And yet there will be happiness...

Now I have to protect you

She smiled and playfully tossed the dry straw she had been twirling between her fingers at him.
- What? What are you doing here ? Are you following me?-  she asked, her eyes narrowing slyly.
- Perhaps - he said, smiling - as far as I can remember, it is impossible to leave you for a moment without getting involved in some adventure.
- Oh no, it's not true - she replied, trying to save face and not burst out laughing, since the morning it did not leave a good mood and she certainly wanted to share it with someone - well, or the truth, I even know. But what are you doing here? I thought today was your training day.
- I have more pressing matters to attend to - he said.
- Is that so? Like following me through the dunes?  Georgiana asked with a grin - a truly important occupation, since I am not so constant.
Broome smiled, but she still sensed a certain tightness and nervousness in his manner. There was something strange about the way he looked and spoke to her. Her heart went cold at the thought that she might have spoiled something between them by her words or actions. Georgiana tried to think of every detail that might explain the change in him, but it was all in vain; she had no idea what she had done wrong, or when.
- Did I say something wrong? - she asked. suddenly, frowning a little and looking intently in his face - maybe something hurt you? But we agreed to be very Frank. Possible... did I overreact?
He gave her one of his most beautiful smiles.
-  No, it's fine - replied the Broome - don't even think about it. It's not about you.
She looked at him incredulously, clearly demanding some explanation.
- Am I supposed to believe that? - Georgiana asked almost defiantly.
- No - said Broome honestly - and in that case you will be more right than ever.
- What the hell is going on? - Georgiana asked, beginning to feel angry.
- As I said, it's not you - Broome said - it's Mr. Howard.
She looked at him with wide eyes and instinctively put her arm around her shoulders as if to hide. Georgiana felt cold in the hot morning sun.
- I have been informed that Mr. Howard has conspired with Mrs. Campion and that he or his men will be coming to Sanditon - Broome said - Mr. Parker didn't want to tell you, but I think you should know.
- Of course I should have known about it - she exclaimed - Sidney is taking too much on herself and is again deciding everything for me.
- Georgiana, he is your guardian - Broome said more sternly - and it is his right to choose a way to protect you. You must respect his decision, whether you like it or not.
She stared at him in disbelief.
- But I -  Georgiana tried to protest  - I can take care of myself.
- Not this time, Georgiana, not this time - he replied - you will now submit to Mr. Parker, and for that you will have to put up with me constantly at your side.
She let out a long breath and scowled at him, her brow furrowed. He just smiled, trying to smooth over his bluntness.
- Well - she said at last - since I have absolutely no choice and I am under strict surveillance again, how are you going to entertain me, Lord Broome? Should I learn fencing? We will compete with each other?
He laughed and reached for her, taking her hand gently.
- As you wish, Miss lamb - he said calmly.

Everything was quiet in the stands and Sidney was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. Everyone had been warned about the guests and the competition had to go according to plan. He looked at Charlotte, who was chatting peacefully with her sister and brother, and his mood lifted.
He'd been thinking a lot tonight, trying to figure out what Eliza was up to and what she expected to achieve. All her possible subterfuges could not, in his view, produce any insignificant effect, and Sidney continued to be lost in conjecture.
- Mr. Parker, will you be participating in the tournament? - Phillip asked, returning Sidney to the arena.
- Yes, I'm registered as a competitor - he said, smiling slightly - and Yes, I'm a swordsman, we've all learned that, but I can't compare myself in any way to Mr. Crowe and Lord Broome. They are real masters.
- Then in what discipline do you want to test yourself? - did not stop Phillip.
- Like archery - Sidney said with a smile.
- Charlotte well shoots too - inspired by began Phillip - and Allison, they any shut up for belt, our mother taught them.
- I don't doubt it for a second - Sidney said - and I've even seen it for myself.
- My God, I didn't even make it to the third round - Charlotte exclaimed - such a stupid mistake, I didn't deserve such praise. Allison was different.
- What? No - Allison said - I'm a very mediocre shot. And don't look at me like that.
- She's being modest - Charlotte and Phillip said in unison, and they both laughed.
Crowe looked at the younger Miss Heywood and smiled.
- Did your parents not come with you today, Miss Haywood? - he asked, looking at Allison.
- They've decided to stay at Sanditon house - she said - Lady Denham invited the Manager to meet her father, and mother and Lady Susan were invited to take a tour of the house and the large garden.
- I think Lady Denham will keep them busy - Crowe said.
- Definitely not - Allison replied - she knows how to interest people.
There was an awkward moment of silence.
- I'm sorry - Crowe said - I have to go down to the arena.
Francis was heartily wished good luck by those present, and he took his leave and went downstairs, leaving Allison trembling with excitement.
Charlotte took her hand in hers and smiled at her:  "Everything will be fine." Allison clutched her hand and smiled at her in response.
Phillip happily asked Sidney about the tournament, wanting to find out every detail about the competition. Mr. Parker, on the other hand, was a good storyteller who made his audience gasp with delight.