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Sanditon House
Sussex
Autumn 1820
“Edward! Edward!”
Louisa Denham bustled into the conservatory to find Edward seated at the breakfast table quietly scraping butter across a triangle of toast.
To her dismay—albeit unsurprised dismay—each scrape produced a dusting of crumbs on the crisp white tablecloth. Another mess that Higgs would feel the need to comment on later.
Looking up, grey eyes meeting blue eyes, Edward paused, knife still brandished and toast point clamped between right thumb and index finger. “Yes, Aunt, you seem flustered. It is a little early in the morning for such angst, is it not?” With a chomp, he created more obnoxious particles that scattered across the space between his plate and his saucer.
“Honestly, Edward. When will the day come that I arrive downstairs to find that you have taken up full residence at the vicarage and are no longer consuming my tea and my toast, and my—” she fluttered her right hand to find something else to point out, “—my plum jam!”
“And a delicious jam it is too, Aunt. You will recall that I cannot move my belongings to the vicarage until Miss Hankins is married, and while I am certain that she and Dr. Fuchs wish to begin their blissful future together as soon as heavenly possible, I do not think it shall be before Yuletide.”
Waiting for Higgs to assist with her chair on the opposite side of the table, Lady Denham slumped as soon as she had posited her posterior on the needlepoint cushion. “Dear God, are you to say that we are stuck with you through the new year?”
Edward shrugged, this time waving the remaining bit of toast point for emphasis. Higgs scowled, eyeing a snowfall of crumbs that had landed at Edward’s boot, but the man quickly corrected his expression as he poured hot tea into his mistress’s cup.
“It seems so, Aunt, but surely it is not my delayed departure that had you bustling in so early and so out of sorts?”
Tapping her egg, she frowned. “No, it is not. Rather, it is the question of why there are still crates of champagne in the kitchen. I thought you said they had been returned to the vintner. Higgs reports that Mrs. Smith asked him why they have not been moved if there is no immediate occasion for their use. You told me that you arranged with the vintner for their return. Did I hear incorrectly? I do not need nor do I want a reminder of my non-existent wedding day with Mr. Pryce, and I have no desire to throw away my money on wine that shall not be consumed. It is not as if old Henry Colbourne is around anymore to take it off my hands, as he was apt to do, and it is not as if we are in any danger of his son, well, his younger son at the least, following in his father’s footsteps. No, this is your responsibility, Edward. That champagne best be returned to a vintner by this afternoon. And I do not care if you have to pack it on the flyer and ship it to London!”
“Ah, the vintner. I may have spoken too soon. You see, Mr. Rose did accept the crates; however, he, uh…”
“Edward! Say what you have to say.”
“While Mr. Rose accepted the crates, he refused to reimburse the costs. Something about the cost of delivery, storage, and that he had no upcoming requests for an order that large. He planned to charge you, Aunt, for what you had already purchased. Why should we not keep the crates then, as they belong to Sanditon House.”
“We? Why should we keep that quantity of champagne? It seems you have already made this decision without consulting me.”
“Very well, Aunt, it was in your interest that I acted. In fact, I have been thinking, perhaps you should host a party anyway.”
Lady Denham placed her spoon on her plate, nodding for Higgs to remove the remains of her soft-boiled egg. “Why would I want to do that? There is nothing to celebrate. I owe this village but one party a year—my annual garden party. ‘Tis the highlight of the season in case I need remind you.”
“I am not sure I would know, Aunt. I recall not being invited to the last one.” With a flick of his napkin and a broad, toothless smile, Edward pushed his plate toward the center of the table.
“Yes, well, there was a very good reason why you were not. A party? You asked if I’d lost my mind. Have you lost yours? People trampling about this time of year. Muddy ground. Wet leaves. Half of us catching our death from cold. Besides, I have already donated a hefty sum to this school scheme of Miss Heywood’s.”
“Aunt, it was you who did not wish to be made to look a miser by Mr. Colbourne. No one forced your hand.”
“Hmmpf…that is what you say. Have you sat in that drawing room with all those Parkers and that strange young woman looking at you? At least Miss Lambe had already departed by that point or else I also would have been guilted into an additional donation by her cup rattling over some cause or other. However, no. Despite my hesitancy, I rather like the idea the more I think of it. The idea of a school, that is. Girls should be as educated as boys, and smart enough about shillings and pence. After all, we would not want the Colbournes or the Filkins or the Chawstons taken advantage of in the future by unscrupulous young gentleman without farthings to their names, now would we?”
