Section I, Next Section
Not part of the story
This is the first chapter of a Persuasion-based story. Anne Elliot is a renowned gynaecologist, but not very happy in her domestic life.
Enjoy!
Well, it would be all for the best. Anne sighed as she packed her last books. She was moving out, finally moving out.
It was not that she didn't like the prospect of being on her own. She had always been perfectly capable of entertaining herself, and her hobbies were abundant. If only... Well, she would have loved to leave on better terms with her dad and Elsa. Somehow they never seemed to get along. She always hoped for a change, and thought that if she helped as much as she could, were as useful as possible, took things out of their hands to make life more agreeable for them, that then, they might notice her, value her. But somehow they never did.
Myra loved her, she knew that. But that was a kind of childish love, an absorbing, consuming love, in which there was hardly any space to breathe for Anne. And she so desperately needed a place to rest, where she was not expected to run around the moment that she showed her face.
And then, there always seemed to linger some jealousy around Myra when Charlie was around. He had married Myra four years ago, but it was common knowledge that he had been trying to date Anne first. He had fancied Anne for some years, until he finally understood she would never love him back the way he hoped.
Myra had been after Charlie Musgrove since she was seventeen, and their union seemed only natural. Yet, when Anne visited her younger sister some tension was inevitable. Although Anne sincerely wished them all happiness, she couldn't help but wonder why Charlie married Myra.
Anne and Myra had barely a thing in common, in looks nor character.
Anne was delicate and pretty, though her eyes reflected some melancholy very often, which made them seem almost unnaturally large, and when she had this sadness about her, all flashing sparkles that used to dwell in her hazel eyes, were gone.
Myra was a little inelegant, not as slim as Anne, and shorter. Her skin wasn't as smooth as her sister's, and she did not have the same understanding and quickness of mind, nor the same sweetness that Anne possessed. On the other hand, she didn't share Anne's tendency to melancholy. No, more often she was downright grumpy.
Charlie and Myra had been quite hasty with children. Their eldest, Leonard (named after Myra's favourite actor Leonardo di Caprio), was almost four, and Colin (right, named after Colin Firth) was two and a half. They were nice boys, but their mum hadn't proved to be quite ready for motherhood yet. She complained daily about all pleasures she must forego, being confined with the children. Myra had a huge capacity of feeling sorry for herself.
Thus Anne, being a loving aunt and feeling responsible for the whole wide world, including even the fate of fireflies in the forests of Peru, came to her nephews quite often, trying to lessen Myra's chagrin and to share some of her happy memories of her own dear mother with Leonard and Colin.
Oh, how Anne missed her mum. She wondered if the pain would ever fade. Maybe, if the rest of her family had been more like her, the loss would have been more bearable. But they were so different, their goals in life were worlds apart, their views of things quite opposite.
Their value for rank, for example. What did it mean these days, to be a baronet? When the mansion in which the Elliots had always resided actually was too expensive to keep, when the riches of their fortune had worn out, their servants could hardly be paid their wages, then what did the family coat of arms mean? Nothing, to Anne. But still the world to her father and sisters.
It was a bit funny that Anne, who cared the least for money, had by far the best income. She had never been comfortable relying on sources that hadn't cost her any trouble, so being blessed with good intelligence she had followed one of her passions and went to university. At the age of twenty-seven, she was a quite well-known gynaecologist, and was also teaching at her former medical school, Uppercross College. She loved her job, her colleagues, her patients, her students. And she was realistic enough to know that one person could not have all the luck in the world. It was sad that she and her family didn't really connect, but she was happy to have found other sources of companionship.
And of course, there was Lady Russell, whom she used to call Lady R. for short. She had been her mother's closest friend, and when her mother died fourteen years ago, Lady R. had done all in her power to stand in mum's place as much as she could. And given the fact that Anne was just a younger version of late Lady Elizabeth Elliot, Lady R. had never had any trouble in loving Anne. Their friendship was mutual and profound, and Anne had always esteemed all opinions and guidance of Lady R. Without her, she felt she would have been considerably lost at the age of thirteen.
Mum had been her best friend. They were so much alike that no words were necessary between them. There was only one deed of her mum that Anne had never understood, and that was the fact that she had married Sir Walter Elliot. True, he was the handsomest man that was ever seen, so to speak, even now in his mid fifties, and in his younger days he had been really gorgeous. But it was not like Elizabeth Elliot to fall for looks. Yet somehow Walter Elliot had managed to charm young Elizabeth.
Of course, Anne couldn't regret it. It was the very reason of her own existence, and she would be a fool to deny her own right of being here on earth. But it remained an unanswered question all the same. What was it that her mum saw in her dad?!
And now the family moved out from Kellynch Hall. Sir Walter Elliot was no longer able to pay his bills, and having mortgaged every single inch of his property, he had no sources left to provide for his family. Of course, Elsa couldn't spare time to have work outdoors, for she was Mistress of the House, and it was the Elliot way to take that as a full time task. In fact, Anne had been useful with her job, but what she provided was by no means enough to cover expenses. So, when Sir Walter's attorney, Mr. Shepherd, had advised him to let the place and choose an apartment somewhere in town, he reluctantly agreed. He and Elsa were to reside in Bath, in the wealthiest part of town, and Anne said she preferred to find an apartment near Uppercross College. Elsa and dad hadn't been very enthusiastic about her plan, for though they didn't esteem her for her real worth, they understood that her parting would definitely cause some inconvenience for them. But Anne knew she would not be missed, only her help and her money.
Having packed all her stuff she made one last walk through Kellynch Hall. She had experienced pleasant and bad hours within these walls. It was hard to leave them, as if they had become a friend by witnessing her daily feelings like no one else had ever seen.
"If these walls could speak of the times I've been weak, when everybody thought I was strong..." Anne mused.
"Oh there you are, Anne, why on earth does it take you so long to get those few things of yours!" Elsa interrupted her thoughts.
Anne had been used to Elsa's way of addressing her for so long, that she felt nothing at this unkind remark. She lifted her bag with her photo album and some dear belongings of her mum, threw one last glance over her shoulder and went down the stairs, passing Elsa with a sad smile.
"Geoffrey, will you be so kind as to take the boxes I filled with my books from the library to the hallway?" she asked their servant.
"Are you sure you only packed what is yours? You cannot take all books you know!" Elsa's raucous voice filled the air.
"No, Elsa, I only took my own books," Anne replied uncomplainingly.
"Oh, and Anne, someone must visit all estates in the neighbourhood to bid our farewell. It is the Elliot way, you know." Elsa didn't mention who must pay all these visits, but there was no doubt she would not be doing so herself.
When Anne had decorated her apartment quite nicely, she felt a great relief to have a place of her own. She realised she should have done so much earlier.
She went to a home for lost animals to find herself a companion, and instantly fell in love with a big, fluffy, red cat. The cat seemed quite attached to her in a second as well, mewing and walking after her. She took the animal home and gave it the name Quasimodo, which seemed to suit him perfectly.
"Well, Quasimodo, it's you and me from now on, old fellow!" she rattled away to her new red friend.
Yes, she felt quite at home. And no, she didn't miss her father and Elsa for a moment.
Mondays were here teaching days. The rest of the week she worked at the Uppercross Hospital, seeing patients, delivering babies and doing surgery. Nightshifts were her favourites, because somehow, babies prefer to be born at night. And Anne loved to be there, stood in awe, every time a new human being faced daylight. Or should I say nightlight?
Her first Monday morning in her own apartment, she enjoyed the presence of Quasimodo, sipping a cup of coffee and preparing some lectures for the coming day. When she had finished breakfast she pushed Quasimodo from her lap and began the ten minute walk to Uppercross College.
She was just in her classroom when Dr. Harville came in.
"Morning, Anne, you're early today."
"Good morning, Simon! You're not late yourself either." Anne answered with a smile.
She had known Simon Harville for years and they were good friends. Anne dined at the Harvilles every now and then and was fond of Tiffany, Simon's wife.
"Have you heard who is to let Kellynch Hall? I bet you have, much sooner than me."
"Yes, I believe it's a certain Mr. Croft, and his wife."
"Dr. Croft, he's a surgeon. And you know his wife's maiden name?"
"No, I'm afraid my knowledge about the Crofts doesn't stretch that far," Anne said.
"Well, you know her brother, I believe, for he had been in England some years ago and I believe you two met then. He's a good friend of mine, though we hardly meet, due to the ocean between us!" he laughed.
Anne's curiosity was aroused, but she was still at a loss who this brother could be. She looked at Simon questioningly.
"Wentworth. Her name is Sophia Wentworth, sister of Dr. Rick Wentworth, remember?"
