Work Text:
December 1821…
As Tom Parker descended the stairs of Trafalgar House, he could hear laughter coming from the breakfast table. He walked toward the kitchen where the table his family used for breakfast and lunch was placed, as opposed to the more elaborate maple wood dinner table in the dining room. When Tom arrived, all of his children and his wife were seated around the table, and the kids excitedly greeted him. “Papa!” they shouted excitedly.
“There’s my beautiful and wonderful family,” he said happily, walking around the table and kissing the top of each child’s head as he greeted them by name. “James, Henry, Alicia, Jenny, and baby Charlotte.”
He kissed his youngest child’s cheek and went to take his seat in good humor when he heard Mary say, “My dear?” She giggled a little as she batted her eyelashes playfully.
“Ah, I knew I was missing someone,” said Tom jokingly, wagging a finger playfully as he walked over to Mary and kissed her cheek. He took his place at the end of the table opposite Mary.
“Papa, how much longer until Christmas?” asked Henry.
“Well, Henry, today is 4 December, and Christmas is what day?”
“25 December,” answered Alicia excitedly.
“But St. Nicholas Day is 6 December,” said Jenny.
“Correct, which means St. Nicholas Day is in two days, and Christmas is in twenty-one days,” said Tom.
“Still too far away,” Henry grumbled as he went back to his breakfast.
“So, what are your plans today, my dear?” asked Tom as he sipped his tea.
“Charlotte is coming over to help plan the Twelfth Night Ball. It will give me an opportunity to see our Goddaughter. Then, we are going to distribute some warmer clothing and some food to Mrs. Filkins and some of the other residents in the Old Town while one of the maids watches Lottie and Genevieve.”
“Sounds much more gratifying than a lunch meeting with Lady Denham and Mr. Pryce about hotels and finances, which I will need end-of-year reports from a certain bookkeeper, by the way,” said Tom.
“Five children and holiday preparations have kept me busy, even if four of our children are usually with the governess,” said Mary.
Tom swallowed the last his tea and looked at the time. “All right, Papa has to go.” The children swarmed their father with hugs and kisses, and Mary lifted Charlotte out of her high chair. “Behave for Mama,” he told everyone. “I will see you later,” he told Mary. They quickly pecked on the lips before he left.
Not long after Tom left, the governess took the four older Parker children for their lessons, and Charlotte arrived with Genevieve shortly thereafter. “There’s my beautiful Goddaughter,” said Mary happily as she took Genevieve into her arms. “There is tea in the parlor.”
Charlotte nodded and followed Mary. When the two women arrived, Lottie crawled over to Charlotte to greet her. “Hi, Lottie,” Charlotte said and lifted her into her arms. “My goodness, you are getting so big. I cannot believe you will be one next month.”
“Please, do not remind me. I blinked, and my baby grew so quickly,” said Mary as she sat down on the settee.
“I understand,” Charlotte said empathetically as she placed Lottie on the floor and took Genevieve back from Mary. “Genevieve is already attempting to roll over.”
Mary poured two glasses of tea and asked, “So, have motherhood and holiday preparations been as hectic for you as they have been for me?”
“Well, Augusta is much too old to believe in Father Christmas, and Genevieve is a bit too young yet, so Leo is the main person we are talking about Father Christmas for currently, but I do have a lot of pressure to make this Christmas special since it will be Genevieve’s first, even if she will not remember it,” admitted Charlotte.
“Understandable, though all of our children still believe in Father Christmas,” said Mary. “Not to mention planning the Twelfth Nigh Ball as well as doing charitable work. And I have also been assisting Tom with the books just to keep an eye on things. Thankfully, he has been grateful for the assistance, so that is comforting.”
Lottie pulled herself up using the coffee table, and when Mary lifted her into her arms, Lottie said, “Sandy.”
“Yes, we can go outside,” Mary responded.
“You understood that?” asked Charlotte in surprise.
“Yes, believe me, you will learn to understand your child’s unique language. Besides, she has been sustained on milk and the smell of sea air these past eleven months; guess which one comes from her father?” Mary joked. Mary and Charlotte dressed their daughters in warmer clothing, and the two women pulled on their own winter cloaks before going outside toward the shoreline.
