Arthur considered himself quite lucky to have received an invitation to Summerview Park when he had. While he wished Miss Lambe all the best with her suitor, to remain in Sanditon would be far too much to ask himself to bear. Returning to his father's house was out of the question and Diana's small household was only one of last resort. So Summerview it would be and though it had been less than half a day since his arrival early that morning, Arthur found himself thoroughly impressed with the house and its grounds. He told himself that he missed the seaside, of course, but good country air could be invigorating.
Whistling as he made his way across the green, gently sloping hills of the lawn, Arthur munched on a slice of well-toasted and buttered bread. He'd arrived too late for luncheon and hadn't eaten much of breakfast before the carriage ride from his brother's home, not wanting to put Mary out more than he already had. As he neared a row of fruit trees, his eyes widened in delight at spying plump and ripened plums hanging heavy. Nobody would miss one or two, he reasoned, looking for any protective gardeners. Seeing none, he pulled off his coat and rolled up his sleeves. He wasn't an expert in climbing trees, but it couldn't be that hard. Surely.
Arthur was quickly proven wrong, however, when he landed soldily on his back, air knocked out of his lungs, but a trio of perfect and unblemished plums cradled against his chest. Just enough to hold him until dinner.
–––––––––––
The sounds of the piano forte and incessant small talk were enough to drive Sidney mad as the bright sun shone through the windows and onto the spread of food before him. Most of the guests at Summerview were kind enough, and some even enjoyed playing vingt-et-une with him, but for whatever reason at this moment they were suffocating. And so, finishing his lunch, Sidney thanked those at the table for the conversation and quickly made his way out of doors and onto the property – his favorite place in all of the estate. Riding, walking, whatever it might be, this was where he could find solace.
While it had been quite warm the last few days, this day there was a refreshing breeze and he welcomed it as he traversed through the long grasses toward the tree stand for shade. He often found fruit there if hungry, but most importantly it was where he could sit quietly and listen to the sounds around him as he collected his thoughts. Most of which were on Miss Heywood as of late, though he would likely not admit it.
As Sidney approached the trees he saw ripe plums hanging from their branches and he smiled. Lunch had been fine enough, but nothing matched a piece of fresh fruit. Just as he reached a hand out to pluck one he heard the snap of a branch above him and his gaze shot up expecting to see some kind of creature. Instead he watched none other than his youngest brother fall out of the tree and flat on his back there on the ground before him.
“My god, Arthur?” It came out more as a statement of shock than a question, but he quickly recovered and leant down to offer his brother a hand up.
–––––––––––
"Hullo, Sidney!" Arthur's bright tone matched his smile as he looked up at his brother leaning over him. He offered up one of his prizes, utterly unconcerned with his gracelessness. Like one fell out of trees every day. "Plum?"
Looking down at himself, Arthur was glad to see that his shirt remained intact without any pulls or tears. It saved him the effort of having to see to it mended. He didn't even know how one did that. His sister, then his brother's wife, had always seen to those details. His clothes just always arrived clean and pressed, mended if needed. He had only last gone to the tailor's because Miss Lambe had insisted he needed a new coat.
"Fancy seeing you here!" How fortuitous that the first person he came across was his brother. It would make familiarizing himself with the house and grounds so much easier! Though Arthur rarely found it hard to make new acquaintances these days, he owed it to the Parker name in Sanditon rather than any special quality. "Tell me, are you enjoying yourself?" ,br>
–––––––––––
It was quite obvious anyone could come to Summerview if they were given an invitation, so it wasn’t out of the question for Arthur to be here, but he acted as though this were like any other day and Sidney felt his brow furrow. Grabbing the plum in one hand and his younger brother’s arm in the other Sidney yanked Arthur up off the ground. “Thank you,” he said as an afterthought, taking a bite of the plum. It was good.
He tsked and looked off over his shoulder in an attempt to calm himself, then turning back to Arthur gave a somewhat forced smile. “Enjoying myself. Yes, I suppose–” he started, but then shook his head, a hand moving to rest on his hip, “–Arthur what are you doing here? Why on earth didn’t you write?” Tom needed him in Sanditon, didn’t he? Unless…
“Is Tom alright? The laborers–” he started, but stopped himself before he said too much. Of course Arthur would know about the financial dealings of Tom, but it always felt inappropriate to say it aloud, even if Tom wasn’t there.
