Beginning, Section II, Section III

Chapter 5

Posted on Thursday, 31 May 2001

A large volume of adventures may be grasped within this little span of life, by him who interests his heart in everything.
~ Laurence Sterne ~

Life was back to normal at the Monkford estate. Thomas Hassan had returned with an arsenal of new plans and ideas, each more grand that the last. His interns were run ragged trying to carry out the fantastic requests that the director had scribbled on piles of legal pads. In a week, the estate had changed from an idyllic paradise to having all the serenity of a beehive.

On Friday, a week after Hassan's return, Frederick groaned as he rolled out of bed and stretched his arms, stiff from unloading, sorting, and tagging seventy boxes of odds and ends props the day before. Sunrise was an hour away when Frederick slipped into swim trunks and a T-shirt and jogged down to the pool. He had found an early morning swim and soak in the hot tub to be the best way to loosen up his muscles for another day of hard work.

The poolroom was deserted, lit only faintly by the gray pre-dawn light that crept through the floor to ceiling windows. Frederick turned the whirlpool start dial and shed his T-shirt. Then he slid into the hot water, groaning in ecstasy as the bubble jets kneaded his tense neck and shoulders.

Frederick had only been soaking for a couple of minutes when he heard a click, and the room suddenly filled with sultry, middle-eastern music. The wall sconces came on, slowly brightening until the room was filled with a soft pink light.

Then Henrietta Groves came strolling in, wearing loose white crepe pants and a yellow sports bra, followed by a middle-aged woman who was carrying two woven rugs.

Frederick leaned his arms on the back of the hot tub, watching curiously as the women spread the rugs in a window-lined corner of the room. The older woman instructed Henrietta to lie on her stomach, propped on her elbows.

'Is that yoga?' Frederick asked lightly, climbing from the hot tub as the woman slowly guided Henrietta's head and shoulders back in a deep stretch.

Henrietta broke the stretch and dropped her chin onto her folded hands. 'Dickon! I didn't know you were here.'

Frederick scrubbed his hair with a towel as he walked towards her. 'I've been coming every morning. I haven't seen you down here before.'

Henrietta was silent for a moment as the instructor told her to rise to her hands and knees and arch her back. Henrietta held the pose, with her head dropped between her shoulders. Her voice was muffled as she answered him.

'We've been doing this in the lounge at the end of my hall, but there has been too much traffic there lately. I didn't think that the pool room would be too busy this early.' She changed positions. 'You should really try this...it does wonders. If you're feeling a little sore...'

'I'm not exactly wearing appropriate clothing...' Frederick laughed.

Henrietta turned to the instructor. 'What can you do with him?'

The instructor, whom Henrietta had introduced simply as Suki, showed Frederick several easy positions, then proceeded to lead Henrietta through a series of increasingly difficult poses. Frederick tried to follow along as best he could, laughing most of the time to the chagrin of the instructor.

After about fifteen minutes, Suki instructed Henrietta to lie flat on her back, with her arms and legs flung out to the sides, and breathe deeply for ten more minutes. Henrietta did so until the instructor left, then gracefully rose to a seated position and wrapped her arms around her knees.

'Feel better?' She asked.

'Much-the hot tub works wonders.'

'I meant the yoga.'

'I suppose it might have helped a little. It felt a little silly, though.'

'You looked fabulous in the warrior pose.' Henrietta smiled, eyeing his fit, tanned chest. 'You should really be an extra in the movie.'

'I would love that, but I highly doubt it will happen.'

'I'll see what I can do.' She reached over to ruffle his cropped, bleached hair. 'This would have to change, though.'

Frederick grinned. 'You're probably right. I doubt many medieval knights dyed their hair.'

'What is your normal color?'

'Dark brown-almost black.'

Henrietta's smile grew. 'With those blue eyes? You must be stunning. Why did you ever bleach your hair?'

'You don't like it?' Frederick laughed. 'I had to do it for my role in the University's spring musical. I decided to keep it this way for a while.'

'Is there any way I can talk you into changing it back?'

'If you get me a part in the movie, I will.'

'It's a deal.' Henrietta began to roll up one of the rugs. 'Have you eaten breakfast yet?'

'Not yet. I usually grab a bagel and some juice on my way to Hassan's morning lecture.' Frederick began rolling the other rug.

'Suki is going to be back in a couple of minutes with a tray. The kitchens always send more than I could possibly eat. Would you like to join me?'

Frederick shrugged. 'Why not?'

Anne was deeply lost in a very involved dream when the phone rang that morning. She jumped, and her heart raced violently at the sudden rude awakening. The bedside clock read 6:45. For a moment, Anne felt a tiny knot of panic that it was her manager calling to tell her she was late for work, but then she remembered that she had the evening shift. She reached over to turn on the light and picked up the receiver.

Across the lines, rattling with static, came a light tenor, warm with laugher. 'Hello Annie.

Anne's face lit up as she flopped back onto the bed. 'Charles!'

'Did I wake you? Your voice sounds a little groggy...'

'Yes, but my alarm is going to go off in fifteen minutes, anyway. Where are you? It sounds like you're calling from the moon!'

'Singapore. Who would have thought that during a summer internship, I would get to travel so much!'

'Singapore? What happened to London?'

'The firm had some international tax stuff to take care of. Before Singapore, we were in Hong Kong and Japan. Singapore is amazing. This traveling is wonderful--I feel so alive, and I'm seeing and doing things I never thought I would. I just came from the best meal I have ever had! '

Anne laughed. 'It's, what, five in the evening there?'

'Eight. So, what have you been up to? It's been a while since I last called you.'

'A month.' Anne agreed. 'I am still working at the café, going out with friends,' she laughed, 'And there is this guy...'

Charles' voice suddenly seemed even quieter, but Anne attributed it to the poor connection. 'You met someone?'

'Dickon. I think you would like him.'

'Tell me all about him.'

'He is about your height, with brilliant blue eyes. His hair is short, and he bleached it for a play this spring.'

'He is an actor?'

Anne proceeded to tell him about Frederick and the fun that they had had together during the previous week. 'I know you will love him when you meet him, Charles.'

'Sounds like you already do.'

Anne laughed. 'I only met him just over a month ago, and I only saw him four times before this last week. We haven't even gone on a real date. But I sure do like him a lot. Unfortunately, the director he is interning under is somewhat of a dictator. When he is in town, Dickon has very little free time. I have no idea when I will see him again.'

'How is your family?' Charles asked softly, changing the subject.

'Elizabeth is packing now for a trip to London with my Father. Mary decided to stick around Berkley for a while after finals, and won't be in town until July.'

'Oh, Mary.' Charles sighed, 'How is she?'

'Still in love with you, of course.' Anne laughed.

Charles groaned. 'Still?'

'Oh, yes. The last time she called, the first question she asked was about you.'

'I wish she would just let me be. She has been after me since she was sixteen. Just because you are my best friend doesn't mean that I-'

'So, have you been dating anyone?' Anne interrupted.

'I have been very busy, and haven't really met anyone interesting. We move around so much that there is rarely time for more than one date with anyone I meet.'

'That's too bad, but you will have plenty of time when school starts up again in the fall.'

Charles' voice brightened. 'I know. I'm so glad that you decided to come to Harvard!'

'My father would have my head if I even considered another school...unless it was Oxford or Cambridge. That you went there was an added bonus.'

'Yes, well...I should be going. I'm meeting some people at nine.'

'When will I hear from you again?'

'I'll call when I can, or send a post card if I can't...did you get my others?'

'No, but I'm sure I will.'

'And then I will be home in July. I can't wait to see you, Anne.'

'Me neither.'

'How long are you with Thomas?' Henrietta asked, digging into a grapefruit.

'A year.'

'Isn't that an awfully long time for an internship?'

'I suppose so, but the option was there, and I could hardly turn down such a great opportunity.'

'What will you do when it's over?'

'Find a job and start auditioning.'

Henrietta took a sip of her tea and leaned back, propping her long legs on an empty chair. 'So, are you seeing anyone?'

'I'm beginning to feel like I'm on a witness stand.' Frederick laughed. 'Not officially. You?'

'I'm just curious.' Henrietta grinned. 'No, I'm not officially seeing anyone, either. Have you met anyone interesting here?'

'Actually, I have.' Frederick said casually, beginning to section an orange. 'Her name is Anne.'

'Anne? I don't remember meeting anyone of that name around here...' Henrietta's eyes narrowed. 'Is she a servant, or something?'

'No, she has nothing to do with what is going on here. She lives in Somerset.'

'Oh, really? How did you meet her?'

'She works at a café called La Baguette.'

'How quaint.' Henrietta laughed. 'How do you ever find time to see her with Thomas' insane schedule?'

'I don't. We saw each other quite a bit last week, but other than that, I'm not sure how...'

'Well, surely if you are dating a girl, you have to have access to her...'

'We haven't exactly been on a date yet.'

'Oh. Well, in that case, Frederick...' Henrietta murmured, leaning forward to run a finger across the back of Frederick's hand.

Frederick slipped his hand from under hers and leaned back in his chair with a speculative frown on his face. As he did, he caught sight of his watch. With an apologetic smile, he leaped out of his chair. 'I'm late. Sorry Henrietta, it was nice. See you later!'

Henrietta smiled slyly as Frederick started from the room, and lifted a damp T-shirt between two fingers. 'You forgot something.'

Frederick dashed back and grabbed the shirt. 'Thanks.'

'No, thank you'

Anne returned from work at nine-thirty that night, exhausted. Molly had thoughtfully put some hot tea water on the stove before she left, and had set out a tray holding small buns with butter and fresh strawberry jam. Anne turned the stove off, poured steaming water over a tea bag and carried the tray up to her room.

The phone rang just as Anne entered her bedroom. She set the tray on a table by the window seat and picked up the receiver.

'May I please speak to Anne?'

Anne's forehead wrinkled as she sank onto the cushioned window seat. 'Speaking...'

'Hi Anne! This is Frederick Wentworth.'

'Dickon!' Anne smiled. 'How are you?'

'Fine. It's been a long, busy week. How are you?'

'Fine.' Anne leaned back against the window and took a sip of her tea. 'It just started raining.'

