When I'm with you

Why are you here?

Charlotte practically flew onto the stage, nearly knocking Esther off her feet. She wanted to scream and cry and at the same time to take Eliza by the hair and drag her around the Park until she begs for mercy. This woman had attacked her again, wanting to humiliate her in Sidney's eyes. Charlotte's heart was pounding and her hands were trembling with excitement.
- Hey, Hey, easy - cried Esther - what is wrong with you? You've seen a Ghost?
- Almost... Eliza Campion is here - Charlotte said, catching her breath - Why didn't you tell me she was come?
- She didn't stay at Denham Place, I would have known about this - said Esther, raising her eyebrows in surprise - maybe she came for a day or booked a room at the Crown ? In any case, you can't expect any good from her.
- I'm sure she's here for a reason - Charlotte said sadly, instinctively wrapping her arms around herself as if she were suddenly cold in the hot sun.
- Of course not - grinned Esther - such as she has everything thought out to the smallest detail. What about Sidney?
- He was surprised - Charlotte said, frowning - in my opinion, even angry.
- Great! So just relax and watch - Mrs Babbington concluded - and let him deal with his Viper.
Charlotte took a deep breath and looked back again.
- I don't know - she said. - Eliza was so sure of herself She acted like they were a couple.
- Calm down and be patient - Esther said calmly, handing Charlotte a glass of champagne.

Sidney shifted impatiently from one foot to the other and loomed over Eliza. He was incredibly angry and ready to say what he thought of her.
- Aren't you glad to see me? - she asked - I've missed you so much, Sidney.
- No! Why did you come? - he asked, trying not to yell at her. Eliza.
- How could I miss an event like this at Sanditon? - Mrs Campion replied.
- You can't stand this city - Sidney retorted - You know very well that there is nothing between us. What kind of show are you putting on here?
- Sydney, you're a darling - Eliza said, trying to stroke his cheek, but he recoiled so abruptly that she almost lost her balance - so cute when you're angry.
- Look, we figured it out years ago - he said decisively - I'm grateful for your help, but I've earned the money honestly. My part of the contract is fulfilled. The deal is terminated. What else do you want?
- Well, Sidney, this is silly - she said smiling - we could start all over. Again. Without prejudice.
- No - said Sidney peremptorily - that's out of the question. Let everything remain as it is. I'm on my own, you're on your own. This is the best we can do.
- Is this all about some country girl?- Eliza asked, wrinkling her nose in displeasure and pursing her lips- Oh, Sidney, you're so naive, and she's sleeping and watching you pocket your money.
- Charlotte is not some girl, but a woman I love - Sidney replied sternly- You judge by yourself, but not all people are as petty and corrupt as Eliza Campion.
She opened her mouth, but he wouldn't let her speak.
- That's all I can tell you - Sidney finished - and stay away from us, Eliza, I'm not kidding!
He turned decisively and walked to the podium, hoping in his heart that he could explain to Charlotte what had really happened.
Mrs. Campion watched him go with a scowl, then swung her arm angrily at the fruit platter, which fell with a thud on the grass.
- You'll regret what you said, Sidney Parker - Eliza muttered to herself.