“I do not think the Filkins girls have expectations that high, Aunt.”
“Now would we, Edward?” Lady Denham’s Wedgewood blue eyes did not flicker as she repeated the question.
With a long sigh and folding of his hands on the tablecloth, Edward nodded. “No, we would not, Aunt. Now, if you do not mind me leaving you on your own for the remainder of your breakfast, I did promise Miss Hankins help with the flower urns before Sunday.”
Lady Denham cackled. “Oh to be a fly on that hymn board.”
“As you know, I am thankful for Miss Hankins’ expertise when it comes to the flower arrangements.”
“Yes, she is quite adept. Don’t think I have forgotten about the champagne, Edward. By this afternoon.”
Edward slowly pushed his chair under the table. “Aunt, as you were speaking, I was thinking—”
“Will wonders ever cease.”
“Aunt, if you will let me share. It was your mention of Miss Heywood and Mr. Colbourne. With as many guests as they will have at their wedding, do you not think that Trafalgar House will be close quarters? We know it is tradition for the bride’s father to host, and yet, I recall that Mr. Heywood rarely travels five miles from home. Where will their wedding breakfast take place?” Edward left the question hanging in the air.
Higgs held the silver teapot in his gloved hands, and although he made a point to stare off into the distance beyond the conservatory’s open door, Edward noticed that the man’s left eyebrow arched the tiniest bit.
“Is there a point to your question, Edward?”
“I am thinking that Sanditon House has several crates of champagne, Aunt, and I think no matter how I try, Mr. Rose will not change his mind.”
***
Cliff Path
Sanditon
Autumn 1820
“Remind me again why we are all summoned to Lady Denham’s?”
Alexander Colbourne blinked as a breeze rustled his hair and cooled his cheek. Even if he dreaded the thought of taking tea at Sanditon House, he silently admitted that it was a perfect day for a walk in the fresh air.
He looked ahead to take in the other two pairs in hushed but animated conversation. At the front, Augusta was describing the color and fabric of her bridesmaid dress-to-be much to Mary Parker’s delight. Behind the two women, Tom Parker and Samuel Colbourne quietly debated the merits of whether a small indoor tropical pleasure garden should be the next addition to the assembly rooms. That is, Tom was waxing on about a pleasure garden. Samuel was half listening and murmuring his support at appropriate moments.
Charlotte squeezed his arm. “I would hardly call it a summons, Xander. It is an invitation to tea. I confess that I do not know the exact reason.”
“Will he be there?”
She shook her head and smiled toward where she could feel the warmth of the sunlight. “No, I am certain he is far too busy assisting Reverend Hankins these days.”
“Mm.”
Alexander knew Charlotte’s next comment was to distract him from thoughts of Edward Denham. “Augusta is very excited in describing her dress. I am pleased that the girls are happy with the shades of rose and lavender we decided on.”
“Charlotte, the girls would be excited even if you asked them to wear grey. They are ‘finally happy’ as Augusta once phrased it.”
A brighter smile lit her features. Looking up at him, Charlotte whispered, “And you, Mr. Colbourne? Are you ‘finally happy’?”
A shy smile played at his lips as a blush not caused by any sea air bloomed on his round cheeks. “I am and shall always be when I am with you. I shall be happiest of all when I may finally call you Mrs. Colbourne.”
With another squeeze of her gloved hand on his bicep, Alexander paused, glanced quickly to see that the others were still walking ahead and bent to kiss her.
All of two seconds passed before a dramatic throat-clearing could be heard. “Xander, perhaps I am needed as chaperone after all?” Samuel grinned in a manner he knew annoyed and exasperated his younger brother. “Miss Heywood, is this man disturbing you? If yes, you need but give the word, and both Mr. Parker and I shall set him to rights.”
Tom good-naturedly sniffed, going along with the game. “Yes, quite. Quite. You are our priority, Charlotte. Your honor is our responsibility.”
Mary sputtered out a laugh, “Oh Tom!”
Charlotte laughed as well. “I thank you, Samuel, but no, this man is not disturbing me; however, I am obliged to both you and Tom for your concern and offer of protection.”
Tom straightened his shoulders. “Yes, um, well.”