'So it is!' Frederick laughed. 'It was so nice a minute ago.'

'Nice, but cloudy. Did you see that lightening?' Anne asked, for lack of anything better to say. Her mind was still reeling from the fact that Frederick had called, so her responses had an odd, stilted quality. She was a little too flustered to think of anything brilliant.

'Amazing! Do you think it hit anything?'

'I hope not.'

'It's funny...we're twenty minutes apart, and can see the same bolt of lightening.' Frederick mused softly.

'I hadn't thought about that...' Anne smiled, gazing out at the storm, touched by the thought.

Frederick took a breath. 'So, what have you been up to all week?'

'The same as usual. I spoke with a friend in Singapore this morning, but other than that, not much has happened.'

'Singapore?'

'Yes. He is doing an internship with a Law firm based in London.'

'Interesting...' Frederick paused. 'Is he your boyfriend?'

'No.' Anne laughed. 'We haven't dated since senior prom. We have been friends since we were in diapers.'

'Do you have a boyfriend?'

Anne's heart thudded against her chest. 'No, do you?'

'Um...no. No girlfriend either.' Frederick laughed. 'Since we've established that we're both single...I had a great time last week.'

'So did I. I never knew that there were so many hiking trails around here!'

'I was wondering if you would like to go on an actual date with me.'

Anne nearly choked on her tea and began to cough.

'Are you OK?'

'Fine.' Anne laughed. 'Sure, I would love to.'

'I'm busy all weekend and all of next week, but on Wednesday, Hassan has a meeting in Boston, so I will have the afternoon and evening off.'

Anne's heart sank. 'Oh, I wish I could, but I work.'

'Oh.' The disappointment rang clear in Frederick's voice. 'Well, maybe some other time then.'

Anne suddenly realized that her window of opportunity might close before he would ask her again.

'I'll ask Lindsey to take my shift. She liked you, I'm sure she will do it for me.'

'Are you sure?'

'Yes. Pretty sure.'

'Good.' Anne could hear the smile in his voice. 'Wow, the rain is really coming down now.'

Anne leaned her head back and watched the storm move across the sky. 'Yes, it is.'

'You know what we should be doing?'

'What?'

'We should be standing outside in the rain.'

'Are you nuts?'

He laughed. 'Possibly. I've just always loved rain and storms. I'm going out there.'

'Oh. Bye, then.'

'No, don't hang up, I'll take you with me.'

'Won't it kill your phone?'

'It will be fine. Care to join me?'

Anne laughed, then shrugged. 'Why not?'

Elizabeth and Walter stared at her oddly as she walked outside without her coat, laughing into the telephone. Anne just smiled at them as she closed the door behind her.

'I'm outside now.'

'Me too. Isn't it great?'

Anne closed her eyes and bent her head back as the warm rain pounded her face. It did feel fabulous, and she told him so. 'You're a pretty spontaneous person, aren't you, Dickon?'

'Sometimes, I am. But it seems that you are too, Anne. You're the first girl I've ever been able to talk out into a rain storm.'

Chapter 6

Posted on Thursday, 7 June 2001

Opportunity dances with those who are ready on the dance floor.
~ H. Jackson Brown Jr. ~

The Ashleigh Hotel Café's small, private patio was a popular summer gathering spot for those who did not shy away from gourmet food at gourmet prices. The tables were covered with white linen and held glass bowls filled with water and lilacs. Large, cream-colored, square canvas umbrellas shaded diners and their meals from the sun. An ivy-covered fence blocked out curious eyes, and prevented summer winds from disturbing the perfectly pressed tablecloths and napkins.

Lindsey was already waiting on the patio when Anne arrived. A soft breeze carrying the scent of lilacs floated by as she took the seat opposite Lindsey, smiling blissfully.

'Isn't summer wonderful?'

Lindsey wore a knowing smile as she folded her hands on the white tablecloth. 'Especially when you're in love.'

Anne laughed. 'I'm not in love.'

Lindsey shrugged and picked up the menu. 'You've never asked anyone to switch a shift with you before...'

'Oh, well, others do it all the time.'

'You talk about Dickon all the time.'

'You talk about men all the time, too.'

'But you don't, Anne. Even the manager thinks you are in love.'

Anne smiled. 'Would you blame me if I was?'

'Mmm...'

'He is just so...'

'Charming?' Lindsey asked with a wry smile. 'Delicious? Irresistible?'

'I am really looking forward to-'

'The Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, please.' Lindsey said, grinning.

Anne, who had not noticed the presence of the waiter, blushed furiously and ordered the first thing she saw on the menu.

'So what are you doing tonight?' Lindsey asked after the waiter left.

'We're having a picnic.'

'How romantic.' Lindsey teased. 'Kris and I are going dancing tonight. If you run out of things to do, you can always stop by.'

'Has Michael called you?'

'No, and I don't expect him to. I don't think I am exactly his type.'

'Oh, Linds, you don't know that.'

'It's been weeks.' She shrugged. 'How long until Charles comes back?'

'Interested?'

'Yeah, when pigs fly.' She snorted. 'His family is so high society that I would forever feel like the little family doormat.'

Anne laughed. 'He's coming home in July. In fact, look what I got in the mail today!' She pulled two glossy postcards out of her bag.

'Hong Kong and Tokyo?' Lindsey turned the cards over and began to read. When she reached the salutation, Lindsey handed them back to Anne with a grin.

'He's in love with you, you know.'

Anne frowned. 'I know.'

'What are you going to do about it?'

'We've been friends for so long...I hope that I can talk him out of it. Maybe I can send Mary in his direction as a distraction.'

'That distraction just might send him back out of the country. He can't stand her.'

'Well, what can I do? He's my best friend...besides you, of course.'

'Amanda has always hoped that you would marry Charles someday.'

'I know.'

'She doesn't like Dickon at all-'

'Because he is a penniless actor with questionable prospects.' Anne finished for her. 'We've been through it before. I have no intention of marrying anyone any time soon, be it Dickon or Charles. A date or two isn't going to hurt anyone.'

'That's right.' Lindsey reached over to pat Anne's hand. 'Have a great time tonight with your gorgeous, charming Dickon.'

'Oh, I will. You can be sure of that!' Anne grinned.

'I need your help.' Frederick hollered to Michael over the balcony railing.

Michael tucked a Frisbee under his arm and adjusted his baseball cap. 'What for?'

'To get ready for my date with Anne!'

Michael grinned. 'I'll be right up.'

Henrietta Groves was reading in a chair underneath the balcony. As Michael passed, she caught him by the arm.

'So Dickon has a date tonight?'

'He does.' Michael smiled, thrilled to have the actress' attention. 'With a girl from town.'

'Are they serious, do you think?'

'Oh, I doubt it. This is their first official date.'

'Oh, I see.' Henrietta smiled. 'Thank you.'

'No, thank you.'

Henrietta raised an eyebrow. Flustered, Michael gave her a quick nod and turned to leave, nearly tripping over a small table. He found Frederick waiting in the hallway.

'I need to pack a picnic lunch, and I don't know where anything is. I need a basket, napkins, plates, silverware...'

Michael laughed. 'Did you look in the kitchen?'

'The kitchen is the size of a hockey rink. How can you find anything in that place?'

'I talked one of the maids into giving me a tour.' Michael grinned. 'Come on, we'll get you set up.'

It took them a while, but eventually they found a good-sized picnic basket and packed it with cold chicken, strawberries, buns, salad greens, cheese, chocolate chip cookies, place settings, a bottle of water, and a bottle of wine. They placed the basket in one of the coolers and Dickon left a note for the cook with a list of everything he had taken.

They were just cleaning up their mess when Lisa came into the kitchen, red-faced and out of breath. 'There you two are. I've been looking everywhere!' She gasped, leaning against the doorpost.

'Poor Lisa. You always seem to be out of breath when I see you.' Michael quipped.

'That's because you have a habit of disappearing whenever Hassan needs you.' Lisa returned with a wry grin. Then she took a deep breath. 'The meeting is going to be here, instead of Boston! The producers want to see what we have been up to these past few months. Both of you are needed. Go up and change into suits. This is a very important meeting! Be in Hassan's office by four.' She took another deep breath and then flew from the room.

Frederick watched her leave with a dazed expression on his face. 'Did she just...'

Michael gave Frederick a sympathetic smile and patted his shoulder. 'Yeah. I'm sorry. Looks like you will have to reschedule.'

Frederick swore under his breath. 'I don't believe this. How could he do this to me? He works our tails off, and then expects us to keep jumping at his beck and call like lap dogs.'

'I've never heard you criticize him before.'

'That's because I've weathered everything else pretty well, but this...with an hour's notice, it's unbelievable!'

'I'm sure she will understand.'

Anne hung up the phone and collapsed onto her bed, staring at the ceiling. Then, with a moan, she picked up the phone again and hit autodial.

'Lindsey? It's off.'

A hiss echoed through the phone. 'He stood you up?'

'No, canceled. He has a meeting that will last all evening.'

'Oh Anne, I am so sorry.'

'So was he.' She began to tear the curlers from her hair with one hand.

'Do you want to come out with us tonight?'

'Yes. I need to forget about Dickon. If I stay home and think about it, I'll just end up in a hideous mood.'

'I'll pick you up in an hour.'

The meeting did last all evening. After a three-hour tour of the house and offices, Hassan was so excited about his project that he wanted to show them every idea he had written down. The entire group was shepherded into the conference room, where Hassan proceeded to show the visiting gentlemen almost the entire storyline as sketched out on poster board. They had not even gotten to the financial part or Frederick and Michael's presentations yet.

Frederick was fuming. Never had he felt so nonessential. Michael occasionally sent a warning glance in his direction, and Frederick tried to appear more civil. But it was very difficult when he felt about as frustrated as he had ever been. He was so preoccupied that he did not notice the sly glances Henrietta kept sending in his direction.

Around nine o'clock, Hassan finally allowed the group to break up. As an afterthought, he added that they would continue with presentations by two of his interns at ten the next morning.

Frederick grabbed Michael's arm as the group dispersed. 'I'm going to town. Do you want to come with?'

