The Guardian

Episode 1: Part 3 - Vauxhall Gardens

Charlotte was feeling a lot more hopeful after her meeting with Sidney. Knowing that she was able to escape the confines of Mrs Griffiths' house (if one was not including the park, that is) on at least two occasions in the coming days was a welcome thought which got her through the tedium of Mrs Griffiths' criticism of her needlework (although granted, it was very poor). However, despite Mr Parker having granted his consent, Mrs Griffiths was not in a rush to go to St Paul's Cathedral and decided it would be better to wait until after the outing with Sidney to Vauxhall Gardens. Charlotte thought that perhaps this was a test to see how she behaved in public and it irritated her greatly. The whole situation was so preposterous to her and she resented the fact that neither Sidney nor Mrs Griffiths appeared to consider her capable of doing anything and she was determined to prove them otherwise. It was clear that Mrs Griffiths didn't think Charlotte should be going to Vauxhall Gardens at all given she was in half mourning, but Mrs Griffiths couldn't very well overrule her guardian on this point. She refrained from voicing her displeasure explicitly, but she made certain comments from which Charlotte could deduce exactly what her feelings were on the matter.

On the day of the trip, Sidney called on Charlotte and Mrs Griffiths at the appointed time as they were to travel together to the gardens where they were to meet Sidney's friends. Charlotte's new maid, Jane, had spent a long time trying to tame her wild locks, but the results of her efforts were actually rather pleasing. If her guardian was satisfied with her appearance, he did not express it, although Charlotte had noticed that his eyes had lingered on her when she had first appeared. For some reason it bothered her that he had not at least acknowledge the effort she had made. After they had exchanged the customary greetings, Sidney ushered Charlotte and Mrs Griffiths into the coach and they were on their way.

The gardens had only just opened for the season and as the they offered evening entertainment, the party had set off at seven o'clock in the evening.

"What friends of yours are we meeting this evening, Mr Parker?" Charlotte asked.

Sidney did not turn to address her, in fact, she was sure he had been avoiding her gaze as he had not looked at her since his initial "lingering look". "A business associate of mine, Mr Lambe, and his daughter. They are visiting England from Antigua." He replied.

"What is it that Mr Lambe does in Antigua?"

"He owns a number of sugar plantations." Sidney replied. "His daughter, Georgiana, must be around your age so it seemed fitting to introduce you."

"What brings Mr and Miss Lambe to England?" Charlotte asked.

"Mr Lambe wants to introduce Georgiana into English society." Sidney answered, but still he did not look at her.

"Is Mr Lambe wealthy?" Mrs Griffiths asked.

"Very."

"What is his fortune?" Mrs Griffiths probed.

"£100,000."

"Oh my." Mrs Griffiths said, clearly overcome by this information as her hand went to her chest in shock. Charlotte's eyes too widened in surprise at this information. How could one comprehend such a sum? Her own fortune of £30,000 paled in comparison.

"Miss Heywood, as you are still in mourning, I suggest you refrain from all activities and merely act as an observer today." Sidney said, still looking out of the window and not at Charlotte, and the fact he refused to meet her gaze when he addressed her roused something in her.

"You suggest, or you command?" Charlotte asked provocatively.

Sidney turned his head to hers, affronted by her remark. "Be careful Miss Heywood, for you are here at my invitation which I could revoke at any time." He said to her in a low quiet voice.