It was fortunate that Anne was seated, or else her legs might have refused to carry her. She felt very faint and all colour left her cheeks. Simon looked concerned.
"Anne, are you all right? What is the matter?"
Anne looked at him with her eyes wide open, as if in shock. Contrary to what her face told him, her lips tried to tell Simon she was just fine.
"Ahm, I think I got up a little too early today. I've had quite a busy weekend, decorating my apartment and all..." she said weakly.
"Shall I get you some coffee, Anne dear, to provide you some strength?"
"Oh, yes please."
Simon left to get her a shot of caffeine, and Anne couldn't help but put her hand in front of her mouth in shock. She rubbed her temples and left her chair, and began to pace the room back and forth. She started to speak to herself.
"Now come on, Anne Elliot, so her name is Wentworth. So what??"
When she heard Simon's footsteps she forced herself to sit down again, feeling unable to handle his possible questions on her present state. He was genuinely concerned at her well-being and wanted to be sure she was all right. Somehow, she managed to reassure him of her good health, and then to her relief the first early students began to come in, so further personal conversation wasn't possible.
During that day Anne had some trouble to focus on the subject she was lecturing. The kind of diabetes a woman can develop during pregnancy somehow didn't manage to keep her attention. She was relieved when classes where over and she decided to stop by Lady R. for a cup of tea. While on her way to Lady R.'s house, she knew, more certain than ever, that letting Rick Wentworth step out of her life again had been the biggest mistake she had ever made.
Lady R. knew something was the matter the moment Anne came in. And she also had a hunch of what would be troubling her young friend, for just today she had heard who were the new tenants of Kellynch Hall, a Dr. Croft and his American wife, whose maiden name was Wentworth.
Wentworth.
That name had a world of grief behind it. Lady R. knew, and she felt so sorry for Anne.
"Oh Anne, honey, come here, let me fix you a nice cup of tea," she said gently, reaching out her hand for Anne.
Anne swallowed and blinked, determined not to cry. What would she cry for, there was nothing the matter, was there?
"Lady R...." Anne faltered.
"Hush, sweetheart, drink your tea first."
"Lady R., I never said this before, but today I realised I would have been happier if..."
"Come on, Anne, please drink your tea honey," Lady R. tried to persuade her.
But Anne looked her in the eye, firmly, and didn't touch her tea.
"I must say this at least once. I know I was but nineteen, and hadn't known him for more than three months, and his prospects were... well, unsure.. but still I believe I would have been happier if I had.."
Lady R. interrupted her with great concern in her eyes: "Oh Anne, but you were so young. And then following a man you've only known so shortly, to the United States, dear. And his parents were divorced, so he had had a bad example of long term relationships, hadn't he? It was very prudent of you to wave him goodbye. It was a wise and mature deed, darling, it really was."
"I do not blame you, Lady R., and I know it was a sensible choice, but still I've become more and more convinced that had I gone with him, I..."
"Sweetheart, you've just worked too hard these past years. You haven't really enjoyed life, and were too much concerned about the comfort of your father and sisters. You should go out more and have fun, meet new people Anne, and see the world has more to offer than ..."
Lady R. refrained from calling him by the name. He had been a forbidden subject for years, and his name hadn't been mentioned even once.
Anne knew that to some extent Lady R. was right. She hadn't had much of a social life. On the other hand she wasn't completely without friends. There were the Harvilles, and Helen Smith, with whom she spent her years at Uppercross, and the Musgroves, especially Louisa, and the entire staff at the Uppercross hospital as a matter of fact. They all loved her, esteemed her, appreciated her for her work and her personality. But life just hadn't been the same when she had let him go, back to the place where he belonged.
Rick Wentworth had almost finished his studies when he came to Great Britain, seven years ago now. He wanted to spend his last three months in a British hospital, to see the differences and similarities of English and American medical care. Anne had just finished high school by that time and was taking her first courses of medical education.
And then they met.
How shall I describe what happened then. Love at first sight? Rainbows and fireworks? Or just a pretty British girl, a little shy, but sweet and clever, and a handsome American male, almost a doctor, swept of his feet by her sweet appearance and the beauty of her eyes, her accent and her manners. And she was lost the moment she looked him in the eye, taken aback by his liveliness, his playfulness and witty remarks.
Yes, it was love at first sight, no doubt about that.
Then why, one may ask, did they not live their lives together happily ever after? What on earth could separate them? Well, the persuasion of a loving older friend, who thought to be giving wise and prudent guidance, and the gentle character of the recipient of such advice, and then... an ocean, stretching between them mile after mile.
She happened to have planned some weeks of vacation, anticipating that she would need time to make herself at home, but the size of her apartment made it an easy and swift job to decorate. And as she hadn't taken so many things with her from Kellynch Hall, she was settled before her first day off had begun.
As soon as Myra understood Anne had nothing to decorate anymore, she insisted on having Anne with her. Anne reluctantly agreed. She would have loved to spend some time just on her own, with Quasimodo and no one else, and get out of bed scandalous late and things like that. But on the other hand, she was too well acquainted with her own melancholic nature, and she knew she'd have a hard time keeping herself from fretting when on her own. She was afraid too much solitude wouldn't do her good.
Especially not now. It seemed the very mentioning of his name had brought the pain to life again. Why couldn't she get rid of him?! No, she shouldn't be alone for too long. And if she felt she couldn't handle Myra any longer, there was always an escape to Myra's parents-in-law, the Musgroves, whom she dearly loved. They lived next door, which still meant almost a mile away, for they owned a farm with quite a farmyard around it. Charlie's father was fond of Anne, and Mrs. Musgrove thought very highly of her.
Anne had been friends with Louisa Musgrove since they were little girls, so she was quite at home at the Musgroves. Though Louisa was a lot younger than Anne, they had a special friendship, more like sisters. Both Louisa and her younger sister Henrietta still lived at their parent's place, so whenever Anne came to visit Myra, she used to call on Louisa and the Musgroves.
It would be no punishment to visit Myra. The only problem was Quasimodo.
"Myra, I'm afraid I cannot come without my new friend," Anne told her sister on the phone.
"What friend, I didn't know you were attached to anyone so much as to drag that person along?"
"Well, we met only recently, but to tell you the truth, I've got quite a crush on him."
This certainly raised Myra's thorough attention.
"Anne?! Why, I didn't know?! Pray tell me, who is it, and where did you meet, and is he in love with you? And are you serious you want to take him with you?"
Anne couldn't keep her laughter at this point.
"His name is Quasimodo and we met in a home for lost animals."
"Gaahhh!" Myra was very disappointed. "You wicked woman! I really thought...!! What is it, a dog?"
"Nope. It's a big red cat. But he's sweet."
"I'm not sure Anne, you know my disposition, I might be allergic to cats. Can you not find someone to look after him when you're here?"
"Maybe, but I don't want to. So it's me and Quasimodo or no one at all who comes to visit you, sweetie." Anne felt quite courageous now that she had to protect her new companion.
"Mmmm. Well, all right then. But if I start to cough or my eyes get sore you must leave."
"Okay, sounds reasonable. I'll go packing."
"Can you please hurry? I really could use your help in the kitchen. The boys have been a pain today, and I think I have some serious illness, I have had incredible headaches for days, you know. You really are wanted here, Anne."
"I'll be quick, dear. See you Myra."
Anne sighed as she put the phone down.
Myra, Myra. Complaining as always, fancying herself ill, hypochondriac as could be.
Anne petted Quasimodo and lured him into a basket. She carried a suitcase and the basket with Quasimodo to her Jeep Grand Cherokee (which was her pride, although she didn't care for material things in general, but her Jeep Grand Cherokee was an exception to that) and made sure she had closed all windows and locked all doors of her new apartment before she set off.
She was hardly a mile away when she remembered she had forgotten to debrief a deterioration in the condition of one of her pregnant patients, a Mrs. Tyler, who was with twins. She turned her Cherokee and drove to Uppercross Hospital. She told Quasimodo reassuringly she'd be back soon, and left the car in search for Helen or Simon. She found Helen soon and told her about Mrs. Tyler's state.
"If necessary, you'll call me, will you? I know Mrs. Tyler is very nervous and she really wanted me to be there when it all starts. She isn't due until a month, but as you know twins are often premature, and I'd hate it if I could not be there."
"Of course I'll give you a call, you workaholic," Helen said with a loving smile. She knew Anne too well to argue.
"Good. Take care, Helena mia, and never hesitate to call if you want to."
"I'll call you whenever I feel like it, on or off duty, Ma'am! Oh and by the way, have you heard we are going to have a new principal at Uppercross?"
