Sanditon Season 2: The River and the Man

Chapter 175

Esther looked at her veil she had worn on her wedding day and frowned disapprovingly.

"I am not sure it will suit, but Lady Susan is in a state that your veil has not come." Her pale cheeks flushed as she swept into Sanditon House.

Charlotte blushed and asked for one of the house servants to bring tea. She still had not yet come accustomed to thinking them as her servants. When pouring over the accounts she still thought of all the finances as Lady Denhams and acted in the interests of her still.

The single luxury she had given herself since becoming wealthy was to order the family home she grew up in restored to better conditions, as well as the homes in her father's land for the tenants. Her father would not take money, but if he arrived home to see it all finished perhaps he could rest easier.

Charlotte took the veil and fingered it delicately. "You know I remember putting this on your head and being in tears," she said as her own filled with emotion.

Esther nodded. "I think I was crying a little myself." she shrugged as her smile went to her bright eyes. "Don't tell anyone."

"Oh, you brought the veil!" Lady Susan said sweeping into the room. "I know you told me not to fret my dearest Charlotte but I confess that is all I did all day while awaiting this last part of your wedding ensemble." Looking down at the lace she shook her head. "It is very fine, indeed."

Charlotte smiled. "I think it is exquisite," she commented making Esther nodded.

"It should be, Lady Denham gave it to me to wear," she said softly. "And now I think it quite right you should do the same."

Charlotte nodded recalling that event. "I shall take good care of it." Originally she was to wear a bonnet, but Lady Denham said it was an old fashion and the veil should be worn.

Mabbin ran in with a crash as he ran into one of the manservants.

"Good gracious young Mabbin, must you run to and fro as you do?" Esther asked impatiently as she stood.

"A body's been found!" the boy panted. "They are saying it is Sir Denham."

Esther felt herself weaken and she dropped to her rear once again only this time in shock.

One hand flew to her stomach as the other went to cover her gaping mouth that had dropped in horror.

"Oh Edward." her voice but a whispered.

Charlotte went to her and sat as her hand took hers.

"Thank you Mabbin," she said and then redirected her attention to Esther. "It is not confirmed. Maybe it is not him."

Esther shook her head wincing. "No, I feel it. I know it is him." she stood. "Ugh, I can't believe I still would mourn that wretched man." she wiped at her face.

"He was still family, was he not?" Lady Susan asked not knowing or understanding the full depth of her feeling for her stepbrother.

Charlotte nodded as she still held her friend's hand as her family came in.

"Dreadful business this ghastly find, just two days before the wedding." Mrs. Heywood said coming in with Alison. "To think he was the one who sent us that dreadful letter."

Charlotte rubbed at Esther's back and rolled her eyes. "Did Mabbin just tell you?" she asked.

Alison shook her head. "No, it was Mr. James Stringer." her eyes glimmered. "We came upon him as we left Sanditon."

Mrs. Heywood took off her bonnet. "It is all over town I believe."

The tea was brought in but Esther and Charlotte excused themselves to allow Esther to feel her emotions.

Charlotte noticed Lord Babington's carriage approaching and out came not only him but Mr. Tom Parker, Mary, and her betrothed.

"Esther, has she heard?" Lord Babington asked as he approached.

Charlotte nodded. "Yes, only just. Is it really him?"

Lord Babington just nodded sadly and went inside to find his wife in a state on the stair.

"Come my dearest. Let us get you home," he said as he went to her.

She put her arms around him. "It is him, I know it," she whispered.

He nodded. "Yes my love," he whispered his voice was sensitive.

She wiped at her eyes. "I hope his miserable self found some peace." she closed her eyes and lifted her face. "I am free." she laughed through tears. "I wish it had not been like this, but I am free."

Lord Babington nodded and smiled gently. "Yes. We all are." he looked to Sidney and then back at his wife.

Esther smiled and kissed Charlotte's cheek. "I will see you bright and early, day after next," she whispered and then had Sidney squeeze her hand and nod.

"I am sorry." He said to them that departed.

Tom stood with his hands out as if he were unsure of what to say or do.

"Well, I suppose you already all know." he looked to Mary. "I suppose we could walk back."

Charlotte stopped them. "Wait, please stay for dinner."

Mary smiled. "Oh, no. I believe Diana has taken quite a fright and will need company with her," she said and linked her arm in her husband. "Come, we should let the two love birds have their time together. Lord knows they will see little of each other till they are in front of the Reverend."

Finally, alone Sidney reached for her hand. "Does the news distress you?"

Charlotte frowned. "I had little care for the man. He was charming when I first met him, but I soon easily saw through him." she shook her head.

Sidney stepped closer. "I wish to go for a walk in the parkland with you," he whispered and tucked her hair behind her ear.

She blushed. "We cannot without my sister. My mother is outraged at our unchaperoned walk along the beach where anyone could see us."

He rolled his eyes. "We were entirely unchaperoned for nearly two days while searching for Georgiana. I was a perfect gentleman."

Charlotte laughed. "A perfect gentleman who takes young girls to houses of ill repute?" she asked.

He winced. "And if I had been more of a gentleman I would not have had the knowledge of where to look for Georgiana."

Charlotte eyed him with a teasing smile. "Then both you and I were not as we ought to be,"

He chuckled. "Indeed no, but we are much improved, are we not?"

Charlotte smiled and he pulled her to him as he leaned down.

"In two days we won't require a chaperone." his words ghosted over her lips and remained there tingling through the evening.