“A walk along the shore is always very relaxing,” said Charlotte as she strolled alongside her friend.
“It is, and Lottie enjoys the beach very much,” said Mary. “When she was first born, she would have terrible witching hours from right after supper until one or two in the morning of crying on and off. Finally, when she was about three months old, Tom said we were going to start taking after-supper walks along the beach since it was getting warmer and that the sea air would calm Lottie down because of its great health benefits. I had tried everything to calm her and nothing worked, so I did not believe it would, but I let him entertain the notion. But lo and behold, we all went outside, Tom took Lottie into his arms and went closer to the water, and the sound of the waves and the breeze instantly calmed her. Tom had the smuggest smile the rest of that night, but now, we take a family walk along the beach every evening after supper. It has become a nice tradition though. It allows us to have some bonding time, and the children enjoy it.”
Charlotte nodded before she said, “I was thinking about something we could do for Boxing Day.”
“Go on?” Mary encouraged.
“Well, I thought how nice it would be to invite the Old Town residents to the Twelfth Night Ball, but then I realized that they would not have anything to wear. So, Xander and I thought about donating some of our old tuxedos and ballgowns which we no longer wear or we have outgrown; our children as well. The residents could then pick out something nice to wear to the ball. We can do that in addition to bringing them food and winter clothing.”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea. Lord knows all five children of mine have quickly outgrown apparel, and I am certain I have ballgowns I no longer fit in or no longer wear. And I have been meaning to sort through our wardrobes for items we no longer use. Perhaps the town children can go through their toys and donate some of the ones they no longer use.”
“Well, we should begin the journey back to your house. I am sure both Charlotte and Genevieve need to take their naps, and we need to gather our supplies to take to the Old Town,” said Charlotte.
“I had Tom place Lottie’s old cradle in her nursery so Genevieve would have somewhere to sleep. I suppose that is another item which I should probably donate soon too,” said Mary sadly.
“I am sure caring for your children as well as the Old Town and Sanditon will keep you occupied,” said Charlotte.
“They will,” Mary agreed. “But you will see when Genevieve’s first birthday approaches. Then, you will know exactly how I feel.”
“No, I understand now,” admitted Charlotte. “What you told me right after Genevieve was born is true: your children truly are your heart walking around in the world.”
“And I meant every word of it.”
“And then, I believe I asked you how you had gone through that ordeal five times.”
Mary chuckled. “You did ask that question too. But as you soon discovered, it is worth every moment.”
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Later that night, Mary had just finished putting the children to bed, so she went to the master bedchamber, changed into her nightgown, and brushed out her hair before joining her husband. She kissed his cheek and said, “So, how was your business luncheon?”
“It was fine, but you know how Lady Denham can be,” answered Tom, and Mary chuckled and nodded. “How about you, my dear? How was your day with Charlotte?”
“It was nice. She had a wonderful idea for Boxing Day. She was thinking the residents of Sanditon could sort through old tuxedos and ballgowns they no longer wear and donate them to the Old Town and then invite the Old Town residents to the Twelfth Night Ball. It would provide all of them a nice evening.”
“Well, I will admit I have a tuxedo or two which are not as well-fitting as they used to be,” said Tom. “And I know Henry’s tuxedo is above his ankles.” Mary nodded sadly when Tom mentioned Henry’s growth spurt. “Is something else wrong, my dear?”
Mary sighed. “I just feel a bit melancholy because it is sinking in that Lottie’s first birthday is approaching quickly.”
“Oh boy.” Tom chuckled in amusement.
“What’s so funny?” Mary raised her eyebrows at him.
“Just that I distinctly remember Alicia’s first birthday leading to Jenny; then, Jenny’s first birthday leading to Henry; and lastly, Henry’s first birthday leading to James.”
“No, that is not what I am implying,” Mary assured him. “I think I am just struggling a bit since my identity has been wife and mum for so long, and now, the children are getting older, and as they get older, I do not really know where I fit in this world.”