'You're going in now?'

'I have to get out of here.'

'Fine. Let's go change, and then I will meet you at the door.'

As Frederick turned towards the stairs, Lisa stopped him. 'Henrietta called down from upstairs. She forgot her script in Hassan's office, and was wondering if, since you are sort-of headed in that direction anyway, you could drop it off for her.'

'Sure.' Frederick agreed distractedly, taking the script.

Henrietta's door was closed when Frederick arrived. He knocked softly until a voice asked him to enter.

The lights were off, so he figured that Henrietta had already turned in for the night. He looked around in the dark for a nearby table.

'I'm just going to leave the script here...'

'Yes, do that.' A voice whispered as the door swung closed behind him. Suddenly, Henrietta was in his arms, pressing him against the wall as her mouth found his. 'I've been waiting.'

Shocked, Frederick broke the kiss and caught her wrists. 'Henrietta, you must have me confused with someone else. I'm Frederick Wentworth.'

She pressed against him again, murmuring. 'I know, Dickon.'

Frederick grabbed her shoulders, holding her at a distance. His pulse was racing. 'Henrietta, what are you doing?'

'You are the most delicious dish that I have seen in a while. It's lonely out here. I just want some company for a little while...' She whispered, running her hands down his arms.

He laughed shakily. 'I'm flattered. I really am. But I can't do this.'

She frowned, reaching out to loosen his tie. 'Of course you can.'

'No...I can't.' He freed his tie from her grip. 'You are beautiful...amazing. I should be so lucky.'

'You could be...'

'No, I couldn't.' He stepped back and reached for the doorknob. 'Do you realize how awkward it would be? There is obviously no future for us...and I don't do casual flings anymore.'

'You are so confident, Dickon. Do you really feel no attraction for me?'

He laughed. 'I didn't say that. But this cannot happen. You are a movie star, and I am...a peon. Now, if you will excuse me...'

'You are going to that girl!' She accused.

'I don't know if I will be able to find her...but I hope so.'

'Is she really worth giving this up?' Henrietta stepped back, laughing flirtatiously.

Frederick smiled. 'I think so.'

'Well, go if you must. But if it doesn't work out...I'll be waiting.'

Anne sat at a table, moodily stirring her drink, as Lindsey analyzed the nearby men. Kristine was speaking to a cute guy at the next table, twisting her long, blonde hair flirtatiously around her finger.

'Do you realize that we do the same thing every time we come here? We sit at a table overlooking the dance floor and talk about every man in the place, and hope that the man of our dreams will come up and ask us to dance...but he never does.'

'You're in a rotten mood, Anne. Come on, let's go dance. We'll find you someone to get Dickon out of your mind.'

'I don't want to get him out of my mind.'

'But he stood you up!'

'He didn't. He canceled. There's a difference.'

'Dickon is a jerk to ditch you for an opportunity to grovel at Thomas Hassan's feet.'

'Dickon isn't a jerk, he's-'

'A bloody idiot.' A soft, British voice added lightly.

Anne spun around in her chair to find Frederick standing behind her, giving her a contrite smile. 'I'm in a foul mood too, Anne. I had to cancel on a great girl, and I didn't even get an opportunity to grovel.' He gave the gaping Lindsey a wink. 'Actually, Hassan probably would not have noticed if I left after the introductions. So, will you forgive me?'

'I-of course!'

Michael Cutler came up behind Frederick with a tray of drinks. 'This round is on me.' He gave Lindsey a smile. 'We have to lighten the moods of these two lovebirds.'

'Lovebirds?' 'We're not-' Anne and Frederick cried at the same time.

'I think the best way to show Frederick that you forgive him is to dance with him, Anne.' Lindsey suggested with a wicked gleam in her eye.

Anne blushed and gazed out at the dance floor, where couples were dancing extremely close to hot Latin music. 'I don't know...'

'I think I'll just go dig myself a hole.' Frederick muttered, pretending to be hurt.

'Go ahead, Anne. It's easy. Just let him hold you close and move to the music.'

Anne blushed furiously. 'Linds...'

Frederick held out a hand. 'I promise I won't bite.'

Anne was finally persuaded.

Out on the floor, Frederick slipped his arms around Anne. 'Now, tell me if you're uncomfortable, and I'll slow things down.'

'Look at them.' Michael laughed, taking the chair Anne had vacated.

'I knew she would like it.' Lindsey agreed smugly.

'Can you see the look on her face? If he doesn't kiss her, I'll slug him.'

'Oh, give them time...Anne's a slow mover.'

As the music intensified, so did the dancers. The floor was packed, and Anne found herself pressed so close to Frederick that she could feel his heartbeat and smell the faint, clean scent of his aftershave.

'That's more like it!' Michael cheered as Frederick kissed the top of Anne's head.

Lindsey snorted. 'Are you going to spend the entire night ogling Frederick and Anne?'

Just then, the object of Kristine's attention excused himself. Kristine turned back to the table, and gave Michael a surprised, but very appreciative smile.

'Who are you?'

Lindsey introduced them to each other. Michael held out his hand.

'Pleased to meet you. I saw you sitting there, but I didn't realize that you were with this group.'

Kristine smiled. 'I was talking to someone, but if I had known that you had joined us, I would have turned around sooner. How do you know Lindsey?'

'Actually, I've only met Lindsey once or twice.' He gave Lindsey a smile. 'I came here with Dickon.'

'Dickon? Anne's Dickon? He's here?'

Lindsey and Michael laughed and pointed towards the dance floor. Kristine searched for a while before finally finding them. 'Oh, wow! It looks like Anne's mood has improved.'

'I'd say so.'

'He's whispering into her ear. I wonder what he is saying.'

'Should we go find out?' Michael asked.

'Yes, lets.' Kristine dimpled. 'You don't mind, do you Linds?'

Lindsey hid her frown and shook her head. 'I'll stay here and...guard the drinks and the table.'

'Thanks, Linds. You're a dear.' Kristine laughed.

'How are you doing?' Frederick asked, pressing his lips against Anne's ear to make himself heard.

Anne smiled against his chest. 'Great!'

'What?'

Anne lifted her head to look at him. 'Great!'

'I still can't hear you, but from that smile it looks like you're doing pretty well.' Frederick shouted.

Anne's smile grew. 'Can you read lips?' She shouted back.

'Sometimes...'

'I'm having a marvelous time.' She mouthed.

Frederick's forehead wrinkled. 'Say that again?'

'Your eyes are amazing.' Anne grinned.

'Wait, your mouth moved differently that time.' He protested. 'Do it again.'

'In fact, you are the most gorgeous man I have seen in a long time.' She smiled wickedly.

'I'm sorry...one more time. I think I've almost got it...'

'I desperately want you to kiss me.'

'OK.' He responded lightly and leaned down to comply with her request.

Anne cried out in protest. 'You knew what I was saying all along.'

'Well, some of it.' He admitted.

'But you kept asking me to repeat it!' She accused, blushing hotly.

'Well, I wasn't quite sure-' He gave her a mischievous grin. 'But if there is one thing that I do know how to read, it's when a woman says kiss me.'

'I didn't expect you to understand me. I didn't mean for you to actually do it!'

Frederick laughed. 'I didn't do anything. You stopped me before I could.'

'Well, in a public place...'

'So I could have kissed you if we were not in public? You did say that you desperately wanted me to, didn't you?'

'Dickon...'

Frederick drew back suddenly. 'Forgive me, Anne. We have company.' He kept his arm around Anne as he turned to face Michael and Kristine.

Anne gazed at Kristine without really seeing her. Her mind was too emotionally muddled to register anything but the pressure of Frederick's hand on her waist.

'It looks like the two of you have finally settled your differences.' Michael grinned.

'Lindsey was right, you are crazy about each other.' Kristine added, smiling appreciatively at Frederick.

At the mention of her friend's name, Anne came out of her rose-tinted stupor. 'Where is Lindsey?'

'She's back keeping the table warm.'

'You didn't leave her all alone...' Anne shot Kristine a sudden glare.

'Well...'

Anne gave Frederick an apologetic, slightly tremulous smile, then turned to grab Kristine's hand. 'You're coming with me.'

When they were out of earshot, Anne turned to Kristine with an angry glare. 'You just stole Lindsey's crush right from under her eyes.'

'I didn't know...Michael was the one who asked me...'

Anne sighed. 'I love you, Kris. You're a dear friend. But sometimes you can be so obtuse.'

Lindsey looked miserable. Anne gave her one glance and pulled her out of her seat. 'We're getting out of here.'

Lindsey smiled. 'I'm fine. Really.'

Anne gave her a hug as Michael and Frederick joined them.

'We're heading out.'

Frederick frowned at Anne. 'Just like that?'

Anne opened her mouth to speak, then turned to Michael. 'Would you please walk Lindsey and Kristine out to the car? We'll be right behind you.'

She led Frederick outside. 'I'm sorry it had to end like this.'

Frederick squeezed her hand. 'What happened? Was it because I...'

'No. Good heavens, no!' Anne smiled brilliantly. 'It was just a little...girl thing.'

'Good.' Frederick returned her smile. 'In that case...when will I see you again?'

'As soon as you can get away.' Anne returned.

'I am very sorry about canceling the picnic.'

'There is nothing to apologize for. I had a wonderful time tonight. We can always go on a picnic another time.'

'Then you don't mind that I tried to kiss you?'

'How could I?' Anne took a breath, her heart pounding crazily as she tried to be very brave. 'But if you try it again, please do it someplace other than the dance floor. Swept up in the moment, I wonder if it is for real, or just because of a slow song and romantic lighting.'

Frederick grinned. 'I may have been swept up in the moment, but it sure felt...' He paused, looking around him. 'Someplace like this, perhaps? It's quiet, private...'

Anne just blushed.

He tilted her chin up so that she could see the light in his blue eyes. 'Anne, this is for real. I promise.' And he was just about to kiss her when the honking of a car horn and Michael, Lindsey, and Kristine interrupted him with applause and catcalls.

'Not private enough, I'm afraid.' Frederick muttered, glaring at their grinning friends.

'I'd better go.' Anne murmured, starting towards the car as Michael turned the driver's seat over to Lindsey.

