Face to Face

by Shanghaiedinla

Summary:

For the SidlotteSeptember writing challenge: S2 AU in drabbles.

Sidney and Charlotte must confront themselves, each other, and the truth.

Notes:

Running a day behind here, but can’t miss out on the fun! No time to outline this one — a first for me. Will probably unfold as a related series of scenes in sequence. I’m just going with it: 🚰 or 🏊‍♀️ .

Chapter 1: A First Attempt

Notes:

Attempt (Prompt 1)

Sidney was dumbfounded when they stepped from the coach. An injured gentleman leaned on his eldest as he hobbled to the kerb. The daughter looked Sidney’s way and her beautiful countenance mirrored his own shock, except whereas his was tinged with longing, he saw hers tinged with dismay. 

Heywood must have estate business here. 

At once too quick and too slow, Sidney stepped forward to assist as Charlotte introduced him. In spite of their awkwardness, the encounter was the most gratifying of any since returning to town.

I must make amends. He knew he would try to see her again. 

Chapter 2: Another Mayfair Eventide

Notes:

Night (Prompt 2)

Charlotte could scarcely draw breath. Lady Worcester smiled; her modiste outdid herself with Charlotte’s silk gown.

What would Papa say? He returned to Willingden weeks before, his ankle mended. He indulged Lady Babington’s wish to host Charlotte and Susan’s following invitation, cautioning his daughter about the ton’s decadence. If he only knew….

Suddenly the gentleman she hoped and dreaded to see appeared, his dark gaze holding hers. She had evaded Sidney’s social calls, but there was no escape as he strode towards her, offering his arm.

She slipped her hand again in his as they waltzed in the incandescent night.

Chapter 3: A Little Push

Notes:

Swing (Prompt 3)

Sidney halted. There.

Charlotte sat, back straight, upon her host’s garden swing. A few chestnut curls escaped her bonnet in the autumn breeze. 

Sidney sighed in relief, then frowned in guilt. After enchanting numerous dance partners, he’d expected her to be entertaining callers. 

“I found you, at last.”

Charlotte’s head inclined. “Mr. Parker.”

Sidney moved to face her. “No proposals or elaborate gifts this morning?”

Charlotte finally looked at him. “How is your intended? Quite recovered?”

Sidney coloured. “I suppose.”

Charlotte glared at his indifference. “You promised.”

Chastised, Sidney stepped behind her, gripping the ropes to push her into motion. 

Chapter 4: Wondered As She Wandered

Notes:

Cobweb (Prompt 4)

Charlotte rose from her nap exhausted, not refreshed. Every interaction with Sidney heightened her senses; his impromptu visit, and Susan’s obvious curiosity at luncheon about it, sapped all her energy. She decided to walk the grounds again to blow away the cobwebs. 

Why must he persist?, she wondered in the dappled sunlight. He wanted to make amends, but the sentiment is futile.  She already absolved him of wrongdoing and as for what was lost … it was too late. 

Charlotte told Sidney as much. She couldn’t bear another evening of his scowls at other gentlemen, nor Mrs. Campion’s fits of pique. 

Chapter 5: Clarity

Notes:

Unbearable (Prompt 5)

Sidney saw himself in the looking glass as he washed. What have you done? Most days he distracted himself — with business, boxing, wine — from the knowledge of what he gave up.

These past weeks Charlotte’s proximity itself was a distraction; instead of making amends he carried on as if he were again free. But yesterday, she forced him to face reality. 

He was miserable. But making Charlotte miserable was unbearable. As a boy, he fled his misery. As a man, he would fight it — not for her love, for he had thrown it away — but so he could face himself. 

Chapter 6: A Short Call

Notes:

Thirst (Prompt 6)

Charlotte heard hoofbeats. Looking out, she saw Sidney slow his horse.  

“Mr. Sidney Parker?,” Susan asked.

Charlotte sighed. “Yes. I told him not”—

Susan called for service. “Mr. Parker will surely be thirsty. It’s unseasonably warm,” she said to her butler.

Susan looked pointedly at Charlotte. “The race isn’t over.”

A manservant announced Sidney, who slightly bowed.

“I rang for tea. Will you stay for luncheon, Mr. Parker?”

“No, unfortunately, I am on my way out of town. I was hoping Miss Heywood might take a short turn about the grounds?”

Charlotte took his arm as they exited the house.

Chapter 7: Truce

Notes:

Sorry to leave you hanging — it was a long day!

Linger (Prompt 7)

Awkwardness lingered between them.

“Miss Heywood, I didn’t want to leave matters strained.”

Charlotte wanly smiled.

“You were right to remind me …. But I intend to make amends.”

“Mr. Parker”—

“May I be your friend as you navigate London?”

Charlotte’s brow furrowed.

“You have Lady Worcester, but I could provide a different perspective.”

Charlotte half-jested, “Undoubtedly.”

Sidney looked at her, amused. He pulled out a volume. “Let this be a token of friendship.”

“Coleridge!”

Sidney’s smile faded. “You’ve read Sibylline Leaves?”

“Oh, no. I was curious about his lectures. His poetry will do nicely. Thank you, Mr. Parker.”

Sidney bowed.