“Mary,” Tom took her hand, “you are so much more than just a wife and mother. You are a friend; you are an advice giver; you are charitable and kind and compassionate, and I would not be able to live without you. And if it was not for your steadfastness and compassion, there would unfortunately be a lot of people without homes because of my…shall I say poor plans. No one cares about Sanditon or its residents more than you.”
Mary smiled and snuggled closer to Tom. “Well, your passion for Sanditon is contagious.”
Tom kissed the top of her head. “But you are correct. I do wonder how we suddenly have an almost one-year-old.”
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Meanwhile, Xander and Charlotte were seated in the parlor. Both Augusta and Leo had gone to bed, and Genevieve was asleep in the cradle in the master bedchamber, so it was just the two of them. Charlotte took a sip of her tea as Xander asked, “So, how was you day?”
“It was pleasant,” Charlotte answered. “Mary and I discussed donating some of our own formal wear to the residents of the Old Town and inviting them to the Twelfth Night Ball.”
Xander said, “That does sound like a nice initiative. I am certain they would appreciate the invitation and a night to remember.”
“Which means we need to go through our old ballgowns and tuxedos, and we must have Augusta and Leo sort through theirs as well.”
“I will have them do so soon,” said Xander. Charlotte nodded as she stirred some more sugar into her tea. “Is something else the matter?”
“No, nothing is wrong,” said Charlotte. “I just think Mary is having some difficulty accepting the fact that Lottie will be one on 8 January.”
“Well, I can relate to Mrs. Parker’s feelings. I cannot believe Leo turned ten and Augusta turned twenty this year,” admitted Xander.
“Yes, but we still have Genevieve, and it is possible we could have more children. Lottie is most likely the Parkers' last child. I wish I could do something to make Mary feel better.”
“You will think of something, because you are a good friend.” Xander kissed the top of Charlotte’s head.
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St. Nicholas Day came and went, though the most celebration that occurred was the town children receiving handfuls of gold coins in their shoes. On Christmas Eve, the women were inside decorating their houses with greenery, while the men were out searching for the perfect Yule Logs. Currently, Mary was sitting at the kitchen table with Alicia and Jenny as they decorated wreaths for the door and garland for the stairwell banister. Soon, Tom walked through the front door with Henry and James, though two of the three were covered from head to toe in dirt. “Henry, James, what happened?”
“I can explain,” said Tom as Mary crossed her arms over her chest. Tom finally sighed in defeat. “I turned my back for thirty seconds, and they had both jumped in a mud puddle. I thought either Xander or Arthur had their eye on them. I was wrong.”
“Wow, I think that might be one of about five times over the course of our marriage that I have heard you say those words, Thomas Parker.” Mary moseyed over to her husband, and he chuckled and kissed her in return. Mary looked down at her two sons and shook her head in disgust. Henry and James had turned five and three that year, and she still had not fully adjusted to parenting boys. “But I really wish you had kept a closer eye on them so I would not have to give them an extra bath.”
Later that night, after everyone had dressed in their pajamas, Tom lit the fireplace in the parlor, while Mary made mugs of hot chocolate for everyone. She handed smaller mugs to each of her older four children. “Be careful, it is extremely hot,” Mary warned. She took a seat next to her husband and snuggled Charlotte against her chest. “I’ll feed her later tonight after the children are in bed,” she whispered, and he nodded in understanding.
Jenny and Alicia took large sips and placed their mugs on the coffee table, and James and Henry followed their older sisters’ lead. They all crawled onto the settee and into their parents’ laps, and Alicia said, “Papa, tell us a bedtime story.”
“A bedtime story? Well, the entire Parker family is by the fireplace. I don’t see why not,” said Tom, and he began to tell a story the children had heard many times.
“No, Papa, we want to hear a different story,” said Jenny.
“Something we have not heard before now,” said Alicia.
