Sidney arrived at Ms Campion's London home first thing in the morning. Lady Bertram was there, waiting to see Eliza.

"Good morning, Mr Parker," she nodded.

He smiled. "Lady Bertram. Are you here to collect?"

"I am here because Ms Campion wrote to me last night asking me to come."

"And why do you think she asked you?"

Lady Bertram looked at him crookedly. "I am no soothsayer, Mr Parker."

"Do you know why I am here?"

"No."

Sidney thought she was lying. She was not so obtuse as that. She knew that he did not love his former fiancé, and she knew that he was not so wealthy as Eliza. It was possible that she even knew about Sanditon.

A porter emerged. "Ms Campion will see you now."

They stood and walked into the sitting room where Eliza was waiting for them. "Well. I am open for business," she said stoically.

"Poor choice of words, Ms Campion," said Sidney.

"Do not berate me, Sidney Parker," she said with feeling. "You both are the only people, save Edward Young, who know my story. I leave for Paris in two day's time. I am giving you both the sum you asked for on two conditions. One, you stay here in London until I am gone. And two, obviously, never breathe a word of any of this to anyone," she looked at them both. "Half I shall give you now. The other half you may come here to retrieve once I am gone on Wednesday."

Sidney thought this was very clever of her. "That all sounds reasonable."

She took out her bank ledgers and stood. "Well. Here you are," she said.

They both went over and took them from her. "What of Mr Young, Eliza?" Lady Bertram asked.

"I don't know. I have not seen him since just after the funeral."

"Well. Take care of yourself," Lady Bertram curtseyed and left.

Sidney watched her leave and then turned to Eliza. "I am sorry. None of this is ideal."

"Stop it. You are getting everything that you wanted. Fifty thousand pounds and that Heywood harlot."

He took a step closer. "I would watch what I said if I were you," he breathed.

"Why? I have nothing to lose. And would you threaten me, Sidney? I still have twenty five thousand pounds that you desire. Perhaps you should mind your own tongue."

He smirked at her, then turned and left the house. He had no desire to admit anything to her where Charlotte was concerned. He did not put anything past her.

His only concern now was that Stringer would propose before he could reach her, and she would feel compelled to accept.

Sidney spent the next couple of days idly watching the time. He did not write to Charlotte, for he did not want for her to get her hopes up. Anything could happen before he was able leave on Wednesday.

And so he would return to Sanditon with fifty thousand pounds and no fiancé.

It was Tuesday at Willingden, and Charlotte was working in the garden while Charlie was in the stables. She wiped her brow and sighed. It was good to be out and working. She didn't do this type of work often, but right now, it was exactly what she needed. She was happy to be home. She was right to leave Sanditon.

"Charlotte!"

She turned and smiled. "Hello, Allison."

"How are you?" she walked up and started to help her pick some fruit from the vine.

"Well enough. You?"

"Better. I've cried it out, and I'm feeling much better now."

"Oh good," she touched her hand. "Allison, I am sorry. You know that."

"Of course I do. I'm only happy that we have the relationship that we do. If we were not close, then I don't know what I'd do."

She laughed. "Stay angry with me forever, I expect."

"Oh no!" she returned her laugh. And then she laughed harder. "But yes. You're likely right."

"Of course I am," and they gathered up the baskets and walked up to the house.

They went in to find the house loud and full. Charlotte smiled. "I love it here," she turned to Allison. "But I so miss John."

"He will be back soon, Charlotte."

"I know…but…" she swallowed. "But he will be gone. In Antigua."

"We don't know what will happen. He might stay."

"He won't," Charlotte shook her head. "He will go and have adventures. It's what he always wanted."

They went over to the table and sat with Liliana and Caroline. "Tell us about Sanditon," said Caroline. "We want to hear all about things."

"You start," said Charlotte, picking up some needlepoint. "I should like to listen."

Bright and early Wednesday morning Sidney left for Eliza's house. She was not there to receive him, but a letter was waiting. He opened it.

Mr Parker,

Please find your requested sum. I hope this settles matters between us.

I did love you. I hope that you know that.

Please do not ever contact me again.

Eliza Campion.

There. Twenty five thousand pounds. He smiled and put it into his breast pocket. The porter was standing there. Sidney nodded to him. "Do you know what she means to do with this house?"

"I am not aware, sir."

