Don't Look Back

Chapter 4

Entering the comfortable and lavish apartments of Lord Barnes Charlotte smiled and blushed at his warm compliments.

"Oh my dear, if I had known I would have the pleasure of your dear company I would have invited you sooner!" the wrinkled man said clasping her hand tightly. "You remember my nephew?" he asked shakily looking to the man who was Lord Barnes's great-nephew. "Sir Radmore?" he asked.

The man stepped forward. His dark and carefully combed hair bespoke of his refinement. "No Uncle, I do not believe I have had the pleasure until this very night, though I must confess I do believe you have many admirers." Sir Radmore said charmingly showing his attractive smile.

Charlotte blushed as she curtsied. In truth this gentleman's reputation preceded him.

"You and I are at the same advantage. I have heard some interesting things about you, sir," she said coyly and looked to Susan who's eyes sparkled their usual way.

"Charlotte?" came a voice from across the room and her momentary flirtation with Sir Radmore came to a close as she turned around to meet the dark expression of a familiar face. The one who she neglected to say goodbye to before leaving Sanditon five years before.

"So you have finally come back." She glared and crossed her arms smugly.

Charlotte smiled nervously. Her nose moved up a fraction betraying the discomfort she was feeling. "Miss Georgiana Lambe," she said brightly trying to smooth over this reunion. "It is so good to see you!"

The gathering had looked on with curiosity while Charlotte wanted to curl up into a ball and be forgotten for at least long enough for her to forget about where she was.

"Is it?" Georgiana asked tartly.

Charlotte summoned the courage to step forward and face that which she could not five years before. "It is." she reached for her former friend's hand. "Could we talk, perhaps not with so many eyes upon us?" She begged.

Georgiana regarded her a moment and then stepped to the side.

"I am so sorry," Charlotte said when she deemed they had sufficient privacy.

Georgiana shrugged. "What for? Leaving without saying goodbye, or just never writing me in over five years?"

Charlotte cringed. "I didn't know what to say," she confessed. "The pavilion burning and...."

Georgiana blinked and rolled her eyes impatiently. "And my guardian marrying that vile creature."

"It was too painful," Charlotte said in hushed whispers. "I did not mean to hurt you, you were a dear friend to me, and I truly felt quite wretched leavings things as they were between us."

Georgiana looked to the side and relaxed her expression becoming more welcoming. "Oh, I suppose I could have written to you and demanded an explanation. I thought you were afraid I would have said 'I told you so' about Mr. Sidney Parker."

Charlotte blushed. "Shh...yes..." she said nervous others would overhear. "I was a little afraid of that."

Looking at her curiously Georgiana smiled. "So, did you go home?" she asked.

Charlotte nodded. "For a few months, then Lady Susan asked me to come and stay with her for a season, and she hasn't sent me away since."

Georgiana looked to the grand lady. "So you are her companion?" she asked and quirked her brow.

Charlotte nodded. "Yes, I attend parties, the theater, and many events among other things I manage her household sometimes." she smiled.

Nodding Georgiana smiled and fanned herself since the sitting room was quite hot on account of Lord Barnes so enjoying the warmth.