"What, will old Bertam finally call it quits?!"
"Yep! And it is said some American will take over. Well, we'll see, won't we, Annie?"
"Why an American? Aren't there enough British blokes around? Or women of English blood?"
Helen grinned. Anne hugged her and began to walk to the large hall of Uppercross Hospital, wiping the curls that had sprung from her bun out of her face.
As she just stepped through the revolving doors, blinking in the broad sunlight, she was observed by a tall man, who stood in the shadow a few steps away from her, and startled at the sight of her. He watched her step in her Cherokee, paced a few steps in her direction, obviously restraining himself from calling her. She drove away, unaware of the spectator, leaving a cloud of dust behind, and the eyes of the tall man followed the car until she was out of sight for minutes already.
"Oh Anne, how fortunate that you are here! You know we are to have someone here for dinner whom you'd love to get acquainted with!"
Anne hugged Myra with a smile. There were so many people Myra thought she'd 'love to get acquainted with', that she didn't really get excited at the very idea of this certain someone.
"Dad Musgrove met him the other day, he is the new principal of Uppercross College!"
Now that was interesting.
"Oh?" Anne replied casually.
"His name is Dr. Benwick, Jaymz Benwick. With an "y" and a "z", strange isn't it? He's a friend of Harville's, so it seems."
"And he will dine here?" Anne couldn't help but sound incredulous.
"No, at the farm. Dad Musgrove happened to bump into him at College, when he came to register Henrietta at Uppercross. Did you know she'll go to Uppercross next year? Well, anyway, Dad went with her and they met the new principal, well, and you know what Dad's like. He immediately invited the poor man for a good old-fashioned English supper at the farm. But to everyone's surprise, he agreed to come! And did you know he's a black man? As black as ebony, so they say, and quite handsome. Did I already mention he's from the States? Dad Musgrove was so glad you'd be here too. So there will at least be one person who can provide this Dr. Benwick with proper conversation, he said. And being a Doc yourself, and teaching there as well! Dr. Benwick will feel at home, I bet!"
Anne couldn't manage to answer or comment any of Myra's sayings, but she knew Myra never expected her to. And unlike many other times, Anne was genuinely interested this time. A Dr. Benwick, and she was to meet the man before he was properly introduced at College.
Indeed they met very soon. Dr. Jaymz Benwick was a very gentlemanlike person, and very gallant in his manners. In conversation, he proved to be very well-read and eloquent, but Anne discovered very soon he had a tendency to melancholy, which she recognized. During dinner she soon found out Jaymz Benwick applied to the job on Simon Harville's advise. Jaymz had been a neurosurgeon in Atlanta, where he met Phoebe Harville, Simon's sister, and they had fallen in love. Anne could easily understand why a woman would be swept of her feet by this handsome black man.
But then misfortune had afflicted the happiness of the couple. While on a trip to Europe, Phoebe suddenly became ill and died, leaving Jaymz with an incredible heartache. He was certain he'd never overcome the pain and grieve over her loss. His state had been very bad indeed, and Simon, who had grown fond of him during the times they met in England, had pointed out that a change of scene and society might do him good. So he suggested Jaymz to apply for principal of Uppercross College. Meeting new people, teaching instead of doing surgery, being in such different environment, those were all things that might improve his spirits and lessen his huge sadness.
Anne felt very much sympathy for this American. They talked a lot and discovered they shared many interests as well.
Jaymz said he regretted that Anne wouldn't be there when he'd be introduced, because she'd stay with her sister.
"I can come to Uppercross, if that would make you feel more comfortable?" she offered, very Anne-like indeed.
"Would you do that for me?" he asked, pleasant surprise spreading over his handsome features.
"Why, of course! It's a very short drive, anyway, and-" Here Anne lowered her voice and bowed to Jaymz, lest she'd be overheard, "-I wouldn't mind to be away from Myra for a day, as a matter of fact."
Jaymz smiled faintly, and Anne realized this was the first real smile she beheld. All former smiles had been polite, somewhat unsure even, but not from pleasure. Anne felt connected to him all the more. His sorrow over Phoebe definitely was very deep. She knew that feeling all too well...
As promised, Anne drove to Uppercross the next Monday, when Jaymz would be introduced to the staff members of Uppercross College. She parked her Jeep Grand Cherokee next to a silver-grey BMW convertible, which she couldn't resist to admire for a minute before walking to the building. She was a little early and decided to check on her classroom first. Some plants might need water, and maybe there were some messages on her desk.
Simon Harville felt very good this day. He was so happy to have his old friend from the States in his presence again. They had been friends for over ten years. When Harville was in Atlanta for a student exchange program, they were roommates. And although they didn't meet frequently, they had always been in touch through mail and phone.
His friend hadn't been in Great Britain for more than seven years, and Harville had been in America only sporadically. So there had only been some short visits, or some stopping by while being on the way to some seminar or other. And now he had finally come to England again, to teach for a few months at Uppercross College, and to do some surgery in the Uppercross Hospital.
Harville was proud to show him around Uppercross College. His friend had been there before, but the school had improved a great deal ever since. It was an honour to see him around the classrooms and reading rooms.
"And we'll go see the hospital next. You remember how small it was? Well, a beautiful wing has been added on the left, and the old wing has been renovated three years ago," he told his American friend proudly.
"But first let me show you some more classrooms."
She was busy picking dead leaves from a geranium when the door flung open. Anne stood in a corner of the room, unseen by whoever would come in, with her back to the door.
At that moment, a voice spoke and caused her to freeze to the spot, completely unable to move.
"Harville, you think she'll come to pick up notes from her desk during her vacation?! Now who would do such a thing, I mean, while off duty? There's more to life then working, isn't there?"
Somehow Anne had managed to turn around. Not that she needed any confirmation about the owner of the deep, male voice with its rich American accent.
And then he looked up. He looked her in the face, baffled.
She was just as astonished as he was. Sheer terror was on her face, her eyes were large with shock.
"Anne..."
All she could do was clear her throat, clinging to the table where the geranium was on.
"Ahm," Simon Harville began, "I told you Anne might come here even during vacation!"
No one laughed at his remark. In fact, he was quite forgotten, his witty comment wasn't even heard. There was nothing left of importance on the face of the earth at that moment.
They actually where in the same room. After all these years.
At that moment, Jaymz Benwick happened to enter Anne's classroom, completely ignorant of the awkwardness that both Rick Wentworth and Anne Elliot experienced.
"Ah, there you are, Anne! You must escort me to the auditorium. Will you please sit next to me?"
Jaymz walked straight to her and reached for her arm. She was relieved to have someone's support. Her legs felt like jelly. She smiled faintly at Jaymz, feeling the steady gaze of Rick on her all the time. Jaymz even put his arm around her for a second in his gladness to see her. Anne threw a short glance at Rick. His eyes were reflecting his confusion.
"Ricky, so you have already met this most famous and beautiful gynaecologist?! Isn't she gorgeous?"
Anne blushed vehemently, and Rick only made some noise under his breath, that sounded very much like "Yes, indeed".
"We must be going, folks," Harville said.
"Well let's go then! Anne, I'm so glad to have you at my side!"
Anne looked at Jaymz with a warm smile now, feeling so very appreciated that it almost made her blush again. But wait a minute, sit next to him? In front of all doctors...so in front of Rick Wentworth, face to face? Impossible!
"Jaymz, I- I will take a seat in the first row, so I can give you some reassuring looks, but please don't make me sit in front of everyone?!"
Harville laughed out loud. "Oh Anne, you'll never change, will you? You've always been allergic to attention."
"I am not!" Anne said, pretending to be offended.
All the time, Rick Wentworth had been following her every movement, her every word, her every expression. Anne.
Anne Elliot.
Indeed she looked beautiful, but she was not like the girl he used to know. There was something more grave about her, more melancholic.
Harville gave him a queer look, noticing his fascination for Doctor Elliot.
"You're all right, Wentworth?" he said in a playful manner.
But to his surprise Rick answered him with a somewhat irritated "What?"
Simon Harville shrugged and paid no further attention to his friend, for they had reached the auditorium.
It was filled with staff members and all kind of people involved in the medical business, doctors, nurses, students...
Helen saw Anne and waved. "I saved you a seat!"
Anne gesticulated that she'd sit at the first row. Several doctors waved at her, greeted or touched her, happy to have her in their midst. Rick Wentworth saw it all, and was confused and even a little angry that his heart beat so fast.
"So, they all like her, well what does that mean? She didn't want you, Wentworth, and she didn't love you enough to go with you, so let her be loved by the whole wide world, but she is nothing to you," he told himself inwardly.