Tom thought long and hard, but smiled when a story came to mind. “Well, children, I am not going to tell you a Christmas story, because our story actually takes place on Twelfth Night in 1807.” Tom looked over at Mary, and she smiled and nodded her approval for him to continue before looking back down at a sleeping Charlotte in her arms. “I was at a Twelfth Night Ball with your Uncle Sidney, Uncle Arthur, and Aunt Diana in London—a ball similar to the one being held here in Sanditon that you all will attend when you are older. Well, Twelfth Night Balls have a lot of eating and drinking and dancing. It’s a wonderful celebration. It was about an hour into the ball when I went to get a second mug of wassail, and when I turned around, I tripped over my own two feet, and that wassail ended up on the dress of the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.”
“Who was she, Papa?” asked Jenny with wide eyes.
“She had the most beautiful blonde hair and the brightest green eyes and the angriest look on her face.” Tom looked over at Mary, whose cheeks were red with embarrassment, though she was chuckling as she recalled the moment she had first laid eyes on her husband; the movement caused Charlotte to shift against her mother’s chest as Mary rubbed her back soothingly. “This woman was so angry with me and explicitly told me I had just ruined the new dress she had acquired specifically for this ball.”
“What did you do, Papa?” asked Henry.
“I did what any gentleman would do. I attempted to make amends with her. I offered her a drink; I offered to escort her to her home so she could change dresses; I even offered to buy her a new dress. She did not accept any of my offers.”
“Did she stay angry?” asked James in his sentimental, higher-pitched voice.
“Right before the final dance of the night, this woman came over to me and said the only way I could make up my blunder to her was if I shared a dance with her.”
“Did you, Papa?” asked Alicia excitedly.
“I did, and she was very impressed with my waltzing skills. After the ball ended, I escorted her out to her carriage, and I asked if I could further make up for my mistake by taking her out to dinner. I formally introduced myself to her, and she introduced herself to me and gave me her information, and that was the moment I knew Mary Harrison was the woman I would marry one day.”
“But your name is Mary Parker, Mama,” said Jenny, looking up at her mother.
“Harrison was my surname before I married Papa. When I did, his last name became my last name,” Mary explained.
“Oh,” said Jenny.
“Come, children, it is time for bed,” Tom announced as he stood.
“But I am not tired,” said Henry, though his yawn told otherwise.
“If you all do not go to sleep, Father Christmas will not come,” said Mary, bouncing Charlotte in her arms a little. “Your father is right. It is time for bed.”
Tom and Mary tucked the children into bed, and Mary rocked Charlotte to sleep and placed her in her crib before going to the master bedchamber. She crawled under the duvet and threaded her arms through Tom’s. “I do not believe you have ever told the children about the night we met.”
Tom shrugged a little and said, “I know it can bring up…unpleasant memories for you because you were not looking for love that night.”
“Nonsense. God brought us together for a reason, and I do not regret one second of our life together. And without our love, we would not have our five wonderful children,” Mary comforted. She kissed his cheek and rubbed his arm. “Now, get some sleep. You know we will be hearing the pitter patter of eight little feet bright and early tomorrow morning.”
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As expected, Tom and Mary were woken up the following morning by four of their five children. “Mama, Papa, it’s Christmas!” they all shouted excitedly as they ran into the master bedroom and jumped up onto the bed.
Tom groaned as Mary chuckled, as Tom was not always the best morning person, but he sat up anyway and asked, “Is it really?”
The children giggled. “Yes, Papa,” said Alicia.
“It is 25 December,” said Henry.
“Oh, I suppose it is,” said Tom as if he hadn’t known, producing more giggles from the children. “Happy Christmas, children.”
“Happy Christmas, Papa. Happy Christmas, Mama,” they all said and hugged their parents.
“Go downstairs with Papa. He will have one of the servants cook breakfast, and then we can open gifts,” instructed Mary. The children nodded as they followed their father. Mary threw back the cover and walked down the hallway to the nursery, where baby Charlotte was just beginning to stir. “There’s Mummy’s girl,” Mary cooed as she lifted Charlotte into her arms. “Do you know what today is? Today is your very first Christmas, as I am sure you are already aware because your big brothers and sisters have probably interrupted your slumber.” Right as Mary was about to leave the room, she could not help but stumble upon Lottie’s cradle, which she had outgrown several months ago. Mary sighed sadly as she thought about how quickly her baby was growing. At this time last year, Mary had been heavily pregnant and supposedly a month away from giving birth, though Lottie had decided to make her appearance a few weeks early; now, her baby girl was almost one. “Let’s go enjoy the day.” Mary kissed the top of Charlotte’s head before descending the stairs.