Charlotte took a SIP of champagne from the glass Esther held out to her and shook her head, hoping to cheer herself up. Tom was already up on the podium and loudly discussing something with Stringer and Augusta, explaining how he sees the transformation of Sanditon. Miss Babbington listened to him with an air of interest in the project, while James looked not less closely at his new acquaintance. Crowe and Babbington was talking, leaning on a high table with an umbrella, looking from Miss to Mrs. Babington. Georgiana walked slowly around the main clearing, looking at the people present and clearly thinking about something. At any other time Charlotte would haveo joined her friend, but today her own thoughts were so tormented that she had no strength left for sympathy. She suddenly wanted to run away and hide in some dark corner where no one would ever find her again.
- Why don't you sit down? - Esther said - I think you need to take a break.
- No.You'd better keep me busy. Anything! Please! - Charlotte said - I can't just stand here. I think I'm going crazy.
Hester looked at her carefully, and then at something behind her.
- I don't think you'll need my help any more today - she said with a mysterious smile.
Esther left, leaving Charlotte alone with her fears. She stood motionless, afraid to turn and see Sidney and Eliza there. Charlotte heard light footsteps behind her and held her breath. Suddenly she was enveloped in a deafening wave of warmth and tenderness, and her heart began to beat very fast. Charlotte felt Sidney beside her. She whirled around, practically burying her face in his chest, almost fainting at the sudden closeness.
He took her hand firmly, and with his other hand gently touched her cheek. She flinched, but she didn't push him away, just stared into his eyes.
- What else do you want from me? - Charlotte asked faintly. There were tears at the corners of her eyes.
A second later, his warm lips touched hers, and she clung to him with her whole body, completely forgetting where she was and what she had been afraid of just a few minutes ago. His warm arms wrapped tightly around her waist and back, as if closing her off from the rest of the world, giving her peace and security.
Sidney kissed Charlotte on the main stage, in full view of everyone, but he didn't care. All that mattered was that she was with him. Her bare skin burned like fire in his hands, slowly driving him mad. He would have preferred them all to disappear, leaving them both alone with their feelings.
Tom's voice, inviting everyone to take their seats, made them pull away from each other. Sidney looked into her eyes and squeezed her small hand.
- You know I love you, don't you? - Sidney said - don't ever doubt it.
She flushed and lowered her head, trying to hide her embarrassment and joy at his words.
- We have to go - Sidney whispered, leaning over and gently kissing Charlotte's temple.
He smiled at her and began to descend from the podium, leading her tremulously by the hand. They took their place in the front row, as guests of honor should. Lady Denham, who was already sitting not far from them, gave Charlotte and Sidney a satisfied look, then smiled at Tom, who was still calling everyone to the presentation.
Broome and Allison sat next to Sidney. Crowe and Stringer split the Babbingtons”s company.
Eliza Campion walked down the center aisle and sat ostentatiously in the front row, directly across the aisle from Charlotte and Sidney. She leaned back in her chair, crossing one leg elegantly over the other, thereby lifting her already rather short dress higher.
Charlotte tensed and narrowed her eyes looked at her coldly, but then she felt Sidney's hand tighten on hers. She turned to him. Sidney gently pressed the back of her hand to his lips, causing Charlotte's heart to stop for a moment.
- I love you - he whispered and smiled.
Charlotte smiled back at him, suddenly feeling the happiest thing in the world. He preferred her to Eliza. This knowledge made Charlotte want to scream and laugh, but she only tightened her grip on Sidney's hand, sinking into the depths of his dark eyes.
Eliza snorted as she realized that her plan had failed, and picked up the pamphlet offering guests a chance to enjoy the beauty of the place Sanditon and immerse yourself in the history of the city.
- Good afternoon, Mrs. Campion,- Sophia said - can you remind me when it was bad form to say Hello to people?
- Excuse me? What? - Eliza asked.
- You are in my house, we are familiar, what prevented you from greeting me? - the Lady Denham clarified her question/
- I... uh …. - the beginning of Eliza.
Georgiana walked past them and sat down on the other side of the old lady.
- Sofia! "- she said.
Lady The Denham nodded in response.
- You see, Mrs. Campion, - said Sophia, raising her eyebrows in warning - even Miss lamb, for all her eccentricities, does not flout the rules of propriety.
Georgiana looked around Eliza with a condescending look.
- I just did... I was thinking - lied Mrs. Campion.
- Looking at that pair over there? - Sophia asked, pointing at Charlotte and Sidney - don't they look great together?
Eliza turned and saw him reach out and straighten a lock of Charlotte's hair, frowning and pursing her lips tightly.
- And, my dear - Sophia continued, as if nothing had happened - the next time you go to a social event, you should try to wear a longer skirt. At your age, it's indecent to be so naked!
Mrs Campion was outraged and shocked at this treatment. She was used to people fawning over her, trying to snatch a small portion of her fortune. And to be honest, she always liked to play around as puppets. Eliza was a master at weaving her net, setting everyone up like soldiers in a child's game, but today everything went wrong. Unexpectedly for herself, she was rebuffed on all fronts. Mrs. Campion stared at the Lady Denham, but she seemed to have lost interest in her, but Georgiana gave her another eloquent look.
- What the hell are you ...- Eliza protested, but she was interrupted by Tom's voice, amplified several times by the microphone and now streaming through the large wooden speakers at the corners of the makeshift stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Sanditon! I hope everyone can hear me well?"