"If she sells it, please alert my own servants," he bowed, and left.

He strode back to his own house…allowing himself to now think about Charlotte. What would she say when he told her? How soon until they could be married? His heart was full, and for the first time since the midsummer ball, it did not feel heavy. It was quite light.

"Simms! Mr Simms!" he called, entering the house.

"Sir?"

"Ready my bags. I'm writing to Tom to alert him of my eminent arrival…"

"You're leaving?"

"Yes. For Sanditon," he nodded.

"And what do you think, Charlotte?"

"Hm?" she pulled the thread through and then sipped her tea.

"Were you listening to Charles?" her mother looked at her crookedly.

"No. I'm sorry, Charlie. What were you saying?" she smiled. It was Wednesday afternoon, and she had just finished writing a letter to John. She was thinking about what she had said to him, and wondering if it had been selfish. She had asked if he would consider coming to Willingden a week early, and to bring Georgiana. Her parents had asked multiple times about Georgiana, wondering what sort of person she was.

Charlotte briefly worried about her race, but explained it to her parents, and neither seemed to be fussed.

"It doesn't matter," Charlie flashed a smile. "Momma, I was hoping to attend the ball this evening. Are the girls going?"

"The Smith's, you mean?"

"That's the one. It's the end of summer and I understand there is to be quite a gathering."

Charlotte looked at her mother. "I should like to go to a ball, momma."

"Of course, dearest. And what of Allison? Would she care to go to the ball?"

She stood. "I'll ask her. Should I offer for the twins to go, too?"

Her mother looked at Charlie. "I think…perhaps just the three of you this time, Charlotte."

Charlotte nodded and left the room to look for Allison. She stepped out into the afternoon sun and breathed deeply. She would need to appreciate the things that she so took for granted before. Life was a blessing, and she needed to see the again. She'd been so inside her own head.

She walked to the end of the garden and found Allison reading what looked to be a letter. "Allison?"

"Oh! Charlotte!" she put the letter away. "How are you?"

"Very well," she looked at her a bit crookedly. "I am come to ask you if you'd care to attend the Smith's ball this evening? The last of the summer."

Allison shifted. "Y…yes. Yes that would be lovely," she stood. "I'll go get ready," she hurried off.

Charlotte watched her with a smile.

The coach rambled on. It was about five hours from London to Sussex, but Sidney told his driver to hurry.

He wasn't fast enough for his liking. He sat, fumbling with the buttons on his coat. It had only been a few days since he'd last seen her, but it seemed an age.

He felt as though he'd lived a lifetime since he'd spoken with her, and that his life was nearly unrecognizable to himself.

He sighed, leaning his head back. Soon he'd be at Sanditon, and he'd be able to see Charlotte, and, hopefully, propose marriage to her. If she had despaired, and Stringer had proposed, and she accepted in a moment of weakness….

Well. He wouldn't think about it.

Sidney must have dozed off, for the next thing he knew he was only a few miles from Sanditon. He sat straight up. The day was dying, but there was still light. What we he do when he saw her? Cry?

Part of him certainly hoped not, but part of him did not care.

Charlotte smoothed out her gown and pulled the gloves on. She was excited to go to the ball, if only to give her mind some reprieve.

Charlie was waiting for them as the sisters descended the stairs. "Well. You both look absolutely lovely."

Charlotte smiled, then glanced at Allison. There was no responding grin…she appeared to be quite distracted. "Allison? Are you well?"

"I am. Are we ready?" she nodded.

"Have a wonderful time, dears. Give the best to the Smith's for us," called their mother, surrounded by the littles.

"Oh! I do long for a ball!" cried Caroline. "When shall we go, momma? Surely not until the four older ones are married? For we shall be too old for a husband by then!"

"Hush, Caroline," an incensed Lilliana admonished. "How can you be so selfish and cruel? It's not as though we've never gone. And if anything, it's Charlie's doing that we're not."

But Charlotte was laughing. "Never fear, Caroline. This is but one ball. I daresay there will be another in a month," she turned.

"A month," Caroline repeated sarcastically. "Fancy that, Lilly. I'm holding you to that, Charlotte!"

The three left and climbed into the coach. "I wish, in a way, that we weren't in our finery. It's less than a mile to the Smith's, and we could walk," observed Charlotte.

"Walk! Charlotte! What are you on about?" Charlie laughed.