Before long, the Parker’s parlor room had wrapping paper and ribbons thrown about as the children opened their new gifts. “All right, my dear,” Tom said as he held up Mary’s gift. It was too large to be jewelry, so Mary was a bit worried that Tom had spent too much money on an extravagant gift for her.
“Tom,” said Mary as she hesitantly took the present and unwrapped it. Once she removed the paper, it revealed a large clay rectangle with all of the children’s handprints. Underneath the handprints were the children’s signatures, though both James’s and Charlotte’s names were etched in Tom’s messy scrawl, as neither of the youngest two Parker children had had any penmanship lessons yet. “Tom,” she whispered with tears in her eyes.
“If you do not like it, I can still buy you a necklace or a bracelet,” Tom stuttered.
“I love it.” She kissed his cheek.
“And now, we have Lottie’s first Christmas present,” said Tom proudly, handing the gift to Mary, though she knew what it was. Mary unwrapped the rattle and shook it in front of Lottie, who sat wide-eyed in her mother’s lap and giggled as she reached out to grasp the new contraption making noise.
“Papa, tell us another story,” said Alicia.
“Yes, tell us about your first dinner with Mama,” said Jenny eagerly.
“Was it nice?” asked Henry.
Tom looked over at Mary, and she chuckled and nodded her head in agreement. “Was it nice?” Tom asked. “No, it was a disaster. This beautiful woman did not laugh at any of my jokes, we got lost on the way to the restaurant, and instead of spilling a drink on her dress, I spilt it on my own top.” All of the children laughed in amusement. “It was only when I revealed my plans to make a little fishing village where my family used to go on holiday into the best seaside resort in all of England did I finally gain her full attention. I told her about all of my siblings and how much fun we had together. I told her all of my plans to build hotels and shops and plazas. And I told her it would be a wonderful place to raise a family.”
“Sanditon!” all of the children shouted excitedly.
“Indeed,” affirmed Tom. “I escorted her back home, and I kissed her on the hand, and she gave me the beautiful smile that still makes me feel all happy inside to this day.”
“I hope I marry a man like Papa someday, Mama,” said Alicia.
Mary widened her eyes and forced a smile. She was having enough trouble adjusting to the children getting older, let alone the thought of them getting married and having children of their own. “Come, children, we have to get ready for church.”
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By the time the Parker family arrived at church, nearly everyone else had arrived. Arthur and Harry were toward the back, and Diana, who was visiting from London, was standing with them. “Happy Christmas, Tom, Mary.” Diana hugged them both.
“Happy Christmas, Diana,” said Tom.
“And my little niece is just so beautiful,” Diana acknowledged Lottie.
Just then, the Colbournes and Lady Susan all entered the church. “There’s my beautiful Goddaughter,” Charlotte cooed at Lottie, who giggled when Charlotte tickled her a little.
“We have one of our own, darling; I do not understand why you are always seeking out other people’s children,” said Xander in a light-hearted tone as he came over with Genevieve in his arms. Samuel, Lady Susan, Augusta, and Leonora followed behind him.
“Lottie will be a year old soon, won't she?” asked Diana.
“Yes, on 8 January,” Mary answered.
“Please, do not mention that fact,” said Tom.
“Why not?” asked Diana.
“Because whenever one of the children’s first birthday approaches, Mary comes down with this horrific disease known as baby fever,” said Tom, though he said it in a teasing tone.
Mary smiled softly and said, “As much as I would love another baby, unfortunately, I do believe that Charlotte will be our last.” She kissed the top of Lottie’s head.
“By the way, it turns out my dear brother and Lady Susan have exciting news.” Xander turned toward the couple.
