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Chapter 26

Posted on Thursday, 29 November 2001

Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness the energies of love. Then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.
~Teilhard de Chardin~

A dense, cold mist covered the hills, completely obscuring Florence as Frederick set out for an early morning run. While his feet pounded the gravel road, Frederick tried to remain focused on the day ahead. He had a lot of energy and frustration to expend if he was going to face the day with a cool and level head.

Hassan was back. Rather than feeling relief at his return, Frederick was even more concerned than he had been during the director's absence. The usually gregarious man had barely acknowledged Frederick before abruptly retiring for the night. Frederick was so preoccupied by Hassan's odd behavior that he refused to waste time thinking about Anne-Anne and the letter she had not wanted.

Frederick returned to the villa an hour later with humming muscles and a flushed face. The halls were still relatively quiet, and he was able to make it to his room without being ambushed. He knew that others must have seen Hassan last night. Once more people woke, Frederick knew that he would be accosted by questions that he could not answer. Hassan, as was his custom, most likely would not appear in public until just before the morning meeting.

After a long, hot shower, Frederick dressed and made his way back downstairs. By this time, most of the company had risen. The air was electric, and Frederick knew that the news had spread. He strolled past several buzzing small groups, noticing how heads turned as he passed. Much to Frederick's relief, however, everyone hung back long enough to let him toast a bagel and pour a cup of Darjeeling tea. The first person did not approach him until he had taken a seat by the window.

'Did the director really come back last night?'

'Yes.' Frederick replied calmly, taking a sip of his tea.

'Did he look well?'

Frederick shrugged, moving over as several others joined them. 'He still had his voice and was standing on two feet. I didn't get to see much of him because it was late when he arrived.'

Several other groups in the room suddenly shifted positions, and Frederick saw that Michael had arrived. The young man frowned in confusion as a dozen people surrounded him, all talking at once. Obviously, he had not yet heard of Hassan's return. As someone enlightened Michael, an astonished expression crossed his handsome face. He opened his mouth to speak, then searched the room until his eyes met Frederick's.

'Is it true?' Michael mouthed.

Frederick nodded, then rose to his feet and held his hands out helplessly as he spoke to the people surrounding him. 'I'm sorry, I really don't know anything more. I'm sure Mr. Hassan will answer your questions at the meeting this morning.'

He stepped close to Michael and spoke in a low voice. 'Let's go find him.'

As Frederick had expected, Hassan was cloistered in the library.

'Good morning, Frederick, Michael.' The director muttered without looking up from his work.

'Hello, Thomas. How did you manage to make it down here without being seen?'

'I've been here since six.' Hassan replied, shuffling through a stack of papers. 'Please have a seat. We should probably talk before the meeting.'

'Are you OK?' Michael asked, sliding into a chair. 'We were awfully worried.'

Frederick leaned back in his chair, studying the director. Hassan looked haggard, and his face was almost gray with fatigue.

'I'm fine.' Hassan replied shortly. 'I have been visiting friends.'

'Why didn't you tell us?'

'I thought you could handle it. Was I wrong? Did you accomplish nothing?' Hassan asked coldly, finally meeting Frederick's gaze.

Frederick frowned and removed a folder from a nylon messenger bag. 'I've listed everything we have done here. We are currently on schedule, but it all depends on whether you think our work was satisfactory.'

'I will arrange a viewing this afternoon.' Hassan said, glancing briefly at Frederick's neatly organized notes before setting them aside. 'Is there anything else I should know?'

Frederic took a breath. 'Actually, yes. Louisa and I were in an accident.'

Hassan's expression darkened. Frederick cleared his throat and proceeded to tell Hassan about the accident. After he was done, there was a long silence while Hassan stared Frederick down.

'I think you already know how stupid you have been.' He said finally.

'I had less control over the accident than you did over your unannounced absence.' Frederick replied hotly. 'However, I did let Louisa drive. I accept the blame, and can only say that I am sorry. I will not be so careless again.'

Hassan nodded slowly, ignoring Frederick's first sentence. 'And the case ...'

