And yet there will be happiness...

Between the past and the future

The morning was unusually warm and Sunny. The bright rays of the sun woke Charlotte early, even though the ball had lasted all night.
She fell asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow, all her thoughts, worries, and joys entered her dreams without asking, forcing her to relive the day again and again. Despite everything, she woke up quite cheerful and happy.She could still feel the touch of his hot lips and hands, and it seemed to her that his burning warmth still warmed her, preventing her from returning to her anxieties and despondency.
"He said he loved me! That he can't live without me!" from these words, a happy smile played on Charlotte's lips, she fell on the bed, in a pile of pillows, feeling an inexpressible lightness and an unrestrained desire to share her joy and happiness with the whole world.
"I can't tell anyone anything, he's still engaged, nothing has changed..." Anxiety and sadness again covered her, displacing the light and joy from her soul. Eliza Campion stood between them like a huge, impenetrable wall, robbing Charlotte of her last strength and hope of happiness.
"You are the meaning of my life! I'm dying away from you! "again, as if in reality, she heard his words, full of love and tenderness, they warmed her soul. Charlotte loved Sidney deeply, sincerely, and selflessly, and the mere thought of him being ill was simply unbearable to her. She stood up resolutely, shook herself, and made up her mind that she would fight for Sidney, no matter what it cost her.

When miss Heywood came out to Breakfast, she was not a little surprised that Lady Susan, too, had long since risen and invited her to tea with a smile.
- Good morning-said Susan - how did you sleep, my dear?
- Oh, my Lady, I fell asleep at once - said Charlotte, smiling... she paused for a moment, remembering the exciting events of the night - I slept pretty well, thank you, I feel great.
- Well, then perhaps you won't refuse my request to take a walk with me in the Park? - Lady Susan asked.
- Oh, I with pleasure-happily has exclaimed Charlotte - I like to walk, and here such a beautiful cleanest.
The ladies started Breakfast, and Charlotte, who hadn't had a crumb in her mouth since last night's dinner, found it incredibly delicious. Her good mood slowly but surely returned to her, along with her hopes for a happy future.

