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Sidney and Charlotte walk the beach, her hand fitting comfortably inside his elbow, their conversation light and amusing. Sidney looks down admiringly at her, sharing in her satisfaction as she speaks of her delight at the recent opening of the apartments. The heartbreaking events that had brought their summer to a terrible end are well behind them now. Married a few weeks ago, they think only upon the accomplishments that have made Sanditon the successful resort town Sidney’s brother Tom had dreamed of. Quietly proud of their own contributions to saving Tom from bankruptcy, they have resolutely chosen to forget that time of despair and loss, speaking only of their own dreams and plans.
Sidney is surprised by the sudden halt in Charlotte’s step and her frown of concern as she spies something ahead.
“Sidney, that woman, she appears to be in trouble.”
He follows her gaze, noting a woman trying to maintain her balance in the dry sand as she struggles to remove a shoe. As she stumbles awkwardly about, they hurry to her side.
“Madam, can we assist?” Sidney asks.
Charlotte holds out her hands, offering support. The woman grasps them gratefully as Sidney stoops to pick up the shoe.
“Thank you, so kind,” she says, “I believe a shell has taken up residence in there!”
Sidney shakes the shoe about, dislodging a broken shell, which falls to the sand.
“You would have been quite irritated, had you tried to continue walking with that jagged little addition inside your footwear,” he says, “I hope your foot is not injured?”
“No, it is perfectly fine,” she replies, “and I thank you for your kindness.”
Holding Charlotte’s arm quite firmly, she seeks to maintain her balance with one foot held unceremoniously in the air.
“Would you like to sit somewhere, so we can set you to rights?” Charlotte asks.
“Of course, thank you.” They totter together to a large rock where the woman sits with a relieved sigh. She looks up to Sidney, noticing his frown of concern for her. With a quick glance she takes in his fine appearance – handsome features, strong physique, and fashionably sophisticated clothing worn with casual elegance. She smiles, satisfied. This young lady has chosen well! She looks down to Charlotte who has taken the shoe from Sidney, to replace it gently onto her foot.
“I should like to show my appreciation for your assistance,” she says, “I wonder if you might accept an invitation to tea with some acquaintances of mine, tomorrow afternoon?”
Charlotte looks to Sidney, hoping he will agree to the invitation. She has felt an immediate liking for this lady, and would be happy to spend more time in her company. She nods to him to indicate her desire to accept.
“Tea would be lovely,” Sidney says, much to Charlotte’s delight, “where and when should we meet?”
“I am renting an apartment at the new resort, but we shall meet at 3pm at the gardens in Parker Crescent. I have already arranged for refreshments. We can take advantage of the recent fine weather, to enjoy the surrounds. There is a fine gazebo of substantial size. Do you know of it?”
“We do indeed,” Charlotte replies.
“Oh, that is marvelous!” the woman exclaims. She looks at Charlotte, realising with sudden regret that she has not introduced herself.
“Oh, how remiss of me!” she exclaims, “You do not know who I am! I am Miss Jane Austen, and I have come here to celebrate with friends. It is an annual thing that we do. I seek out a new location, and invite them to join me in exploring and simply enjoying each other’s company. This year, I chose Sanditon, as I heard it had been wonderfully restored, after being ruined by fire. Since my arrival I have heard comments that indicate that rumour must have been true.”
“I can tell you it was, Miss Austen,” Sidney says, “for we have intimate knowledge of its near demise. I am Sidney Parker, and this lovely lady is my wife, Charlotte.”
“Ah, so you did marry!” Miss Austen exclaims, “I am happy to hear it. Please accept my sincere congratulations. You appear to be very well suited.”
“Thank you,” Sidney replies, puzzled by her words upon learning that they are wed. He is certain they have not met, but he is confused by such an excited reaction from a stranger. Glancing at Charlotte, he sees that she shares this confusion.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Austen,” she says.
“Oh, the pleasure is mine,” she replies, “but what is this, your intimate knowledge of the near demise of it all?”
“My brother, Tom Parker had the original idea for a resort,” Sidney replies, Miss Austen nodding as if she is well aware, “but unfortunately it became something too difficult for him to properly manage. Then, after the fire, I had to step in to assist, and with Charlotte’s keen business acumen we have finally made it a profitable concern.”
“I knew of Mr Tom Parker’s venture, but not of what transpired to destroy his dream. I believe you are the younger brother, with your own successful business?”
“It is a partnership now,” Sidney says, looking with admiration at his wife, “for since our marriage a few weeks ago Charlotte has joined me in the business.”
“So, it was you who brought your brother’s enterprise back from the brink of ruin!” Jane continues.
“It was not something we achieved without assistance. There were many contributors, and it took much effort, but here we are, with a resort we are proud of and additions in progress as we speak.”
“I should like to hear more of this. We might discuss it further at tea, and it will be a wonderful opportunity for you to meet some new people. They will be delighted to welcome you into their circle. I am of course being a little self-indulgent, as it is a way for me to spend my birthday with people who are special to me.”
“Oh, Miss Austen!” Charlotte exclaims, “You and my husband have something in common already! He has insisted there be no fuss, but tomorrow we will quietly celebrate his birthday!”
“Oh my!” Miss Austen replies, “Then we shall eat cake and drink tea, to toast our good health!”
They all laugh as she rises from the stone, accepting their offer to walk with her to her apartment.
So it is, Mr Sidney and Mrs Charlotte Parker of Sanditon accept the invitation of Miss Jane Austen, that they join her for tea, to enjoy her company further and meet new acquaintances.