Augusta rolled her eyes at the lot of them, her eyes resting on her guardian, throwing Alexander a silently communicated do not be such an embarrassing lovesick fool of an uncle plea before turning her attention back to Mary. “As I was saying, Uncle mentioned that I might wear one of my mother’s necklaces and a pair of her earrings for the wedding. He shall visit the family’s bank while we are in London ahead of the wedding.”
Alexander’s breath tickled Charlotte’s cheek as he bent to whisper, “I apologize if I embarrassed you.”
“You owe me no apologies, Xander, and it takes far more than your brother’s teasing to embarrass me. He holds you in great affection, and it is kind of him to join us.”
With a snort, Alexander picked up his pace. “Samuel Colbourne? Kindness has nothing to do with taking tea at Lady Denham’s. No, he knows that her cellar has the finest stock of sherry in the county. He is likely hoping that his tea shall be accompanied by a glass or two of that garnet delight.”
“You know your brother so well?” Charlotte’s voice rose in question even though she knew the answer.
“Charlotte, it may have been ten years since I last was in my brother’s regular company, but the man and his motivations have changed little with time.”
“Yet, a man can change.”
“Of his own choosing, yes. When it comes to the pleasures of the glass, Samuel Colbourne is as he ever was: predictable.”
“Samuel is a good man, Xander. You shall not convince me otherwise.”
“I cannot?”
“No, for Samuel Colbourne is much like Alexander Colbourne in many ways. When it comes to true integrity, you are the same.”
“In what way?”
“Predictable.” She caught his eye once more and smiled.
Alexander looked over the cliff’s edge toward the sea waves rolling into the cove below. “Charlotte, if I could capture each and every moment like this that we have together, every word, every glance. Every reassuring word that you have for me, for the girls, for Mrs. Wheatley, and my brother. If I could distill it, bottle it, it would be a vintage worth more than any man could afford or deserve to afford. Am I finally happy? There are no words to express how happy I am. That is how happy I am with you.”
Stunned at the bravery she knew it had taken him to speak so plainly and from his heart, tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. Charlotte blinked to prevent them from falling. “Oh, Alexander Colbourne, I do love you so.”
***
Sanditon House
Sussex
Autumn 1820
“So it seems that you have set the date for your wedding?”
Lady Denham forced a smile as she scanned her guests. Augusta sitting elbow to elbow with Tom and Mary on the opposite settee, Charlotte having joined Lady Denham, and the Colbourne brothers in the uncomfortable side chairs, their backs to the high windows.
Unlike the last time she had been approached by this question, from Lady Montrose at an uncomfortable tea at Heyrick Park, Charlotte promptly answered. “Yes, Lady Denham, in a little over a month’s time.”
Cocking her head Alexander’s direction, Lady Denham’s smile grew. “Ah, you are a patient man, Mr. Colbourne.”
Samuel coughed, sputtering the sip of tea he had just taken. Swallowing quickly, he held up his free hand. “All is well. All is well. The tea is hot, that is all. Finely brewed. Carry on.”
Alexander shot his brother a quelling glance. “Both Charlotte and I look forward to the date, Lady Denham.”
Satisfied, Lady Denham looked directly across at Augusta. “Miss Markham, you are to have a new aunt, and your cousin a new mother. I imagine that you will appreciate the guidance that Miss Heywood will provide. In addition, Heyrick Park itself will no doubt benefit from a feminine hand.” Looking Samuel up and down, she returned her cup to her saucer. “Yes, it has been far too long. Do you agree, Mr. Samuel Colbourne?”
“Wholeheartedly, Lady Denham. As a Colbourne, I am honored that the estate will have such a magnificent mistress. Quite frankly, all this…it has me wondering whether I may spend more time in Sanditon in the future.”
“Oh, Mr. Colbourne, it would be wonderful to have you in Sanditon society whenever your time allows.” Mary reached across Augusta’s lap to tap Tom on the hand. “In fact, I think you would be the perfect person to serve as advisor to the new town council.”
Tom perked up. “Yes, Mr. Colbourne. Yourself, of course, and Lady de Clemente, once she returns from London. We shall value your objective opinions once work begins on the Old Town improvements.”
Once Mary retrieved her arm, Augusta selected an apple tart from the tea tray and examined it before placing it on her plate. “Lady Denham, I must ask. Is there a particular reason you have invited us here today?”
