The Guardian

Episode 5 Part 2 - The cricket match

The next couple of days were insufferable. Charlotte didn't think it possible for the Beaufort sisters to get any sillier, but apparently they could. Every opportunity she could escape she did, but this was easier said then done and the only thing keeping Charlotte sane was the prospect of having a couple of days without them when she went to Willingden for Alison's wedding! The worse day was the day of the match itself when Charlotte was awoken from her slumber to the sound of shrieking, and at first she thought someone was being murdered! She rushed out of her room with a candlestick in her hand as a weapon, only to find the Beaufort sisters in hysterics on the landing. Suffice to say, she did not react in a very ladylike manner to them and was scolded by Mrs Griffiths for it.

Mary had told Charlotte that everyone was bringing a picnic to the beach, but Mrs Griffiths insisted that the household was not going to partake in such an activity. Mrs Griffiths maintained that picnics were the preserve for farmhands and savages and more than that, they were an invitation for licentiousness. Charlotte had tried to argue to the contrary, but it was to no avail and so they all had luncheon beforehand and made their way to the beach much later than anybody else. When they arrived at the beach, there was a buzz of excitement. Tents had been erected for refreshments and there was also a make shift bar. Chairs had been put out for spectators and a crease had been drawn in the sand. The gentlemen had already arrived in their cricket whites, among them were all the Parker brothers, Sir Edward, Mr Crowe and Lord Babington. They all looked very dapper, but Charlotte refused to partake in the swooning that immediately took over the Beaufort sisters.

Ashamed of their behaviour, Mrs Griffiths said: "Right, we will settle ourselves over by the dunes."

"But we will not be able to see anything from there." Phillidia groaned.

"Precisely! Look what happened to Lot's wife when she dared to look. No, it is far better to watch from afar." Mrs Griffith's maintained.

"This is hardly the same situation, Mrs Griffiths. In any case, I have promised Mr Parker that I would show my support. How am I able to do so when I am so far away from the pitch?" Charlotte argued.

Mrs Griffiths looked at her, clearly conflicted for Sidney's wishes trumped her own. "Fine. You may stay here. I will ask Mrs Parker if you can sit with her. Girls, we will sit back by the dunes."

"That is not fair! Why does Charlotte get to sit closer to the action and not us?" Julia moaned.

"Because she knows how to behave unlike you two!" Mrs Griffiths said gruffly. However, her manners quickly changed when Mr Hankins approached her to tell her he was umpiring and asked her if she was partial to a ball game. In fact, Charlotte was sure Mrs Griffiths got a little giddy during the brief exchange. After Mr Hankins, Mr Lambe approached them too with Georgiana, cementing Charlotte's belief that he was in fact another of Mrs Griffiths' admirers.

"Mrs Griffiths. So pleased you and your charges could join us. Miss Heywood, how well you look today in your new clothes." Mr Lambe said, clearly noticing that she had now rid herself of her mourning attire, for she was in a simple white muslin dress with embroidered flowers sewn into the fabric. Over her dress she wore a bright blue spencer which matched the ribbon on her bonnet. Her new apparel combined with her natural beauty and the fact her figure was a little fuller now she was eating better was causing many a gentleman to look her way. Of course, Charlotte was rather oblivious to this fact.

"Oh, thank you Mr Lambe." Charlotte replied politely. "Do they play cricket in Antigua?"

"No, they do not unfortunately, which is why I am going to enjoy watching the match for I was keen on the sport as a boy."

"And did you prefer bowling or batting, Sir?"

Mr Lambe chuckled. "Oh, batting for sure. I also played wicket keeper." Mr Lambe replied. Georgiana rolled her eyes and seemed like she would rather be anywhere rather than here. "It would be a pleasure if you would sit and watch with Georgiana and myself, Miss Heywood." Mr Lambe said.