The series 2 finale comes full circle in that it opened with the blood stained sheets of Sidney's bed being removed and this opens with his trunk of belongings coming home. Wherein lies a letter for Tom (Kris Marshall) about the interloper in Georgiana's (Crystal Clarke) life vying for her fortune. Clearly this letter was meant to have been sent out warning the Parker's of who was after her wealth and challenging her to her fortune. Though he obviously didn't get round to send it down. Tom takes Sidney's cygnet ring and Arthur (Turlough Convery) his hip flask as momentos of his memory. As well as Sidney's playing cards as Tom couldn't win him at Vingt-et-Un. This will prove to be handy towards the end of the episode when matters are resolved with Lennox (Tom Weston-Jones). Tom at Arthur's behest challenges Lennox to a game of Vingt-et-Un and uses his £100 debt as well as the amount owed to the shopkeepers. In a turn of events Tom finally wins, using Sidney's cards. Could his luck be turning with his two brother's good fortune shining on him. Or will he falter and make more mistakes next series as he intends to further the fate of Sanditon.
Sidney's letter also states that Tom shouldn't feel guilty for his part in his having to marry someone he didn't love to save him from debt. Thus obviously we don't really get to see much of any guilt or regret on Tom's part, or even having taken away his brother's and Charlotte's (Rose Williams) happiness. As for the guilt well he'll feel that way now especially Sidney not being here contributed to his death. Though largely they will attribute that burden to Georgiana's suitor. Who is revealed to be Charles (Alexander Vlahos) as I was saying since episode 2. Anyhow Sidney also encourages his brother to take risks much like Arthur does and says. As life is for taking risks. Warning he is without scruples and will stop at nothing to steal her inheritance. Sending shockwaves through the Parker's. This as Georgiana packs in readiness to escape with him.
The Parker's arrive in the nick and save her from this fate. As they warn of Charles, who is really her father's nephew, who would stop at nothing including using the most vilest racism to extol her right to inherit. He failed in his lawsuit due to Sidney. Charles tries to convince her to leave in a last ditched attempt by using the excuse of failing to see what she was really like until now. How worthy she is and begs her to leave them behind. She however wakes up to his gormless charms and refuses to go. How could she trust him anyway. He said the same thing when he wanted to paint her by saying he wants to see her true worth and what makes her tick. That was a lie, but hoping she would believe he was sincere. Arthur telling him that they are honest and sincere even though Charles calls them "preposterous."
With a cue to series 3 Mary (Kate Ashfield) tells her that Sidney found out Georgiana's mother's still alive and was searching for her five years ago. She gives Georgiana her mother's necklace. Obviously forming an integral story. Georgiana proposes to Arthur (I must've missed that). However he's resigned to the resolve that he's not for marriage but they will remain true and firm friends. But he is genuinely sorry that he introduced her to Charles and put so much misguided faith in him.
Esther (Charlotte Spencer) is finally revealed as sane as just as Dr Fuchs says she can't be helped. Clara (Lucy Sacofsky) reveals Edward's (Jack Fox) actions and true intentions, showing them the laudanum he's been using and confesses she can't go through with his plan. As she smashes the glass and Esther doesn't want Lady Denham (Anne Reid) to punish her as she's Edward's victim too. Clara realizes she can't be a mother to George and hands him over to Esther as he'll be in good hands. As for Edward's punishment Lady Denham says the army will be a greater punishment for him or rather she will have to think one up. He decided he'd rather face the army instead. But Lennox strips him of his stripes and he returns to mete his punishment. Which will be slow and painful. Like he cares, he'll have a roof over his head at least and food in his belly.
Alison (Rosie Graham) realizes her true love for Fraser (Frank Blake) but fears she's too late as the company have departed for India. Before leaving, he left a gift for her with the Parker's. Telling her not to open it until he's gone. But on Georgiana's and Charlotte's advice she opens it and finds a flower on the page of one of his poems. Charlotte says he loves her and that's his gesture showing this. However he's at the house as he resigned his commission. They marry in true Jane Austen style. Or rather Jane and Mr Bingley and Lizze and Mr Darcy style in Pride and Prejudice.
Charlotte however doesn't have the same good fortune as Colbourne (Alex Lloyd-Hughes) wants her to not breathe a word of what they spoke to anyone. Which she already blabbed to Georgina and Alison. Her hopes being dashed after that kiss. Seems Colbourne is indifferent to his feelings for Charlotte and once again she's left broken hearted. As Leo (Flora Mitchell) runs away. They find her at the camp as she asks Lennox if he's her father. Of course he says no as the only decent thing he's done in his life to save her from heartbreak. What sort of father would he make. Just like Clara wouldn't make a good mother in her words. Colbourne is relieved he didn't tell her as Lennox tells him he's her father. Also saying that he's not worthy of Charlotte's love as he'll do the same thing to her as he did to Lucy.
Thus his turn of heart and events as he rejects Charlotte. In a scene akin to Pride and Prejudice where Lizzie objects to Darcy's first proposal. As she told Augusta (Eloise Webb) she also tells him of her own anguish and loss of love. That he's been though the same and it's time he got over it, as she has done and start over. He only has excuses and nothing else as like Tom, he's not even willing to risk it and see how things work out. He also apologizes twice for taking advantage of her as her employer (wouldn't catch Rochester doing that to Jane Eyre!) Of course it's his not-so subtle way of pushing her away especially after what Lennox told him. He must be contemptuously flawed in his personality and character to take anything Lennox says at face value. Considering Lennox is no judge of character at all himself and hardly a pillar of society after his actions with Lucy. That was a let down. Charlotte has had enough of being taken for granted by yet another man who can't follow through on his feelings. So she actually says "enough!" As he leaves. Not a very impromptu Darcy moment.
Mrs Wheatley tells him he'll regret this but obviously that'll have to wait for now. As Colbourne packs up house and picks up sticks taking Leo and Augusta away with him. Can't show his face in Sanditon anymore but wasn't he aware Charlotte wouldn't be staying here anyway. As she introduces her fiance, Ralph to the Parker's, two months on. Of course before leaving he makes a last ditch attempt based on Augusta's pleas to being Charlotte back for them, having fired her. She refuses since she says they did take advantage of the situation and overstepped the line. It shouldn't have happened. So just doing what her father wanted in marrying Ralph. Also she appears to have taken a leaf from Sidney's playbook in marrying not for love but convenience. In his case monetary and in her case having someone as safe as Ralph; at least she won't get her heart broken.
Bring on series 3!
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