“Augusta—” Alexander stiffened.
With a laugh, Lady Denham held out a calming hand his direction. “No, Miss Markham, as always, is an astute observer and has a spark about her. Like her future aunt, she is not one to shy from sharing her opinions. I am discovered. There is indeed a reason for my invitation.”
“Isn’t there always,” Tom muttered.
Charlotte traded looks with Mary and smiled. “We are eager to hear, my lady.”
Lady Denham paused, waiting for Higgs to replace the hot water in the silver pot.
“Mr. Colbourne, as the bridegroom, you may not host your own wedding celebration. Miss Heywood, is it my understanding that you shall indeed marry in Sanditon rather than Wilbeshire or Wylham Wood or—what is the name of your village?”
“Willingden, Lady Denham. Yes, Reverend Hankins will perform the service here in Sanditon.”
“Willingden. As I was saying, it was my understanding that Mr. Heywood shall not host at his small estate. Besides, with how many brothers and sisters, I cannot imagine that manor grand enough for all of us, despite it being lodging enough to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Parker.”
Augusta finished her apple tart. “Hmm…it has been lodging enough to welcome more of us than just the Parkers, Lady Denham. Why my cousin Leonora and I had our own room when we visited just this past fortnight.”
“Yes, you had your own room because three or four Heywoods were likely sharing a room. Now—”
Tom uncrossed and recrossed his legs. “Lady Denham, I am not following this walk through Charlotte and Mr. Colbourne’s options. This ignores that we have proposed hosting their wedding breakfast at Trafalgar House. My brother Arthur has decided that—”
“No, I have no intention of breaking my fast at any buffet or dining arrangement determined by your brother! I have been to your brother’s events. First I was seated next to Mr. Pryce and then I was nearly immolated at the last party I attended at your home. And if your friend, Miss Lambe, so much as offers a suggestion, as I am sure she will, then we shall have no hope at all of anything tranquil, Miss Heywood.”
Alexander looked at Charlotte, who shrugged. He turned toward Lady Denham. “Lady Denham, do you have a proposal regarding our wedding breakfast?”
“Yes, I came up with a wonderful idea.”
Higgs’ usually steady hand faltered as he retrieved Samuel’s cup and saucer. At the clatter, Samuel sat up straighter. “Steady on. All is well?”
“Sir.”
Lady Denham sighed. “I should say, an idea has come about that it would make most sense for me to step in and host your breakfast here at Sanditon House. I have the largest drawing room and dining room. Not to mention the garden if it is a fine day.” She thrust her empty cup toward Higgs and narrowed her eyes at her manservant. “Not to mention plenty of staff who would like nothing better than to serve at such a large gathering.”
Mary looked from Charlotte to Alexander. “It is a most kind and generous offer, Lady Denham.”
Samuel raised his eyebrows at Alexander. “Brother?”
Alexander paused before replying. “Lady Denham, I shall defer to Miss Heywood’s thoughts on the matter; however, Mrs. Parker is correct. It is a generous offer.”
“Hmm. I can see why Miss Heywood wishes to marry you, Mr. Colbourne. A wise answer. What do you say, Miss Heywood? Did I not say that you would find yourself a husband in Sanditon. Was I not correct in the end?”
With a blush, and nod of her head, Charlotte agreed. “I cannot deny it, Lady Denham. In the very dining room of this house you once said that I was pretending when I insisted that I was not in Sanditon to find an eligible young man.”
Stirring, Tom folded his arms and muttered, “Rotten pineapple to boot.”
Samuel smirked, and Augusta looked repulsed at the mention of a contaminated fruit.
Charlotte shifted on the cushion so that she might fully face their host. “I was not pretending, Lady Denham. It was never my intent to seek marriage at that moment. I also stand by what I said, that if I were to marry, it would be for love. I am marrying for love. However, I admit that you were correct when you inferred that I might find an eligible young man here.”
Samuel rounded his lips and studied the ceiling medallion. ”Of course, that depends on how one defines young.”
Almost forgetting where he was, Alexander growled.
Samuel grinned widely, pleased with his sibling’s reaction. “Yes, Charlotte, but what do you say? We await your decision.”
“Lady Denham, I agree with two of my favorite people in the world, Mr. Colbourne and Mrs. Parker. It is a most generous offer. I thank you, and I cannot think of a grander location to celebrate our first day together as husband and wife.”