After Breakfast, the ladies went for a walk. The summer sun warmed them and played glints in the Windows, giving hundreds of sunbeams to flowers and all life around. Charlotte admired these sparkling reflections, enthusiastically observing what beauty is sometimes created by such simple and familiar things. She remembered the sparkle in Sydney's eyes again and smiled, unable to hide the thoughts and feelings that filled her.
- I see you're in a good mood today? - with a smile asked the Lady of Worcester, elegantly throwing his umbrella - let's sit down.
They sat down on a beautiful carved bench under a large spreading tree.
- Yes - said Charlotte, smiling shyly and hiding her eyes.
- I think it's because of a certain gentleman whose opinion is so important to you? - Susan asked again.
Charlotte's cheeks flushed and she looked down in confusion. She was afraid to say a word, knowing full well that her eyes and happy smile would immediately betray her.
- You are right as always, lady Susan - was all She could say.
- I saw the way he looked at you, Charlotte - Lady Susan continued.
Charlotte hesitated, not daring to say anything, again hiding her eyes from Lady Wooster.
- Yes, my Lady - she said softly.
-And judging by your satisfied smile, the conversation took place - calmly continued Lady Susan.
- J.. Yes.. -  Charlotte didn't know how to begin, doubting whether to tell lady Wooster all her feelings and experiences, but on reflection decided not to lie to Her.
- We talked - exhaling she said - he said that he loves me and that he will do everything to cancel this engagement and that together we will cope with all the difficulties. I want to believe him so much, and I believe him, but, Lady Susan, is it possible?
Charlotte was almost desperate, her eyes pleading for help.
- My dear girl - Susan continued calmly - once again, there is nothing impossible in love. And if you both want the same thing and are ready to fight for your future, then why not start this battle? And who knows, maybe a stronghold like Mrs. Campion will fall like the walls of Jericho. No matter how strong and powerful she was, after all, she is just a human, with her weaknesses and skeletons in the closet.
- Lady Susan - Charlotte looked up at her, her eyes full of tears -  thank you. .. I don't know how I deserve your help and support.
- Charlotte, you are the most honest and open person I know - said Lady Susan with a smile - you deserve real happiness like no other, believe me.
Charlotte looked at lady Wooster with such gratitude that she could not help putting her arm around Her.
- But - continued Lady Susan, releasing Charlotte - we must not hurry, we must do everything right. No need to act rashly. We'll find out all about Mrs. Campion, and I'll help you with that. Finally, my connections will be useful for something useful.
- Thank you - with a smile said Charlotte - I am so grateful for your help and understanding. It's so valuable to me. You are a lady of  high society, and many people listen to you, but I am... I'm just a farmer's daughter who doesn't really know anything about life...
- My dear, you are still so young, and you will give a head start to many high - society matrons - said Lady Susan, with a smile - Besides, I wasn't always Lady Wooster. I used to be just Susan, too.
Charlotte looked at the Lady carefully.
-Yeah, Charlotte, I too was once like you, so young and just longed for love - began to speak Lady Wooster, turning to Charlotte, her beautiful face was sad - his name was William, and he was the best man in the world. I was madly in love with him, and he with me. He wasn't rich, like me, but we were desperate to get married. My parents gave their blessing and the engagement took place - Lady Susan heaved a sigh and continued - in order to earn money and arrange our future life, William made the decision to go to Antigua and I supported him. Everything was going well, I regularly received letters from him with good news and my heart grew with hope for a happy and bright future. But one day there were no letters. They just disappeared. I did not know what to do or think, my heart was tormented by terrible guesses.... And as it turned out, not in vain...  - Lady Susan paused for breath, then continued  - later, a letter came from his companion, informing him that he had contracted yellow fever during the journey, and that the doctors were fighting for his life as best they could... but alas...we couldn't do anything.. my William died in their arms..
Lady Susan paused, looking thoughtfully at the spreading branches of the tree under which they sat. Charlotte stared at her with wide eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks. Lady Susan seemed to Wake up and continued
- I thought I was dead myself .. or part of me. My life was over.. time passed, but it did not heal... my parents were not able to help me in any way, they were desperate - she said - My dearly beloved mother became seriously ill and come down and only then, realizing that I could lose another person who was closest to me, I seemed to Wake up and look at life with new eyes. I learned to appreciate what I have.
Susan looked at the tearful Charlotte.
- My dear child,   you must not cry - she said, turning into a familiar Susan - it was a long time ago, now it is only a bitter memory from a past life.
- And then what happened, my Lady? -  Charlotte asked.
- It was several years before I met Lord Wooster - said Susan - he was a fine man and a husband, and I can't blame him. And I loved him in my own way, and even been happy with him, but I was never the same, and the memory of William never left me. It's like he's still with me.
- Lady Susan, this is so beautiful and so sad - said Charlotte, wiping the tears from her face .
- There is no need to regret anything, it was in the past - said Lady Wooster. - I have a very different life now, whether I wanted to or not.
- But when I saw you at that ball in London, there by the open balcony - Susan continued with a slight smile - you were so... lively... so open, it's like I saw myself in the past. It touched my soul. You look a lot like me, Charlotte. And you must not give up, never, hear, while your beloved's heart is beating! Fight to the last breath for yourself and your happiness! Do what I, unfortunately, could not!
Charlotte could not believe what she had heard, all her thoughts were mixed up in her head, doubts and determination were entwined in tight knots and did not want to unravel. She shook her head, hoping to recover, but it didn't help.
Lady Wooster laughed at her, wondering again how much energy and strength she had 
keeps this fragile and young girl.
- Charlotte, I must admit that I had my doubts about your chosen one - Lady Wooster continued more seriously - his ambiguous behavior at the regatta and such an early engagement confused me, so I did not immediately decide to write to you.
Charlotte stared at her, wide-eyed, trying to figure out what she was going to say next.
- But then I found out that it was Mrs. Campion who did everything to make sure that Sidney couldn't borrow money anywhere in London - Susan said - not even on the security of his parents' house, let alone anything else. She used all her power to cut off all other ways for him to save his brother.
Charlotte froze when she heard all this, and somewhere in the back of her mind she felt an incredible relief. A heavy weight seemed to fall from her shoulders.
- Does Sydney know about this? - she asked softly.
- Now know, I took care of it yesterday - said Lady Wooster - I'll tell you right away, he was furious, well, this is to be expected...
Charlotte looked at her gratefully and smiled.
- After, as all it turned out, I decided watch for Sidney Parker and to know about his life lot more - continued Susan - to my surprise, I virtually not learned his, he as if has vanished, extinct, moreover Sidney Parker, which I knew as if more not existed. This stunned me and then I decided to write you a letter.
Charlotte listened intently, catching every word.
- It was only at the reception when you were finally able to meet - Susan said again - thеге I was finally convinced that his feelings for you were real and so strong that he couldn't hide them. It couldn't be played or faked, and it didn't make sense. At the reception, I saw a man whom in love with you.
The lady turned to Charlotte, who was looking at her almost breathlessly.
- Well, yesterday, when I saw how he looks at you and told  to him that Lord Broome wants to make you a marriage proposal - said lady Susan with a smile -I got such a share of jealousy that I no longer doubt anything.
- Lord Broome? But that's not true....-  Charlotte said.
- Who knows, honey, who knows, he very well to you applies, perhaps, of course, you he simply very liked you - told Susan, and smiling almost whisper added - but Sidney Parker doesn't need to know about this,  let a bit tormented, leave this advantage for yourself.
Charlotte smiled at Lady Susan and finally relaxed.
- But we've been up too long, my dear - Susan said, getting up.
She opened her umbrella and motioned for Charlotte to follow her.
- While we're going, let's discuss my offer - said Susan - the Prince Regent asked me to supervise the preparations for the tournament, and I don't know anyone who could do it better than you. Would you like to go back to Sanditon again, since you like It much better than you do in London?
She looked into Charlotte's eyes and, without waiting for an answer, added - and perhaps a gentleman will want to go back there to help his brother ...and not only...
- Oh, lady Susan - was all Charlotte could say, unable to contain her happy smile and merry laugh.
The ladies went on through the Park, looking at each other merrily, laughing, and exchanging phrases.
The sunbeams also played their fun games, coloring everything with new bright colors. Life went on and promised to give Charlotte many more interesting things.

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