“We are engaged,” said Lady Susan.
Tom and Mary smiled, though they were shocked. “Believe me, I was just as surprised as you both are,” said Xander.
“Congratulations to the both of you.” Tom shook Samuel’s hand, and Mary and Lady Susan embraced.
“Thank you, Mr. Parker. We appreciate it,” said Samuel.
“Will the wedding be in London?” asked Mary curiously.
“More than likely. But he only proposed a few weeks ago, so we do not have many details planned yet,” said Lady Susan.
“If everyone would please be seated?” called Reverend Hankins. The Parkers took their seats behind the Colbournes, with Georgiana, Otis, Diana, Arthur, and Lord Montrose behind them. Across the aisle, Lady Denham and Mr. Pryce sat in the front row, with Lord and Esther Babington and little George behind them. Edward was standing toward the front with Reverend Hankins.
After the service, everyone made their way back to Trafalgar House for Christmas dinner: roast beef, venison, and goose; mince pie; Christmas pudding; and gingerbread shortbread biscuits along with wine and wassail. After dinner, everyone gathered in the drawing room to socialize, sing Christmas carols, and enjoy the comradery. A few of the men plucked a berry from the kissing bough suspended in the doorframe and snuck a discrete kiss on the cheek with his significant other. “My dear.” Tom pulled Mary closer to him as he took a berry from the bough. “I believe this berry entitles me to one kiss.”
“Hmm. I wonder if there are any women who will volunteer to receive one from Mr. Thomas Parker.” Mary batted her eyelashes and smiled as Tom leaned down to kiss her cheek.
“Me too." Jenny, Henry, Alicia, and James all ran over to their parents and reached up for them.
“Well, I suppose we have enough love to go around.” Tom chuckled as he and his wife kissed all the children’s heads.
“Mr. Parker,” Lady Denham called as she marched over to him with a purpose, with Xander following close behind, “if I may have a word with you about the school that will be opening soon.”
Tom looked over at Mary, and she nodded for him to go with the pair. Lady Denham was the one person whom one did not want to be on her bad side. Mary strolled over to the settee and sat down next to Charlotte before placing Lottie on the floor next to Genevieve. “What time did you need us to meet you at Heyrick Park tomorrow before we go to the Old Town?” asked Mary.
“I would say about ten. That should give us plenty of time to get ready as well as the children ready, especially since the servants are being given the day off tomorrow,” said Charlotte. “Augusta is being quite generous agreeing to look after seven children ten and under.”
The two women heard noise at their feet, and they both glanced down to find Lottie pulling herself up with the coffee table. “Dada,” she said excitedly before she hesitantly took a step forward.
“Lottie,” said Mary with tears in her eyes. Her little girl was taking her first steps. “Tom?” Mary called to gain his attention.
Tom turned to the sound of his wife’s voice and noticed his toddler daughter wobbling in place before she took another unsteady step. Soon, everyone in the room had ceased their conversations to watch the youngest Parker accomplish a major milestone, and even people like Lady Denham and Edward cracked a smile. When Lottie could go no further without falling, Tom came over and scooped her into his arms. “That is Papa’s big girl,” he said proudly.
“Our earliest walker yet,” said Mary, taking Lottie from Tom. “All of the other children were over a year old. You really are big girl now, aren’t you?”
“I believe Lottie might have just given us the best present of all this year,” said Tom. “Happy Christmas, my dear Mary.”
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On Boxing Day, the Parkers and the Colbournes all gathered in the Old Town to help distribute supplies and assist them with choosing formal wear for the Twelfth Night Ball. “I cannot thank you all enough for your kindness. Most everyone here would not have anything to wear to the Twelfth Night Ball otherwise,” said Mrs. Filkins. “I also cannot thank you enough for setting up for your governess to watch Dora for the evening. And I know Eleanor appreciates Lottie’s old cradle. She was having difficulty finding an affordable one for the new baby,” said Mrs. Filkins, looking over at her expecting friend.
Mary nodded sadly. “Of course. It is no trouble at all. You have done so much for me in life; it is time for me to return the favor.”
