He demonstrates this through simple but meaningful acts, like showing up to balls for the chance to see (and dance with) Charlotte. This is a man who will do anything to make his lady smile.

#3: Dancing with Charlotte even though he hates dancing. She adored her dad and would only want to have babies with someone she believed could inspire those same sentiments in his own child. It’s a good thing too Charlotte would never marry a man who didn’t cherish his role as a father. Colbourne resolves to turn his relationships around, and he does. When they meet, he’s in a dark place, convinced he failed his late wife and could never be a good father to Leo and Augusta. Colbourne back to life in season 2, a truth he acknowledges easily in season 3. #2: Working to become the father his children need. That’s no small thing in Regency England, when a love match was a “nice to have” rather than a requisite for marriage. The lady can have no doubt that she’s wanted, body and soul. Each time Xander has an opportunity to show Charlotte how much he desires her, he takes it, kissing her with naked lust. Unlike most Austen adaptations, Sanditon treats fans to multiple kisses between the heroine and hero. (Fair warning: This article contains spoilers for all of Sanditon, including the final 6 episodes of the period drama, airing now on PBS in the US.) #1: Kissing Charlotte with knee-weakening passion. Alexander “Xander” Colbourne prove he’s worthy of Charlotte-and make Heybourne shippers deliriously happy along the way? Let us count the ways… Colbourne showed Charlotte that he is her true soulmate. Evolving from a grumpy lord of the manor to a supportive life partner, Mr. Colbourne’s introduction in season 2, the show (inspired by an unfinished Austen manuscript) teased Charlotte’s second chance at love. Plus he, you know, got engaged to an heiress without so much as a heads-up. The guy lectured her regularly and didn’t seem to respect her as an equal. Sidney Parker in season 1 had sexy moments, sure, but it left me deeply unsettled. For Miss Charlotte Heyward, he is The One.īy the time Charlotte’s story concluded in Sanditon’s third season, I was fully convinced the series had given its heroine a Jane Austen-worthy arc. Colbourne couldn’t be a more perfect suitor. And yet for one particular lady in the seaside town of Sanditon, Mr. Many ladies would find his lack of interest in the art of courtship disappointing. He avoids dancing like the plague, struggles with self-worth, and prefers conversing about horses and dogs to discussing poetry. Alexander Colbourne isn’t as naturally suave as his romantic rivals.

Sanditon story