–––––––––––
"Tom?" Arthur echoed as he got back to his feet, dusting the dirt off his breeches. There was one small stain, but barely noticeable "Tom is fine. Focused on expanding Sanditon as ever." Had barely recognized why Arthur had felt the need to leave but had agreed that the monetary boon from marriage would more than makeup for Arthur's absence.
He forced himself to stand still and not fidget under his brother's stern gaze like he was a boy of ten and four rather than a man ten years older. He had done nothing wrong save trusting the wrong branch to bear his weight. "He thought it was wise for me to accept our hostess' invitation. Have you met her? I would very much like to thank her for her hospitality." And if the fortune were large enough, perhaps she would want to invest some of it in Sandition. The town was growing every month.
"I apologize for not writing." For he did not think Sidney would much care to hear from him. "For everything happened so suddenly there simply wasn't time. And you know I am not the most reliable correspondent."
–––––––––––
Sidney couldn’t help the small sigh of relief then as Arthur reassured him that yes, Tom and Sanditon were in order. It wasn’t his dream to be realized, but Sidney did feel responsible for helping Tom achieve whatever measure of success he was aiming toward. Likely a leftover motivation from Parker Senior, but Sidney did his best to not think of that. “Good, that’s good,” he finally said, his tone more appraising than pleased.
“Met her?” he came back to the present as Arthur asked after their hostess and again Sidney’s brow furrowed, though this time in thought and not frustration. “No, in fact, I haven’t. She is–” he paused, choosing his words, “–less a hostess and more a puppeteer if I can be honest.” He softened then and offered Arthur a smile, a genuine one, and placed a hand on his younger brother’s shoulder, “I am glad to see you, and as far as Whistledown goes you can be sure she’ll find you when she wants to.”
Waving a hand he tsked again and motioned for Arthur to follow him, taking another bite of the plum before chucking it off into the brush. “No need for apologies, brother. You’re here now. Have you been to the estate yet or just–” he looked back at the fruit trees, then at Arthur, “–out and about?” he asked with a small grin.
–––––––––––
Finishing his remaining two plums faster than Sidney finished his one, Arthur always did have an appetite, he followed his brother's example in disposing of the pits. Meanwhile, he thought about what Sidney said about their hostess. Puppeteer did not sound very pleasing, but given how Arthur often found himself moving at another's direction, it wasn't a particularly unique situation. Of course, Sidney must find it difficult. He was always so sure of himself and what he would do.
"I am newly arrived, just after lunch I was informed. After a long carriage ride, I thought it best to stretch my legs and here I am." He shrugged and gestured at the plum tree now behind them. The weather was too warm for him to don his coat again, so he simply folded it over his arm and fell about half a stride behind his brother, which was fairly typical. "The servants were quite accommodating."
An unseen hostess would pose a problem. He would not mention that fact in any letters to Tom. He didn't think their brother would appreciate that type of news. He was always looking for other sources of revenue. Although Arthur never wanted to be like one of those cads who chased after Miss Lambe, he would have to seek out a potential wife with a sizable dowry. Or at least family connections. The thought made him sigh audibly. Even away from Sandition, he could not escape the witty, clever, and ever so capable Miss Lambe. Not even in his thoughts.
–––––––––––
Sidney caught Arthur falling behind just the slightest bit out of the corner of his eye and he slowed a touch to keep pace with him. Curiously, his youngest brother always seemed to walk a few steps behind him, and on purpose at that. He loved Arthur, of course he did, but he wished he’d take a little initiative and speak up for himself more. Be assertive. How likely that was, Sidney did not know, but perhaps now out of Diana’s watchful eye Arthur could push himself.
“Yes, I’ve found so too,” he replied matter-of-factly on the servants and gave a curt nod, “I’m sure you’ll find everything just to your liking.” Somehow, with her mysterious ways, Lady Whistledown had set up each resident’s room perfectly, with their things as they liked them, and he was sure Arthur would enjoy a bit of independence.
And then he caught the sigh, a bit droll for Arthur, and Sidney turned to look at his younger brother. “Alright?” he asked simply, and despite it being a one word question there was a weight and sincerity to it. He knew Summerview was quite an adjustment from Sanditon, might it be that Arthur was missing home already? “I know it is a bit…peculiar here, but I’m sure you’ll settle in. I can already think of a few people I can introduce you to, you’d get on well,” he offered, the small smile lingering a bit longer, hoping it conveyed his authenticity.
