When I'm with you

What If....

- Themed festival in Regency's style? Tom, I hope you're joking - Sidney asked wearily. He did not have time to change, and the air conditioner that broke down in the office did not give him a chance to rest and relax after the road.
- No, Sidney, it's going to be incredible, and it's going to attract a lot of guests - Tom exclaimed, jumping to his feet  - fancy-dress balls, horse races, cricket!The bathing machine! This is a stunning idea! Do you know how popular theme parties are now, all sorts of historical reenactments and role-playing games? And we can offer it all at once! Yes, Sanditon with its history will be in the top, that's for sure! We have so many old buildings and furnishings.
- Do you know how much it will cost to restore the Assembly building? And The Galleries? - Sidney asked - Who would want to exhibit at Sanditon? This is a resort, not an art Mecca.
- You could talk to Georgiana - Tom suggested - her paintings are very popular now.
- She doesn't like me very much, as you remember - Sidney said - and then she works in the Nude genre, draws naked people. 
- Spendid! Then success is guaranteed - Тоm exclaim - The old Lady won't like it, but we'll try to persuade her.
- I see you decided everything for me? - Sidney said - I spent five years trying to cover the debt from your previous project, and you've already come up with a new one.
- Sidney! This chance may never come again! - Tom exclaimed again - Sophia Denham previously agreed to become an investor and provide a hotel for accommodation, and even open Sanditon house for visiting, not to mention horses.
- Then I don't understand why you need me - Sidney said - you've obviously made up your mind, and you seem to be doing pretty well.
- Yes, but I wanted to take a small loan from you - confusedly said Tom.
- All right - Sidney said - Unless of course we are not  talking about millions
- There's one more thing, or rather one more condition - Tom muttered to himself.
Sidney raised his eyebrows, waiting for an answer.
- Sophia has a number of objections to the implementation of some of my ideas, so... in light of past events, she insists that you lead the project. So that... she will negotiate only with you - said Tom - she no longer trusts me.
- It's not surprising - Sidney said - I'm surprised she's even talking to you. But how did she know I was back in the UK?
- Babbington - Tom said - William is quite close to the Lady.
Sidney nodded.
- Sofia is a wise person and will not repeat her own mistakes. I think it will be a pleasure to work with her - said Sidney.
- So you agree? - Tom asked, looking at his brother hopefully.
- Yes, but I have a condition - Sidney said.
- I'll do anything - Tom agreed.
- You will insure the project until the restoration work begins - Sidney said - and at your own expense.
Tom nodded happily and ran to hug his brother.
- Can we already leave here - Sidney suggested finally - I urgently need to change my clothes. It's even better to go for a swim or at least take a shower.
- Yes, of course, Mary is waiting for us for lunch - Tom said - and children will be happy to see you, too.When they got back from their last vacation, all they talked about was Australia and going on vacation with uncle Sidney.
Sidney smiled, patted his brother on the shoulder as he left the office.

Sitting in a comfortable chair, Charlotte looked around. She was in the lady Dеe's office
It wasn't the first time that Charlotte had been in Lady De's office, but all that was around delighted her again. All the furniture, every detail of the interior, down to the antique paperweight on the table, said that this room had a long and rather rich history. Everything about Sophia and Sanditon house reminded Charlotte of the days of fine ladies and respectable gentlemen. Back in town and getting to know Sophia Denham better, she was fascinated by the story Sanditon and was charmed by it. This is why Tom Parker's new project was so inspiring to Charlotte, which was not the case with the Lady and Esther.
- I can talk to Parker - Esther said finally - and make sure he doesn't overdo it. 
- Don't - said  Lady Denham sternly - better take care of the hotel, there will be a lot of guests soon and you need to prepare.
- But aunt! - exclaimed Esther.
- No one can do it better than you - Sophia said - and Charlotte can handle Tom, she knows how to handle him. In any case, everyone must do their own thing, otherwise chaos will begin. I hope you both understand me correctly.
- Yes, aunt, you are right - said Esther.
Charlotte nodded her response.
Despite her advanced age, Sofia Denham had an incredibly sharp mind, and the wisdom she had accumulated over the years made her one of the most successful and respected businessmen on the coast. Denham equestrian club The place and the smart hotel of the same name, which had been the mainstay of her many years of work, brought in good returns, which, thanks to the efforts of Esther and Charlotte, continued to grow steadily. In spite of all the old Lady's apparent austerity and inaccessibility, her heart was kind and sympathetic to those  who were close to her. And the girls, well aware of this, never took offense at her words.
- You can go now - the Lady said - Esther, ask Cassie to bring me tea.
- All right, aunt - answered Esther smiling - good day!
- See you tomorrow, Sofia! - Charlotte said.
- It may take a little more effort than you think, Charlotte - Lady Dee said - but in any case, I think you can handle it.
- Thank you for your confidence, Sophia - Charlotte replied.
She left the office and went to her room. Walking through the vast halls Sanditon house, she thought again and again of Sidney. Charlotte was constantly wondering how often she would have to see him, now that she was doing business with his brother.
She turned on her phone to check the time. The screen displayed thirteen missed calls and four messages. Everything from Georgiana Lamb.
 Allison must have called her, she thought irritably.
One by one, Charlotte opened her friend's messages, becoming more and more surprised with each new one.
"Hi, Allison told me everything. Are you crazy? Don't start this again!!! Don't give that asshole any chance!"
"Damn it, Charlotte, pick up the phone right now, we need to talk!!!"
"I will arrive in Sanditon tomorrow morning... Ask Esther to book two room Suite, and I'll come with a friend"
"Stay away from Sidney Parker!!!"
She swallowed hard and put the phone down. Charlotte hesitated again. Maybe she was making a mistake. On the other hand, she knew that Sidney was back in Sanditon, and she would have to live with it. She couldn't run from Parker forever.
Charlotte went to her room and sat on the bed, simultaneously typing Esther's message. She definitely couldn't refuse to see Sidney. Charlotte didn't hold out much hope for him, at least not consciously, but she wanted to see him smile again.
She looked at the phone. The clock said seven-thirty. She had to hurry.