'Anne Elliot came down to take care of it. It was drawn out longer than we wished because you were unreachable to agree to the settlement. We finally got Faye to sign the necessary papers. It is all taken care of.'

'So Louisa has a full cast on one leg and a wrapped wrist. How have you managed to work around that?'

'Anne has been acting as her stand-in for more physical scenes.'

'Anne Elliot is still here?'

'Because Michael and I are both in the film, we would have had a difficult time filling your shoes without additional help. Marilyn also sent Will Elliot and a few aides down to help out.'

'Well send them back! I'm sure the two attorneys have more important things to do for us back in London. There must be someone else who can pass for Louisa.'

'Yes, of course.' Frederick murmured. 'Anne and Will have been a great help, but now that you are back ...'

'The Annapurna jet is still at the airport. Call Jeff and tell him to start preparing it for another flight. We'll send them out as soon as they are packed.'

'Can't you give them a little more time?' Frederick subconsciously slipped his hand into his pocket, caressing a folded piece of paper.

'They've had time enough, don't you think? Now, please excuse me. The meeting starts in half an hour, and I have some work to do.'

Frederick and Michael were deep in discussion when Anne came downstairs. Michael glanced up with a grin, but Frederick did not seem to notice her. He spoke in a hushed, intense voice as he tried to draw Michael's attention to something written on a legal pad.

Not sure whether she should cut in, Anne lifted her eyebrows and pointed to Frederick. Michael nodded and stepped back gallantly.

'Frederick?'

Frederick's shoulders tensed as he turned around to face Anne. 'Good morning Anne.'

She took a step backwards, confused by his wary expression. 'I'm sorry to interrupt, but I need to apologize ...'

'For what?' Frederick asked coolly, making a show of tucking the notebook into his bag.

Anne frowned, noticing that Frederick's jaw muscles were clenched. Something was obviously bothering him. 'You are busy. I'm sorry ... it can wait.' She started to turn away.

'Hassan came back last night.' Frederick offered as an explanation. His face softened at Anne's concerned expression. 'We expect that he won't let us out of his sight for the next few days.'

'So, if you need to speak to Frederick, now is probably the best time.' Michael interjected, smiling.

Frederick sighed and leaned back against the wall. 'What do you need to apologize for, Anne?'

Anne had never before seen him look formidable. She flushed. 'I've lost your script.'

'Michael found it.' Frederick said shortly, glowering at her.

'I-I set it on a table last night, and it was gone when I returned. I never had a chance to read the scenes you asked me to look at. I am so sorry.'

Frederick's mouth dropped open. Stunned, he could only stare at Anne.

Michael stepped in to rescue him. 'It was my fault. I found the script in the hall and thought Frederick had misplaced it.'

'You read none of it?' Frederick asked, astonished that he had been so completely mistaken.

'Do you still have the script with you, Frederick? Shall we give it to Anne now, so that she can read those scenes before the meeting starts?' Michael asked with a devilish grin.

'No!' Frederick's vehemence surprised all three of them. 'Anne would probably prefer a script not marred by my scribbles. I'll find a fresh one for you after the meeting.'

'Thank you.' Anne said softly, avoiding his gaze. 'Well, I should let the two of you get back to whatever you were doing.'

Michael gave Frederick a pointed look, shaking his head, before walking away.

Frederick glared at Michael, then turned back to Anne. Her face was downcast. He felt terrible for misjudging her, and had no idea how to make amends. Even if she did not know the reason, he had been very cold towards her.

'Sorry about ... it's just that I have a lot on my mind ...' He mumbled, throwing the strap of his bag over his shoulder.

Anne's expression, while still slightly pained, was also sympathetic. 'I understand. Take your time about the script...it is just a walk-on, after all.' She gave him a slight smile before heading towards the conference room.

Frederick stood in the hallway for a moment, willing his insides to calm down. As he entered the room, he noted with satisfaction that Anne passed right by Will Elliot without acknowledging his greeting. She seemed every bit as mind-muddled as Frederick was. With a private grin, Frederick took his seat.