Then all eyes were on the new principal. Jaymz Benwick. Some were a little taken aback by the colour of his skin. It was quite unusual for Uppercross to have an American principal, but it was even more unusual that he was as dark as ebony. His references were convincing and once he began to speak (after a long introduction of the old principal, Thomas Bertram), his good manners and affected language did the rest.
Afterwards, all had the opportunity to greet him personally.
Helen went in search of Anne. There were several people around her, so it took Helen some time to reach her, but she succeeded. Quite near them stood a tall stranger, whom Helen had never seen before. Quite handsome he was, too! Helen planned to have some conversation with him afterwards! But first things first. She tapped Anne on her shoulder.
Anne was all attention at once.
"Hey, you gorgeous, I must ask you something but you must promise to give me an honest answer." Helen began.
"Am I not always honest, Doctor Smith?" Anne's lips curled at the edges.
"Well, you see, I know you have vacation for two weeks, but Emma Knightley has a fever, and she won't be able to do night-shifts or to operate. And as you have finished your apartment already, I thought you might be willing to..."
"Of course I'll stay."
"Are you sure, Anne? You don't have to."
"I know. But my job is my life, as you are very well aware of, and in fact I'd rather sit next to Mrs. Tyler than to my sweet Myra..." Anne gave Helen a wry smile, followed by a broad grin. "No, really, Helen, I'd love to stay."
"Great! So many patients have been asking for you these past few days! I think you are by far the most popular gyn around Uppercross, kid!"
"No need to flatter me, I said I'd be happy to stay!" Anne feigned indignation.
"I'm not flattering you! I'm telling the absolute truth!"
Anne made a grimace. What else could she do, being confronted with so much praise? Then her eye caught the look on the face of the tall man. Rick Wentworth. He had heard each and every word of their conversation, that was beyond doubt. His hazel eyes expressed confusion, surprise, hurt, and... was it admiration? No, of course not! Hurt and anger, that must be it.
Anne looked away. What else could she do, being confronted with so much pain?
"Congratulations, Benwick!"
Rick Wentworth lifted his drink in honour of his friend.
"Thanks, Ricky! I am glad to be here, and I'm happy you could join me, old fellow!"
Simon Harville had lifted his glass as well. "It's so good to have the two of you here. Just like the good old days, isn't it?"
The men laughed. Indeed, it was good to be in each other's company again. They had shared a lot of experiences. Benwick and Wentworth had been friends for ages, and when Harville had come to the United States, he had become a close friend as well. They had even been called "the trinity" by other students.
The sad event that had broken Benwick's heart had pulled them closer. And because Phoebe was Harville's sister, he could understand the pain like no one else. He knew what an extraordinary woman Phoebe had been. And as for Wentworth, somehow he was able to sense the depth of their sorrow, though neither Harville nor Benwick knew why he was so capable of seizing their pain, as the reason of it was a secret that Wentworth kept hidden in his heart.
Yes, it was good to be "the trinity" again...
Anne was glad she had a reason to leave immediately. She loved to be in the presence of those who worked at Uppercross, but she couldn't deal with the presence of this man who recalled so many memories. So it was a welcome circumstance that she could take Emma's place right away.
"So I'm supposed to take over her class as well?" she asked Helen.
"Yes, if that's all right with you."
"It's perfectly all right with me, but I'm not sure whether Emma will be so thrilled about it... We have quite a different opinion on this block's subject. She is a fervent advocate of childbirth in hospitals, whereas I'm a supporter of childbirth at home, if all circumstances are normal and a hospital can be reached soon enough in case of danger. I've become all the more enthusiastic about it ever since I've been in Holland, you remember, when I was with a Dutch midwife for a month."
"I remember! You were praising the Dutch approach of childbirth to the skies for weeks, Anne, how can I forget that?! Well, it will sharpen our student's minds, will it not? I guess they'll have to develop their own opinions, and hearing different views will do them good."
"Indeed it will!" Anne smiled.
How convenient that she would have something on her mind now. It might lessen the confusion she still felt on meeting HIM.
Heavens, she actually MET him... As a matter of fact she needed some time on her own, but nevertheless she dreaded solitude, for she knew it would come hand in hand with this well-known feeling of melancholy. So she'd better go and check on some patients this very instant. Besides, there wasn't much chance of meeting him again now, because he was in the auditorium, drinking on Jaymz's future as principal of Uppercross College.
Anne said goodbye to Helen and went in search of her white clothes.
"Ricky, I've had this invitation of some nice English folks, whom you should meet in order to get better acquainted with the English. They said I'm always welcome at their home, a nice farm by the way, and I could bring whomever I like anytime. I say you must come with me."
"What's their name?" Wentworth inquired.
"Musgrove. They live not so far away from Uppercross."
"Farmers. Interesting. You're sure they won't mind?"
"Absolutely certain, kid."
"Well, I'll join you then. When?"
"Tomorrow evening."
"Okay. We'll go together."
Then Benwick's attention was required by so many others that he had no time for Rick Wentworth anymore. Rick looked around, in search of a beautiful woman he didn't want to see, and yet he wanted to see her more than anything at the same time. However, she wasn't there. He soon felt an urge to leave this place. He wanted to be alone.
As he took his keys his eyes were drawn to the beautiful Jeep Grand Cherokee that was parked next to his car. He even walked around it, examining its interior.
"Wow!" escaped from his lips. Then he opened the door of his silver-grey BMW convertible, got in and set off.
Myra was put out when she heard Anne would postpone her vacation. She had been looking forward so much to this visit of her sister, and now she was deprived of this pleasure. For her comfort, Anne had promised to dine with her or the Musgroves as often as she could.
So the next evening, when she was off duty, she set off to Myra's place. She had scarcely entered the hallway when Myra was all over her.
"Anne, we'll dine at the farm again, and guess what, this handsome Benwick will be there again, and he'll take a friend who is said to be even more of a dashing guy, named Wenwick, or what was it? Worthwick?"
Anne unconsciously held her breath for a sec.
"Wentworth?" she said with a somewhat shaky voice.
"That's the name! How do you know? Anyway, Louisa and Henrietta have seen him already and they say he's absolutely gorgeous, and single, you know what that means? That either Lou or Henrietta might marry him!"
Anne had too many emotions to cope with to be surprised about Myra's incredible quickness of mind, seeing one of her sisters-in-law approaching the altar in a white dress before even having known Wentworth for a day.
"But why...?" she faltered.
"Why? Because he's the closest friend of Benwick, that's why! He'll be at Uppercross for some months, so they say. So if we'll make this dinner unforgettable tonight, he and Benwick will definitely join us very often and they're bound to fall in love, don't you think so? Anne?"
Myra looked at Anne for a second, surprised at the look of agony on her sister's face, but being the person she was, she couldn't help but rattle away again. Anne had to suppress the urge to shout "will you please shut up?!"
But before she had the chance to run mad, they were roused by a scream that set their teeth on edge. They hurried in the direction whence the sound came, and found Leonard in the garden, lying on the ground under the apple tree, motionless. Colin stood at his side, completely hysterical. Myra yelled and fainted, and Anne managed to get hold of her before she hit the ground. She laid her sister down gently and rushed to Leonard.
Charlie had arrived on the spot as well by then.
"What happened?" he asked anxiously.
Colin still yelled at full strength, so Anne took the boy and tried to calm him.
"It's all right honey, Leonard will be fine, hush, hush...Apparently he fell from the tree, Charlie. No, don't lift him, lay him on his side. He might have some broken bones and lifting him might cause dislocation, or further injury."
Charlie looked at Anne, completely helpless, unable to turn his son to his side.
"Go call an ambulance, Charles. I'll stay here with him. And don't fall over Myra."
Only then Charlie saw his wife's still body, and his eyes grew wide with terror.
"No she'll be fine, Charlie. She fainted in my arms. She'll regain consciousness soon enough. Go call a doctor, Charles, and then see to it that someone will take care of Colin."
Charlie set off at full speed, glad to have some useful occupation.
Colin calmed down in Anne's arms and incoherently began to tell her what had happened. Indeed, his brother had fallen from the apple tree. Anne told him to be a brave boy and sit down next to her, so she could examine Leonard.
Although she was a gynaecologist, she knew enough about the basics to check on Leonard. She discovered his collarbone was probably broken, but his other bones seemed fine. He would have to be transported to the hospital though to see how bad his injuries were.
Charlie came back with Henrietta, who happened to call on them that very moment.
"Henrietta, will you please look after Colin?" Anne asked, and then she added "Charlie, do you think you can manage to get Myra on the sofa? She'd best be inside the house when the doctor arrives.
