And yet there will be happiness...

When i 'm with you

Sidney thought he was drunk. It wasn't the same pair of wine glasses he'd shared with Crowe at the Inn that morning. Sidney was intoxicated by the furious speed at which their carriage was now speeding. He was even more intoxicated by the woman sitting next to him. The intimacy with her had kindled a real flame in his heart, which burned inside him, turned his head, and made him completely ecstatic. When Charlotte screamed and grabbed his arm and pressed her body against him, it seemed to Sidney that time had stopped and only he and she were left in the world. She trusted him, again. Sidney exulted, not daring to believe what was happening. They were alone and could go anywhere where no one would find them. Sidney had never expected such a gift from anyone, not even Babbington.
The horses carried them away from Sanditon, from prying eyes and sad thoughts. How he wanted to go away with Charlotte and forget everything, to hold her close, to bury himself in her hair, to smell the wonderful scent of it, and kiss her soft lips. His own fantasies frightened him. Sidney knew he couldn't fight them for long. Every second spent next to her drew her closer, leaving no strength to resist.
The horses galloped at full speed. The carriage rocked slightly on the sand boulders. The wind was blowing in their faces, blowing her beautiful dark curls. Charlotte, still holding on to him, looked at Sidney with eyes full of delight and tenderness. "She's still mine! Mine!" he thought excitedly.
Sidney gradually slowed down and stopped the carriage.
- Now it's your turn - he said, smiling-come on, you'll like it.
- I've never driven a open carriage - Charlotte said.
- Don't be afraid - Sidney said in a hoarse voice- I'll be with you...
- I'll teach you - he added, sitting close to her,  that he could feel every curve of her body. His heart thumped in response, not letting him recover.
- So, it is necessary to put these fingers - said Sidney, handing her the reins - and a ring to wear on the little finger. That's right.
He reached behind her and took her hands in his. Charlotte was in his arms. She froze, feeling his hot breath on her skin.
- Quietly pull - he said in a half-whisper right in her ear, his voice trembling slightly from the surging excitement - do not rush, yet, Yes, that's it.
He guided her hands gently and tenderly. Charlotte melted at his touch, forgetting to breathe at the mere sound of his voice. The horses started and the carriage moved slowly along the beach, but Sidney never let go of her hands, enjoying every moment of their unexpected closeness. She did not resist him, not wanting to escape from the sweet captivity.
The horses galloped faster, and Charlotte smiled, feeling Sidney's closeness and freedom.
It wasn't long before Charlotte suddenly reined in, trying to slow the carriage down. Sidney stopped the horses with a firm hand.
- What is it? - he asked, still unable to let go of her.
- We are probably too far from Sanditon - said quietly Charlotte - we will be looking for.
He released her hands and turned to face her.
- Pretty far - Sidney agreed - does that frighten you?
- No!  - Charlotte said with a smile - it's just that everyone's probably going to be worried about, lunch is soon and Mary and Tom...
- Do you want to go back? - Sidney asked - one your word and we're back in Sanditon.
- J... I don't  know... - Charlotte said softly.
There was an awkward silence, broken only by the sound of waves and the occasional cry of gulls.
- You must be hungry - said Sidney, wanting to change the subject - to be honest I would not refuse something to eat.. and knowing Babbington...just a second.
Sidney got out of the carriage and walked around it.
- Babbers, I knew it - said Sidney cheerfully.
He went to Charlotte and held out his hand.
- Is something wrong? - she asked, taking his hand and getting out of the carriage.
- Babbington left us a small gift - laughing said Sidney taking out from under the back seat basket and plaid.
- What is it? - Charlotte asked.
- I suppose our lunch - said Sidney, smiling - Let's get started?
Charlotte smiled and nodded in response.
He spread out the blanket, and Charlotte spread out the food. It was so cozy and family-like that they both felt warm at heart.
- There's the note here - said Charlotte.
- Read it please - he said - I'm sure that it is from Babbington.
Charlotte unfolded the neatly folded paper and began to read: "Dear friends, if you are reading this, then you have found the basket and will not be hungry. I beg your pardon, but I took the liberty of sending a message to Trafalgar house that you were invited to dinner at Denham place and would not be home until the evening. I wish you a pleasant walk. Your Babbington."
Sidney and Charlotte looked at each other and laughed. For the umpteenth time, Sidney thought about how lucky he was to have friends.