'Let's get started everyone!'

There was a collective gasp as Thomas Hassan strolled into the room. Anne noticed his tired and irritable expression, and realized why Frederick had appeared so distracted. Hassan was apparently not in the best of moods. She stole a glance at Frederick, but did not seem to have noticed the director's entrance. He had an intense look on his face as he focused on something he was writing.

'You will all be relieved that our schedule is tight enough that we cannot afford to re-shoot everything you have done in the past two weeks. However, I do expect to do some fine-tuning. This afternoon, we may actually get some work done.

'Michael Cutler and Anne Elliot will be leaving us as soon as they are packed. I would like to thank them for their help here. I am sure that they will be glad to return to duties they have actually been trained for.'

Anne's heart sank. Although she should have expected this, the announcement still came as a surprise. Her eyes came to rest on Frederick's bowed head, and she realized that he was the greatest reason she was so reluctant to leave. She doubted they would ever work so closely together again. Trying to think of reasons to delay their departure, Anne glanced at Will, and was dismayed to find that he appeared very eager to leave. Catching her eye, he gave her a broad grin, then glanced pointedly at his watch.

After thanking Anne and Will, Hassan continued the meeting as if he had never left. He offered no explanations or apologies for his absence. The expressions on the faces circling the table showed quite clearly that they were disappointed and confused.

'Now, it's time to get to work.' Hassan said finally, rising to his feet. 'But before I leave, I have an announcement to make.' He gave Frederick an ironic smile. 'Frederick Wentworth has received a People's Choice nomination for his supporting role in Portrait of a Lady. Congratulations.' The director turned quickly and strolled from the room.

So this is It. Anne thought, watching as people swarmed around Frederick to congratulate him. His star is rising, and I have lost all hope.

She watched as Louisa Muse leaned over and planted a kiss on Frederick's lips. Deciding that it might be best to leave as soon as possible, after all, Anne dashed from the room.

Frederick sank back in his chair, stunned, as people gathered around to congratulate him. Someone broke out a bottle of champagne, and glasses were passed around. An awestruck smile slowly appeared on Frederick's face, and he was in a daze as he accepted hugs and kisses from most of the company.

Michael was in the middle of a toast when Frederick noticed that Anne was nowhere to be seen. With a sudden sinking feeling, he struggled to his feet.

She was standing in the hallway, talking to Ned Benwick, with a pile of luggage at her feet. Frederick wondered distractedly how she could have possibly packed so quickly. He could not have been in the conference room much longer than twenty minutes after the meeting ended.

Anne said something to Ned, then turned to Frederick. He thought her face seemed slightly pale.

'Congratulations, Frederick. I am very happy for you.'

'I haven't won yet.' A dull ache rose in his chest as their eyes met.

'I think you deserve it more than any other actor.'

'Thank you, but we don't even know who the others are yet.' Frederick said, flushing with pleasure.

'Well ...' Anne began, breaking Frederick's intense gaze. 'It looks like I won't need that script after all.'

'I suppose not.' He took a breath. 'Have a safe trip.'

'Thank you. Good luck with everything ... the awards included.' Anne said, slinging a bag over her shoulder.

'Ready, Anne?' Will shouted, taking the stairs two at a time.

Someone's eager to leave. Frederick thought irritably before turning back to Anne.

'Who is taking you to the airport?'

'Ned and Louisa. They thought Hassan was a bit cold, and wanted to give us a proper send-off.'

'I'm glad.' Frederick smiled, reaching out to take her hand, pretending that it did not hurt to touch her. 'Thank you so much for coming. You were a lifesaver.'

'Thank you for asking me to come. I have always wanted to visit Italy. I only wish I could have seen more.'

'Maybe you will return someday ...'

'Come on, Anne!' Will cried, coming up to them.

'You go ahead and start loading things into the car. I'll be right behind you.'

Will gave Frederick an appraising, slightly hostile, frown before heading outside. Frederick fought to keep himself from glaring back. He felt his jaw clenching in jealousy and anger. Forcing himself to relax, he took a deep breath and turned back towards Anne.