Myra was lifted by her husband, and with Henrietta's help was brought to the sofa. She regained consciousness when Charlie carried her inside. As was to be expected she started to scream like mad, and Charlie had to use all his might to persuade her to keep her silence for the sake of the children.
The ambulance, which came from Uppercross, arrived quite soon. The swift examination proved Anne's conclusion might be the right one. Leonard was softly lifted on a stretcher and taken into the ambulance.
"You and your husband are allowed to come," the male nurse said to Anne.
His colleague recognized Anne and added: "It's doctor Elliot! Is this your son, Doc?"
"He's my nephew, but I'd like to accompany him indeed."
"So you're his father sir? You can come if you want to."
Charlie stepped into the ambulance. Anne decided it would be best if she'd drive to Uppercross with her own car, so she or Charlie could get back home if needed.
She parked her Jeep Grand Cherokee next to that beautiful BMW convertible again, but this time she couldn't spare a minute to watch it. She hurried to the E.R. to see how Leonard was doing. He was conscious again when she arrived, and cried in pain. When he saw Anne he grabbed her hand immediately.
"Aunt Anne, stay with me please!"
"I will sweetheart! Now you be a brave boy and do as the doctors say, won't you? I'll stay right here."
Meanwhile a tall man walked through the main entrance of Uppercross Hospital, stepping out into the sunshine. He walked towards his car, and stopped a few yards in front of it, because his attention was drawn to the majestic Grand Cherokee that had sought the side of his BMW again. The man smiled and joked "So you like each other, hm?"
Then he separated the cars from each other with a faint smile, by driving away.
When Leonard had been thoroughly examined and X-ray photographs had been taken to make sure he had no fractures in his arms or legs, his only injury (apart from various scratches all over his body) appeared to be his broken collarbone.
The surgeon thought it best to keep him at Uppercross for the night. He was very tired and almost fell asleep, but before he was able to give in to his fatigue, he wanted his aunt to promise him she'd stay.
"I will, Leonard. You rest now. I'll be here."
Anne held his hand. Charlie had taken a chair at the other side of the bed.
"You can go home if you want to," Anne said.
"Are you sure? It seems so...unnatural to leave the two of you behind. I mean, I think Myra or I should be with him under these circumstances."
"If you want to, you can stay, of course, but I really don't mind to be with Leonard now. Besides, I promised him I would. So there is no need for you to stay, you are free to do as you please, Charlie."
"But don't you want to partake in this dinner with all those American doctors, at my parent's place tonight?"
"I see doctors all the time," Anne said with a smile.
"All right then. If you're certain of it... I'll come by after dinner, and if something happens, you must call!"
"Of course I will. Give all my regards, Charlie."
"Thank you Anne. You are..." there he stopped, unable to express his feelings.
Anne gave him a look of understanding and smiled to him. She gave him the keys of her Jeep.
In fact, she was most relieved to have a reason not to join them. It would save her the mortification of being in someone's presence again...
Leonard's condition was considerably well, so the next morning he was allowed to return home. Charlie came early in the morning to get his eldest son. Anne had to work that day, so she would stay behind.
"I'll pick you up tonight, Anne, and if you like you can have dinner with us," Charlie suggested, whereas he had used her Jeep last night to get back home.
"That would be nice," she answered.
"Thank you again for everything," Charlie added.
"Anytime, Charlie. How is Myra?"
Charlie gave her a painful look and made no reply, which in fact was all the reply Anne needed to know exactly how Myra was.
"Oh, by the way Charlie, did any of you remember to feed Quasimodo last night?"
Charlie smiled. "Impossible to forget him, Anne. He went after Myra for almost an hour, until she understood his point at last. She told me her eyes were sore though, she is most certain she's developing an allergy..."
"Well, I'll take him to my place again when I have the chance. You tell her so, and I bet her eyes will be much better once she heard that."
Charlie's smile was a little bitter.
"Till tonight, Anne."
"Bye. Bye Leo, let me give you a hug, brave one! And don't you dare climbing that apple tree today!"
Leonard smiled genuinely and kissed his aunt goodbye, and Anne returned to her patients.
Jaymz Benwick was pleased with his new job so far. He was happy to be distracted. The novelty of his work was able to keep his mind busy. His immense grieve was lessened a tiny little bit and he was thankful for it. Yet, there were moments that found him off guard, and it was as if the pain jumped on his back from the shades, inflicting the same old wounds of sorrow. He would sit down, no matter where, stare in the distance, and be completely gone from this world for a while. The only strength he seemed to have then, was to listen to very sad classical music, you know, very melancholic, though very beautiful piano concertos from for instance Rachmaninov or Beethoven.
It was at such a moment that Anne entered his office, which was filled with the fragile sound of a piano, coming from the stereo in the corner of the room. Benwick didn't notice her at once, and she even thought of withdrawing silently, but before she had made up her mind what to do, he saw her.
"Oh, Anne, I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. Do come in."
"I don't mean to intrude..." Anne hesitated.
"No, no, do come in. You never bother me."
Anne closed the door behind her. The look on his face made her feel so sorry for him. It was evident that he had not got over the loss of his fiancee.
She had only stopped by for a chat, but it was quite clear Benwick wasn't in the mood for that. Within a minute Anne regretted not having left him in peace. But leaving now would be rude, so she stayed where she was, close to the door.
"Please sit down," he asked softly.
She walked towards the vacant chair opposite to his desk.
"Beethoven, isn't it? Pathétique?"
Benwick looked up at her, surprised.
"Yeah, that's it! You listen to this kind of music as well?"
"More than I should. It's bound to increase my feelings of melancholy, and the funny thing is, I tend to listen such music when I am sad already. No wonder I end up crying!" Anne tried to put some lightness in her voice, but she wasn't sure she had succeeded.
"I know what you mean," he answered flatly.
No, she had not managed to add some lightness in her tone at all...
He continued sadly: "I listen to this a lot. It fits my mood so well. I'm sure Beethoven had a broken heart when he wrote this."
The last tones of the piano died away and the room was silent. Anne didn't know what to say. She hoped she could make him somewhat more cheerful, but was at a loss at how to do so.
After a few minutes of total silence she asked: "You like Uppercross so far?"
"Very much. Nice folks, nice building, got myself a nice office here," he replied with a little more cheerfulness in his voice.
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation (if the few sentences that they had exchanged so far were to be called a conversation indeed).
"Yes?"
Then Rick Wentworth stepped into the room.
Both Anne and Wentworth looked startled, and Anne was almost sure she blushed. Their weird reaction was not lost on Benwick. Anne got to her feet and after clearing her throat she said something like "I should be checking on a patient."
She moved toward the door, but Wentworth was in her way and he didn't step aside. Anne hesitated and stopped.
"Ricky, what brings you here? Anne, please stay, I'm sure Rick won't mind. You were introduced to him the day before yesterday, weren't you?"
Anne's tongue seemed to fail here, but Wentworth remembered his manners and spoke.
"Miss Elliot, I mean Doctor Elliot, how is your nephew? We heard about the tragedy yesterday, when we dined at the Musgrove's."
In spite of her confusion Anne realised she had to produce a coherent answer, so with a good deal of strength she forced herself to clear her thoughts. Somehow she manage to sound quite normal.
"He was allowed to go home this morning. Considering his condition, he was in good health, sir."
Benwick was surprised at the formality with which they addressed the other. When he had met Anne for the first time, she wasn't that reserved.
"I'm glad to hear it."
"I- I must return to my patients now," said Anne, almost in a whisper.
While facing the pattern of the carpet she stepped past Wentworth, mumbling a goodbye.
Of course Anne knew her sense of victory about having missed this dinner with him yesterday wouldn't last forever, yet she was not prepared for the utter confusion and despair she felt now. She blamed herself for her lack of manners, mumbling and blushing and faltering, and felt so silly and dumb she wanted to go home more than anything in the world. But she had no choice. She had to wait until Charlie would come to fetch her.
So her only source of comfort was... Mrs. Hampstead, who had had labour pain for hours. Helen had been at her side all night, but she wanted some assistance and called for Anne. The latter eagerly joined her. Any distraction was more than welcome now.
The day had been good after all. Mrs. Hampstead had given birth to a healthy girl, who, though small, had made her way into the world with a vital cry. Anne couldn't image any job with a greater reward. Witnessing this beautiful moment, when a mother first beheld her newborn child, was definitely the most touching part of the job.
Helen had been around a lot and her happy chat would cause even the saddest person to smile. Anne felt quite well indeed. And then Charlie arrived on time, so there was nothing to complain about.
Her satisfaction didn't last long, though. They had driven only a mile or so when Charlie informed her of the company the Musgroves were to have this evening.