"For all of your sport, Charles, you are astonishingly lazy," replied she with a sigh. She glanced at Allison. "I do miss John," she said softly.

"He shall return to you before you know it, dear," said Charlie.

"Yes. With his fiancé and on to Antigua."

"But you said you like Ms Lambe."

"I adore Georgiana. But I cannot help but to hold some resentment for taking John away from us," she played with the lace on her dress.

"He'll be back. He won't stay away forever. How could he, when he loves you so?" Charlie smiled at her.

She shrugged as they entered the long drive of the Smith's house. They were the wealthiest in the neighborhood, and also one of the most genial. With two sons and two daughters, the Smiths were a happy lot, and everyone enjoyed their company.

Crispin was Charlie's best mate. They got on very well.

Toby was friends with John, and though they were close, not nearly as close as Crispin and Charlie.

Marianne was friends with Charlotte, and though they could not be called close any longer, they had been very much so when they were small.

And Jane, while not that close with Allison, maintained a friendly acquaintance.

The Smith's greeted the Heywood's, and Charlotte went directly to Marianne. "How are you?" she smiled.

"Well. Busy, with this ball, I must admit," she looked around. "But where is John?"

"He remains in Sanditon with his fiancé."

They walked out onto the veranda together. "His fiancé? Oh that is wonderful," smiled Marianne. "Who is the lady?"

"Georgiana Lambe. She is from Antigua, and I'm afraid that they will return there once they are married."

"Oh, I see. Well, perhaps you might visit. That should lessen the loss," she smiled. Marianne was nothing if not optimistic.

"Perhaps," Charlotte nodded. "But tell me of your news. It's been ages!"

And the two chatted for some time before Marianne was asked to dance. Charlotte was left alone there, looking out into the night.
And she began to think of Sidney.

They had attended a couple of balls, and even a masquerade. She smiled. And now, Ms Campion…no. Mrs Parker, would be going with him and would dance. She sighed.

"Tom!" Sidney entered Trafalgar House in a rush. "Tom!" he yelled.

"Sidney!" Mary Parker came to him, panic in her voice. "What's wrong?"

"Is Charlotte here?"

"No. No…she…"

"She's not at the hotel. I checked. And James Stringer is gone as well."

"Oh…oh dear. No. Charlotte and Allison left a couple of days ago. John Heywood is still here."

Sidney swallowed. "What? Why?"

"Well…" she led him to the sitting room, where John and Georgiana were talking.

John stood. "Mr Parker. Whatever is the matter?"

Sidney's heart was pounding. He looked at Georgiana. "What's happening here?"

"We are engaged," she said, standing.

"You're…" Sidney looked at John.

"Engaged, Mr Parker."

Sidney rubbed his face. He couldn't think about that now. "Where is Charlotte?" he asked.

"Willingden."

"And where is Mr Stringer?"

"I'm not certain…he did not communicate anything to me…"

Sidney felt his stomach tighten. He needed to trust in Charlotte. "I need to get to Willingden now. I'd like for you to accompany me…how long is the journey?"

"Not two hours," said John. He looked at Georgiana. "I'll be back tomorrow," he kissed her hand. The two men left, Sidney's coach waiting outside. They climbed in after Sidney gave directions. "Is everything all right, Mr Parker?"

"Sidney," he said. "No. Actually, I'm not certain," he looked at John. "You're engaged to Georgiana?"

John swallowed. "I am, yes."

"You need my permission."

He cleared his throat. "Do I have your permission to marry Ms Lambe, Mr Parker?"

Sidney smiled. "You do. And I told you to call me Sidney."

"Thank you, Sidney," nodded John, and he sighed with relief. "Are you…are you concerned that Mr Stringer is proposing to Charlotte?"

He shifted. "I want only to get to your sister as soon as possible."

"Forgive me, Sidney. But are you not engaged to Ms Campion?"

"I am not," but he offered no other explanation.

Charlotte walked into the main hall. It was beautifully decorated. She sighed as she walked along the periphery. She looked for Allison, but could not spot her. She wondered if Allison would be able to recover from her heartache. And though she did not feel wholly responsible, part of her did feel as though she was reason that Allison may never find marital happiness.

She took some wine and sipped it, when she saw something almost unbelievable.

James Stringer was striding toward her, a broad smile on his face.