“You very much will be once the school opens in a few more weeks,” said Mrs. Filkins. “Dora is looking forward to learning from Mrs. Colbourne. She very much enjoyed the reading lessons from her.”
“Well, if anyone is one of the best at educating children, it is my dear wife,” said Xander proudly.
“I know our children cannot wait to learn from Mrs. Colbourne,” said Tom.
“Oh, I did not realize your children will be attending the school as well,” said Mrs. Filkins.
“Leading by example. But only Alicia, Jenny, and Henry will be attending right now. James will start next year,” said Mary.
“I also know time will go by quickly and Lottie will be starting before you know it,” said Mrs. Filkins empathetically, looking over at Dora play with her new toys.
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On the evening of the Twelfth Night Ball, Tom paced the parlor while he waited for Mary to finish getting ready. Soon, he heard someone descending the stairs, so he turned to find his wife clad in a golden-red ballgown and complimentary white gloves. Her hair was styled in a braided bun, and her subtly applied makeup complimented her delicate facial features. “Mary,” Tom whispered softly as he walked over to her and took her hands in his, “you look as stunning as you did the first time I saw you fifteen years ago.”
“You look quite dashing yourself, Thomas Parker.” She smiled and squeezed his hands.
“And this time, I will be making sure your dress remains wassail free.”
“The night is young, my dear; do not make promises you cannot keep,” she joked as she went to inform the governess of their departure. They bid the children farewell for the time being, Tom helped Mary into the carriage, and soon, they were off to the ball. “We did not attend last year’s ball,” said Mary, resting her head on Tom’s shoulder.
“Well, considering the fact that Lottie was born three days later, I can understand why you were not up for celebrating.”
Mary smiled and looked up at him. “I know it is not the anniversary of our wedding, but it is the anniversary of the night we met. Happy anniversary, darling.”
The couple arrived, and the ball we just getting started, so they went around to eagerly greet their family and friends. “Mary,” Charlotte smiled and hugged her friend, “so glad you could make it to the ball this year.”
“Me as well. I was in no shape to attend last year, but I did miss it,” admitted Mary.
Tom looked across the room and noticed Mr. Pryce and Lady Denham. “I better go greet Mr. Pryce and Lady Denham. I received a harsh word from Lady Denham for not attending last year despite our extenuating circumstances.”
“Well, I would not want you to get into trouble this year.” Mary nodded her permission for Tom to go and talk to them.
“I actually also have to have a conversation with them and finalize a few plans for the school,” said Xander. Charlotte nodded, and Xander followed Tom across the room.
“We should go get some wassail. It is Twelfth Night Eve after all,” said Charlotte, and the two women went to obtain some.
“I actually met Tom at a Twelfth Night Ball in London,” said Mary reminiscently.
“Oh, well happy anniversary to you both,” said Charlotte brightly. “How many years have you been together?”
“Fifteen. We met on 5 January 1807.”
“Goodness, I was nine,” said Charlotte.
“I think he managed to meet me in the most Tom Parker way possible. He tripped and spilt wassail all over my dress.” Mary chuckled at the memory. “I was quite perturbed at the time, but we laugh about it now. I told him the only way he could make it up to me was if he would share a dance with me. Before the end of the ball, he asked me out to dinner, and against my better judgement at the time, I accepted.”
“You two seem made for each other though.” Charlotte took a sip of wassail.
“I know, and I realize that fact now, but…” Mary hesitated before she said, “Look, I have never told anyone this other than Tom, but I was engaged to another man once before I met Tom.”
“Really?” asked Charlotte in surprise.
Mary nodded sadly. “His name was William Barton. We met when I was your age at a ball in Bath where he lived. Of course, I lived in London at the time, but we wrote letters to each other and made visits to each other. Fourteen months later, he proposed, and I said yes.”
“So, what happened?” asked Charlotte hesitantly.
“A scarlet fever epidemic hit Bath. Will contracted it and did not survive.”
“Oh, Mary, I am so sorry,” said Charlotte, knowing exactly how Mary felt.
