And yet there will be happiness...

Compatibility

She always liked walking. Even as a child, Charlotte had been interested in exploring the surrounding area of Willingden. Sanditon, with all its variety, instantly won her young heart. The comfort of forest glades here was replaced by the grandeur of sea cliffs, the slowness of a quiet river - the power and defiance of the great element-the sea, the bright flashes of forest flowers-the desolation of beaches. The town was struck by the contrasts of anyone who was hesitant to let him into your heart.
Charlotte often walked alone, finding something useful and attractive in solitude. It gave her time to think and make a decision.
She left the hotel very early, just as the sun was breaking over the horizon. The coolness of the morning refreshed her, making her forget the impending midday heat. The streets of Sanditon were almost deserted, except for an old shopkeeper slowly pulling his fruit cart, and a local Baker hurrying to work, soon to please the residents with delicious buns. She turned off the main street and went through the Park and into a small patch of woodland. It was different here; from the silence of the deserted streets, Charlotte suddenly found herself in a blooming garden with singing birds. She paused for a moment, enjoying the ringing trills and the beauty of nature. They opened this place with Georgiana when she almost forced her out for a picnic. After walking a little further, she came across a beautiful gazebo with large white columns and a massive staircase. It was here that Charlotte first saw Otis. She smiled, remembering the confusion he had caused her. Incomprehension, anger, and annoyance took possession of her then. She had promised Sidney that she would look after Georgiana, and she didn't want to break her promise. Oh, if she only  knew what the weakness would lead to. She looked again at the arbor, which was thickly covered with ivy, hiding most of it from prying eyes, ran her hand over the large and stiff green leaves, and entered it.
- At last...  - Sidney said, almost in a whisper, taking her hand and pulling her toward him with a single movement - that made me feel like I'd been here forever.
Charlotte smiled back at him tenderly, fighting the urge to touch his face and hair and taste his inviting lips again.
Sidney caressed her palms with his hot hands. Charlotte caught her breath at his nearness . She was drawn to him so strongly that it hurt to resist.
- Charlotte, I've missed you so much - Sidney said in a hoarse voice - I realized that I didn't want to leave you anymore... never... do you hear?
She smiled at him. Her heart was pounding in her chest, making her reach for Sidney more and more.
- I'm really glad you're back - softly replied Charlotte - I was so worried about you.
- I'm all right, calm down - he said
- I was so surprised to hear your voice yesterday -
Charlotte said  - and even thought I was just dreaming about you.
- No - smiling said Sydney - this is not a dream, I'm here next to you.
He touched her curls gently, as if playing with them. Charlotte couldn't help but reach out and touch his cheek. Her soft fingers explored his face, making him forget everything.
Unable to control himself, he abruptly pulled Charlotte to him and looked into her eyes. She leaned forward to meet him, her head tilted back a little, her lips quivering, breaking down the last walls of resistance that he had so carefully built around himself.
- You're driving me crazy - Sidney said, his voice trembling with excitement.
- So do I - Charlotte said faintly.
Sidney was defeated. Breathing hard, he took her face in his hands, burying his fingers in her hair, and kissed her tenderly. She responded with trepidation. The two hearts began to beat again in a single rhythm, giving each other oceans of love and tenderness.

They walked slowly along the river, enjoying the peace and closeness. The sound of water and the singing of birds made this morning truly magical.
- How was your trip to London? - Charlotte asked, leaning over and scooping up the water with her hand.
- I fixed it - Sidney said - with Crowe's help, of course.
- I always knew he was a real friend - Charlotte said, smiling - even though he sometimes acts a little strange.
- Well, that's what Crowe is all about - Sidney laughed.
Charlotte paused, not daring to ask the question that really bothered her. Sidney felt the tension in the air.
- Is something wrong? -he asked, looking into her eyes - what are you thinking about?
- J... I wanted to know...- she asked softly - have you met Mrs. Campion?
Sidney frowned, and Charlotte's mouth went suddenly dry.
- I don't want to deceive you - he said - I had to meet her.
Charlotte fell silent. She couldn't find the right words.
- Mrs. Campion is a strong and dangerous opponent, and we'll have to pretend until we can beat her - Sidney said - I won't let her hurt you.
- I understand - Charlotte said sadly.
- Everything will be fine - said Sidney, turning her to him - do you believe me?
- Yes - Charlotte said without hesitation.
- I beg you to forget about her - he said - at least for a while.  Now Mrs. Campion has something to do in London. Are we agreed?
- Yes - said Charlotte, trying to regain her composure and smile at him.
- Better tell me what you did without me? - Sidney asked - did your new friends keep you busy?
- Oh, no, I had a lot of fun - Charlotte said, squinting a little - because I wasn't alone this time.
- Yeah, you're right... Lord Broome is a courteous and rather nice man - Sidney said - do you spend a lot of time together?
- Is something bothering you, Mr. Parker? - Сharlotte asked - perhaps I shouldn't talk to Lord Broome as well as Mr. Stringer?
- No - Sidney said, smiling, knowing full well that she was teasing him - I didn't say that. Well, it was hardly fair of you to ambush me like that.
- No, I can assure you it was not deliberate on my part - said Charlotte, trying hard not to laugh.
- Nor mine -  he said.
- Well then...  - Charlotte said.
- Well then... - Sidney smiled at her.
They looked at each other, trying to keep their faces serious, but they couldn't stand the game and laughed.
They came to a dock where a boat was bobbing on the waves.
- I think it's time to practice before the tournament - Sidney said.
- We both know that rowing isn't my strong suit - Charlotte said - but I will try to impress everyone with archery at the picnic.
- I don't doubt it for a second - Sidney said, smiling - I'll try not to stand in your way.
- As for rowing - he continued - I insist on training, I hope this time no one will be able to stop us. And then this boat is much smaller, easier to manage.
He stepped into the boat and held out his hand.
- J... - the began Charlotte.
- I can't believe you're afraid of something - Sidney said in surprise.
Charlotte lifted her chin and, accepting his challenge, stepped boldly into the boat, never accepting his outstretched hand. The boat rocked and she lost her balance for a moment, staggered and might have fallen if he hadn't caught her in his strong arms. Sidney held Charlotte close, wishing someone could see them here. Reluctantly, he released her.
Charlotte sat down more comfortably, and Sidney pushed off from the dock with his oar and looked around as if to make sure they were all alone.
When he had rowed away from the Wharf and prying eyes Sidney asked her to row again. Her small hands rested on the oars, and he immediately covered them with his own. Sidney gently nudged her hands and the boat began to float.
- There's one question that bothers me - he said.
- What is it? -  Charlotte asked.
- I take you, Willingden, hares and get the ability to shoot a hunting rifle - he said - but how and where did you learn to shoot a bow?
- Oh... - Charlotte said - my mother taught me and Allison then the others are still too young for that.
- Your Mother? - Sidney asked.
- Yeah...well, she has not always had twelve children - Charlotte said, squinting slightly - there was a time when she participated in competitions of archers.
- I thought nothing would surprise me - said Sidney - so Allison is old enough to be a good shot, too?
- She's only a year younger than I am - said Charlotte - and yes, I wouldn't vouch for myself if I had to compete with her.
- Crowe would have love it - Sidney said quietly.
- What?  I didn't hear you - she said.
- Oh, no, it's all right  - replied Sidney - just thinking out loud.
- How well do you use a bow, Mr. Parker? - Charlotte said with mock seriousness.
- I'm afraid we will be able to learn about it tomorrow at the picnic -  with a smile replied Sydney - it has not been fired.