'I'll call you.' Frederick yelled as Michael walked towards him. Then he turned to Michael. 'Remind me to kill you later.'

Michael shrugged. 'The law of supply and demand. If you supply enough of the product, the demand lowers. If you withhold it, the demand increases. Next time, she will beg you to kiss her. I was just helping you out.'

'You're an idiot. Do you know that?' Frederick glowered as they started towards the car they had borrowed.

Michael laughed merrily. 'No, I was just making sure that you came home with me tonight. We have an early morning tomorrow.'

Chapter 7

Posted on Thursday, 14 June 2001

He was, at that time, a remarkably fine young man, with a great deal of intelligence, spirit, and brilliancy; and Anne an extremely pretty girl, with gentleness, modesty, taste, and feeling. - Half the sum of attraction, on either side, and feeling might have been enough, for he had nothing to do, and she had hardly anybody to love; but the encounter of such lavish recommendations could not fail. They were gradually acquainted, and when acquainted, rapidly and deeply in love.
~Jane Austen--Persuasion~

Thomas Hassan, a very patriotic man, annually held an elaborate Independence Day party at his estate. Every window of the estate was draped with red, white, and blue silk streamers. A string quartet was set up inside the main entrance, and another outside by the pond. A small orchestra played in the ballroom, and string music poured from the windows. No electric lights were used in the areas open to guests, only gas and candlelight. Small boys ran around with baskets of rosettes to decorate the lapels of all male guests.

Hassan's was always a very popular party because the guests were required to dress in revolutionary attire, and to remain in character. During the two days of the party, the house was filled with minutemen, Betsey Rosses, and George Washingtons. Every year, several people came dressed as redcoats. Hassan only tolerated them if they agreed to play dead redcoats. Everyone got very much into the spirit of the occasion.

Frederick was highly amused by the whole event.

'If I speak normally, I soon have a dozen minutemen surrounding me, labeling me a royalist, and offering to string me up by my shoelaces. They forget that back then, most colonists had British accents.'

Michael laughed and adjusted his tri-cornered hat at a rakish angle on his head. 'Should we escape this for a while and go pick up the girls?'

The party was in full swing by the time Frederick and Michael returned with Anne, Lindsey, and Kristine. Because they were to remain at the perimeter of the party, the food tables were off-limits. Instead, Frederick and Michael had packed a picnic lunch. They stopped by the kitchens to pick it up, then walked the girls to the hillside, where they could hear the music and watch the party without drawing attention.

After they finished eating, everyone leaned back on the blankets and watched the party guests cavorting about on the lawn below. The evening was calm, and the music carried clearly to their spot on the hill.

'Have you ever danced the minuet?' Frederick asked, helping Anne to her feet.

Anne kicked her skirts out of the way and bent down to put her shoes back on. 'No. Have you?'

'A couple of times...on stage.' He took her hand and led her away from the group.

Kristine took Michael's wineglass from him. 'Want to dance?'

Michael shot a look at Lindsey, who was suddenly busy re-packing the picnic basket. 'Um...sure.'

Lindsey leaned back on her elbows and watched sadly as the two couples made their way to a more level patch of grass.

There was a lot of laughter as Frederick tried to teach everyone the minuet. Finally, Michael and Kristine returned to the blankets.

'I can't dance in these shoes!' Kristine cried, kicking them off.

'Then you can rest while I dance with Lindsey.'

'Oh, I don't need to rest...' Kristine protested.

'It's her turn anyway.' Michael's eyes brightened as the next song began. 'A waltz! That's something I can do.' He grabbed Lindsey's hand and led her towards Anne and Frederick, leaving Kristine stewing behind him.

'I like this one.' Anne murmured.

Frederick grinned. 'The waltz was scandalous when it first came out...but they didn't dance quite this close.'

'Well...they just didn't know how to enjoy themselves.'

Frederick smiled and pulled Anne closer. 'You're right about that.'

As the song ended, Frederick and Anne stood still, gazing out over the valley.

'Do you know any of these people?'

Frederick scanned the crowd. 'Most of them I've only seen in movies...' He pointed suddenly. 'Did I tell you that Henrietta Groves is here? She is a very...interesting woman.'

Anne laughed. 'I'll bet she is.'

As they watched, Henrietta floated through the crowd, dressed in a white dress that would have been quite shocking in revolutionary times. She stopped occasionally to have her hand or cheek kissed, but for the most part she kept moving, settling nowhere.

Then a different figure caught their eyes: a tall, dark-haired man. He moved through the crowds with the bearing of a king, with a stunning redhead on his arm.

'Charles Hayter.' Frederick whispered to Anne.

'The one who has won three Oscars?'

'Three Oscars and a Tony.' Frederick corrected.

Hayter paused to collect two glasses of champagne from a waiter, and tapped his glass against his companion's, smiling broadly. They each took a small sip, then continued through the crowd.

Meanwhile, Henrietta was slowly wandering in their direction. She had just exchanged a laughing comment with a small group of people when she turned around and simultaneously dropped her champagne flute and clapped her hand over her mouth.

It took longer for Hayter to notice Henrietta. When he did, he stared at her for a long moment, then turned away and walked his protesting date back towards the house. Henrietta just stood there, staring after him. When heads began to turn, she finally moved, following Hayter's steps in a daze. After she had disappeared, Anne turned back to Frederick.

'What on earth was that about?'

He smiled. 'I have no idea. Movie stars are a volatile lot.' He bent down to kiss her cheek. 'Would you like another glass of wine?'

Anne shook her head.

'Well, in that case...' Frederick slipped his arms around her waist and rested his cheek on the top of her head as the orchestra began to play a slow, nostalgic tune.

Michael had intended to trade off dancing with Lindsey and Kristine, but Kristine had not let him out of her hands for four songs now. He finally had to get firm with her.

'Kristine, we shouldn't leave Lindsey alone like that. I am going to ask her to dance again.'

Kristine stepped back and shrugged. 'If you want to...Can you point me towards a bathroom?'

Michael thought for a moment. 'I'm not quite sure where the closest women's is.'

'I'd hate to wander around in there alone.'

Michael sighed. 'I suppose I should probably go with you, then.' He started to walk back towards Lindsey. 'I am going to show Kristine to a bathroom. Do you want to come with?'

Lindsey shrugged. 'I suppose.'

Charles Musgrove felt a surge of happiness as the taxi pulled into the main street of his hometown, all decked out for the holiday. The joy of his homecoming was enhanced by the fact that he had returned to the States on Independence Day.

His mother was probably expecting him, Charles thought as he waited at a stoplight. But then again, Anne was not. If he went home first, Anne would hear of his arrival before he could surprise her. With a big grin, he turned his car onto the road that led out to Kellynch Hall.

There was only one car parked in front of the estate. Charles pulled up behind it, smiling as he picked up a small bouquet of flowers from the passenger's seat of his car.

The front door was open a crack, and Charles pushed it open to reveal a young woman bent over a pile of luggage. Her face was hidden by her long, brunette hair.

'Anne!' Charles laughed, grabbing the girl's hand to pull her to her feet.

The young woman frowned as she turned to face him, pulling her hand away. 'No, Charles. It's me...Mary.'

'Oh, yes...Mary. Hello.' Charles' smile diminished as he prepared himself for a flood of rapt adoration.

Instead of throwing herself into his arms, however, Mary merely shrugged and turned back to her luggage. 'Anne isn't here.'

Charles stood awkwardly, clutching his flowers. 'Where is she?'

'I don't know. I just got home.'

Charles glanced around, finally setting the flowers on a nearby table. 'Oh. Well...how is school going?'

'School's school.' Mary replied distractedly without glancing in his direction. 'Now, where did I put my address book?'

'Do you need some help?' Charles finally asked.

'No, thank you. Do you need something?' She glanced over her shoulder with a frown.

'No...I guess not.' Charles backed away slowly in confusion, wondering what had happened to Anne's bubbly little sister who had been sick in love with him. 'Mary...are you OK?'

She finally turned to face him. 'I'm fine, Charles. Why do you ask?'

'Oh, you just seem...different.'

Mary gave him a wry smile. 'Really? I didn't think that you ever noticed me.' She hefted the strap of her carry-on over her shoulder. 'Actually, I suppose I could use some help, since my family has seemingly disappeared, along with all of the servants.'

Charles nodded slowly, picked up two bags, and followed Mary upstairs.

'You won't believe who I just saw in the bathroom!' Kristine cried.

'Try me.' Lindsey muttered, drawing a glance from Michael.

'Who did you see?'

'Henrietta Groves!'

'Oh.' Michael smiled. 'She's been here all along.'

'You're kidding! Henrietta Groves was staying here, and you didn't tell us?'

Michael shrugged. 'It never came up.'

Kristine slugged him in the arm. 'Anyway, she was crying.'

Michael was suddenly alert. 'Crying? Why?'

'I don't know, she kept-'

'Is she the only one in the bathroom?'

'Well...yes.'

Michael opened the door and went inside.

A few minutes later, he emerged with Henrietta, who was wearing an angry scowl. She glared at Lindsey and Kristine.

'They probably have a camera with them.'

'Don't worry...they won't tell anyone.'

Henrietta took a couple of steps, and tripped slightly. Michael gestured for Lindsey to take her arm as he led them up to Henrietta's room.

After depositing her on the bed, Michael sat next to her.

'Are you going to be all right?'

'While Charles is somewhere in this house with that little tramp?'

'I thought that you were the one who decided to get the divorce.'

'I had a career to think of.' Henrietta protested. 'But I thought...'

'So he shows up at the same party, flaunting his new-' Kristine began, trying to commiserate with the star.

Henrietta glared at her. 'Who are these two, anyway?'

'We're Anne's friends.'

'Anne who?'

'Anne Elliot-Frederick Wentworth's girlfriend.'

Henrietta groaned. 'Why are all the good men always taken?'

Michael took that as his cue to make a quick exit. 'I think we'd better leave Henrietta alone, girls.' He squeezed her hand. 'Will you be OK?'

'I'll be fine...as long as I have my minibar.'

'Oh, don't, please!' Michael cried in alarm.

