Chapter Text
That same afternoon, Edmund Langford attempted to while away the heat of the day by resting. He had done everything he could to assure his comfort – opened the window, removed his boots, and doused his face and neck in cold water – yet nothing gave him relief. The heat was sweltering, and the itchy woolen blankets provided by the Crown Hotel did nothing to help matters. After tossing and turning in bed for twenty minutes, Edmund stood in frustration and went to pour himself a glass of brandy. As he drank, he looked out the window at Sanditon’s muddy street. “Cursed place.” he muttered to himself. Once again, he found himself longing for the day they would leave.
Robert had shown a peculiar tenacity when it came to this dingy little seaside town. He would brook no opposition, insisting that they remain and gradually buy out the Parker brothers’ shares. It was not the cutthroat nature of this plan that bothered him; Edmund was perfectly accustomed to Robert’s ruthless business moves, and applauded them. They had done well, after all. What Edmund could not condone was the lack of a clear return on the present investment. Robert was not usually one to buy or build unless it would turn a quick profit. And, looking at the books today, all Edmund could see was the outflow of sterling. Pounds upon pounds had been spent at every shop in Sanditon, in hopes of charming the community. They had even donated to the local church. And then there were the properties. Edmund winced as he thought of them. Two tiny shops, purchased for more than double their value. He feared Robert’s normally sharp financial instincts had been dulled by the strong allure of Mrs. Parker – an investment Edmund was sure would not pay off - and the prospect of bringing down her husband.
Edmund groaned and downed the last of his brandy. The thought of Mr. Sidney Parker was most worrying of all. The man looked as though he could beat them both senseless without bruising a knuckle. No woman was worth that, whatever Robert might say. He set his glass down firmly, determined to have it out with his brother once and for all. Pulling on his boots, Edmund heard sounds of a muffled conversation through the bedroom’s thin wall. Robert’s room was on its other side, and his brother was apparently having a private meeting. Edmund could make out Robert’s discreet murmuring. The other speaker’s voice was strangely pitched, and unfamiliar. He could not tell if it belonged to a woman or man.
Edmund pressed his ear to the wall, immediately suspicious of this conference. He could make out only fragments of speech, and tried to quiet his breathing so that he might hear more.
“…and you are prepared for tonight?” Robert asked.
“Yes.” the strange voice replied. “All is in order.”
“Good. We are nearly there now.”
“But when will I –“
“You will get it when you return, and not before. And stop asking. Now go - take the back stairs.” Robert’s door creaked open, and Edmund heard a shuffle of footsteps as the speaker departed through the common room. Edmund drew his ear swiftly away from the wall, illogically worried that he might be discovered. Seconds later Robert knocked on his door. “Ed? Are you awake?”
"...Yes, all right, come in, then."
The door creaked open, and Robert stood in its frame. He seemed startled to see Edmund sitting at attention.
“What the devil are you doing there, Ed?”
“Who were you meeting with?” Edmund demanded. “Just now? What are you up to?”
Robert scowled and reached in his pocket for a cigar. “Eavesdropping, were you? I dislike a snitch, brother.”
“And I dislike a renegade.” Edmund retorted. “What are you planning, and why are you acting alone?”
“I’m not.” Robert lit his cigar, filling the room with smoke. “I was arranging matters for the card game this evening. My guest was merely assisting me. All is in hand.”
“Who was that guest? And help you with what?” Edmund pressed. He was becoming increasingly frustrated. “Robert, I implore you, keep things above board this evening. We need those planning permissions from the magistrate, and any trouble tonight will surely –“
“As I said, brother. All is in hand.” Robert sat down and kicked his boots up near the open window. Edmund wanted to say more, but remained silent. Arguments were clearly futile at this stage. He let out a shuddering sigh. “Fine. If you say that all is in hand...then I shall let it rest. For now."
"Good."
The brothers were silent for several moments. Edmund clutched at his whiskers, and broke the tension with another question. "Who is playing tonight, then?”
“You. Me.” Robert puffed on his cigar. “Sidney Parker, Tom Parker, and Lord Babington. Quite a group. I think we stand to do quite well.”
Edmund did not like this lopsided grouping. It was undoubtedly in Mr. Parker's favor. "Why has Sidney Parker agreed to play, after all this time?"
Robert shrugged, tapping ash off the end of his cigar. "No doubt he hopes to frighten me out of town. Or bleed me of cash. Ha!" Robert smirked. "If so, he has got another thing coming."
"You're enjoying this."
"I admit, I am."
Edmund looked at him with narrowed eyes. "And Mrs. Parker? Where will she be this evening? Abandoned, and husbandless, as was doubtless your intent?"
"No." He tapped more ash off the end of his cigar. "I have already made inquiries. She will be dining with Mrs. Mary Parker."
“I only hope you know what you are doing.” Edmund shook his head mournfully, but Robert's face split into a grin. “That I do, little brother. That I do.”