I'll go - Crowe said, making a face, waving his hand theatrically and walking toward the ladies standing next to him, addressing them as he went - Ladies, it's a wonderful evening, isn't it, would you like a dance?
The Babbingtons went dancing, too, and left Sidney and Charlotte alone.
- Charlotte, you have no idea how grateful I am for everything you've done! -  he said, unable to fight the emotions that filled him.
Charlotte looked down again, confused.
- I didn't do anything unusual - she was trying to find words - I just told Lady Susan about this wonderful Tom's idea. He did the rest himself.
Sidney looked affectionately at Charlotte. Her incredible modesty and resourcefulness did her great credit. Again and again she came to the aid of his family and himself with all her unselfishness and passion. He knew perfectly well that such a woman was a real gift from heaven and certainly the best thing that had ever happened to him in his life. Now that he was so close to her, gazing with ecstasy into her dear and warm eyes, he felt so happy that even his recent anxieties seemed to have left him.
Charlotte, on the other hand, enjoyed every second she spent with him and every look he gave her, wishing with all her heart that those sweet moments would not end.
Only one thought, sitting deep inside, still tormented her, made all her feelings and emotions wrong, unworthy, and even dirty. She could not help thinking of Sidney's engagement to Mrs. Campion, which he seemed to have forgotten.
The voice in the air was a reflection of all her hidden fears and sorrows.
- Mr. Sidney Parker! What a meeting! What a ball! What a triumph for your brother! - an elegant middle-aged lady said.
Charlotte looked at her and realized that she didn't know her.
- Mrs. Burke - Sidney said dryly, and bowed - thank you, I think you can congratulate my brother in person.
- It's a pity Eliza couldn't join us today, she would have been thrilled -Mrs. Burke chirped - you must miss her so much these days, because loving hearts can't bear to be separated. I think that soon everything will be formed and you will be able to be together again, such a wonderful couple, you will be very happy in your marriage.
"Eliza, damn her! She deceived me. Betrayed me for the second time in a row. "
Sidney's face flushed red with anger, distorting his beautiful features. He turned so abruptly to Mrs. Burke that she shrank back from Sydney in fright. He was breathing heavily, and it was obvious that silence was extremely difficult for him.
- I'm sorry - Charlotte said quietly - but I have to go. Good Day.
Charlotte smiled politely, curtsied, and turned to leave the Room, fighting the urge to burst into tears right here and now.
- What the hell? Who called you here at all? - said Sidney to Mrs. Burke.
Now he didn't care who heard him. It was more important to catch up with Charlotte and talk to her at last; he had to do it immediately. He turned and strode out of the Room, leaving Mrs. Burke standing with her mouth open in surprise.
Lady Wooster, who had been watching the scene with considerable interest, smiled slyly, and after a moment's reflection said:
- Lord Broome, would you do me a favor?. ..

With her heart pounding and hands trembling with excitement, Charlotte ran out into the deserted corridor. Tears of bitterness and despair rose to her eyes. Her whole world seemed to be collapsing before her eyes. "He's engaged. Engaged. And nothing can change. I shouldn't have come here"
She heard hurried footsteps and looked back. It was Sidney, almost running after her.
Confused for a moment with excitement, Charlotte ran from him along the corridor to hide her tears.
In three long strides he caught up with her.
- Wait, wait, wait - he has spoken, trying to affectionately call grab its for hand, turning to itself - don't leave, please, we need to talk.
He saw tears in her eyes and his heart sank. He made her cry again. It was unbearably painful and embarrassing. His whole being wanted to hold this fragile young woman to him, to hug her and not let her go, warming her with all its warmth. He looked into her eyes, tears streaming down his cheeks, and he wanted to cry himself. Sidney wanted to comfort her, to dry her tears with his kisses, but he knew he couldn't afford it. His heart ached with pain, and being close to her was maddening, his strength to resist the pull was fading before his eyes, and he came so close and hovered over her, trying to hold back his impulses with the last of his strength. He wanted to kiss her, to taste her soft lips again, to drown in her tenderness...
Charlotte looked up at him, feeling an unbearable urge to cling to him and hide in his arms, but her thoughts and common sense were beginning to take over again.
-Charlotte - Sidney said hoarsely.
- You are engaged to be married, and you are going to be married soon - Charlotte said.
- I don't love her, and you know it - he said with excitement.
- You don't have to... - the beginning of Charlotte
- I didn't say that on the hill, and I've been regretting it all these days. I can't keep silent any longer. I don't love her, and I'll do anything to get this engagement off - he asked, his voice trembling - can't you see that I love only you, Charlotte? You are the meaning of my life! I'm dying away from you! I can't bear the thought of not seeing your eyes and not being able to touch you.
Sidney could barely speak from the rush of emotion, he was breathing heavily and unconsciously clinging closer to Charlotte.
She was stunned by his admission. It occurred to her that all that was happening now was a dream, all of it, the ball, the dance, the tournament, the Prince Regent, her and Sidney, all parts of one big and beautiful dream.
She pinched herself and opened her eyes, but Sidney was still there, so close. His beloved and native lips seemed to beg for a kiss...
- I've missed you terribly, Charlotte - Sidney said, almost in a whisper.
- So do I - she said, just as quietly.
These three simple words set him on fire. Sidney realized that all the bridges had been burned and there was no way back. He clung to her, and she unconsciously leaned toward him. Sidney touched her cheek with his hand, wiping a tear from her beautiful face, and he leaned over her and touched his lips to her hot lips, bringing back their forgotten sweetness. Charlotte could not and would not resist him. He kissed her tenderly and tenderly. The two of them seemed to melt into the kiss, becoming one for a moment.
He pulled back a little and looked into her magical eyes.
- I love you - again whispered Sidney - everything will be fine, you hear, together we will cope with everything.
He saw tears in her eyes again, tears of happiness.
There were footsteps in the deserted corridor. Charlotte and Sidney, suddenly remembering where they were, reluctantly moved away from each other.
Lord Broome came around the bend and saw Charlotte and hurried to her side.
- Oh, miss Heywood, I was getting desperate - he said cheerfully - Lady Susan asked me to find You. She wanted to discuss something with you.
He stared at her, unable to hide the blush or the strange gleam in her eyes.
- Are you all right, Miss Heywood? - Broom asked, eyeing Sidney suspiciously.
Charlotte couldn't think of anything to say.
- Miss Heywood was a little stuffy and I helped her out in the air - Sidney calmly replied, pointing to the open window - I think she's better now.
- Oh, Yes, thank you, I'm really better - Charlotte said, looking at both men with wide eyes.
- Very well, then - said Lord Broome, offering his elbow to Charlotte.
She took him by the hand.
- Miss Heywood - Sidney said with a smile - I was very glad to see you. I hope we will have the opportunity to meet again soon. I will hope.
Sidney had to tell her, no matter how strange it might sound.
- So do i- quietly answered she and the easy smile slid on its lips, which he with such tenderness kissed just a few minutes ago.
Sidney exulted! She heard him, understood him, and returned his love!
He bowed, and Broome led Charlotte back into the Hall, leaving Sidney alone with her fears and hopes.

Finally, the music faded, and the high-ranking guests, tired of the ballroom fuss and gloss, began to leave for their homes.
One by one, the carriages with their motley, drunken passengers were leaving Lady Wooster's house. The fairy tale, skillfully created by the mistress of the house, was coming to an end, creating an aura of sadness, unwittingly making those present want to repeat it.

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