She laughed bitterly. 'I'll be fine. Get out of here.'

Just as the sun started to set, it began to sprinkle. Frederick and Anne gathered the picnic supplies together and dashed inside. Michael, Lindsey, and Kristine were waiting for them.

'I'm going to take the girls home. Kristine has a date to watch the fireworks at nine. Do you want to come with, Anne?'

Frederick put his arms around Anne. 'Why don't you stick around for a while. I'll get you some dry clothes, and if the weather clears up, we can watch the fireworks from the upstairs balcony.'

'If Lindsey doesn't have something better to do, I'll bring her back here, and we'll join you for the fireworks.' Michael turned to her. 'What do you think?'

Lindsey beamed. 'I'd love to.'

Anne and Frederick said goodbye to their friends, then went up to Frederick's room. He dug through his drawers and pulled out a nice T-shirt, a sweatshirt, and a pair of brand new flannel boxers. He turned his back while Anne changed, then took her dress into the bathroom so that it could dry on the shower rack.

When Frederick returned, Anne was curled up on his bed with her eyes closed. Frederick kissed her forehead and smoothed her hair back from her face.

'Tired?'

Anne opened her eyes and smiled as she moved over to make room for him. When Anne was comfortably settled in his arms, Frederick closed his eyes, smiling.

'It was a good day, wasn't it?'

'Mhmm.'

'I'm so glad you came.'

'Me too. I wish that Kristine wasn't quite so flirtatious, though. Poor Lindsey.'

'Kristine isn't Michael's type, anyway. He has been hurt by too many little beauty queens.' He laughed. 'Honestly, I'm surprised she is your friend.'

'We were in a sorority together in college. We have been through a lot together. Just like real sisters, we get along most of the time, but have plenty of disagreements.'

'You were in a sorority?'

'I was. I used to be very shy, and a friend told me that it might be a good way to open up and meet people. It was.'

Frederick sighed. 'I'm glad you're not shy anymore, Anne.'

'Why is that?'

'Because I...Anne, will you come to Europe with me?'

Anne sat up and looked at him. 'While you are filming?'

Frederick smiled excitedly. 'Hassan said that I could bring someone along if my guest agreed to help. Can you imagine us exploring Paris? Please say you'll come!'

'I'll talk to my father tomorrow!' Anne cried, kissing him. Then she sat back on her heels. 'Dickon, why are you asking me?'

'Why Anne, I thought you knew...everyone else seems to.'

'Knew what?'

'How crazy I am about you.'

'Just how crazy about me are you?'

Frederick laughed and pulled her down into his arms and gave her a long, slow kiss.

'You're pretty crazy, all right.' Anne sighed, snuggling into his arms.

'So crazy that I can't bear the thought of leaving here without you.' Frederick whispered, stroking her hair.

'Did you hear the thunder?' Anne asked, closing her eyes.

'Looks like there won't be any fireworks tonight.' Frederick murmured.

'Well...you never know...'

Mary collapsed onto her bed. 'Thanks, Charles.'

'You're welcome.'

'You can leave now, if you want.'

He shrugged and sat in a chair. 'Have you talked to Anne lately?'

'Only briefly.'

'Did she tell you about this guy she has been seeing?'

'Only that he is amazing, and that she is crazy in love with him.'

'I thought she just met this guy.'

Mary laughed at the expression on Charles' face. 'You're in love with her, aren't you?'

Charles shook his head.

'I don't believe you.'

Charles rose from his chair, scowling. 'What is with you, Mary?'

'Do you want some help?' Mary laughed. 'Don't look so surprised!'

'But I thought...' Charles paused, searching for the words. 'You always used to act so...'

'So what?' Mary asked, grinning.

'So in love with me.' Charles muttered.

'Oh. Well, I have moved past that. In fact, I think that I would very much like to have you as a brother. That's what has always been meant to be, right?'

Charles snorted.

'So do you love her?'

He sank back into his chair, saying nothing.

'I'll help you win her.'

Charles leaned back in his chair, smiling slowly. 'You surprise me, Mary. You've grown up a lot.'

Michael and Lindsey carried on a pleasant conversation during the drive back to Somerset. Kristine was in the back seat, and could not hear them very well because of the music. She kept scooting forward in her seat, and finally undid her seat belt so that she could lean between the two front seats to hear them.

'So you think you have what it takes to get through med. school?' Michael asked, smiling. 'It's supposed to be pretty tough.'

'Oh, I'm a hard worker.' Lindsey replied. 'I'll be fine.'

'Smart women are very sexy.'

Lindsey blushed.

'I'm working on a master's in psychology.' Kristine piped in.

'Oh really?' Michael asked. 'Good for you. It looks like we have two very smart, very sexy girls in this car.'

'And one very sexy actor.' Kristine cooed.

Lindsey snorted.

'What, you don't think I'm sexy?' Michael asked in an injured voice.

'I didn't say that. I just think that you've probably heard it a little too often.' Lindsey replied with a wicked grin.

'Do you think I'm arrogant?' He glanced over at her with a raised eyebrow.

'Just slightly.' Lindsey hid her smile. 'But actors tend to be.'

'What about Dickon? I thought you liked him?'

'I do! He is perfect for Anne.'

'Too bad it won't last.' Kristine added.

'What makes you say that?' Michael asked, glancing over his shoulder.

'You guys aren't here too long, and actor's relationships never last, anyway. Admit it, you guys go after flings, not serious relationships.'

'I will not admit that.' Michael countered. 'Sure, I have had my share of flings, but I just haven't met the right girl. Dickon has. He is crazy about Anne. I think that this one will last.'

'What about when you guys leave to start filming? You have, what, a month left? He is going to break her heart.'

Michael shook his head. 'Can we talk about something else?'

'Where are you-' Lindsey began.

'Admit it, you would love it if a girl threw herself at your feet and you had a valid excuse to disappear after a couple of weeks...or months.' Kristine interrupted.

'Kristine-'

Michael glanced over his shoulder just as Lindsey gave a yell, just in time to see a pair of headlights barreling down the narrow road behind them. He tried to pull over, but the car behind him was all over the road. He tried to speed up, but the little Toyota had no chance of outrunning a Ferrari. Michael wrestled with the steering wheel, trying to angle the car towards a safe spot on the edge of the road, but the car kept coming closer and closer...

The sunrise was at its most glorious when Frederick walked Anne up the front stairs of her home.

As they stood in front of the door, Anne dropped her eyes, blushing. 'I...'

'...had a wonderful time.' Frederick finished for her, smiling.

'Wonderful,' she repeated dreamily, meeting his eyes.

Frederick gave a low chuckle. 'Me too.'

He brushed a stray hair from her cheek and bent down to kiss her.

'I'll call you after lunch.'

'Please do.'

'And you'll ask your father about the trip?'

'I will. There's nothing more I want in this world.' Anne sighed, closing her eyes and inhaling the fresh scent of his cologne.

'Me neither.' Frederick added with a silly grin on his face.

Anne reached for the doorknob. 'Well, I'd better...'

Frederick nodded and kissed her again, then stepped back. He knew that it was time for him to leave, but try as he might, he just could not seem to let go of her hand.

'Well...'

Just then, the door opened, and Mary stepped out, red-eyed, followed by Charles Musgrove.

'Anne, where have you been?'

Anne stared dazedly at her sister. 'Mary?' Then she noticed the man standing behind Mary. 'Charles?'

Mary nodded. 'I called him over this morning to drive me to the...After I heard, I was in no condition to...' She paused awkwardly, biting her lip.

Charles stepped forward, taking Anne's hand.

'Anne, I am so sorry. There has been an accident...'

Chapter 8

Posted on Thursday, 28 June 2001

Oh, love is real enough; you will find it someday, but it has one archenemy -- and that is life.
~ Jean Anouilh Ardele ~

It was raining the day of Kristine's funeral. The church was packed and humid, and the sound of rustling paper muffled the dirges as the congregation tried to cool themselves off with their bulletins.

It had been a long service, during which Anne had plenty of time to repent the bitter feelings she had developed towards Kristine for interfering with Lindsey's happiness. Anne couldn't help but blame Michael a little. By serving as the object of Lindsey's affection while seeming to allow Kristine's attentions, he had driven a small wedge between the friends. And, again, if he hadn't offered to drive the girls home that night...

Anne shuddered, and reminded herself that Michael was, at present, in bed with a concussion and a broken arm and leg. Poor Michael, an innocent victim, was in the middle of a violent depression because of his role in the accident. He was convinced that if he had reacted quicker, if he had turned the wheel harder, none of this would have happened. He would forever blame himself for Kristine's death and Lindsey's possibly useless legs.

Anne rose automatically with the rest of the congregation as Kristine's uncles, cousins, and brothers carried her flower-covered coffin down the aisle. Kristine's brother Peter, whom Anne had loved desperately until he married during Anne's senior year of high school, caught Anne's eye as he passed, and gave her a grim half-smile. Kristine's mother was crying so much that she could barely walk, and was supported by Kristine's stepfather and youngest brother.

Lindsey's parents were right behind them. They would not continue on to the cemetery, but were headed back to their daughter's bedside to wait for the results of Lindsey's latest nerve tests.

Amanda Russell slipped a hand through Anne's arm and led her down the aisle out into narthex, where they collected their coats and went out into the driving rain to join the procession to the cemetery.

The rain had turned the grass a brilliant green. There were several new, flower-covered graves near the Potters' lot. A small tent had been erected over the graves of Kristine's grandparents to protect the immediate family and closest friends from the rain.

Anne was grateful for the green mats that covered the hole in the earth. She didn't know if any of them could bear to watch the coffin enter a dark, muddy hole. Especially since, as Mrs. Potter reminded Anne, Kristine had been so very afraid of the dark, even up into her early teens.

The graveside service was brief, and as the mourners began to shuffle off, Amanda Russell steered Anne towards the car. She was commenting on the beautiful service when she stopped in her tracks, hissing between her teeth.

'What is he doing here?'

Anne started. There, next to the gate, stood Frederick Wentworth.

'It is all his fault. He invited you to that bacchanalian party, he allowed his careless friend to drive the girls home, and it was another one of his friends who caused the accident.'

