Don't Look Back

Chapter 11

Charlotte reentered the revelry which had become even more energetic. She smiled to see Mr. Stringer was still dancing with Miss Beaufort and she was all smiles.

"Miss Heywood," she heard a familiar voice and she wiped her eyes quickly as she turned to see Esther and Lord Babington.

Charlotte smiled brightly seeing the two. The last occasion she had they had just been married and she the maid of honor and witness standing alongside Sidney.

"I just heard this morning that you were in town." Esther said composed. "I had half a mind to call on you," she said. "But little George is teething and could not abide any other company but his own tired and frustrated mother."

Lord Babington smiled brightly. "It is good to see you again here in Sanditon Miss Heywood."

Charlotte smiled and tried to hide the confliction of her emotions. "Thank you, Lord Babington."

Esther smiled. "I have been an awful friend," she confessed. "I do believe I stopped replying to your letters." she blushed feeling genuine remorse. "Becoming a mother to two sets of twins, and a more recent edition took away my head for words." she shook her head. "Honestly some days I don't even know how I get out of bed."

Lord Babington rolled his eyes. "That is because you insist on caring for the children more than the nurse."

Esther did a sidelong glare at her husband effectively turning him to stone. "What you mean, dear husband is that your wife is a devoted mother," she said seriously.

He cleared his throat. "Yes, my dear. That is exactly what I mean."

Esther looked down and pursed her lips. "Have you had the time to renew all your acquaintances here?" she asked.

Charlotte shook her head. "No not all of them. I confess I have been hiding somewhat."

Esther smiled and fanned herself. "I had assumed as much." she sighed. "I will be walking the beach tomorrow afternoon with the older children. Will you join me?" she asked.

Charlotte nodded. "I would love to."

Esther smiled brightly. "Good, I can have a stimulating conversation while the children run out there pernicious energy.

Esther smiled at another guest. "Pray excuse me."

Lord Babington scoffed. "For all that she says, I have never seen a more active and devoted mother."

Somehow Charlotte could actually imagine that. Esther had always spoken as if her very life bored her. But then she showed such passion concealed inside her.

"Five children in as many years. I am sure there is much joy in your home." Charlotte observed looking around to see if Sidney had returned to the dance.

"Lord Babington," Eliza approached. "Miss Heywood was it?"

Charlotte found her throat tighten. "Yes, and how do you find yourself this night Mrs. Parker?" she asked politely.

Eliza sighed, "Bored really." she fanned herself. "And now I seem to have misplaced my husband."

Lord Babington's brows raised. "I could go look for him for you." he offered.

Eliza brightened. "Oh, you are a dear, please." She sighed relieved. "I don't know what I will do without my beloved Sidney by my side, I feel utterly lost without him," she said fanning herself and batting her lashes.

Charlotte lifted another glass of champagne and sipped it as Lord Babington left their company. She knew that at this point she was not sure if it was her third or fifth at this point.