“Hear. Hear. Now, that calls for a toast!” Samuel, tired of sitting for so long, jumped up, even though Lady Denham was still sitting. “Sherry?”
Alexander sighed. “Sam, Lady Denham has generously kept our company longer than etiquette demands.”
“Poppycock! I believe I can offer you something better than what Reverend Hankins serves in his library. Higgs, this calls for a bottle of champagne.”
“My lady?”
“You heard me! Champagne. I think we have a spare bottle or two in the cellars if you hunt around.”
“I shall see what turns up, my lady.” Higgs bowed.
Samuel clapped his hands together. “Now we shall celebrate!”
Alexander’s lips formed a soft smile that almost erupted into a chuckle when his eyes met Charlotte’s and he understood the word she mouthed his direction: “Predictable.”
***
As Tom and Mary thanked Lady Denham—Tom’s parting quite robust now that he had an unexpected flute of champagne rippling through his veins—Augusta took Charlotte’s arm and followed the couple out into the late afternoon sun to begin the return walk to Sanditon.
Alexander bowed, offering his thank you, and promising that he and Charlotte would visit again soon to discuss the wedding cake and the invitation list. Upon leaving Lady Denham, he hurried his step to catch up with his betrothed and his niece.
Samuel lingered, raising his face to soak up the glorious autumn light. “Lady Denham, that second glass did the trick. Such an exquisite vintage. The bubbles. One could write a poem about that champagne. Your man, Higgs, must have rooted out the very best bottle and wiped the cobwebs away.”
“The cellar is quite clean, Mr. Colbourne.”
“Of course. Of course.” He bowed, and she nodded. “In truth, the bottle looked quite dusted and I could not help but notice the smallest bit of straw at Higg’s cuff when he served.”
Lady Denham smoothed the front panel of her silvery cream dress. “How observant. You never completely set your barrister skills aside do you, Mr. Colbourne?”
“I am afraid it is ingrained, and even when away from London and the court, my eye is continually searching for evidence.”
“Evidence? That implies a wrongdoing.”
“Not necessarily. I have but one question for you, my lady, because I am a curious man.”
Lips pressed together, Lady Denham let him know by her expression that she would humor one question and one only. “Ask if you must.”
“Shall we enjoy that particular champagne once more at Xander and Charlotte’s wedding breakfast?” His grey eyes were kind even if he could not resist a quick wink.
Lady Denham pulled herself up to her full height, still diminutive in comparison to his tall frame, and pushed her shoulders back. “Should I ever be in need of a lawyer, you shall be the first to know, Mr. Colbourne.”
Samuel laughed boisterously. “That champagne shall be enjoyed at a wedding party no matter which wedding. I must confess, while walking in town yesterday, I overheard your nephew speaking with Mr. Rose. I had stepped into his shop to, um, assess his stock. I was not purposely eavesdropping, of course.”
“Of course.” With a long sigh, Lady Denham confessed, “It would be a waste of good champagne otherwise, and I do not care for waste.”
“As my brother said, this is very generous of you, Lady Denham. A wonderful idea and very kind.”
Her face sobered. “I cannot claim the idea, Samuel Colbourne, but I will accept the acknowledgement.” She looked over her shoulder toward Alexander, who had joined Charlotte and Augusta. “I will not accept the gratitude for kindness, though. Consider my opening Sanditon House’s doors as an apology. An olive branch. It is a poor recompense for how my nephew treated your niece—as well as your brother. I cannot change what happened between Edward and Miss Markham; however, I can try to make amends. We must all live together in Sanditon after all. There has never been bad blood between our families in the past.”
Samuel nodded and placed his hat on his head, tugging a little at the right side of the brim. “No, there never has been. Thank you, Lady Denham. As I said, perhaps I shall visit Sanditon more often.”
“Perhaps you should.”
“Good Day, Lady Denham.”
“Mr. Colbourne.” She nodded, and with a flick of her skirts, and a chuckle, turned back toward the hall. As she crossed the threshold, she noticed a loose thread hanging from the shiny button on the cuff of Higgs’ livery coat.
However, upon closer examination, Lady Denham saw that it was not a thread at all, but rather, a pale, stray piece of straw.
Passing Higgs, she rolled her eyes at the ceiling and laughed.