Anne protested. 'There was no way for any of us to know this was going to happen. You might as well say it was my fault. After all, I'm the one who is seeing him.'

Mrs. Russell shrugged. 'There is fault in that, too. You can never trust those theater-types.'

Anne shook the comment off and began to walk towards Frederick. Mrs. Russell grabbed her arm. 'You're not going over to him?'

'I have to. He came here because of me...'

Mrs. Russell shook her head. 'It's foolish, Anne. The only reason I haven't protested more is because I know he is leaving in a month, although I wish you would come to your senses before then. After he leaves, hopefully you will start using your head when forming romantic attachments.'

Anne was about to bring up the subject of her proposed trip, but then she glanced at Frederick, who was waiting so patiently in the rain. 'You can leave without me. I will ride over with Dickon.'

Mrs. Russell gave Anne a quick squeeze. 'I know that I can't force you to stop seeing him...but please, be smart Anne.'

Anne closed her eyes for a moment, collecting herself. Then she bade goodbye to Amanda Russell and started walking towards Frederick.

The shoulders of his black wool coat were beaded with rain. His blue eyes were intense with worry for Anne, and his face was grim as he held out his arms to her. Anne stood still before him for a moment. Then, with a sob, she threw herself into his arms.

The Potters' house was filled with guests by the time Frederick pulled up. He and Anne sat quietly in the car for a while, looking up at the house.

'Are you sure you won't come in?' Anne asked, looking in the mirror to make sure that her mascara had not smudged.

'I'm sorry, Anne. All of your friends and family will be there, consoling each other. I don't belong.'

'But I need you. You're the only stable one. Everyone else has gone crazy.'

Frederick reached out to brush a stray hair behind Anne's ear. 'They think that we are the crazy ones. Really, I think it would be better if I didn't come along. The last thing you need is more criticism of your association with me.'

Anne closed her eyes and leaned her head back on the seat. 'I just don't understand, Dickon. If only they knew you as I do. If only they could see how wonderful you are, how intelligent, and funny, and caring...'

'It will take time, Anne. One day, we'll show them.' He smiled. 'But you need to get inside. They will be waiting.'

Anne buttoned her coat and leaned over to kiss him. 'Very well. Will I see you at the hospital?'

'Of course.' As Anne began to climb from the car, Frederick reached over suddenly and grabbed her hand. 'Anne?'

She turned to face him with a faint smile.

'Be brave. I love you.'

Anne dropped her purse. As she bent to retrieve it, Frederick began to laugh. Anne took a deep breath. 'Frederick...'

'I do...Madly. It's quite amazing, actually. I never thought...' He paused, grinning as he handed her a tissue to dry her purse. 'I'd better not start, or I'll go on forever.'

'But...' Anne stood there, staring at him.

Frederick's grin widened, and he reached over to pull the passenger side door closed. 'Are you going to make me drive off while you stand in the rain?' He shouted through the open window. 'Go! They're waiting.'

Anne started to back away. 'But it's not fair. I didn't get to...'

'Life rarely is, darling.' Frederick called playfully, starting the engine. 'But you'll get your chance. I'll make sure of that!' He blew her a kiss, then drove about twenty feet away, and waited until Anne entered the house. Then, laughing at himself and marveling at his suddenly wonderful mood, he turned the car towards the hospital.

Anne entered the house in a blissful trance. It seemed that she was surrounded by strangers. Many of them looked at her oddly as she wove her way through the crowds to the dining room. Finally, she found Amanda Russell talking to her father and sister. Anne came to stand quietly by them, smiling dreamily.

'Oh, there she is.' Elizabeth commented, lifting one perfect eyebrow.

Anne's father turned around. 'Anne, where have you been?'

Anne's bubble popped. 'I thought you two weren't coming back from London until tomorrow.'

'Elizabeth wanted to come back early with a friend.'

'I didn't see you at the funeral.'

'We had too much to do, having just returned. But we couldn't miss the reception...'

'As if it was just another party.' Anne muttered.

Fortunately, Mrs. Russell was the only one who heard the comment. She tactfully ignored it and moved on to a topic of greater concern. 'It sure took Frederick a long time to get you here.'

'Frederick?' Elizabeth asked. 'You're not still seeing that painter-'

'Actor.' Anne corrected.

'Whatever. You're not still seeing that guy from the café, are you?'

'Yes, I am.' Anne turned to Mrs. Russell. 'I needed to talk, and Frederick is a very good listener. That's what took me so long.'

'What do you see in this guy, anyway?' Elizabeth asked, grabbing a glass of wine from a nearby waiter.

'Well, he's-'

'No daughter of mine will marry an actor!' Mr. Elliot cried suddenly, snatching a petit four from a nearby table.

Amanda Russell gave Anne a motherly smile. 'It's only a girlish infatuation. It will be over soon enough. He is going to Europe in a month to start filming, and then Anne won't see him anymore. Will you, Anne?'

'Actually...' Anne faltered, feeling a sudden nervous lurch in her stomach. 'I'm going with him.'

Mr. Elliot said nothing. He just glared at her.

'Anne...do you really think that is wise?' Mrs. Russell asked, frowning.

'I hope you have a large amount of money stored away, because I will do nothing to help you.' Mr. Elliott said coldly.

'I have enough...' Anne faltered. 'Why is this such a surprise? Elizabeth goes abroad with friends all the time.'

Elizabeth smiled. 'There is a great difference between my friends and your...Dickon.'

'Anne, I am afraid that Frederick is leading you astray. I've seen what those theater people do for fun. They throw their money away on wild parties, alcohol, and drugs. They are promiscuous and immodest. I don't want you in that kind of atmosphere.'

'But that's not Dickon at all! He would never take me anywhere I might be in danger. He loves me!' Anne smiled as she said it.

'That's another thing I am afraid of. What if you became pregnant, or worse? Oh, Anne. Please think about this! What would your mother say?'

'Besides, if he is going to work, why would he want you along, anyway?' Elizabeth asked, before wandering off to join a group of her friends.

'Elizabeth is right. It is important for these young actors to make a good impression. How would it look if he had his girlfriend trailing along after him? If he really did care for you, he would be so focused on keeping you happy and comfortable, that he would have to neglect part of his duties.'

Anne began to protest, but saw that it was futile. Besides, it felt wrong to argue at an event that was meant to honor Kristine. She quietly excused herself and wandered towards the washroom.

Behind her, Mrs. Russell gave Mr. Elliot an encouraging smile. 'She's a smart girl. She will do the right thing.'

Anne noticed that word must have spread, because quite a few people were staring at her and whispering. She heard several strangers discussing 'proper young misses and their attraction to rogues.' Finally, after hearing Frederick described as a philanderer and a gold-digger, she could not take it anymore. She passed by the bathroom line, grabbed her coat, and fled from the building.

Michael was staring at the ceiling when Anne entered. As she came closer, she could see the muscles in his jaw tightening.

Upon hearing her enter, Michael rolled his head to the side. When he met Anne's eyes, tears began to roll down his bruised and scratched face.

Anne rushed to his side and took his uninjured hand in hers.

'It will be all right, Michael.'

'No, it won't.' He spat through clenched teeth glaring at her through his tears. 'It will never be all right again. Kristine is dead, Lindsey may be...and I just have-'

Anne tried to comfort him, but he turned away, so she just sat on the edge of the bed, holding his hand. It helped her, somehow, to be the comforter instead of the comforted.

She had been sitting for quite some time, lost in her thoughts, when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

Frederick gave her a gentle smile, then hefted a paper bag in his arms.

'Hello, Michael. I've brought you some contraband.' Frederick said, trying to sound cheerful.

Michael sighed and propped himself up in the bed. 'Whiskey, I hope.'

Frederick laughed. 'No such luck. But I promise when you get out, and are off of your medication, we'll go get roaring drunk.' He pulled out a container of Häagen-Dazs Chocolate Raspberry Gäteau. 'This is the single most deadly ice cream I have ever tasted.'

Frederick scooped large servings for each of them, then settled back in a chair.

Michael studied his ice cream without tasting it. 'Any word about Lindsey?'

'Actually, yes!' Frederick's smile was genuine this time. 'She felt a small tingle in her right foot. Now that the swelling is going down on her spinal cord, she may regain feeling and, eventually, she might even be able to use her legs!'

The news didn't brighten Michael's mood quite as much as Frederick had hoped. 'When can I see her?'

'Possibly tomorrow afternoon.' Frederick smiled. 'She asked her mother to bring some makeup down. She wants to look gorgeous for you.'

That brought a small smile to Michael's lips.

Frederick took a bite of his ice cream, his expression once again becoming serious. 'I also spoke with Henrietta.'

Anne stared at him. 'Did you find out exactly what happened?'

'She was so depressed about Charles Hayter that immediately after Michael and the girls left her, she tracked down Nicolo Lucca. She wanted to make Hayter jealous. Once she found out that he had decided to stay at the Ashleigh, she begged Lucca to drive her into town.'

Michael almost dropped his ice cream. 'The driver was Lucca?'

'Yes. They had both been drinking, and Henrietta was so anxious to find Hayter that she kept begging Lucca to hurry. They barely even noticed you as they passed. Henrietta didn't realize that they had run you off of the road until the police came for them.'

'Is he in jail now? What about the film?'

'He is. The film will go on, however. The screenplay is finished, and all that remains is to shoot and edit it. Whatever his sentence, Lucca will have some communication with Hassan via phone and email.' Frederick gave a wry smile. 'I think that the greatest punishment in Nicolo's eyes will not be the actual jail term, but the fact that the film will be completed, for the most part, without him.'

'And Henrietta?'

'She was just a passenger.' Frederick gave Anne a crooked smile. 'In fact, after all of this, Henrietta got exactly what she wanted. Charles Hayter is, apparently, still in love with her. He picked her up from the police station, and has not left her side since.'

'I hate her.' Anne cried. 'All of this...and Henrietta is better off than she was before.'

'Oh, I wouldn't say that.' Frederick murmured, taking Anne's hand. 'She is terribly distraught. After filming is over, she is going to check herself into a clinic.'

