Don't Look Back

Chapter 20

Lady Susan frowned at the woman before her.

"Lady Burrell, I called you here to discuss the tales you have yarned around the entire town about Charlotte going out with young men." she cocked her head at the woman her equal in all but fortune, connection, or intellect.

The woman laughed. "I just find it odd that she goes about with a married man." the woman offered. "Is it not strange?"

Lady Susan frowned. "Charlotte has known the Parker's for many years. She has enjoyed the connections that the association has allowed her. I see nothing untoward with either of their behaviors?" She said although not entirely agreeing with what she said.

Lady Burrell shrugged. "I suppose if you vouch for their association It should be enough for me."

Lady Susan was just about to sip her tea satisfied. But Lady Burrell continued.

"Should that girl not marry?" she offered. "Living off your charity for nearly five years and no wealthy husband to show for it?" she tisked. "And what's this? You bring yet another charity Heywood case in?" she asked pulling out her fan. "I just am in awe of your generosity."

Lady Susan put her tea down shocked at the woman's thinly veiled condemnation for her entirely selfish actions of keeping Charlotte for years and now Allyson for a few weeks. Being surrounded by conniving people was not her preference. And since the prince was angry at her for the moment she needed distractions.

"I assure you it is charity bestowed upon me by Charlotte. Not the other way around," she said cooly. "As to her sister visiting Charlotte is melancholy here. I wished to brighten her spirits and give her a companion for at least a number of weeks while we are in residence. You see, the younger Miss Heywood could very soon marry and never have such a time with her sister again."

Lady Burrell put down her fan and shook her head. "Oh, I see now... I do apologize. Perhaps Miss Heywood might keep the eye of Sir Radmore, or perhaps even Lord Sellac." She smiled, we all know Mr. Crowe is not on the hunt for a wife."

Lady Susan nodded cooly. "I do not throw her at men. I know she will choose wisely in the end. I trust her judgment."

Lady Burrell sighed heavily. "Is it my understanding that you are not even trying to find her a suitable husband?" she waved her fan. "If not I would generously offer myself to the task. Prey do you know what she is worth?" the woman asked abruptly.

Lady Susan put her cup down cooly and stood. "Charlotte's value is not in liquid cash form your Ladyship. But you would not take note of such trivial assets or price them as highly as I do." she tried to not sound too clearly cutting. Lady Burrell was not truly a nuisance entirely and was normally a great wealth of gossip which kept Lady Susan appraised of anything she should need. But it was not often that such a relationship had such backlash.

Continuing as she stood she smiled poised. "I would ask you not to meddle in either of the Miss Heywood's lives." she blinked and nodded. "In fact, it is my understanding that Heywood woman value their independence especially on the subject of a suitor."

Lady Burrell shook her head. "I suppose I should leave you. The hour draws later than I expected."

Susan nodded and smiled as she heard Allyson and Charlotte upstairs. They were readying themselves for a call on Lady Denham she had heard was long overdue.

Her face was serious and calculating as the woman saw herself out. Blinking Lady Susan looked out the window and watched her leave and how the woman seemed to see everything. Charlotte would need to be more careful.

Chewing her nails she stopped herself knowing it a terrible habit she had nearly broken herself from years ago, but came out when she was troubled. Her hands instead clung to the other as she tried to not fidget in her angst.

Her dearest liked to be the center of attention and he hated it when she was engrossed with something else and Sanditon proved to be a hearty distraction as well as a financial opportunity that Charlotte had promised so many years ago. But now she was not sure where to go. The stables were entirely unsuitable for her well-bred animals, and if she raced them here she would want at least fifteen or twenty to compete but stabling them was difficult and cost-prohibitive in the short term she had found.

It looked like she needed to invest in the construction of a stable if she was going to get what she wanted and that meant closer association with Mr. Parker, and that put her on edge because business with Mr. Parker meant more frequent meetings and such things would no doubt distress Charlotte and bring eyes upon the two especially after the tattletales the silly woman Lady Burrell spread.

The girls came down the stairs and Lady Susan came out of the parlor. "Wait for me Ladies. I do believe I own Lady Susan a visit as well."

Charlotte smiled. "We were going to walk," she said brightly. "Will that be acceptable? I wish to show Allyson Sanditon House just the way I saw it when I first came here."

Lady Susan smiled her eyes soft. "I think that a lovely idea Charlotte. Just the diversion I need for such a troubling call."

Allyson was already out the door and halfway down the road as Charlotte and Susan left Grandview.

"Charlotte, It pains me to tell you there have been rumors." Lady Susan said as they watched Allyson enter a shop.

Nodding Charlotte smiled. "There always are. What is it this time?"

"One you have been seen heads close together with Mr. Stringer, alone in his offices," she said seriously. "The other that you have been seen walking and talking with no chaperone with Mr. S. Parker." her voice quiet.

Charlotte blushed. "I suppose those are not entirely unfounded rumors." she rolled her eyes. "Oh for goodness sakes, we were in front of a large window. Hardly in private or alone. Mr. Parker came in shortly after to check the very plans Mr. Stringer and I were looking at." she winced. "Honestly, I found nothing improper about any of it."

Lady Susan nodded. "Lady Burrell makes it her mission to see everything and know everything. Sometimes she stretches the truth and enjoys the drama of it."

Charlotte blushed and was now glad she had won that money off that woman when she first arrived. She had met her occasionally before but now she was determined to think ill of her.

Shaking her head she looped her arm in Lady Susans. "You do not think I have acted in any way I should be ashamed?"

Susan shrugged. "Heavens Charlotte, I hate to judge love or the things it makes us do. Even if you acted rashly...I could not condemn you for it." she shook her head. "But for your sake...please don't."

Charlotte nodded. "He wants to try to be friends," she whispered.

Lady Susan laughed. "My dear, that is an open invitation to a liaison. I don't know if he intends that but that is right where it will lead if you are not on your guard at all times."

"That is what I am afraid of." Charlotte sighed. "I still have feelings for him. It is harder still to pretend we do not know one another." her voice dropped as her sister exited the shop with a ribbon.

"Will this suit me?" Allyson asked. "Oh, I am so nervous to visit such a grand house."

Lady Susan smiled and nodded. "You look very fine Miss Heywood," looking to Charlotte Lady Susan leaned in comfortingly. "We will talk of this later."

Charlotte nodded and tried to plaster back on a happy face. Seeing Lady Denham was sure to be an interesting outing.