* * *
At the gazebo, Jane introduces Sidney and Charlotte to six delightful couples; Edward and Elinor Ferrars, Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy, George and Emma Knightley, Edmund and Fanny Bertram, Henry and Catherine Tilney and Captain Frederick and Anne Wentworth. She speaks a little about each couple and then sits back to enjoy the discussion as the new guests are warmly welcomed, all insisting that first names are used, much to the newcomers’ delight. Conversation flows remarkably well, with couples relating their stories, filled with instances of misconceptions, disagreements, tenuous declarations of truce, problematic alliances and misinformed decisions, all finally put to rest when love triumphed. It is clear to Sidney and Charlotte that this group still enjoys sharing their experiences and reminiscing over the complexities in finding their enduring happiness. The comment is made that it is fortunate they had all succeeded, but Sidney and Charlotte are not at all surprised. They know very well, in view of the troubles that had plagued them through their days of early acquaintance, that when love strikes so powerfully, it will find a way.
“Well, I think it is time to hear your story,” Jane says, smiling fondly as she looks towards them. Startled, they glance about the group, realising the other guests are waiting inquisitively.
“Your turn, I think,” Sidney says with a wink, “for you have a much better command of words than I.”
Charlotte pulls her stern face, which draws chuckles from others in the group.
“Well,” she says with a quirky smile, “it was not an auspicious beginning. Sidney’s sister-in-law introduced us, but it did not go well. He thought me a silly girl who had come to Sanditon looking for a wealthy husband, when all I wished for was an adventure. I believed him arrogant and dismissive.”
She looks at Sidney, who is staring at his hands on his lap. Deciding this story need not be shared, she simply looks around the group and shrugs.
“I could say so much more, for we have weathered many a storm, but we have found our happiness. I could not be more content, living in Sanditon, for it is where I fell in love, in the first instance with the place, but far more importantly, with this man.”
Watched with intrigue by the other guests, Charlotte takes Sidney’s hand, holding it against her cheek.
“Yes,” he adds quietly, gazing at his wife, “we found happiness I could not have imagined.” He looks at Jane, with a sudden, strong feeling that he must assure her of his and Charlotte’s enduring commitment to one another. “This young lady changed me, from a hardened, solitary man. I am in love, and not afraid to speak of it.”
Jane smiles at Sidney, satisfied that all her characters are finally where they should be.
“I believe we have, at last, the group I have always wished for. I will no longer invite new couples to our annual gathering. Sidney and Charlotte, you are the perfect final addition to this group. It is now perfectly complete.”
After a brief but comfortable lull in the conversation, Elinor speaks, as if she is reading everyone’s thoughts.
“It seems every couple here has had a share of uncertainties, but after a little trouble, we have all been given what we desire.”
Charlotte taps Sidney on the arm.
“Where is Jane?”
Sidney looks about the gazebo, and off to the garden to one side. “I am wondering the same thing,” he says, puzzled by Jane’s mysterious disappearance.
“Oh, do not worry,” Elizabeth says, the others nodding sagely along with her, “for she always does this. She brings us together, and once she is certain we are comfortable with the conversation and any new companions, she sort of slips away to leave us to it.”
“That seems strange,” Charlotte says, frowning, looking about hoping Jane will reappear.
“It has always been this way,” Emma replies, “and we are not concerned, as we know she will send the same invitation next year. The only difference will be the destination. She likes to change that about.”
“I think this year is a little different,” Fanny says pensively, “for it is as if Jane is satisfied with everything about her own life. I believe she feels she has accomplished something special.”
“She has done exactly that,” Anne says, “for she has brought a most intriguing couple to us today!”
“Yes,” Henry agrees, looking at Sidney with genuine respect, “I think you and Charlotte have had more than a little trouble, perhaps more than you are ready to share with us today, but you have conquered it masterfully. I look forward to knowing more as we become better acquainted!”
“I agree,” Edmund says, “you are to be congratulated for your fortitude. You have done remarkable work to make Sanditon the attractive place we find it to be, all from a position of utter ruin. As to Miss Austen, I do think she was right. You are the perfect couple to complete our group.”
Surprised by these warm and welcoming comments, Sidney and Charlotte humbly express their thanks for their inclusion, Sidney deftly changing the subject to shift the attention away from them. The conversation goes on comfortably for another hour or so and eventually, it is time to leave. Addresses are exchanged so that all might keep in touch with Sidney and Charlotte during the coming year. With cheerful farewells they share wishes for safe travel, all happily anticipating the next reunion.
Sidney and Charlotte walk along the cliff road towards their home. They reflect on this delightful afternoon’s entertainment, determined to build greater ties with the couples they have met and satisfied there will be many more such engagements in the years to come. Charlotte looks out over the ocean, smiling with the sheer bliss of the life she is forging with the man she loves most in this world.
“I am grateful for our meeting with Miss Austen,” she says.
Yes, she is a remarkable woman," Sidney agrees.
They walk on in silence for a moment, before he suddenly decides he must share his thoughts on something that has been on his mind since yesterday.
"Charlotte, I found her reaction to the news of our marriage quite unusual. It was a strange feeling, but it seemed that she already knew us. I even wondered if the shell in her shoe might have been a ruse."
"I too, but perhaps not. Perhaps it is simply her ability to make one feel at home."
“Hmm, you're probably right. In any case, I very much like her idea of good company. I'm already looking forward to the next gathering. This group she brings together, my love, they are clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of interesting conversation.”
“Good company indeed,” Charlotte says.
Sidney smiles, perfectly content, as he replies, “It’s better than good. It is the best.”
The End