She collected herself as he approached. "Mr Stringer," she said. "What ever are you doing here?"

"Oh, Miss Heywood! I am come because you left without a word, and I never had the opportunity to speak with you."

"Oh…" she swallowed. "Yes. I am sorry for that, Mr Stringer. We were in a hurry."

"It doesn't matter," he nodded. "Might I be honored to have this dance with you?"

She nodded. "Yes of course," and he led her to the dance floor.

"This is a lovely house," he observed, bowing to her as the reel began.

"It is. We, my siblings and I, spent a good deal of time here as children," she turned and took hands with another partner, then turned back to Mr Stringer. "What did you want to discuss?"

He cleared his throat as they danced the length of the room. "Miss Heywood, it has been my particular wish for some time to…" and they switched partners.

Charlotte's heart was beating very fast. They joined again.

"…speak with you about a most delicate matter."

"Indeed?" she smiled.

He held her close. "Yes. You see, I had wanted nothing more than to beg you to be my wife."

Sidney Parker and John Heywood were only minutes from the Heywood house. Sidney was perspiring something fierce, and his hands were shaking.

"Are you all right, Sidney?"

"No. And I shan't be until Charlotte has agreed to marry me," he choked.

"I'm certain everything will be well. She loves you so very much."

He lowered his gaze. "Yes. What have I done?"

"Nothing that cannot be mended with a proper proposal now that you are freed!" John exclaimed. "And here…we are here."

They left the coach and all but ran to the house. Sidney was trembling all over, desperate to see her. He followed John…"Momma!" called John. "Mother!"

Mrs Heywood came running. "John! Whatever is the matter?" she looked at Sidney, then back to her son.

"Where is Charlotte?"

"She's at the ball. At the Smith's ball…is she well? Mr Stringer was just here looking for her."

"Oh my god," said Sidney in a panicked tone. "John…my god." He took his hand. "What…where is this place?"

"Not far. We can run…"

"John Heywood. Tell me this instant what is happening!" Mrs Heywood yelled.

"Charlotte…loves this man," he looked at Sidney. "And he loves her. But Mr Stringer, I'm afraid, also loves Charlotte…and we are worried that he is about to propose marriage to her."

"But she would not accept him, if she loves…pardon me. What is your name?"

"Sidney Parker," he nodded. "But you'll forgive me. I must find your daughter," and he turned with John and left the house.

"Mr Stringer. You must know that I cannot…"

"You mistake me, Miss Heywood," and he led her from the dance floor. "It had been my intention. But for some time, I have discovered that I am in love with your sister. And I wanted to tell you before I went to her. For, as you may recall, I had told you that I was in love with you."

"Oh! Mr Stringer! That is wonderful!" she exclaimed. "Yes…do go and find Allison," she smiled, then kissed his cheek. He smiled and left her.

"What was that about Charlotte?" Marianne was at her side.

"I believe that Mr Stringer, that gentleman," she nodded. "Is about to propose to Allison."

"How wonderful!"

"That it is," she smiled. But then, a sort of melancholy enveloped her. She was thrilled for Allison. Ecstatic for John. But her own heart was broken yet. "Excuse me," she said, then went outside, to the rear veranda.

Sidney pounded the ground with his feet as he ran. He had divested himself of his hat and coat to lessen the load, but also, it was August. It was quite warm.

John kept his pace with him. "Just there!" he cried after five minutes of running hard.

They ran up to the front door and John spoke with the porter, who quickly allowed them to enter.

The ball was paused as the musicians were taking a break for a drink, so people were scattered about.

John was scanning the crowd, trying to make out anyone he knew would know where Charlotte was…"Marianne!" he called, rushing over to her. "Oh, Marianne. It is good to see you. Is my sister here?" he breathed.

"John!" she smiled. "Yes…she's just over there with Mr Stringer…it was suggested that he means to propose," she smiled, looking over. "But…now where have they gone?"

"No!" Sidney yelled. It was not loud, but loud enough to be disruptive.

"Sidney…" John began.

He had backed into the wall behind him.

"John…" Sidney breathed. "Oh god," he felt as though he were about to cry.

"Go find her!" John said. "Just…go. Stop them."

"How can I do that? If she wants to marry him…"

"She wants to marry you…go and tell her," John was insistent.

He nodded, then left the place to look around the room.

"My goodness!" said Marianne. "What is happening?"

