And yet there will be happiness...

What are you waiting for?

The sun was slowly sinking, leaving that day in the past. It was evening in Sanditon, and many of the town's guests had wandered off to the shops and along the coast to take in the serene contemplation of things that were pleasant to Them.
He looked back and saw her at the window. She was looking at the sunset and didn't seem to notice his presence at all. Her frailness and vulnerability made his heart ache, and her narrow shoulders and the soft curls of hair that fell over her soft neck made her once again the little girl he had known and still loved immensely. He resisted the urge to rush to her and hold her in his arms, and instead he moved softly over and touched her hand gently. She took a deep breath, not expecting him to appear, but continued to stare out the window.
- Why didn't you come to the arena with us? - He asked - I didn't tell you not to leave the house.
- I know-quietly answered Augusta - I just didn't want to go anywhere. I think I'll have to stay home tomorrow.
- Nonsense - he said - don't make me a villain. I'm not sending you anywhere, I'm just trying to figure out what's going on and what I'm going to do about it.
- You were very clear in the arena yesterday - Augusta replied, turning around - and I have nothing to look forward to but being sent to France.
- I never said that - he said - and that was before I spoke to Mr. Stringer.
Augusta whirled around and looked at her brother with wide eyes.
- Did James talk to you? - she exclaim - And what? What did you tell him? You must have offended him! And now he won't even want to see me! And you just don't know him at all! You don't know what a wonderful person he really is, he is honest, hardworking, kind, he always tried to reason with me and scolded me if I wanted to come to him. What did you say to him?
- He actually said a lot more than I did - Babbington replied with a smile  - and don't look at me like that, I haven't offended him in any way, and he hasn't gone anywhere and still wants to see you.
- But what did he tell you? -  Augusta asked impatiently.
- That he truly loves you and would do anything to keep you together - Babbington replied thoughtfully - and although I still think it would be better for you to choose a husband from your own circle, he really made an impression on me.
She looked pointedly at her brother, not daring to ask the question that really interested her.
Babbington looked at her and went on.
- I said that I need to think and talk to you - he replied - but judging by your reaction, I should not doubt that you really love him and would do anything for him.
- Yes - barely heard answered she - I truth many thought about this, tried to be strong and rational, not wanting to upset you. But I couldn't, it's really stronger than me and I really love James. You love Esther so much, you must understand me!
- I understand - Babbington said, and held Her close, and she hugged him back with her small, soft hands, which made his heart warm - you have no idea how much.
She lifted her head and looked at him, tears rolling down her cheeks.
- Don't make me leave him - in the hearts she asked - I can't live without him.
- I don't want you to be unhappy and curse me for the rest of your life - he said, almost in a whisper, and held her even closer - but you should not rush, check your feelings.
- They won't change - she said confidently.
- Then you don't have to worry at all - Babbington said, and smiled affectionately - you just get to know each other better.
- Will you let me see him? - Augusta asked hopefully.
- You cannot be denied, my Lady -  he replied - but not in private, and that is my condition.
Augusta hugged him back.
- Thank you - she said, smiling, nuzzling his neck.
He leaned over and kissed the top of her fair head, glad that they had finally reached the truce they both needed.
- How long are you going to stand here like this? - Esther asked with a small smilе - I ordered a wonderful trout and it was waiting for us.
Reluctantly, Augusta moved away from her brother and went to Esther.
- Will there be anything sweet? - she asked.
- Your favorite eclairs and those crumpets with strawberries that we ate in the arena on the first day-answered Esther-they have just arrived and they are still warm.
Augusta clapped her hands in delight.
- Then what are we waiting for? - she asked - Let's go to the dining room!  I'm really very hungry. I can probably eat a whole bull.
- Hardly Lady like - Babbington interjected, smiling, feeling his old good humor returning.
- Who cares when a Lady is really hungry? - Esther asked - stop talking nonsense, Lord Babbington, I'm sure you still haven't told your sister the news that will undoubtedly please Her.
-No, my dear wife, you are right, I did not have time - he replied - we had very different plans for the case.
- What are you talking about? -  Augusta couldn't resist asking.
- We'll talk at the table - Babbington said to his sister.
Augusta smiled and took Esther's outstretched hand.
- To be honest, I'm starving myself - Esther whispered to her, and Augusta burst out laughing again - but your brother doesn't need to know this.
Augusta nodded and went with her into the dining room, which was full of candles. Lord Babbington had no choice but to follow the two Ladies Babbington.