"Because you weren't there yesterday, Ma decided to ask Benwick to join us again. He was delighted, because he is fond of company. On his own, he says, he indulges in his grieve. He must have loved his Phoebe an awful lot, indeed. Oh and by the way, his friend, Rick Wentworth will join us too. Have you met him already? Such a nice chap he is."
Goodness!! There was no way of escaping from it this time...
She had been in his presence for only a few minutes, but every single minute of it had been a disaster, and now she was to face him all evening!
Whereas Anne made no reply Charlie continued: "You know Louisa is quite smitten with Wentworth. He's handsome, I must admit. And he has manners. Myra can't stop talking about them. I wouldn't be surprised if she'd already bought herself a gown for the wedding!"
He laughed out loud, but Anne didn't even smile. Charlie looked at her with concern for a second, and while turning his face to the road again he asked: "Are you all right, Anne?"
"I'm fine. Ahm...just a little tired I guess...Had a busy day"
This answer didn't reassure Charlie. Anne was fond of her job, and even when she was tired to the bone, she'd be enthusiastic to talk about it. There was most certainly something on her mind. But he needed his attention to get them home safely, so he refrained from further inquiry.
Anne studied her face in the mirror. Though others called her pretty, she wasn't convinced of her beauty herself. She had done her hair in a bun, then changed it into a plait, but nothing could please her. At last she made a bun again, and let out a deep sigh.
What will he think of me? I used to be quite pretty I guess, but I lost my bloom... Why did he return to England anyway?!
Myra's shrieking voice cut through the silence.
"Are you finally ready, Anne? We all are, and it never takes you so long to dress."
Another sigh escaped from Anne's chest. She put an unwilling curl behind her ear and looked away from the mirror. Myra came into the room.
"Oh Anne, I'm so excited! Wentworth can be here any minute now. Have you ever met such a handsome man??"
No, I haven't!
"You met him before, didn't you, years ago? He said he knew you, but he hardly recognized you at first. You were so much altered, he said. Now why do you think he'd say that? Anyway, I bet you were only slight acquaintances. Oh and Louisa is so much in love with him!"
As usual, Myra did not expect any reply. This time Anne was grateful for that, because she was not capable of a decent conversation.
Had he really said that? Had she altered that much?
Myra was heading downstairs again. Although Anne dreaded the hours that lay ahead, she had to go, too. Clinging to a sudden sense of courage, she followed Myra.
They had only just reached the parlour when the doorbell rang.
He had arrived.
Rick Wentworth had parked his car next to a Jeep Grand Cherokee he had seen before. Where was it? He looked at the Jeep as if it would answer him, but it didn't. Benwick did.
"Nice car she's got, that Anne Elliot."
"Anne Elliot?! Is it hers?"
Benwick answered in the affirmative and walked towards the front door of the farm.
So she's here tonight, Wentworth thought. And he didn't know for sure if he wished or dreaded to see her. He had no time to sort that out, though, because Myra Musgrove (was this woman in her gross orange dress really her sister?!) had opened the door and nearly yelled a welcome at them.
His eyes flashed through the room. Before he really saw her, he knew in what corner of the room she was, and he was certain she looked at him. It was as if he felt her gaze burning on his skin. He only gave her a very short look, his face revealing none of the turmoil he felt inside. She looked away anyway, the moment he set eyes on her.
Benwick was delighted to see Anne. He insisted on having her seated next to him at the dinner table.
Louisa enthusiastically threw herself in Wentworth's way, and sat down next to him.
When time passed by, minute by minute, Anne began to feel more at ease. He wasn't paying her any attention (and why would he?) and as ever, she found a pleasant partner for conversation in Jaymz Benwick.
Once she and Jaymz were in the middle of a good talk, she almost forgot about Wentworth. She liked Jaymz a lot, and felt they were connected in some way. His sorrow and sense of melancholy were so familiar to her, that there seemed to be a mutual understanding between them.
When they started to talk about music, Anne no longer paid attention to anyone in the room. Thus it was lost on her that Wentworth, in spite of the animated conversation he and Louisa seemed to have, listened intently to the things she and Jaymz were discussing. He did not look their way very often but his ears perceived each and every syllable Anne and Jaymz exchanged.
"I know exactly what you mean Jaymz, and I must admit the sonata's of Beethoven are very very beautiful, but I really do think it would not do you any harm to add some more cheerful pieces to your daily portion of music. Too much of these sad ones may be dangerous for your health, I mean, given your situation..."Anne said in a soft and somewhat hesitating voice.
"Dear Anne," came Jaymz's soft reply, "I know you only mean well with me, and perhaps you're right, but those sad ones, as you call it, suit my feelings best. Since i lost Phoebe, I can hardly bear to listen to some jolly sound."
Here, Jaymz paused for a second, looking down to his plate. Wentworth threw a quick glance in their direction. A keen observer would have seen that not one word of their talk was lost on him.
Jaymz looked at Anne intently, and said: "Anne, you have no idea of what I have lost."
Holding his eyes locked to hers, Anne answered in the same desperate yet steadfast tone: "Oh yes I have!"
Wentworth's eyes flashed to her face like lightning. She was so consumed in the conversation with Benwick, that she forgot all other persons in the room, even Wentworth. Jaymz wasn't surprised at her confession. He had recognized her sad attitude like she'd felt connected to his. But he had not suspected her pain to be this deep. Her eyes reflected her broken heart. They were beautiful, very large, lashes that seemed endless, but they were so very heartbreakingly sad. Jaymz reached for her hand, that rested motionless on the tablecloth. For one moment their hands touched in reassuring comfort. They smiled faintly at each other.
Wentworth was shocked and stunned. He forced his head to turn away and had a hard time focusing on Louisa's sweet but endless chatter.
What could she mean? Might it be true that she was referring to him?!
He had to dismiss this option as impossible.
Had she been in love with someone else, after their separation? Had she lost some beloved person?
Wentworth had lost his appetite.
"Shall we have a drink in the local pub?" Louisa suggested.
Myra grabbed her coat before anyone had answered.
"Very happy thought, Louisa," she cooed. "There's live music today, we might have a dance as well!"
Charlie agreed on the plan, but Anne interfered.
"Who will look after Leonard and Colin? They must go to bed."
Charlie readily gave way and said he'd take care of them, but Anne interrupted him.
"No, Charlie, let me do that, there will be too many ladies in our party when you stay behind!"
Myra, Louisa and Henrietta had no objections at all, nor were they surprised at Anne's offer (she was always like that, wasn't she?), but Mrs. Musgrove could not let it be.
"No, Anne, it's always you who sacrifices, you must go with them. I will put them to bed here at the farm. They're used to that. You go and have fun, sweetheart!"
"Are you sure it wouldn't be too much trouble?" Anne asked.
"Well even if it were, it would not be your duty to stay, it would be Myra's, as their mother!" Mrs. Musgrove looked at her daughter-in-law with a serious expression on her face.
Myra didn't even notice and started wailing. " I am always the one who must forego the fun!"
Mrs. Musgrove assured Anne again it would be no trouble at all to take care of the boys, and ignored Myra completely.
So they set off.
Myra and Louisa almost clung to Wentworth, Benwick sought Anne's company and Charlie escorted his youngest sister.
Once they were at the bar, Louisa seduced Wentworth to dance with her. Myra, envious as ever, almost forced Benwick to accompany her to the dance floor. Charlie asked Anne if she fancied a swing, but she politely refused.
"Go with Henrietta, Charles," she said with a smile.
"But then you'll stand here all alone," he objected.
"You had no scruples to leave Henrietta here all by herself!" Anne replied indignantly.
Charlie could not win that argument, so he gave in.
Wentworth saw Anne's lone figure, leaning on the bar. She watched the dancing couples, sipping her drink.
"Why doesn't Anne dance?" he asked Louisa.
"Oh, she never does. I guess she doesn't like it. But she likes to watch."
Wentworth wasn't satisfied with this answer. He remembered Anne as an elegant dancer, who had a lot of pleasure in that occupation. Impossible that someone's taste altered that much just because.
They were quite close to Anne now. Louisa was fond of a good swing, and the band played well. She was enjoying herself tremendously.
"Why do you think she doesn't like to dance?" Wentworth hoped to get an answer that would give him some insight in Anne's motives.
"I don't know. She's a little too serious, you know. Too responsible, if you ask me. But we love her dearly. You know we all hoped she would marry Charlie instead of Myra?"
"What?!"
Wentworth had heard her perfectly well, but Louisa thought the loudness of the music prevented him from hearing her and thus had caused his somewhat agitated reply. She therefore repeated her answer a bit louder. Loud enough for others to hear. Loud enough for Anne to hear...