–––––––––––
The younger's eyes widened at the question. He had not expected such a response. Certainly Tom would have ignored it completely and Diana's first instinct would include clutching at her throat with the absolute certainty that something was dreadfully wrong with his health. This was Sidney, however, perhaps the most astute and clever of all the Parkers. Surely, he would disapprove of Arthur's feelings where it concerned Miss Lambe. "Yes, of course!" Arthur said brightly. "I was just thinking about what would happen if I had to mend my clothes. Do you think a servant might be of assistance?"
That had not been what he had been thinking of at that exact moment, but it had been a concern and just the sort of idle thought expected of him. Perhaps if he mentioned food as well? Though he knew how others lamented how he thought with his stomach first. So he latched onto the other topic that seemed safest.
"Tell me of the people here and all who you have met. I think I would like your friends." Though he had mixed feelings on Babington and Crowe, Arthur knew he could make the best of any situation.
–––––––––––
Yes, the siblings Parker were together an assortment of problems – who wasn’t – however this posed an interesting situation for both Sidney and Arthur. The absence of the elder two was distinctly felt. No Tom to micromanage them, running a million miles a minute, thinking only of financial advantages in all situations. And no Diana to fuss over the both of them, with twenty questions and inquiries and wringing hands. It was now seemingly unfeeling Sidney and bumbling Arthur. Though they were both so much more than what most boiled them down to.
Narrowing his eyes a bit, Sidney did not believe Arthur in the slightest, but did not pry. At least not right then and instead nodded, “Yes. Not to worry. Much as at home you can leave them out for the staff and they’ll have them fixed and laundered for you anytime you like.” He offered another small smile, but noted that he should ask after him again another time. Perhaps after a bit of port.
That got a laugh out of Sidney and he shook his head, “Though I do miss Babs and Crowe, I do think they would go mad here.” And probably for the best for everyone else, at least regarding Crowe. He did miss Babington’s even-keeled manner and level-headedness, but he knew he would see them again soon. “No, no. The people here are of various sorts. Lovely ladies of course, but several gents in particular I think you’d get on with. The Bridgerton fellows. They seem to enjoy a rousing game of cards and a good plate of food.” He hadn’t himself been able to find much time with them, but now that Arthur was here he thought it a brilliant idea. “I’m sure we’ll see them upon our return,” he said with a grin, “Hope you’re up for losing a bit of your pocket change.”
–––––––––––
Sidney was doing an awful lot of smiling. Arthur was tempted to turn around to see if their nieces and nephews had followed him into the carriage without his realizing. But he wasn't quite oblivious to not discovering stowaways for an entire journey. He almost asked his brother about the cause, but he did not wish to make the man uncomfortable. Maybe it was the fine country air. It was possible that getting away from Sanditon was exactly what Sidney needed. Which meant there was some hope for Arthur himself.
Ladies. Arthur should ask after the ladies, but that made him feel like a cad or fortune hunter. This was why Tom was sometimes unsuccessful in his endeavors. He only saw the colors black, red, and gold rather than the entirely wonderful rainbow. Arthur had tried telling his elder brother this on more than one occasion, only to find his comments dismissed. It was easier to wait to be called into his brother's service than to intercede.
"What pocket change?" Their father had never been known for his generosity and Arthur's allowance had been reduced when he'd moved out of Diana's home in London to Sandition three years ago. Tom had given him a small wage when his brother could afford it, but it did little to make up the difference. Arthur often turned around and spent money on his nieces and nephews. He could add to his bank accounts in the gambling halls, but he had never wanted to become too familiar a face. Gambling could lead to far too many problems if one becomes reliant. "I don't suppose they play for pennies rather than pounds."
–––––––––––
In a word, yes. Getting away from Sanditon was exactly what Sidney had needed, and had Arthur asked he would have told his younger brother it would be good for him too.
Looking over at Arthur he gave him a short laugh and a reassuring pat on the shoulder, “I wouldn’t worry yourself about it. These people are from all walks of life and the stakes are never too high.” And it was true. It had been quite wonderful to be among those who weren’t concerned with societal pressures or standing, eye-opening to be certain.
That line of reasoning led him to think for a moment on Charlotte. “You know, Miss Heywood is here. And her younger sister, Miss Alison Heywood. So, see? Friends already,” he hoped that would make Arthur feel better, encourage him to perhaps explore outside the limitations of home and expectations of their eldest siblings.
