Posted on: 2012-10-02
It was the Tuesday immediately following the engagement of Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth; the announcement was in the newspaper that day. It therefore fell to that evening's fortunate theatregoers to witness the couple together for the first time.
It was somewhat of a shock to the well-to-do of Bath to read that Anne Elliot had spurned her eligible cousin and heir to her father's title in favor of an unknown yet successful gentleman of the Navy. Why she had done so would keep card tables and tours around the Pump Room occupied for days.
As the crowd grew that evening two carriages pulled to the front of the theatre. A gentleman, handsome but not quite dressed in the latest fashion, stopped his pacing and quickly made his way to the first carriage. He first handed out Lady Russell and then Anne Elliot. As she reached the ground he pulled her hand into his arm and held it close. She beamed. Later some would swear that Lady Russell looked slightly uneasy, but she soon masked it with approval as she took the Captain's other arm.
From the second carriage spilled Charles Musgrove, his wife Mary, his mother, and his sister Henrietta. Henrietta briefly stood in awe of the surroundings before being hurried along by her sister-in-law.
As they made their way through the crowd Anne greeted acquaintances and those who claimed to be acquaintances of her father. Throughout the ordeal the Captain and his betrothed knew they were being inspected by almost every person within eyesight. If they found it taxing they did not show it. She, adorned in a simple blue gown and pearls, looked resplendent; he could not wipe the smile from his face if he tried. Indeed, he secretly wished William Walter Elliot would visit the theatre that night.
Eventually victory was won and the couple could relax in the box Charles had acquired. Whether the Captain held Anne's hand throughout the first act let us not inquire.
The intermission came and the need to walk trumped the desire for privacy. Therefore more acquaintances were greeted and more probing questions deflected, particularly questions regarding William Elliot. Separated from them, Lady Russell was overheard saying, "He is a fine gentleman and will more than provide for my goddaughter."
The second act mercifully came near and was enjoyed by all. As the patrons left the theatre Captain Wentworth was spotted whispering into his betrothed's ear, eliciting laughter. He led her and Lady Russell to their carriage before leaving with a couple soon identified as Admiral and Mrs. Croft, his brother-in-law and sister.
In the days that followed those inclined to gossip dissected every tidbit that involved Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth. Their walks about town, whether they were to the Pump Room or, heaven forbid, Westgate Buildings, were noticed by many. Others noted that William Elliot seemed to disappear, and soon rumors began to swirl that Mrs. Clay, the good friend of Elizabeth Elliot, left with him. But it was not long before Sir Walter received compliments on the excellent match between his daughter and his future son-in-law, and how fortunate he was to receive into his family a man of such accomplishment and potential. After some surprise he received the compliments with aplomb and expressed his desire that his eldest daughter would meet a suitor as excellent as the Captain. Whether that happened should not be inquired.