"We all hoped Anne would marry Charlie. He proposed to her twice you know. But she said she didn't love him like she thought she should, so she refused. He was quite broken-hearted. He would have married her anyway, even if he loved her more than she loved him."
Oh my goodness! Anne blushed without anyone noticing it. Oh my goodness! What must he think of me now?! That I'm in the habit of refusing men?
Anne wanted to go home more than anything, but she couldn't think of an excuse. Benwick, deprived of pleasure while dancing with Myra, soon joined her and seemed to make the rest of the evening more bearable. Fortunately, he soon wanted to leave this happy place, too, so he gesticulated to Wentworth that he'd leave.
"We'll meet at the Musgrove's" he yelled.
Wentworth didn't like the thought of being here with only Musgroves surrounding him, so he excused himself to Louisa and made his way through the dancing crowd towards Benwick and Anne. Louisa followed him and proved to be very disappointed that they would leave already.
"One last dance, Rick?" she begged.
"We'll wait then," Benwick gave in. "But only one song!"
Charlie offered Anne and Benwick another drink. The three of them stood watching the dancers when a tall, handsome gentleman came in. The man looked around him and his gaze rested on Anne. Admiration covered his features. Anne happened to look his way and was struck by the expression on his face. It didn't happen so often that a man admired her so openly, not a man like this at least.
Anne was not the only one who noticed his looks. Myra almost turned green with envy, Charlie looked back and forth from Anne to the tall stranger, Benwick had a little smile around his lips, and Louisa stopped dancing for a moment. Wentworth was bound to find out what was going on.
His face turned slowly towards the stranger. Then he noticed Anne's cheeks were coloured nicely. It suited her beautifully. Was it because of this person or was it the heat?
"Do you know that man?" Wentworth asked Louisa.
"Never seen him before in my life. Wow, he's quite a guy!"
The song had ended, and Anne took her chances. She was too embarrassed to face this admirer, and she begun to gather her things.
"The song is over, Jaymz," she whispered.
"Okay, we'll go," Benwick replied, still smiling.
Anne started to walk towards the exit. The others of their party followed her. She walked past the stranger, giving him a short look. He smiled at her, cleared his throat, but she left him no time to say a word. She had disappeared in a second. When the others passed by him, they all looked at him. He had his eyes still fixed on the door through which she had left.
Wentworth felt some strange thrill in his heart. He had to suppress the urge to slap this insolent man in the face. How dare he look at Anne this way?!
Rick Wentworth couldn't remember having ever felt so uncomfortable in his life.
The mist came rolling in from the sea, slowly yet decidedly, absorbing all sounds, even turning the movements of the waves into a slight slumber.
The cries of a seagull seemed nothing but sighs.
It did not affect their spirits, however. On the contrary, the mist seemed to add some mystery to the scene. Lyme was a beautiful place, and no mist could alter that.
Simon Harville had invited them to spend a weekend in his cottage. They had all come, Wentworth, Benwick, Louisa and Henrietta, Charlie and Myra, and Anne. Phoebe and Simon Harville were excellent company, very hospitable, and their cottage was large and luxurious. In short they didn't lack a thing.
They had decided to go for a last walk on that Sunday afternoon, and the mist couldn't prohibit that. Anne had had a wonderful time already. Of course there was this tension, due to being in Wentworth's presence so often, but she became used to it. She learned to face the fact that he was still as attractive as ever, but that she meant nothing to him. It had hurt a lot, but she realized he had every right to act as he did, hadn't he? He seemed to avoid her at any cost, and she was happy for that. It made things a lot easier.
It was obvious he liked Louisa, and Anne couldn't blame him for it. She tried to hide the pain she felt, deep inside, when thinking of what her future might have been if...
But she knew it's no use crying over spoilt milk. And if Rick Wentworth would fall in love with Louisa Musgrove, she would sincerely wish them all happiness, would she not?
Anne let out a deep sigh. They were close to the beach now. She heard the laughter of Wentworth and Louisa a few steps behind her. Louisa was really fond of him, maybe even in love with him, and flirting a lot, touching him, teasing him, calling him. There was nothing Anne could do to change that...
When walking down the stairs that led to the beach, someone waited to ascend, stopping until they'd passed by. For a second, Anne looked this person in the eye, and all of a sudden she recognized him.
It was the stranger they had met in the pub!
He had seen her first, and stared at her with surprise and admiration. She nodded shortly and cast down her eyes, feeling a little uncomfortable yet flattered, just like when they'd seen each other for the first time. The gentleman followed her figure with his eyes while she passed by. He even turned around to have a better view of her.
This could not happen without being noticed by the others who walked down the stairs. Wentworth looked at Anne, then at the stranger, and then back at Anne.
Indeed, she looked remarkably well, her cheeks reddened by the exercise, the locks that had escaped from her bun curly around her sweet face, her eyes large and lively, as he remembered them from what seemed like ages ago.
She was confused. When she turned around, her feet covered with sand, the wind playing with her loose curls, she looked like an uncertain teenager, sweeter than ever. The stranger didn't even try to take his eyes off her. Wentworth was taken aback by the scene he witnessed. She was beautiful as he remembered her, and he was not the only one to notice. He didn't like that at all.
When all had walked past the stranger, Anne couldn't but move on. She was curious about this man, but didn't have the guts to say a word. Apparently, the stranger was in want of words himself. She continued her walk through the sand, not turning around even once.
Wentworth did turn around, thrice as a matter of fact. His face betrayed his irritation, but it was not clear whether its source was the looks of the stranger or the endless chatter of Louisa. Louisa was clever enough to notice his reluctance to participate in conversation, and held her tongue for a while.
Henrietta called her sister, pointing out some shells that lay in the rolling waves. The girls tried to pick them up, but getting wet feet was inevitable. Henrietta refrained from stepping into the water, but daring as ever, Louisa didn't hesitate a moment and reached for the shell.
That very moment a wave took hold of the shell, returning it to the sea. Louisa let out a cry of disappointment, and stepped further into the water.
"Your shoes, Lou!" her sister admonished her.
"Oh, never mind my shoes! I want to have that shell! Never saw such a beauty in my life!"
She continued to move further into the waves, in spite of their power.
"Louisa..." Henrietta said with fear in her voice.
"I am determined!" she replied resolutely.
The waves came to her knees already, but she could not be persuaded to return ashore.
When she thought she saw the shell again, she bowed to pick it up. At that moment a wave came rolling to her, bigger than its predecessors. She didn't notice, but Wentworth happened to look her way and saw the approaching roller, ready to swallow her.
"Louisa, watch out!!" he screamed at the top of his voice.
Alarmed by his sudden outburst, everyone looked in Louisa's direction, only to see the wave catch her, covering her almost completely. Unable to win this battle, she fell.
"Lou!" Henrietta yelled.
Louisa gasped for breath, trying to get up, but another wave swept her of her feet again. This time she didn't manage to get her head above the water before the next wave hit her, and only her hand was visible above the water.
Those on shore seemed frozen to the sand. Henrietta started to cry, Myra began to scream, Charlie tried to calm them, and Wentworth stepped towards the water. It was Anne who regained her senses first of all. Louisa did not reappear, and immediate action was required.
Anne stepped into the waves, resolutely, and tried to find her way to Louisa.
"Rick, we must get her NOW," she shouted to Wentworth, who was closest to her.
The waves rolled against her, but though she was mince, she was strong. She reached Louisa before Wentworth did, and tried to get her above the water surface, but the waves made that quite a job. Wentworth caught up with her and together they managed to lift the girl.
She was still, her face white.
Myra fainted in Charlie's arms, Henrietta was screaming hysterically, Benwick and the Harvilles were shocked.
When they reached the sand, they laid Louisa down. Anne attempted to push the water out of Louisa's lungs, causing gulps of water coming out of her mouth. After what seemed like eternity, she made gargling sounds, and started to inhale air.
Wentworth looked at Anne for an instant, and she discerned something in his look that she couldn't make out. It seemed to be a glimpse of admiration, but perhaps he was just relieved, or maybe even grateful, because Louisa was his favourite. There was no time to reflect on this, however. More important things needed to be done.
Louisa seemed to breath more easily, and she blinked.
"Do you think you can carry her?" Anne asked Wentworth.
He nodded, and she helped him to lift Louisa.
"Jaymz, maybe you can give Wentworth a hand?" Anne went on.
"Of course, of course! Anne, you are such a remarkable person!" he added in apparent admiration.
Anne didn't even hear it, turning her attention to her sister, who was still laying motionless on the sand.
