SPOILERS Tom Parker's dream seems to have come true as the London socialites reassemble for Sanditon's first Midsummer Ball, while Stringer Junior prepares to leave for a London job as an apprentice architect. But, his father returns too soon to work and falls asleep, unable to prevent candles causing a major fire. Lady Denham is delighted to see her now-sole heir Esther finally engaged to Lord Babbington, but refuses to pay for repairs. So, Sidney buys Tom out by dumping Charlotte, who returns to her native village, and agreeing to a loveless marriage to Eliza Campion after all.
—KGF Vissers