Michael nodded. 'May she never forget what she has done.'

'Amen.' Anne agreed, exchanging a glance with Frederick, who raised her hands to his lips.

Michael noticed and, idly stirring his ice cream with a spoon, gave Anne an inquisitive smile.

'By the way...we left the party at seven. What time did you get home, Anne?'

Anne and Frederick gaped at Michael, who was giving them a smile that was a mixture of innocence and mischief.

'I-I believe it was around six...'

Michael raised an eyebrow. 'I thought so, young lady.'

Anne blushed. 'But nothing happened.'

'Sure, it didn't!' He laughed.

'No really, nothing did.'

'I suppose there was just a little kissing, and then you fell asleep in Frederick's arms?'

Frederick gave Anne a warm smile. 'Actually, that's exactly what happened.'

Michael grinned. 'Well, whatever happened, I'm happy for the two of you. People should fall in love. It's a wonderful thing. So, Anne, does this mean you are coming to Europe with us?'

Anne lowered her eyes. 'Actually, I'm not quite so sure anymore.'

Chapter 9

Posted on Friday, 6 July 2001

Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk even more.
~ Erica Jong ~

Frederick and Michael had very little time to recover from the shock of the accident and its aftermath. Preparations to move the entire company to Europe to begin filming reached a fever pitch during the week after Kristine's funeral. Hassan and most of his employees were due to leave for the temporary headquarters in Paris on August first. Shooting was to begin during the first week of September.

Hassan's interns and assistants worked furiously to pack and tag the necessary contents of the estate, and to field the director's requests, ideas, and demands to the correct parties in Europe. Michael did his best to help, which was difficult with a broken right arm and a leg in a cast. He spent most days parked in a chair on the shaded verandah, furiously typing with one hand on a laptop, exchanging E-mails with people in ten separate locations across Europe. The remainder of Michael's duties fell to Frederick, who completed them efficiently while running on very little sleep.

Frederick was in the middle of packing Hassan's office when he received a summons to Henrietta's suite. He asked the director if he should stay, but Hassan just waved him away and returned his attention to the telephone. Frederick left the room with a determined set to his shoulders. He had not set foot in the west wing since Henrietta had tried to seduce him, and he had not spoken to her since the day of the accident.

Henrietta opened the door with her cell phone pressed to her ear. She smiled at Frederick and invited him inside, gesturing for him to take a seat. Frederick glanced around the room. The floor, chairs, and bed were strewn with brightly colored clothes in the finest, most luxurious fabrics. Two enormous trunks and an assortment of designer luggage were stacked in the corner, and the desk held piles of papers and loose-leaf binders. Unable to see a clear place to sit, he shrugged and leaned casually against an enormous armoire.

Finishing her call, Henrietta cleared a place on the bed and sat down with a rustle of silk.

'I'm leaving tonight. I asked Lisa if there was someone who could get everything ready to ship out...she pointed me in your direction. She said you were an expert...'

'Remind me to thank her later.' Frederick drawled sardonically.

Henrietta's baby blue eyes regarded him for a moment. 'During the past few months, have I done nothing to improve your opinion of me?'

After an internal struggle, Frederick decided not to mention the accident, or the fact that Nicolo Lucca faced a prison sentence. There was no point in making accusations; she head heard it all before. 'We were never meant to be friends, Henrietta. I cannot understand why you seem to think-'

'I don't know why, either.' With a careless shrug, Henrietta walked over to an elegantly carved desk. 'Everything in this needs to be very carefully boxed and labeled. A maid will pack the clothes, but here is a list of everything else that needs to go. Michael has the shipping address.'

Frederick sat down at the desk and began writing as she fired off instructions.

'Oh, and one more thing...the items in this dresser can be sent to the address on the notepad by your elbow.'

Frederick lifted an eyebrow as he studied the address. Henrietta gave him a wry smile.

'I'm not going with all of you right away. Thomas agreed that I needed a little time...Charles Hayter is taking me to his estate in the Caribbean. I will meet up with you the week before we begin filming. I'm not really needed until then, anyway. I've been through quite a bit, you see...' She faltered and sat back down on the edge of the bed.

Frederick rose from the chair, slipping his notes into a pocket. 'Will you be OK?'

She nodded, but her chin began to quiver, and Frederick was surprised to find himself sitting on the bed, holding a sobbing actress.

'Why does everything keep falling to pieces?'

'This will pass.' Frederick brushed Henrietta's damp blonde hair away from his face as he gazed out of the window. 'Think of the millions who dream of having your life.'

Finally, after a few minutes, Henrietta took a deep breath and pulled out of his arms. She smiled shakily as he offered her a box of tissues.

'This is why I kept after you, Frederick Wentworth. Lord knows, there are few men out there like you. Why on Earth did you have to be an intern, and such a young one, at that?'

'I'm not so very young...' He smiled.

'Either way, I suppose you don't go for older women, and I prefer filthy rich men...'

'To tell you the truth, Henrietta, I haven't even noticed another woman since I met-'

'That's right, you found a little distraction in town.' Henrietta tossed her tissues in the trash and leaned over to check her makeup in the mirror.

This drew a smile from Frederick. 'She's more than a distraction.' He rose from the bed. 'I should leave.'

Henrietta, smiling, began to reapply her mascara. 'If this little girl is worth turning me down, don't let her out of your sight.'

'I don't intend to, if I can help it.' Frederick laughed, backing towards the door. 'Take care of yourself, Henrietta Groves.'

'Dickon?'

He turned as she came towards him, catching his hand.

'Thank you.' She planted a kiss full on his lips, then, laughing, pushed him out into the hall.

Anne was reading in the garden when she felt a tug on her hair, and her ribbon disappeared, leaving her hair free to tumble down her back.

'I like it so much better this way.' A light, warm voice murmured as Frederick buried his nose in her hair. 'And I love your shampoo.'

Anne turned to face Frederick, who was crouching behind her bench. As always when they met, her smile was radiant.

His light blue eyes danced as he held the green satin ribbon out to her. 'I'll only give this back if you leave your hair down and use it as a bookmark.'

Laughing, Anne marked her page with the ribbon and set the book aside. Frederick kissed her lightly, then sat on the bench at her side.

'Lovely day for a garden rendezvous. What are you reading?'

Anne blushed. 'Nothing that would interest you.'

'Oh really?' He reached for the book and, after a small scuffle, was able to read the title. Raising an eyebrow, he opened it to the middle and read a paragraph. 'Well, Anne, I didn't think that you were the Harlequin novel type...'

Anne snatched the book away from him. 'Lindsey read a lot in the hospital. She passed a handful of her books on to me. I didn't want to just toss them...'

Frederick dramatically pressed her hand to his heart. 'Even on my deathbed, fair maid, I shall always remember your lovely face as I have seen it in these past few days.'

Anne began to giggle. 'Oh, Dickon, I know that it is a terribly silly book. You must think me a fool for reading it.'

Frederick laughed. 'You don't have to explain yourself to me.'

Anne tucked the book into a small canvas bag and pushed it underneath the bench. 'So, what has brought you here? I thought you had to work.'

He smiled and began to play with a lock of her hair. 'We all leave in two weeks, as you know. We were working on the final arrangements today, and I just wanted to check with you...last week, you said you didn't think you could, and I wanted to let you know that the option is still there...that I long for you to come along...'

Anne sighed. 'I want to, so badly. But I just can't. It would be too difficult. Lindsey needs me, and my family is against it...and I'm afraid that I might distract you too much.'

'The last is, indeed, something to be afraid of.' Frederick said, hiding his disappointment behind a disarming smile as he leaned over to give her a long, sweet kiss.

'Honestly, can't they spare you for just one month? I will be sick without you.'

'I wish that I could go along. I am so sorry, Dickon.' Anne whispered against his shoulder.

Frederick gave her a beautiful smile and let her silky, dark hair drop slowly from his hand. 'Don't be sorry, sweetheart. I just wish you could come along...'

'Are you ever going to be able to visit over here?'

'No...' Frederick frowned, holding her close. 'I will never have enough days off in a row to allow me to fly here and back and be able to spend any time with you.'

Anne sighed and closed her eyes as he tightened his arms around her. 'So what are we going to do?'

Frederick kissed her forehead. 'I don't know, but I'll think of something...' He swore under his breath. 'Anne, I just can't understand why all this had to happen just now, when I've finally found you. We've known each other for such a short time, but I've never been this certain-'

'Don't say it, Dickon. I'm about ready to fall to pieces as it is. Please, let's just be together like this, and forget that you're leaving in two weeks.' Anne whispered desperately, clinging to him.

He gave her a small, sad smile. 'Whatever you say, love.'

Charles Musgrove was waiting on the verandah of the Ashleigh Hotel when Anne arrived. His face lit up when he saw her.

'It's been a long time, stranger.' He said, giving Anne a quick kiss on the cheek before offering his arm to her to lead her inside.

Anne smiled. 'Too long. What have you been up to lately?'

'I finished the paper on my internship, which is almost the size of a thesis. I was so relieved to send it off in the mail. Now I am wonderfully free until August.'

'Oh, Charles, I am so sorry. I know that you had asked me to proof it for you...'

'Oh, don't worry. Mary did that for me.'

Anne laughed. 'You and Mary seem to be getting along famously these days. Whatever happened?'

'She finally got over me, I think. She's a smart kid, and has a very interesting sense of humor once you get to know her. Besides, you haven't been around as much '

'No, I haven't.' She leaned forward, grabbing Charles' hand. 'What do you think of all this?'

He smiled. 'I just want the best for you, Anne. I know that you have heard enough from everyone, so I won't comment, except to say that I think you are wise enough to make the right decision.'

'Thank you.' Anne dropped his hand as the waiter appeared.

They placed their orders, then Anne turned the conversation to Lindsey.

'I was up there just before lunch. That Michael fellow was in there with her.'

Anne grinned. 'I'm so glad. He blames himself, of course, which is part of the reason he watches her so closely. But Lindsey had a thing for him long before the accident. It would be wonderful if something good could come out of it...'

Charles grinned. 'You are so full of sunshine, Anne. I don't know anyone more optimistic than you.'