"Charlie and Simon, will you manage to take Myra? She'll regain consciousness soon enough, but perhaps you'd best carry her anyway."
Simon and Charlie took hold of Myra, while Anne walked towards Henrietta.
"Are you OK? She'll be fine, sweetheart, she'll be fine."
She stroke Henrietta's cheek, and then asked Phoebe to look after her.
"And someone should run to the cottage to get a car, so Louisa can be driven to the hospital. I think she needs a thorough check-up, don't you?" Anne asked the question to no one in particular.
All answered I the affirmative.
"Let me run," Anne offered. "I am quick, and have no one to carry or comfort."
Phoebe nodded.
"Do you have the keys of the cottage?" Anne asked her.
"No, I don't. Who locked the door when we left?" Phoebe looked around. "Did you, Simon?"
"I did," came a voice from behind them. It was Wentworth's.
Anne walked to him.
"I have the key in my right pocket," he stammered, trying to reach for it without letting go of Louisa.
"Let me get it myself." Anne said matter-of-factly.
Wentworth could not object, and Anne let her hand slip in the right pocket of his jacket.
"No, in my trousers," he said.
Anne swallowed, but without hesitation she reached for the key in his trousers. She didn't look at him, got hold of the key and ran off immediately, as if fate had given her wings.
The mist came rolling in from the sea, slowly yet decidedly, absorbing all sounds, even turning the movements of the waves into a slight slumber.
The cries of a seagull seemed nothing but sighs.
It did not affect their spirits, however. On the contrary, the mist seemed to add some mystery to the scene. Lyme was a beautiful place, and no mist could alter that.
Simon Harville had invited them to spend a weekend in his cottage. They had all come, Wentworth, Benwick, Louisa and Henrietta, Charlie and Myra, and Anne. Tiffany and Simon Harville were excellent company, very hospitable, and their cottage was large and luxurious. In short they didn't lack a thing.
This was their last afternoon in Lyme. Tonight, they would all return, except for Tiffany and Simon.
They had decided to go for a last walk on that Sunday afternoon, and the mist couldn't prohibit that. Anne had had a wonderful time already. Of course there was this tension, due to being in Wentworth's presence so often, but she became used to it. She learned to face the fact that he was still as attractive as ever, but that she meant nothing to him. It had hurt a lot, but she realized he had every right to act as he did, hadn't he? He seemed to avoid her at any cost, and she was happy for that. It made things a lot easier.
It was obvious he liked Louisa, and Anne couldn't blame him for it. She tried to hide the pain she felt, deep inside, when thinking of what her future might have been if...
But she knew it's no use crying over spoilt milk. And if Rick Wentworth would fall in love with Louisa Musgrove, she would sincerely wish them all happiness, would she not?
Anne let out a deep sigh. They were close to the beach now. She heard the laughter of Wentworth and Louisa a few steps behind her. Louisa was really fond of him, maybe even in love with him, and flirting a lot, touching him, teasing him, calling him. There was nothing Anne could do to change that...
When walking down the stairs that led to the beach, someone waited to ascend, stopping until they'd passed by. For a second, Anne looked this person in the eye, and all of a sudden she recognized him.
It was the stranger they had met in the pub!
He had seen her first, and stared at her with surprise and admiration. She nodded shortly and cast down her eyes, feeling a little uncomfortable yet flattered, just like when they'd seen each other for the first time. The gentleman followed her figure with his eyes while she passed by. He even turned around to have a better view of her.
This could not happen without being noticed by the others who walked down the stairs. Wentworth looked at Anne, then at the stranger, and then back at Anne.
Indeed, she looked remarkably well, her cheeks reddened by the exercise, the locks that had escaped from her bun curly around her sweet face, her eyes large and lively, as he remembered them from what seemed like ages ago.
She was confused. When she turned around, her feet covered with sand, the wind playing with her loose curls, she looked like an uncertain teenager, sweeter than ever. The stranger didn't even try to take his eyes off her. Wentworth was taken aback by the scene he witnessed. She was beautiful as he remembered her, and he was not the only one to notice. He didn't like that at all.
When all had walked past the stranger, Anne couldn't but move on. She was curious about this man, but didn't have the guts to say a word. Apparently, the stranger was in want of words himself. She continued her walk through the sand, not turning around even once.
Wentworth did turn around, thrice as a matter of fact. His face betrayed his irritation, but it was not clear whether its source was the looks of the stranger or the endless chatter of Louisa. Louisa was clever enough to notice his reluctance to participate in conversation, and held her tongue for a while.
Henrietta called her sister, pointing out some shells that lay in the rolling waves. The girls tried to pick them up, but getting wet feet was inevitable. Henrietta refrained from stepping into the water, but daring as ever, Louisa didn't hesitate a moment and reached for the shell.
That very moment a wave took hold of the shell, returning it to the sea. Louisa let out a cry of disappointment, and stepped further into the water.
"Your shoes, Lou!" her sister admonished her.
"Oh, never mind my shoes! I want to have that shell! Never saw such a beauty in my life!"
She continued to move further into the waves, in spite of their power.
"Louisa..." Henrietta said with fear in her voice.
"I am determined!" she replied resolutely.
The waves came to her knees already, but she could not be persuaded to return ashore.
When she thought she saw the shell again, she bowed to pick it up. At that moment a wave came rolling to her, bigger than its predecessors. She didn't notice, but Wentworth happened to look her way and saw the approaching roller, ready to swallow her.
"Louisa, watch out!!" he screamed at the top of his voice.
Alarmed by his sudden outburst, everyone looked in Louisa's direction, only to see the wave catch her, covering her almost completely. Unable to win this battle, she fell.
"Lou!" Henrietta yelled.
Louisa gasped for breath, trying to get up, but another wave swept her of her feet again. This time she didn't manage to get her head above the water before the next wave hit her, and only her hand was visible above the water.
Those on shore seemed frozen to the sand. Henrietta started to cry, Myra began to scream, Charlie tried to calm them, and Wentworth stepped towards the water. It was Anne who regained her senses first of all. Louisa did not reappear, and immediate action was required.
Anne stepped into the waves, resolutely, and tried to find her way to Louisa.
"Rick, we must get her NOW," she shouted to Wentworth, who was closest to her.
The waves rolled against her, but though she was mince, she was strong. She reached Louisa before Wentworth did, and tried to get her above the water surface, but the waves made that quite a job. Wentworth caught up with her and together they managed to lift the girl.
She was still, her face white.
Myra fainted in Charlie's arms, Henrietta was screaming hysterically, Benwick and the Harvilles were shocked.
When they reached the sand, they laid Louisa down. Anne attempted to push the water out of Louisa's lungs, causing gulps of water coming out of her mouth. After what seemed like eternity, she made gargling sounds, and started to inhale air.
Wentworth looked at Anne for an instant, and she discerned something in his look that she couldn't make out. It seemed to be a glimpse of admiration, but perhaps he was just relieved, or maybe even grateful, because Louisa was his favourite. There was no time to reflect on this, however. More important things needed to be done.
Louisa seemed to breath more easily, and she blinked.
"Do you think you can carry her?" Anne asked Wentworth.
He nodded, and she helped him to lift Louisa.
"Jaymz, maybe you can give Wentworth a hand?" Anne went on.
"Of course, of course! Anne, you are such a remarkable person!" he added in apparent admiration.
Anne didn't even hear it, turning her attention to her sister, who was still laying motionless on the sand.
"Charlie and Simon, will you manage to take Myra? She'll regain consciousness soon enough, but perhaps you'd best carry her anyway."
Simon and Charlie took hold of Myra, while Anne walked towards Henrietta.
"Are you OK? She'll be fine, sweetheart, she'll be fine."
She stroke Henrietta's cheek, and then asked Tiffany to look after her.
"And someone should run to the cottage to get a car, so Louisa can be driven to the hospital. I think she needs a thorough check-up, don't you?" Anne asked the question to no one in particular.
All answered in the affirmative.
"Let me run," Anne offered. "I am quick, and have no one to carry or comfort."
Tiffany nodded.
"Do you have the keys of the cottage?" Anne asked her.
"No, I don't. Who locked the door when we left?" Tiffany looked around. "Did you, Simon?"
"I did," came a voice from behind them. It was Wentworth's.
Anne walked to him.
"I have the key in my right pocket," he stammered, trying to reach for it without letting go of Louisa.
"Let me get it myself." Anne said matter-of-factly.
Wentworth could not object, and Anne let her hand slip in the right pocket of his jacket.
"No, in my trousers," he said.
Anne swallowed, but without hesitation she reached for the key in his trousers. She didn't look at him, got hold of the key and ran off immediately, as if fate had given her wings.