When I'm with you

All in good time

He looked at himself in the mirror, carefully examining every detail of his new image. Beige knee-length pantaloons, white stockings, dark high-heeled shoes with a voluminous carved buckle, an embroidered waistcoat, a carelessly tied neckcloth, and a dark blue frock coat tailored exactly to his figure, as if a time machine had transported him to the past. He straightened his hair and ran his hands over the stubble.

"I look like a clown," Sidney said,  “These stockings are killing me. And the shoes. I feel like a transvestite. “

"Come on, it's not that bad," Babbington said from the sofa, " I think you look a lot better than usual. This fashion really suits you”.

"Thank you," Sidney said angrily, “you so kind. Dut  I didn't think I'd have to run around the city in tights.”

Babbington laughed and stood up to straighten his friend's cravat.

"That's better," he said, smiling, " all the ladies of Sanditon will give you their hearts.  Although... I think Sidney Parker has already found what he needs.”

"Yes," Sidney said, " I think you're right. And quite a long time ago. I just didn't have the courage to admit it and take a step forward.”

"All in good time," William said reasonably. Sidney nodded, mentally agreeing with his words.

"What about our friend?" ,he asked, glancing back at Crowe, who was lounging in a chair, drinking whiskey.

"Lots of things," Babbington said cryptically.

"It's not in his nature to suffer for women," Sidney said thoughtfully, “Crowe is  pragmatist”.

"Like you, like me, we are all very cold and reserved until we meet the right one... person “, William replied with a slight smile, “do you think I'm wrong?”

“I won't argue, my friend,” said Sidney,”you are the most experienced and lucky of all of us, you and the cards in your hands”.

Babbington laughed again and turned to Crowe.

"Have you picked up your top hat yet, Fran?"he asked.

Crowe waved his tall hat in the air and turned back to the window.

"What the hell is going on with you?"  Sidney asked, unable to contain himself.

"Life is pain," Crowe said shortly, not even bothering to turn around.

Sidney stared at Babbington in disbelief.

“Well, you know exactly what's wrong with him”, Parker concluded,”tell me.”

“I am... “,  William began, “I can't, it's not...”

“ Go ahead, tell him everything. Hell, it won't be a secret any time soon, " Crowe said, taking another sip of whiskey.

Sidney tensed, glancing nervously from Crowe to Babbington and back again.

"It's about Clara," Will said at last, " and Mrs. Campion.”

Sidney frowned, staring at his friend in disbelief.