The Guardian

Episode 2 Part 4 - Down at the Coves

Charlotte was glad she had made it through the pineapple luncheon relatively unscathed. Whilst Lady Denham had proved herself rather impolite at times, not to mention direct, she appeared to have taken a shine to Charlotte, so much so that she had invited her to come to Sanditon House the next day to practise the piano forte... in fact, one piece in particular which she considered needed improvement. Mrs Griffiths tried to speak up to say that they were otherwise engaged, as Mr Hankins was visiting for another bible study, but Lady Denham had insisted that Charlotte come and Sidney had also permitted it, therefore Mrs Griffiths could not protest any further. Charlotte couldn't say that she was thrilled by the idea of being made to practice the piano, but it was better than having to listen to Mr Hankins, so she was grateful for it.

The luncheon had also given Charlotte the opportunity to establish new acquaintances. Having played the piano with Clara, Charlotte took an instant liking to her. Perhaps it was because they were close in age, but it was nice to have a conversation without the constant giggling, like she so often had with the Misses Beauforts who were both younger than her. Charlotte had managed to avoid Phillidia and Julia for most of the luncheon and Mrs Griffiths kept a close eye on them throughout, managing to silence them with just a look when they got too silly, which they often did when being spoken to by one of the single gentleman in attendance. Given the company at Sanditon House, Mrs Griffiths had not trusted either of them enough to play the piano, but neither appeared too bothered by this for they were happy being observers and whispering together.

In the afternoon, as Mrs Griffiths could not accompany Charlotte to Sanditon House, she had ordered that Charlotte take her maid, Jane with her for she considered it unfitting for Charlotte to walk the mile or so there unchaperoned. Charlotte did not have the desire to argue, and Jane was good company so she accepted her terms without complaint. The walk to Sanditon House was rather refreshing, and Charlotte collected some wild flowers on the way to give to Lady Denham as a thank you for letting her use her instrument.

They were met by Lady Denham on their arrival, who, after exchanging pleasantries and making excuses for Clara who she had sent into town, ushered her to the piano forte. Lady Denham stayed a good twenty minutes to listen and critique Charlotte's playing, before leaving her on her own (with Jane) while she went to deal with some business matters. Charlotte sat and played for a while, but in truth, she was finding the activity rather tiresome. The walk to Sanditon House had invigorated her and she longed to go back outside, preferably to the beach to enjoy the sea air, rather than stay inside a grand house playing the same tunes over and over again.

When Lady Denham returned half an hour later, Charlotte played the piece again for her for she wanted to see if there was any improvement.

"Well done, Miss Heywood." Lady Denham said as she finished. "You are improving. You see, practice makes perfect."

"Indeed, thank you Ma'am."

"You must come back and practice again, the day after tomorrow if you will, for you will not find a more superior instrument in Sanditon than this one."

"You are very kind ma'am."

"Very good. Right. Away with you. I have an appointment soon." Lady Denham said.

Charlotte got up from the piano and retrieved her hat and gloves. "Good day, Lady Denham." She said curtseying and exiting the room.

*************

Sidney, Babington and Crowe were sat a table in the bar of the Crown Hotel, feeling content as they drank away the afternoon.

"You seemed to be spending a lot of time with Miss Denham yesterday, Babington. Are you trying to pursue her?" Crowe asked.