And yet there will be happiness...

Forgive me

Dinner came to an end and the guests were able to get up from the table and split into groups. The Babbingtons finally managed to approach Charlotte.
- Miss Heywood - Babbers said - i'm to see you again. You didn't waste any time here.
- Lord Babbington, Esther - Charlotte greeted them -  I'm very glad you could come. You are right, there is really a lot of work here.
- Miss Heywood - said Babbington - may I introduce my little sister, Augusta?
The ladies curtsied and greeted each other.
Augusta looked at Charlotte with admiration.
- Miss Heywood, it's a pleasure to meet you - she said, hardly concealing her excitement.
- Charlotte, just call me Charlotte - said Miss Heywood - I have long wanted to thank you for the dress, it helped me a lot in London.
- God, it's the little things - smiling, said Augusta- I
was happy to help. I'm usually completely useless.
Charlotte looked at her carefully. When she smiled, she looked like her brother, Augusta was also warm and good-natured. Her blonde hair, radiant green eyes and sincere smile made her simply charming. Charlotte couldn't help liking her.
- I am delighted with what you said about the tournament - said Augusta - I want to see everything. Can I?
- Oh, of course, we will be happy to show you everything - said Charlotte enthusiastically - you must see the arena, it's something incredible.
Arena. Most recently, she was there with Sidney. He hugged her, told that he loved her. Charlotte felt suddenly bitter and hurt. She felt as if something important and incredibly valuable was invisibly leaving her, bringing with it sadness and despair. Charlotte looked at Sidney, who was standing a little apart from Arthur and Georgiana, and met his eyes. For a moment, her breath caught in her throat, and she began to sink into his eyes, forgetting everything. With an incredible effort of will, she managed to pull herself together. His words hurt her pride and angered her, but now she just wanted to be with him, to erase everything that had happened from her memory.
- Miss Heywood.. . Charlotte - said Augusta timidly, pulling her out of her thoughts - do you swim in the sea? I want to, but Esther is against it, and I can't do it alone.
- For God's sake, Augusta, get me out of this - Esther said.
- I very love swim-answered Charlotte with smile - I go almost every morning. The sea is very invigorating. If you want we can go together?
- Oh my God, Yes, of course I want - happily has spoken Augusta - I will join you on the morning with the pleasure. Thank you, Miss Heywood.
Charlotte smiled at her.
- All right - she said - I'll send you a note.
Augusta happily nodded in response.
The arena, the morning swim, the ball in London, all of it brought her back to Sidney. Charlotte forced herself not to look at him. She had to forget about him for a while, at least until the end of this dinner.
- Sidney, can I have a word with you - Babbington called.
Charlotte sighed and closed her eyes for a moment, mentally preparing for his arrival.
- Is something wrong, Babbers? - Sidney asked, casting a quick glance at Charlotte.
- Nothing, I just forgot to give you a message from Crowe - Babbington said.
Sidney tensed and became all ears, Crowe's news was the key to his future life.
- He asked me to tell you that he's coming to Sanditon today or maybe tomorrow, as soon as he's settled a couple of things in London - Babbington continued.
- Did he say which one? - Sidney asked hopefully.
- No - said Babbington - you know Crowe, you can't get anything out of him just like that, he always says only what he wants.
- Yes, you are right - with annoyance in his voice, agreed Sydney - so I will wait for his arrival.
Sidney was very excited, but Babbington did not ask Him any more questions, not wanting to interfere with the ladies in this conversation.
- Mr. Parker, where's your fiancee? - Augusta asked with a smile. I hope Mrs. Campion is well?
There was an awkward silence. Sidney frowned and clenched his jaw. Glancing sideways at Charlotte, he saw that she was carefully hiding her eyes from everyone else. Damn it, Sydney thought, even in the country, she manages to get into my life.
- Mrs. Campion is quite well - Sidney said forcefully, the very name of Eliza infuriating him - her father was ill and she went to her parents on the estate.
- Oh, how sad it is - said Augusta.
Sidney nodded in response.
Charlotte raised her eyes and looked at him, Sydney saw the tears welling up in her eyes.
- I'm sorry - she said, her voice a little shaky, trying hard to smile - but I need to talk to Georgiana. Augusta, very pleased to meet you.
Charlotte curtsied and turned to join Arthur and Georgiana in a peaceful conversation. When she reached them, she did not stop, but walked silently to the exit of the hall. Sidney, who was watching, decided to follow her.
- Excuse me - he said to the Babbingtons, bowed, and followed Charlotte.
Babbington and Esther looked at each other knowingly.
- Augusta, dear, can I ask you a favor? - Esther asked
- Yes, of course - Augusta said with a smile.
- Try not to mention Mrs. Campion's name yet - Esther said.
- Yes, of course, - said Augusta, dumbfounded.
- Thank you - Esther said with a smile, patting her sister-in-law's hand affectionately.