The Parkers struggle to organize their ball due to Colonel Lennox’s refusal to pay the shops’ debts in Season 2 Episode 5 of the period drama TV series ‘Sanditon.’ Alexander tries to make amends with Charlotte following the events of Lady Denham’s garden party, while Captain Fraser tries to persuade Alison not to leave town. At the Denham estate, Edward’s heinous machinations intensify as he leaves no stone unturned in his quest to exact revenge on Esther.

Georgiana, on the other hand, becomes increasingly attracted to Charles, and disputes erupt between Tom and Mary. All of this leads to difficult conditions at the Parkers’ ball, when Charlotte must choose between her two suitors. We’re sure you’re eager to learn about the unexpected climax of ‘Sanditon’ season 2 episode 5. So, after a brief review of the events that led up to it, let’s get to it, shall we? WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD.

Recap of Sanditon Season 2 Episode 5

The Parkers are in a pickle when the merchants refuse to furnish supplies for their upcoming ball due to the battalion’s outstanding bills, as the episode opens. Tom eventually admits to Arthur and Mary that Colonel Lennox has caught him in gambling debt, leaving them dissatisfied with him. Alison, upset, chooses to return home, but Charlotte tells her not to give up on love. Meanwhile, Georgiana meets Charles, and romance blossoms between them, much to Mary’s chagrin.

Elsewhere, Edward replaces Esther’s medicine with poison, which does not kill her but causes her to have hysterical episodes and lose her sanity. When Charlotte arrives at work, she discovers Augusta distressed about not being permitted to attend the ball and attempts to persuade Alexander to let her go. He tries to apologize to her for his previous outburst at Lady Denham’s party at first, but they eventually reconcile.

Meanwhile, Captain Fraser contacts Alison and attempts to make apologies for Captain Carter’s behavior. She finds he is not as harsh as he appears to be, and they begin to bond. Lady Denham informs Mary that Colonel Lennox and his men have previously duped people in other towns, which causes her concern. Fortunately, Arthur’s benevolence persuades the shopkeepers, and the ball is organized at the last minute.

Georgiana and Alison try to persuade Charlotte to give Colonel Lennox a chance because they believe he is more appropriate than Alexander. Later, at the ball, Alison confronts Captain Carter and responds appropriately before dancing with Captain Lennox. Unfortunately, Esther’s failing health causes her to cause an inadvertent disturbance at the ball, upsetting Lady Denham. Edward then successfully persuades his aunt that Esther’s family has a history of mental illness and that she may be on the same path.

This, combined with the lack of communication from Lord Babington, leads Lady Denham to question Esther’s suitability as her heir. Despite Clara’s efforts, Edward refuses to budge and swears his vengeance on his step-sister, who begins to lose all hope. Furthermore, Charles informs Georgiana that he is departing for Europe the next day and invites her to elope with him, putting her in a difficult position.

Ending of Sanditon Season 2 Episode 5: Who will Charlotte select, Colonel Lennox or Alexander?

Colonel Lennox resolves to win over Charlotte at whatever cost after learning that Alexander likes her at the garden party. He approaches her after their ball dance, but she ignores him and walks away. When Alexander and Augusta arrive unexpectedly, Charlotte is pleasantly delighted, and she persuades him to dance. Colonel Lennox becomes angry when he notices their proximity and decides to take a different strategy.

After that, Charlotte tries to indicate to Alison and Georgiana that she prefers Alexander when Colonel Lennox appears and requests to talk with her privately. He then expresses his affections for her and asks her to marry him, but she declines and explains that she does not want to marry anyone. She also claims that she does not return his love, but he refuses to back down and insists on her agreement.

Colonel Lennox tries to kiss Charlotte despite her vehement rejection and then threatens her with his rank. Fortunately, Alexander arrives and guides an obviously shaken Charlotte away. She then begs him to tell her the truth about his past, and she tells her everything Colonel Lennox stated about him earlier. Alexander, overcome by his feelings for her, takes her home and opens up about his painful past. Charlotte consoles him and they kiss tenderly, expressing their hidden love for each other.

What became of Lucy Colbourne?

When Charlotte tells Alexander about Colonel Lennox’s story about Lucy, he is enraged and tells her the truth about his late wife. Lucy and Alexander married at a young age, and she desired to remain in London’s elite. However, because he was a recluse, he left her there for the social season and returned to Sanditon. Due to the distance, the pair became estranged, but when Alexander learned that his wife was in difficulty, he raced to meet her.

Lucy told Alexander about her adulterous romance with Captain Lennox (later Colonel), whom she met after her husband left. As a result of the affair, she became pregnant and was abandoned by her lover, who left for another posting. Despite his wife’s infidelity, Alexander accepted her and the kid. Lucy was overwhelmed by guilt after giving birth to a baby girl called Leonora, and her life appeared to end tragically as a result. Charlotte consoles a bereaved Alexander and praises his chivalry after learning that Leonora is Colonel Lennox’s daughter and how selfish he truly is. Unfortunately, the small girl overhears the dialogue and flees in distress.