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English
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Published:
2023-03-08
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694
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1/1
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Of Heartache and Betrayal

Summary:

When Charlotte is thrown into the spotlight, Alexander is presented to an unexpected revelation.

Notes:

This is my first story in 10+ years.
Believe, it's a Heywood story.
Please be gentle as English is not my native language, and be free to volunteer as my beta for a possible next story.

Work Text:

Alexander Colbourn rolled his eyes for the umpteenth time in the last hour or so. He couldn't remember how he ended up into a Parker ceremony full of its usual flashy-ish. Of course he knew. It was his brother Samuel doing. Samuel had become very fond of Lady Susan Worcester, meaning wherever she was, Samuel was. The only thing keeping him there was the happy coincidence that wherever Lady Susan was, Miss Heywood probably would also be. And that's how he remembered why he'd ended up there after all. Samuel had cleverly managed to hide that the inauguration ceremony of the Sanditon Theater would also be a memorial to Mr. Parker's late brother who had passed exactly one year ago. He didn't mind that the family using the event to honor their beloved one, but it was getting hot and tiresome and all he wanted to do was to get the hell out of the damn auditorium and run into the fresh sea breeze outside.

Ms. Heywood was sitting on the opposite side of the room, sitting between Lady Susan and Mary. She looked stunning in a dark green dress that created a beautiful contrast with her light skin. Her face was reverent as the Tom delivered his eulogy.

Arthur, in a surge of emotions, made things escalate from a short eulogy to Charlotte being literally pushed on the stage for a few words herself.

The vision of a visibly uncomfortable Charlotte standing in front of most the city prompted him into protective mode, making him sit straight in his chair and focus on what she was going to say. Gone was all the tedium, replaced by the urge to take her out of there and into the cliffs with him. It was a silly thought, so he had nothing to do but trust her wisdom.

The silent audience could hear her take a deep breath before starting:

Almost two years ago I meet Tom and Mary and was excited to hear about a seaside resort called Sanditon that would become the best one in the country, as Mr. Parker pointed out. I had never left my town, so when Tom invited me, the thrilling of jumping into such an adventure along with Tom's persuasive skills left my father helpless.

The audience laughed.

Another calming breath.

Sanditon was so full of life and I was eager to experience everything that'd come my way that summer. And them I met him. Sidney. We certainly didn't get along at first - she delivered it in a playful tone - but he soon became the most important part of my days here. I fell in love with the city first. And then I fell in love with him. He was my first love...

She trailed off.

I know I'm not a resident and I'm not part of his family but I'll use something he once told me to try to put in words how I feel when I'm here.

Another pause.

With her eyes glistening and an unsteady voice she quoted:

"I am my best self, my truest self, when I'm with you."

She walked down the stairs and was engulfed by the Parkers, adult and children hugging her at once while saying things like "I didn't know" and "You ARE family'.

That's it! That's why the Parkers loved her so much! She was not just a dear friend. She was family! Or at least she became very close to that!

After a few moments, Tom resumed his position as host while the rest of the family got back to their seats. Mary motherly wiped Charlotte's tears, Susan whispering comforting words, as they shared smiles that transpired mutual understanding and utter fondness.

Alexander noticed he'd not been able to take his eyes of her through the whole scene's unfold. He let out the breath he just noticed he was holding, his heart heavy inside his chest.

She suddenly sensed his stare and their eyes met. There was understanding in their interaction either.

Heartbreak and betrayal.

Now he knew who, when and where. He had yet to find out how. And he wished she would someday trust him with that.