Sanditon Season 2: The River and the Man

Chapter 156

Charlotte had just her little clutch bag tattered but full of food, and a few books from her father's library. She had perked both her fathers and her mother's ire when she refused to pack the other clothes she had been wearing insisting that she knew Lady Susan had kept her things. The dresses she had been wearing were her sisters and she did not wish to deplete their own small wardrobes.

Two days were spent in Willingden where Otis who was ever the enthusiast to learn enjoyed seeing the more provincial farm life. Georgiana was in no hurry to take the wind out of her husband's sails or take Charlotte from the family who clearly missed her.

"Are you sad to leave?" Georgiana asked in the bumping carriage reminding them all of their journey north. "You may never return."

Charlotte smiled through tears and looked down. "I will miss it, but it is not the same river, and I am not the same girl," she answered.

Georgiana looked out at the rolling countryside that reminded her of the rolling waves of the sea. "I know exactly what you mean."

Otis took her hand. "We can do more for our brothers and sisters in chains here," he whispered.

She nodded and leaned her forehead against his. "I should like to see it again though. The house I grew up in... the warm beaches I played on," she referenced.

Putting his arm comfortingly around her he kissed her head. "We will."

She smiled and looked up to him. "And we will bring freedom with us will we not?" she asked.

He stroked her cheek tenderly. "I believe so, yes."

Charlotte blushed as she looked away and saw the sea finally in the distance. As with every arrival before she felt a strange thrill upon the sight. The roaring waves could even be heard. They slowed their travel pulling off to look at a mine. Otis had some interest in trade since his print shop discussed the trades in details that he found confounding and was eager for a chance to see what the labor was all about as well as the working conditions of the men.

Charlotte had been surprised Otis's interests expanded beyond the pitiable and frustratingly impossible situation of slavery, but he was also interested in un the fair employment of even the poorest of English citizens.

"To have an opinion on a subject one must know all they can about it." she had heard him say while they discussed the hopes the young couple had for their future.

Charlotte was deeply happy for Georgiana and the joy and hope she saw in the eyes of the young couple. The world was theirs for the taking. Rich, beautiful, and full of the best intentions.

"Will you live in London?" Charlotte asked.

Smiling brightly Georgiana nodded. "Yes, of course. The print shop is there, and I am sure we will also be on the sea before long. My dearest does so love the sea."

He smiled and leaned his head against hers. "I have a lot to do before a journey," he promised and noticed her serious eyes. "Excuse me, we have a lot to do." he bumped her with his shoulder.

Charlotte smiled with a frown. "What work?" she asked eager to know what her dear friends were planning for their future.

Georgiana smiled. "We bought two buildings," she said with a bright smile. "It is not in a terribly fashionable area, but it will be helpful to the community of former slaves and abolitionists to gather and have acceptance of their presence."

Otis nodded. "If we are to have a chance at helping our fellow man, we need a place to gather and share."

Charlotte nodded and smiled feeling a similar thrill as to when she learned of Sanditon and the building. It seemed so exciting. "That is brilliant! I should like to know more."

Georgiana shook her head. "It is not much to boast. We just got started."

Otis took her hand and smiled. "No, it is much to boast. We are laying a foundation for a path to freedom. Never discount the work we do just because we are at the start. You only bear fruit by diligent seemingly menial sowing."

Charlotte frowned liking that notion. Much like the stones of old Mr. Stringer's masonry. His work held great value only after every single brick was laid. It was easy to think that one brick was not worth the pile but you needed it all set to make the wall.

"I think it's brilliant," she answered.

At great length, they pulled up to a cottage outside the town of Sanditon. Georgiana explained that It was the only place left on such short notice and they did so like being alone and far from town. They told Charlotte that they had secured it before setting off to see her and only had enough time to drop some of their things.

"It is small, but there is a spare room you can take for the night." she escorted her into the tidy space after their arrival long past nightfall.

"The maid will see that a meal is brought. I don't think I have the stamina for another long dinner." Georgiana said referencing how long the discussions between Otis and Charlotte's father had taken.

Charlotte closed the door to the room and sighed as she threw down her bonnet and went to the window and threw them open letting the un-gale like wind in her hair and the smell of salt fill her senses.

Home... She felt it. Sidney was near, and tomorrow she would see him. The notion sent her stomach into somersaults. She would visit Sanditon House and the special mausoleum she knew Lady Denham had found her final rest in the morning as she walked to town.

She knew Esther and Lord Babington had quit the house by this time as it had been their plan before she left. She would go there after visiting Lady Denham's final resting place.

Pulling off her dark brown dress she managed in just her underclothes and firmly shut the window as the Maid brought in some simple fare. Eating it quickly she tried to settle down to sleep, but the return to Sanditon had her wide awake and anxious for the sunrise.