The Guardian

Episode 8 Part 4: There is a way!

It took Charlotte a good few days to recover from the effects of the fire during which Sidney visited her daily. All visits were conducted properly in the parlour in the presence of a chaperone, whether Mrs Griffiths or Mary. The visits with Mrs Griffiths present meant that there was no room for private conversation nor mentioning the topic of their betrothal and so were rather awkward. Sidney and Charlotte had to content themselves with communicating exactly how they were feeling with looks rather than words. However, as Mary was aware of what had passed between them, they were able to talk more freely and she even let them hold hands without saying anything, much to Sidney's delight. Mary was so thrilled about Sidney and Charlotte's engagement that she was willing to turn a blind eye to subtle displays of affection in her presence. Sidney seemed so different since his engagement and Mary couldn't be happier in his choice of bride and she had told him so on several occasions.

Once Charlotte was more or less fully recovered (including her toe which was fortunately not broken), she was able to go for short walks along the beach and then start resuming her visits to Trafalgar House to sort Tom's paperwork (for he had still as yet to hire an assistant), the Lambes' house to see Georgiana (who, coincidentally had come to visit Charlotte when she had been recovering) and Sanditon House for piano practice, the latter of which was abuzz with the excitement of Esther's engagement to Lord Babington. Whilst this was indeed exciting news, Charlotte couldn't help but be a little jealous of the fact the engagement was out in the open when she had to keep hers and Sidney's secret. Esther's wedding was to take place in four weeks time and Lady Denham enjoyed boasting of the match, which Esther feigned her displeasure at, but her disdain was clearly not as strong as she maintained. In fact, there was a noticeable shift in Esther's countenance since her engagement. She smiled more, and not the forced smile Charlotte had seen often, but a natural and genuine one which seemed to light up her whole face. Lady Denham too seemed much happier, although she still enjoyed criticising Charlotte's piano technique...

On Charlotte's return from her second such visit to Sanditon House since the fire and kidnap attempt, she happened across Mr Stringer at the newly completed terrace who immediately came over to see her, his usual wide smile on his face.

"Miss Heywood. It is good to see you up and about. We were most concerned when we heard about what happened to you." Mr Stringer said.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr Stringer, but I am quite recovered. I see that most of the houses in the terrace are now let."

"Aye, and we've nearly finished the last of 'em. We're now waiting on Mr Parker for instructions to start the pier, not that I will be here for that..." He said.

Charlotte was confused. "You are leaving Sanditon, Mr Stringer?"

"Aye. I've been offered a position in London."

"To be an architect?"

"Well, an apprentice to begin with."

"Oh Mr Stringer, I am delighted that your talent has been recognised! When do you leave?" Charlotte asked.

"In a week or two." He confirmed. "Although, I still need to convince my father to be happy for me."

"Your father is proud of you I'm sure, Mr Stringer, who couldn't be? For you have built all of this, and now you are off to design your own town!"

Mr Stringer chuckled. "Hopefully one day."

"I wish you every success. You will be missed here."

"Thank you Miss. That means a lot coming from you." Mr Stringer replied, making Charlotte blush.

Charlotte bid farewell to Mr Stringer and then made her way back to Mrs Griffith's house where she was surprised to find Sidney waiting for her. Almost as soon as she had been removed of her bonnet and coat, Sidney requested a private audience with her. His request made Charlotte rather anxious for she suspected what the purpose of it was for he had written to Mr Lennox nearly a week ago and they were expecting a reply. They both remained standing as Mrs Griffiths left the room.