The Guardian

Episode 5 Part 3 - Courtships and Proposals

Sidney watched as Charlotte left the beach with Mrs Griffiths and the Misses Beauforts, longing her to look back at him, but she did not. He didn't know how he was going to cope with two hours in the coach with her to Willingden. At least Jane would be with them to force him to keep control of himself. The whole situation was intolerable! If only My Heywood had not appointed him as Charlotte's guardian then what he was feeling and thinking would not be forbidden! But of course, if he were not appointed as Charlotte's guardian, then he would never have become acquainted with her, for there would be no cause for their paths to cross at all, still perhaps that would have been better. He sighed heavily and then headed for the bar to join the gentlemen for a celebratory drink, but as he was headed there, he was intercepted by Sir Edward.

"Parker."

"Ah, Sir Edward. Nice batting today." Sidney remarked.

"Thank you, although I think your partnership with Miss Heywood produced more runs." Edward said.

"Yes, I believe you are right."

"She really did surprise us all when she volunteered! I admire her youthful and vibrant spirit." Edward said. Sidney forced a smile in return. "Perhaps now is a good time to talk about my offer of courtship?" He asked.

Sidney sighed again. He really did not want to have this conversation, but he needed to do it before they headed to Willingden. "Certainly. Let me just me retrieve my jacket and hat and we can discuss this over a drink at the Crown."

"Very well."

Sidney retrieved his things and they headed to the Crown's bar. After ordering drinks, securing a table and making small talk about the cricket, Edward brought the conversation round to Charlotte.

"Parker, I have to say that Miss Heywood is one of the most delightful young women of my acquaintance. She has proven herself very accomplished and well mannered and despite her young age, she is mature and offers lively conversation. She is an attractive prospect for any gentlemen."

"Yes, she is... especially with her £30,000 too." Sidney said, eyeing him suspiciously as he took swig of his drink.

"Well, yes." Edward replied, for there was no point in denying it. "But I think you'll find in me a good a match for her. I have a title, property..."

"Debts..." Sidney added, taking another drink.

"Ah." Edward smiled awkwardly. "Well."

"And isn't Denham Place in need of substantial repair?" Sidney asked. Edward didn't know what to say in response. "Miss Heywood's £30,000 would certainly come in useful, would it not?"

"Alright. I admit that I find myself in... in rather a bind financially at present, but you forget I am the nephew of Lady Denham and am therefore set to inherit her fortune on her death."

Sidney gave him a rather stern look. "From what I understand that is in no way guaranteed, Sir Edward. Granted you have a title and position in society, but it seems to me that you will be seeking to settle your debts and live off my ward's fortune once are wed."

Again, Edward was silent while he contemplated his next move. He cleared his throat before he spoke. "Mr Parker, you know as well as I that any man who marries Miss Heywood would live off her fortune, for once she is wed it will no longer belong to her, but her husband."

"Then perhaps that is why I want to ensure she is wed to someone who is worthy of her."

"Yes, of course, for that is your duty as her guardian. And surely a courtship will give me the opportunity to prove to you that I am indeed worthy of her." Edward replied.