“I was devastated and heartbroken. I thought it was a sign from God I was never to be married, so I closed myself off to falling in love again. Believe me, I tried my hardest not to fall in love with Tom, because I was afraid something would happen to him the same way something happened to Will. But Tom’s love for life and jovial personality won my heart. That’s why I was older when we married. I was thirty-two.”
“Mary,” Charlotte took Mary’s hand, “thank you for telling me.”
Mary smiled sadly. “I mean, I do not want to make other people think that I do not love my life or Tom or the children, but you understand how I feel.”
“I do,” said Charlotte. “Sometimes, I wonder what life would have been like with Sidney, but then I look at Xander and Augusta and Leo and Genevieve and realize sometimes God knows best. I am sure you understand, because I know you love Tom and your children more than anything else in this world.”
“I do,” Mary agreed. “And I would not change my life for anything.”
“Ladies,” Tom and Xander came over to their wives and held out their hands, “shall we dance?” asked Tom.
Mary and Charlotte took Tom’s and Xander’s hands respectively, and the gentlemen led them out onto the dance floor. Mary looked around the room at all of the happy couples: Xander and Charlotte, Otis and Georgiana, Mr. Pryce and Lady Denham, Samuel and Lady Susan, and a few others. Mary sighed in contentment and laid her head on Tom’s shoulder as they waltzed in time with the music. “Is something the matter, my dear?” asked Tom worriedly as he squeezed her hand.
Mary looked up at her beloved husband and responded, “No, everything is perfect.”
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On 8 January, the Parkers held a small celebration at Trafalgar House for little Charlotte’s first birthday. It was not a huge celebration; the people in attendance included Xander, Charlotte, Augusta, Leo, and Genevieve; Arthur and Diana; Otis and Georgiana; and Samuel and Lady Susan before the last five returned to London.
“Happy birthday, my little angel,” said Mary as she kissed the top of Lottie’s head.
“My dear,” Tom called as he came over to her with Xander and Charlotte, “we have a special surprise for you.”
Mary furrowed her brow. “Really?”
“Do not worry, my dear; I hope you come to realize it is a good surprise,” said Tom elatedly.
Xander cleared his throat. “Well, Charlotte mentioned you have been feeling a bit morose due to the fact that your children are getting older.”
“Yes.” Mary nodded in agreement. Where were Tom and Xander going with this conversation?
“Well, I understand you might not have a lot of extra time on your hands with your younger children as well as your work in the Old Town, but I was talking to Xander, and Tom and Xander have been in discussions with Lady Denham, and they agree that with many children enrolling in the new school and the fact that there are some women in the Old Town expecting that a few years from now, we might need a teacher’s aide to help me and the other newly hired teachers out with certain tasks.”
Mary glanced between Tom, Charlotte, and Xander. “Do you mean me?” she asked.
“Who else would Charlotte mean, my dear?” asked Tom.
“I know many of the children would benefit from your wisdom and love of children,” said Charlotte, “but we also realize you have your responsibilities to your family as well as the Old Town, so it would only be for a day or two a week once James and Lottie begin school. But there is no one whom I would rather help educate the next generation of Sanditon residents than someone who is as passionate about Sanditon as you. Both of you.” Charlotte acknowledged Tom as well.
Mary shockingly looked up at her husband and asked, “Did you have something to do with this proposal?”
“I may have had a conversation with Charlotte and Xander when they approached me and Charlotte mentioned how you had been struggling with the idea of the children getting older and how you would not have as much to do other than your charity work with the Old Town residents,” said Tom. “And it will allow you to spend some more time with the children than you probably did beforehand.”
“Oh, Tom, thank you.” Mary reached up and hugged him. “You both as well.” She hugged Charlotte and nodded toward Xander.
“Unfortunately, since our children cannot remain young forever, I hope this offer makes you feel a little less sad about Lottie turning one.”
Mary looked down at her beautiful baby girl and said, “It does, but I know she will learn a lot from you one day.”
“I believe the children of Sanditon will learn a lot from the both of you,” said Xander.
“That they will,” said Tom.