–––––––––––
"Miss Heywood, you say?" For a moment, Arther's grin almost turned teasing. He knew exactly how his brother could be regarding the elder Heywood girl. It wasn't often that someone put his brother on his back foot, but it was always enjoyable to watch. The fact that she was vastly preferable to Miss Campion went without saying. Arthur doubted he would ever be able to forgive the woman who lay at the root of what had taken Sidney away from the family for the better part of a decade. "Then I am glad to know there are friends here already!"
He was not particularly concerned about making friends. Comfort could be found in almost any situation if you just tried hard enough. "So we have talked of our accommodating, if mysterious hostess and the fellow guests, but is there anything else I should know before I embark into the great unknown?"
Arther had to stop himself from throwing an arm over Sidney's shoulders. Never mind their height difference would make it a tad uncomfortable, but they were never quite that close for such a familiar action. Antigua might have offered Sidney the opportunity to make his fortune, but it had robbed Arthur of his brother.
–––––––––––
Sidney caught the look in Arthur’s eye and he almost protested, but bit it back and instead smiled stupidly at the ground, a poor attempt at concealing it. “Yes, Miss Heywood,” was all he replied back, looking back up at his brother with a raised brow as if to challenge him to ask further, still smiling all the while, “And I’m sure she’ll be just as pleased to see you.”
A thoughtful look overcame him then, and he wondered where to begin. His brow furrowed as he remembered the duel, the ghosts others had seen, the magic that their hostess possessed, and he let out a small sigh. “This place is…not like home,” he said. “It is quite peculiar. Some have seen ghosts, we were transported to a place not unlike Sanditon for a week’s time, and–” he paused, unsure if he should tell his brother about what had happened with Mister Stringer, but felt compelled to go on, “–and I lost in a duel and lived to tell the tale.” Just enough, but not so much that it felt as grim as it had that day.
“There is something afoot here that none of us has control over and while it is a bit unsteadying at first, I’m finding that one gets accustomed to it,” he mused, hoping he hadn’t scared Arthur too much with everything. Wanting to reassure him he added, “And the balls and events are unmatched, the best food, the best drink, everything is tops.”
–––––––––––
"A duel, Sidney?" Arthur asked, incredulous. While he was quite glad that his brother had survived the encounter, but even he had to question how wise a decision it had been to duel in the first place.
The rest of the matters mentioned he could wave off as some lark. If one got accustomed to the unexplainable, he would not think too hard on the matter. "It all sounds like an excellent adventure to be had."
And in regards to food and drink, while Arthur tried not to overindulge in either these days, but to not worry about the expense of it all, that perhaps might be the biggest change from home. He had always been aware of the cost of things, though he'd never been given the skills to manage his money. He'd only learned what not to do by watching Tom.
"Well, you know me, I will never turn down a well laid table or a good meal. Though I cannot say I am prepared for any balls. I shall try my best to not step on any lady's toes."
–––––––––––
He felt heat rising in his cheeks, not from the sun, but rather embarrassment thinking back on the foolish things he’d done during his short time at Summerview. Though it had been out of his control to proclaim his feelings for Charlotte in the middle of the gentlemen’s parlor, it had been poor timing with the release of the Papers and Stringer had done what any decent man would have – defended Charlotte. In hindsight this all made sense to Sidney, but in that moment it had been a heated exchange. The two of them were lucky it hadn’t come to blows before Stringer challenged him.
Clearing his throat he gave a very brief, forced smile and curt nod, “Yes, well, not my proudest moment I will admit. As I said before, this place holds secrets and things we cannot even begin to understand.” He chuckled at Arthur’s next comment, though a tinge dark, and raised his brow, “Yes, adventure indeed. Just watch your step and I will do my best to watch for you.” And that last bit was true, Sidney would not let Arthur repeat any of the mistakes he had made.
Giving his youngest brother a skeptical look, he stopped walking for a brief moment. “Upon my word, you may very well be the life of the party anytime I have attended a ball with you, brother. Come, stepping on toes or not, you will have a wonderful time I am sure of it.” They finally approached the outer gates of the estate and Sidney gestured to the grand architecture and accompanying gardens. “Well, Arthur, welcome to Summerview,” he said, clapping him on the back.