Sidney Parker entered his brother’s house and looked around. “Tom,” he called, “Where’s Miss Heywood?”

“She’s gone,” Tom Parker replied. “I sent her away.”

“Why?”

“Word has got out she spent the night alone with you in your coach. I cannot afford to upset society by any such behaviour, or they will shun Sanditon as they must shun Miss Heywood.”

Sidney’s brow darkened. “How did the news get out? Was it you?”

“Of course not. It must have been the servants.”

“What servants?”

“You know,” Tom waved his arm vaguely, “Servants.”

“I’m going for a swim. That will change everything.”