Sanditon: Episode 9

3

Lady Susan sent Charlotte down to Sanditon in her very own carriage, and she arrived in style and dignity at Mrs Griffiths' doorstep. The governess welcomed her with open arms, the Reverend Mr Hankins, who was by chance visiting for tea, had some Bible verses to quote about the joy of reunification, the Beaufort girls giggled, and Georgiana left her bed for the very first time in four weeks and said: »I told you not to trust a single word he says.«

»It wasn't his fault,« Charlotte said gently.

»Yes, it was. He's so much worse than Otis. Otis at least never betrayed me.«

No, Charlotte thought, he accrued gambling debts and boasted with your wealth in front of the owner of a ... »boarding house« who went on to sell you to the worst possible lecher. But there was no use discussing this with Georgiana. She'd always insist that Otis was an angel and Sidney the devil who had taken him from her.

»Let's not dwell on unhappy thoughts,« Charlotte said. »I'm here for bathing machines and clifftop walks and the next ball and the new plans for the terrace.«

And for meeting former acquaintances. A cry of joy shook up Trafalgar House when Charlotte knocked on the door and the children realised who was visiting. Jenny and Alicia would not let go of her hands, and Mrs Parker brushed a tear from her eye when she embraced her young friend. »I'm so pleased that you have come back,« she whispered. »I feared you'd never forgive us for robbing you of your happiness.«

»There's nothing to forgive,« Charlotte said.

Tom Parker, who had always been too preoccupied with Sanditon to notice what was going on between his younger brother and his house guest, saw no reason for tears or forgiveness. »You're back, Charlotte – that's excellent, most excellent. I understand Lady Susan has taken an interest in you. Do you think we'll see her again this summer? If she chose Sanditon above Brighton, that would really boost our popularity ... oh, and I had a letter from my brother Sidney this morning. Apparently, you met in London and discussed a fountain square?«

»We did. I was thinking about a place where one could relax without going down to the sea ...« And there they were, back to their former discussions and exchange of ideas, leaving their marks on the future of Sanditon.

Another visit had to be made: Lady Denham requested Miss Heywood's presence the moment she heard of her return, and as was to be expected, looked at her with a certain note of discontent. »So, you're back hunting for a rich husband?«

»Indeed, I'm not, Ma'am. I'm staying at Mrs Griffiths', keeping Miss Lambe company.«

»Oh, you have chosen your friends wisely, Miss Heywood!« Lady Denham chuckled. »Sometimes, a rich friend can be even more helpful than a rich husband.« Sometimes, a rich friend can ruin it all, Charlotte said to herself, thinking of that lady whose money was going to save Sanditon at the price of her happiness. Speaking out loud, she asked: »Have you heard anything from Lord and Lady Babington lately, Lady Denham?«

»Uselessly in love with each other. I expect to see them here for the next ball.«

»I'm glad for them.«

»So you should be. You'll understand soon enough that you must make sacrifices, Miss Heywood. Esther was wise enough to accept it.«

There was no use in trying to convince Lady Denham that nothing was further from Charlotte's mind than the idea of marriage. And as Lady Denham's only other topics were her donkeys and the frivolous recklessness of her former business partner Mr Tom Parker, who had left her investment uninsured until it literally burnt up in hot air, Charlotte decided that she definitely preferred the marriage discussion, even if it meant having to endure Lady Denham's taunts until the end of all time.