Chapter Text
Charlotte felt weary as she climbed the terrace stairs that night. She and Georgiana had dined with the Parkers, and the weight of her secret – combined with Tom’s growing praises for the Langford brothers – had made for a long evening. Charlotte bid Georgiana goodnight at the end of the hall and entered her bedroom. She stepped out of her slippers immediately, and was reaching for her haircomb when she realized with a start that behind the desk sat -
“Sidney!” Charlotte cried. He chuckled as she ran to him, catching her about the waist and lifting her slightly as they embraced. It was his first absence since they had been married, and only now that he was back did she realize how long their parting had seemed. “You have returned at last! And sooner than you said!” Charlotte could not conceal her delight.
“I finished my business early and caught the afternoon coach.” He kissed her cheek as he set her down.
“Well?” Charlotte asked with concern. “What news from London?”
“I do have news. But first,” he sat and drew her onto his knee, “tell me about your evening. What did I miss?” He looked exhausted, and in need of a shave, but content. She wrapped her arms about his neck and settled in comfortably, her legs curled atop his knees. She loved the feel of his strong chest at her side. “We dined with Tom and Mary. When did you get back, Sidney? You might have joined us.”
“Not twenty minutes ago. Mrs. O’Connor told me you were out for the evening, so I started in on some paperwork here.” He smiled and drew her a bit closer. “It is good to be home.”
She looked at him archly. “Home? Are you calling Sanditon home, now? Am I to take it you have made up your mind?”
Sidney shook his head. “No, I mean – back. I am happy to be back.”
Charlotte expressed her happiness at his return with a long, slow kiss. A minute later she realized Sidney’s fingers were hard at work on the buttons of her gown, and remembering that he still had news to share, she stopped him. “And what of your news? Did you meet with your solicitor?”
He nodded.
“And what did he say?”
Sidney sat back in his chair, looking pensive. “Nothing too unexpected. We own the rights to develop the pier and wharf, and the outright freehold to the south and eastern terraces.”
Charlotte let out a low whistle, which seemed to amuse Sidney greatly. “And if we were to develop them – am I right in assuming any profits would – would –“ she felt almost embarrassed to ask, but fortunately Sidney understood her meaning.
“Any profits would revert to us. But only if our ventures were successful. And I think we know from Tom’s struggles what a risk such ventures might be.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “I suppose so…what do you wish to do?”
Sidney bit his lip. “I already have a business, Charlotte. My interests have never been in construction, or development. And we have a home, in London. A life there. As – generous – as these circumstances may be…”
“…you think we ought to give up the stake?” Charlotte finished his thought. He looked troubled, but nodded. “Would you not agree, my darling? After all…my loan was not an honorable one.”
“Your reasons behind it were.” she defended him.
“That may be, but the mechanism was not. I suppose – to feel like any sort of man – I would have to excuse myself from profiting by it.” He looked very determined, and though Charlotte was more excited by the prospect than she had let on, she felt she was beginning to understand Sidney’s hesitance. It seemed his remorse at abandoning her for Mrs. Campion had not faded - and that his sense of honor would not let him benefit from a mistake. She pressed his hand solemnly. “I am not sure what I feel. But we have already been more blessed than I could have ever expected. So, I am satisfied. We can give Tom the rights to develop the pier. And sell the terraces.”
“But not to the Langfords.” Sidney sounded so firm on this point that Charlotte turned to look at him, curiously. “What did you learn of them?” she asked, with interest.
His expression darkened. “Suffice it to say, they are not the sort of partners Tom would want.”
“That comes as no great surprise.” Charlotte muttered. Sidney looked puzzled, and she continued. “Mr. Langford called for you today. But he arrived outside of calling hours, and we were very unprepared. I was occupied and kept hinting that he ought to leave, yet he would not go. Finally I asked Mrs. O’Connor to escort him out, and at last he left.” She wrinkled her nose. “I am afraid I found him very disagreeable.”
Charlotte saw Sidney’s jawline stiffen. “Which Langford?” he asked.
“Mr. Robert Langford.”
Sidney did not look at all surprised. “And what did he want?”
“He said he wanted to talk to you about the merits of Sanditon. He promised to call again once you returned.” At this Sidney cleared his throat. “No need for that. No doubt I will see him about town. I'll take care of it.”
“If you are truly set against the Langfords, you must tell Tom as soon as possible. He was extolling them all throughout dinner. I am afraid they have already endeared themselves to him.” She remembered Lady Denham’s invitation. “Tom and Mary will be at the garden party tomorrow morning. Perhaps you might talk to him then.”
“Very well.” He looked weary, and in desperate need of sleep. Charlotte gave him a quick little kiss and began unbuttoning his vest. “Right. Straight to bed tonight, I think. We will need our strength for tomorrow.” And though Sidney looked grateful at her suggestion, she could not help but smile at how enthusiastically he resumed work on the back of her gown.