When I'm with you

Not this again

She opened the heavy oak door and looked in with a smile.
- Esther, Sophia - said Charlotte - I hope I'm not late?
- No, but we're just waiting for you - said Esther - Come on.
Sophia gave her an appraising look that made Charlotte uncomfortable.
- So, is there any news, Miss Heywood? - asked the old Lady.
- Yes - Charlotte said with a smile - and I think you'll both like it.
She plunged into the story of the planned Banquet, the Lady Worceter's help and Sidney's conversation with Stringer. Sophia and Esther were clearly pleased with this development.
- I think Esther can handle the party better - Sophia said.
- I support it - smiling, said Charlotte - we need your style and elegance. You just need them to drop their jaws in surprise. If that I'm on the hook.
- How long does Stringer need to restore the Assembly? - the Lady Denham asked.
- At least three or four weeks, if we start right now and have his team working - Charlotte said - he'll have to provide a full estimate today.
- Let them start - said Sofia - the amount for materials and the Deposit can be transferred today. I think two weeks is enough for you to organize a party, Esther?
- Yes, I'll do everything, but you won't even look at the calculations? -  Esther asked.
- Your Mr. stringer is not the kind of person who would want to trick me - Sophia said - and then Charlotte can discuss all the details with him and Mr. Parker.
- I don't think Tom is the best person for this - Charlotte said.
- And who is talking about Tom? He is a crazy generator of ideas, but completely useless in their implementation - Sophia said - Perhaps one day he will come to terms with it and let others do their work in peace.
- Do you think that's even possible? - Esther asked ironically.
- You never know what else he might do - Sophia answered - So, Charlotte, take Sidney Parker and do whatever you want with him.
The two young women exchanged silent smiles and knowing glances.
- Another thing - Sophia added - it is about Miss lamb. Calm her down somehow, or she'll get everyone on their toes again.
Charlotte and Esther nodded and went out into the corridor.
- What are we going to do with George? - Esther asked as she walked down the hall - she's very aggressive against Sidney. I think our artist is on the warpath.
- I know - Charlotte said with a sigh. - I think they need to talk to. Can I lock them in my room for a couple of hours?
- Do you think he can get out of there alive? - Esther asked, raising her eyebrows in surprise.
- That's right - Charlotte agreed - so we'll have to figure something out.
Esther nodded curtly in agreement with her partner.

The rest of the day passed like a flash. When she returned to the office and finally charged her phone, she found a whole bunch of calls and messages on it. Urgent and not very urgent, they filled her entire mind, forcing her to dive into her work. The hands on the clock were running so fast that Charlotte woke up when it was almost seven. It was Allison who brought her back to reality as she walked confidently into the office with Broome.
- Charlotte, this is Daniel Broome. He will help us with is the reception on the occasion of the festival - she said.
- Nice to meet you - Charlotte said, holding out her hand.
Broome gave her a charming smile in return.

He took a SIP of whiskey and set the glass on the table.
- It's been a long time, mate - he said with a grin - what brings you back to this hole?  Your would - be brother?
- What made you come back? - Sidney asked, smiling. Не was he really happy to see his old friends back - in what do you call it hole?
- Say thank you to our smiling friend who decided to settle here forever - answered Crowe -See, Babbers, Parker thinks we don't have anything to look for here, either.
Babbington laughed and raised his glass.
- I didn't say that - Sidney said, raising his glass in greeting - and now I think I have a reason to stay, too.
- Tom's new idea? - asked Crowe - do you really want to dress up in a frock coat and top hat?
- I think Sidney has better reason -  Babbers said.
Sidney gave him a quick look that silenced William.
- I wonder what is it? - take an interest Crowe, looking closely at Sidney and William - I'm at a loss... what else are you up to ... unless... come on, this can't be happening... could it be little Heywood again?
Sidney looked at him pointedly, and Crowe was pleased to see that he was tense and that his jaw was working.
- Parker, you surprise me - said Francis laughing - I thought you far from all this, times for these years so and not married. I'm sure Australia is full of sweet babies and half of them would like to have a good time. Maybe you didn't search well?
- Or maybe I just know what I want?  asked Sidney, expressive eyebrows - and I don't need to hit on girls.
- Pfff...commendable... but unspeakably boring - noticed Crowe - well, how's the little Heywood doing?
Have you seen her yet?
- Yes - said Sidney shortly.
- And did You manage to get closer? Or immediately
sent to the septic tank? - asked Crowe, who clearly felt an interest in what was happening - I can give you a couple of lessons in dealing with skittish ladies. Look, maybe she's already been hooked by that young architect, what's-his-name... Stringer.
- Thank you, I'll managemyself - responded Sidney coldly and Crowe understood, that overreacted, his friend indeed got angry - not advise you to talk about Charlotte in such a tone and leave your hints to someone else.
- Hush, hush! - exclaimed Crowe, raising his hands in warning - i'm just kidding. What's wrong with your sense of humor, buddy? Forgot it in Australia? Call them and have them send you a package.
- Break! Break! Enough! - with a smile said Babbington, pouring them both a drink - that's not what we're here for.
- Yes - agreed Crowe - personally, I was going to get drunk and spend a week in a hotel eating strawberries and cream.
- Don't you have to work? - asked, surprised Babbington.
- I've just submitted my manuscript to the publisher and I'll be free as a bird for a couple of months - Crowe said.
- Good news! - cried Babbington - I suggest we drink to that.
- Support! - Sidney said - what are your plans for the summer? Well, except that you're going to get drunk and turn into a seal for a while.
- None - said Crowe - you offer to participate in Tom's madness.
- I'm sure you'll be irresistible in a top hat and a walking stick - Babbington said - and then this ad for us and your book. "Francis Crowe - author of the bestseller" The soul of a traitor " tries a new role at a popular seaside resort Sanditon." This is  a ready-made headline in newspaper - said Babbington.
- Oh, no, not that again! You're killing me! Stop it! - Crowe laughed - I feel like a sheep at the slaughter. Now I definitely need a drink.
The men laughed, drank again, and continued their conversation.

#Sanditon #Sidlotte #Sanditonfanfiction