Anne shook her head. 'I'm not quite as much these days...it's becoming difficult.'

'What does Frederick think of your decision to stay here?'

'He had all these wonderful plans for when we were over there. He was even going to introduce me to his family when we were in England. He is very disappointed. He thinks that I let the others make the decision for me...but, thankfully, he is not giving me a difficult time about it.'

'Amanda must have had some influence on you.' Charles commented, leaning back as the waiter placed a sandwich in front of him. 'She was so vehemently against the trip, and she has always been so close to your family.'

'Lindsey seemed to be the only one who supported the idea at all. For some reason, everyone else thought that it was a horrible idea. I actually got into an argument with Amanda. She is very happy with my final decision...for the most part. She wants me to end it completely with Dickon.'

'Amanda means well, Anne. She is only doing this because she loves you.' Charles Musgrove pushed his plate aside and leaned back in his chair.

'I know that.' Anne muttered, stirring her coffee. 'I just don't see why this has to be so difficult. It's not a-'

'She doesn't know Dickon. What if he isn't quite the saint you believe? It's easy to appear faultless in a town such as Somerset. Amanda is concerned for your welfare. For a young woman like you to travel with an unknown young man...'

'I trust him.' Anne said firmly, taking a sip of her coffee.

'But you can understand her concern.'

'Yes, I suppose I can.'

'After all, you have only been together for a month...'

'I've been in love with him for three months.'

Charles was silent for a moment. 'Are you so sure about that?'

'Yes, I am.'

'Does he love you?'

'He tells me he does all the time. He has been much more open about his feelings than I have been.'

'And you believe him?'

'Charles!' Anne cried in exasperation, grabbing his hand. 'Please don't start that game with me.'

'All right. I'm sorry.' He smiled, lifting her hand to his lips. 'So, how long is he in Europe?'

'A year...at least. He's from England, you know.'

'And if you don't go along, when is he planning to visit you?'

'He can't. He only has a couple days off here and there, and occasional weekends, but never enough time to fly over and spend any time with me.'

'Are you going to visit him?'

'I'm not sure I will be able to...I have something going on during every one of our breaks: the law school conference, various workshops. And next summer I have that internship...'

Charles leaned forward and gathered both of her hands loosely in his. 'Annie, sweetheart, you are my best friend. You know that I am just looking out for you, right?'

Anne nodded.

'So forgive me for asking, but...I have to.' He took a deep breath. 'How on earth do you expect to continue dating someone who will be thousands of miles away, who you will be unable to see for at least a year? And then, after that, when you are in law school and he is chasing auditions all over the country, possibly even the world?'

'I-I don't know.' Anne mumbled.

'Do you honestly think that your relationship can last a year without seeing each other? I know people who dated for several years and couldn't last a few months apart. You've only been together for a short time...what if he meets someone over there? What if you meet someone? Do you really want it to end over a long-distance phone call? How much pain do you want to go through?'

Anne was silent. After staring at her plate for a moment, she threw her napkin on the table and rose shakily to her feet. 'Excuse me, Charles. I-I have to...I have to leave.' Then she fled from the café.

Lindsey and Michael were playing cards when Anne arrived. They both greeted her warmly.

'Come to check up on the invalids?' Lindsey asked with a grin as she and Michael wheeled their chairs towards her.

Anne laughed and gave Lindsey a hug. 'How were the results today?'

'I am feeling more every day. The doctors are very optimistic. All I have to do is stay positive, keep up with physical therapy, have courage, and pray. It helps to have Michael around so much, though. At least he knows some of what I'm going through, being currently unable to walk. When he gets his cast off, I'll have to drop him.'

Michael grinned. 'Not if I offer to carry you around.'

'Now there is an idea I like!' Lindsey beamed at him.

Anne laughed. 'You are lucky that he was able to talk himself out of that madhouse over at Hassan's to visit you.'

'It took some doing.' Michael agreed.

'So, how are you going to manage over in Europe with a thigh-high cast?'

'He's not going!' Lindsey cried, smiling brilliantly.

'At least for a while.' Michael added, grinning at Lindsey. 'Hassan agreed to let me stay until my cast comes off. Thanks to the Internet, I will still be able to do a lot of work for him.'

'That's nice.' Anne smiled wistfully.

'So, what did you finally decide?' Michael asked softly.

'I'm staying here.'

'Oh, Anne, don't be stupid. You can't let Dickon go! He's adorable. He's amazing! And he's in love with you!' Lindsey cried.

'You think that by staying behind, I am letting him go?'

Lindsey stared at her. 'You're not? You are going to try to keep it up?'

'Does it sound so impossible?' Anne asked, exasperated.

'Well...no. If you succeed, let me know how.' Lindsey said, with a quick glance at Michael.

'What do you think, Michael?'

'Oh, Anne, don't ask me. I'm stupid about relationships. Just look at this great girl sitting here...I've been crazy about her for weeks, and I haven't said a thing!'

Lindsey gasped, and Anne started laughing.

'Michael, do you really...?'

'You know I do, Linds.' He said, giving her a warm smile.

Anne began to stand. 'I should leave you...'

Lindsey, suddenly nervous, grabbed her hand. 'No, sit. Stay.' She ignored Michael's delighted laugher. 'Please...I'm completely flustered, and I'll make a fool of myself if you're not here.'

'Well, in that case...' Anne smiled. 'Just how crazy are you, Michael?'

He smiled. 'I'm getting there...but I'm not nearly as bad as Dickon. He's pretty far gone, Anne. I think that he is almost a hopeless case.'

'And you are sending him off to Europe all alone.' Lindsey added, trying to avoid Michael's knowing smile.

'I can't help it. Will it be so very bad for him, do you think?'

'I don't know...but I'm suddenly wondering just how deep into this you are. Is it a one sided thing, Anne?'

Anne protested mightily, but she was beginning to get very worried. She loved Dickon so mightily, but what if their separation, or worse, a breakup while he was over there, destroyed his focus, and ended up destroying that fragile opportunity linked to his association with Thomas Hassan? Deep inside, she began to wonder if it might be better to set him free before he left, so he could have that month-long buffer before the shooting began to recover, in case he took it badly.

Anne could still hear Charles' voice from that afternoon: 'How on earth do you expect to continue dating someone who will be thousands of miles away, who you will be unable to see for at least a year? And then, after that, when you are in law school and he is chasing auditions all over the country, possibly even the world?'

'Lindsey, would you please look at me?' Michael said suddenly in an exasperated voice.

Anne glanced up, shaken from her reverie. The look on Lindsey's face was priceless, and Michael had a grin from ear to ear. But Anne was no longer in a mood to smile. She rose to her feet and gave each of them a hug.

'I'll leave you two alone. Enjoy your little...whatever is going on.'

They barely even noticed her as she left.

'Wentworth, you have a visitor.' Someone called through the open first-floor window.

Frederick dropped a roll of packing tape and dashed outside. He ran to Anne, threw his arms around her waist, and spun her in a circle. Then he set her on the ground and proceeded to kiss her nearly senseless.

'You wonderful, wonderful woman. I just received the card you sent last weekend...have I told you lately how much I love you?' He buried his hands in her hair and bent down to kiss her again.

Anne pulled back, pushing her hands against his chest. 'Dickon, I need to talk to you. Is there somewhere private we can go?'

He gave her a stunning, blue-eyed smile. 'Of course.'

He led her to a small gazebo behind the stables that over looked the lake. Once they reached it, he again took her into his arms. 'I don't know how I am ever going to leave you, my darling, darling Anne.'

Anne stepped back, clutching the railing to steady herself. Her heart was pounding in her ears, and her mind swam dizzily. She could still taste Frederick's lips, could still feel his warmth, and his hands on her waist, although they were not touching.

'It's about you leaving.'

He smiled slowly. 'I know. It's not fair at all. I hate it.'

'I wouldn't be able to handle it. Dickon...' Anne's soul was in agony as she turned to lean over the railing, glancing blindly out at the lake. In her mind, she could still see that first, stunning smile.

Frederick stepped closer, placing a hand at her back, brushing his lips against her ear. 'Anne, sweetheart, what is it?'

Anne's heart gave a sickening lurch, and she felt as if she had an anchor in her stomach. 'I'm breaking up with you.' She whispered it so quietly that she wasn't sure that he had heard it until she found herself whirled around to face him. His face was hard.

'Say that again.'

She repeated it without looking in his eyes.

'I thought you loved me.'

'I...' Telling him that she loved him beyond all reason would only make things more difficult. And she couldn't bring herself to lie to him. 'What difference does it make, Dickon?'

'If you don't, please tell me.' His voice was terribly sad and very soft.

'Don't make this more difficult that it has to be.'

'I'm supposed to make this easy for you?' Frederick growled. 'Oh, here, let me hand you my heart so that you can stomp on it.'

'Dickon...'

He captured her hands. His blue eyes were dark and beautiful in their intensity. 'Anne, I know you love me. Please don't do this. We can manage somehow. I'll take a redeye flight some weekend so that we can spend a couple hours together. We can find some way to get you into the mountains over Christmas. Tell me you'll try. Just don't say it's over.'

'If we try, it will only hurt more in the end. We've only known each other for a few months, and we're headed in different directions. How could this possibly work out? Our careers will take us in different directions.' She repeated, stepping back quietly. 'It's better this way.'

He was silent. Anne finally found the courage to look in his eyes, which was a mistake, because the look in them would haunt her for the rest of her life.

Finally, Frederick swallowed and set his jaw. 'Is there anything I can do to make you change your mind?'

'Nothing.' Anne thanked God that her answer had sounded so final, and so steady.

Frederick's vitality seemed to shrink right before her eyes. Anne hurt so much herself that she felt as if she had been shot. Her hands turned white as she gripped the rail to prevent herself from throwing herself into his arms. Frederick stared at her, a million emotions playing across his face, the last of which was a great and terrible sorrow.

'Very well then. Goodbye...Anne.' His voice broke, and after taking one last agonizing glance at her, he turned and ran.

Anne watched him disappear into the house, then stood there for a long time, staring at the lake. Finally, feeling very old, and very tired, she turned away and walked slowly towards her car.

Continued In Next Section