The hustle and bustle of the Parker house had tired him out. As soon as he entered Trafalgar house, Sidney realized that his hopes for sea bathing would remain just hopes, at least for today. A whole bunch of nephews rushed to meet him as soon as he put the suitcase on the floor. The younger Parkers were incredibly generous with hugs, kisses, and stories of their adventures, and their uncle with gifts brought to them from another continent. Poor Mary barely managed to calm them down. As the years passed, the children grew up, but the noise in their house somehow did not become less. Sometimes it was quite tiring, but more often it made her feel touched and happy that she had such a large and friendly family. Sidney was always a welcome guest and a favorite of the children. Even when he was far from Sanditon, he never lost touch with them, communicating on social networks and Skype.
The dinner was quite happy and peaceful. Girls vied with each other about their success in school and participation in a dance competition. Henry, who had grown up and was looking at the model airplane that had been brought to him, remained silent, allowing the sisters to enjoy the moments of communication with their uncle. Little James, on the other hand, hardly looked up from his gift - a large dinosaur, which was so entertaining that Tom was happy to join His younger son.
- Thank you for helping - Mary said, sitting down on the sofa next to Sidney.
- You know I can't leave him - Sidney said - no matter how crazy his projects are, he's still my brother. If I can't stop Tom, at least I'll make sure He doesn't do anything stupid this time.
- You've always been kind to all of us - Mary said, smiling.
- You are my family - briefly answered Sidney - I have no one but you...and Arthur and Diana, of course.
- I wanted to warn you about something - Mary said uncertainly - but I don't know how you'd feel about it.
She paused, trying to find words.
- What is it, Mary? - Sidney asked - did something happen that I don't know about?" Is Tom in trouble?
- No, no, it's all right. It's just that he's all about his project - she said - sometimes he even forgets to eat and sleep. You know, he even bought a frock coat and a top hat and these funny shoes. Sometimes his obsession scares me, but that's not the point.
- Then what is it? - Sidney asked impatiently.
- It's about Charlotte... - the beginning of Mary.
- Mary, Sidney, the kids and I decided to go to the beach - solemnly proclaimed Tom - there is nothing better than evening swimming.
Sidney looked at the clock it was almost seven.
- I'm sorry, but I can't join you - he said - I have a meeting.
- So late? - exclaimed Tom -  with whome?
- With one very good person - Sidney said evasively -I'm sorry, Tom, but I can't cancel it.
- But who are you talking about?  the elder Parker asked, puzzled.
- Honey, stop torturing Sidney - said Mary - it's his business when and with whom he will meet. Let's go get ready for the beach before it gets too dark.
Sidney looked at her gratefully. Mary was one of those people who understood everything without words and never got into the soul, and for this he loved her as his own sister.
In less than ten minutes, the whole family was ready to go to the beach. Sidney accompanied them to the door, vowing to go swimming with them the next day. Finally, closing the door, he went up to his room to prepare for the meeting with Charlotte.