John swallowed. "Poor Sidney Parker. He's in love with Charlotte, but Mr Stringer, it seems, got to her first."

"Charlotte?" said Marianne. "I thought you were looking for Allison."

He looked at her. "Allison? Why would you think that?"

"Because…well. Because Charlotte just told me that she was being proposed to by a gentleman, and I assumed you were looking for her for…confirmation?"

"Oh," John smiled. "Oh…thank god. I'll…" he looked around. "I'll try to locate these lovelorn two," and he left.

Sidney dashed around the place, but there was no sign of her, or Mr Stringer. He thought that this was likely the worst day of his life. He was shaking all over, breathing hard…where were they? Did they leave together? Perhaps he took her back to her house to ask her father's permission.

He felt ill.

He was going to be sick.

Sidney needed air. He had no idea where he was in relation to the rest of the house, so he picked a door and went through.

And there she was.

He breathing stopped. Everything stopped. He was frozen. What should he do?

But his mind was made up for him when she turned.

Charlotte stared. It could not be…her brow furrowed. "Mr…Parker?"

He swallowed, but he did not need to, for his mouth was bone dry. "Hello, Miss Heywood."

"What are you doing here?"

He let out a long breath, then laughed. "Well, I am here because …" he stopped. He went over to her. "Tell me, Miss Heywood. Are you engaged?"

"Am I engaged? To whom?"

"I understand Mr Stringer was here to propose marriage."

She searched his face. "No. He was here to propose to Allison, Mr Parker."

"To…" he swallowed again. This time he felt the lump in his throat. "To Miss Allison Heywood…my god," he closed his eyes, and, feeling faint, leaned against a pillar.

"Pardon me, Mr Parker. Why are you here?"

He started to laugh. He rubbed his face. "I'm here because I have ended my engagement to Ms Campion. I am here because I wished to find you," he looked at her. "And when you weren't at Sanditon, I panicked and dragged your brother with me. And then, I learned that, upon arriving at your house, that you were here, that Mr Stringer desired to see you, and I assumed he had proposed," he took her hand. "Miss Heywood. I …" he smiled. "I am at your mercy. I cannot bear to live one day longer without you. I know that I have hurt you…I know that what I have done is almost certainly unforgivable …what I did to you that fortnight. My only defense was that I had reconciled myself to being miserable for the rest of my life, and those days would need to sustain me," he searched her face. "I beg you…please…" he knelt before her.

"Mr Parker…that is hardly necessary!" she cried, holding tightly to his hands.

"No it is," he objected. "Please. Marry me, Charlotte. I love you more than anything, and I need you even more."

"Sidney…get up," she said, pulling him to standing.

He did.

"Of course I will marry you," she breathed. "I cannot believe this is happening," she said as he leaned and claimed her lips.

And with a most ferocious passion he kissed her…as though she were a tall glass of water in the August heat, as though she was the only thing offering him breath…he held her so tightly that she needed to pull away.

"Charlotte," he leaned his forehead against hers. "Let me go to your father," and tears fell from his eyes.

"Yes," she replied. "Let us."

The Heywood house was all a bustle the next morning. James was positively glowing with Allison by his side.

Everyone was delighted that John was home. The twins would not leave him be.

As for Charlotte and Sidney, they were much more quiet than the rest. They were inseparable, as though they were concerned that the other might disappear if left from their sight. Sidney explained everything that occurred with Eliza. She was astonished. He told her that Sanditon was all but saved.

And John explained that Georgiana had consented to spend summer and autumn in England, which was a relief for everyone.

"When shall we marry?" asked Charlotte to Sidney later in the day in the garden.

"Mm…what about Michaelmas? That's in a month," he brushed some hair from her face and kissed her neck.

They were sitting among some wildflowers.

"All right," she smiled. "And where?"

"Does it matter?"

"Well, no. But Mary would be very happy to host."

"I'm certain she would."

He stood, then pulled her to standing. "And where shall we live?"

"Not London."

"No? Are you a snob, Charlotte?"

"No. But I should hate to leave Willingden. I could not bear to be further than Sanditon."

He laughed. "We shall find a place."

"Of course," and she ghosted the tops of the flowers with her fingertips. "What a lovely day," she observed.

"It is now," he said, and kissed her hand.

AN: thank you so much for reading. It was a joy to write!