'Well, I suppose this is it.' He fumbled in his coat pocket. 'This is for you. Don't open it now, there isn't time. Maybe when you are on the plane ...'

Anne stared at the folded piece of paper for a moment before slipping it into her pocket. 'Well...' She paused for a moment before holding out her hand.

Frederick took her hand, then swore under his breath. 'I can't let you go with a handshake, Anne. Not after ... after what you've done for me down here.' He drew her into a brief hug, closing his eyes for a moment and taking a deep breath of her shampoo-scented hair before releasing her. 'Take care of yourself, Anne. I'll see you in a month, or so.'

'Yes ... around Christmas.' Anne replied shakily, stepping back to gather the rest of her things.

'Hassan's estimate is New Years.' Frederick smiled.

'Well, goodbye then.'

Frederick stood in the doorway until the car pulled away. He turned around to find Michael grinning at him.

'The letter?'

'It's in her hands now.'

Chapter 27

Posted on Thursday, 6 December 2001

Love sought is good, but given unsought is better
~William Shakespeare--Twelfth Night

Anne felt sick inside as she watched Florence shrink beneath her. Her thoughts and emotions were in such a nervous jumble that she felt completely incapable of carrying on any sort of civilized conversation. To keep Will from attempting one, she opened the book she had purchased at the airport and pretended to read.

'Must be a good chapter.' Will commented eventually. 'You haven't turned a page in twenty minutes.'

'Actually, it's an awful book. I was just thinking.' Anne admitted. She reached into her pocket for a bookmark, and found Frederick's note instead. She was shocked that she had forgotten about it. The paper was of a good quality, heavy and creamy. Her name was written across the front in Frederick's smooth, concise script. She began to unfold it.

'Have you ever flown in a private jet before?' Will asked, stretching his long legs out in front of him. He noticed Anne's expression and frowned. 'What do you have there?'

'A ... note.' Her forehead furrowed as she gazed at the paper.

Anne,
I meant for you to read this yesterday, but unfortunately Michael's good intentions kept it from you. I return it to you now, wishing that you could have seen it before your departure. I apologize that I had to write in the margin of Twelfth Night (although it seems oddly appropriate), but I had nothing else in reach. I can only add that I wish you a safe and uneventful trip back to London.

Frederick

Anne's heart skipped a beat as she read the note again, then began to search her pockets and baggage.

'Have you lost something?' Will asked, grinning, as Anne tore through her carry-on.

'There was supposed to be something enclosed with this. I seem to have lost it.' She muttered, falling to her knees and digging underneath her seat.

'Was it important?'

'I don't know!' Anne cried, pulling the cushion out of her seat. 'I don't know what it is! But I think ... it seemed to be very important ...'

'Who is it from? Can't you just contact them and ask for another copy?'

'I suppose so.'

Anne finally gave up and sank into her seat wearily, reading the note for the third time.

Once Anne and Will's plane was safely off the ground, Ned reluctantly lifted Louisa in his arms.

'There is a wheelchair rental right there. Can't we please get one? This is ridiculous.'

'I hate wheelchairs.' Louisa replied firmly, looping an arm around Ned's neck.

'The things I do for you.' He muttered, fighting his way through the crowd of tourists and businessmen. 'It's a good thing we're not very famous yet, or the tabloids would love this.'

At Louisa's request, they stopped for lunch at a small café off of the main concourse. After dropping Louisa into a chair, Ned left to order their meals. He returned a few minutes later with two trays, and silently set about arranging their lunch on the table.

Louisa watched Ned with a frown on her face. His mood had been stormy ever since the morning meeting. He no longer joked about carrying Louisa around, and had tried to talk her out of joining the trip to the airport. Her attempts at conversation were answered with terse, distracted replies. It seemed that he had finally grown tired of her.

Ned silently handed a glass of wine to Louisa before dropping into the chair next to her.

'What is going on?' Louisa asked, flinching as Ned popped the cap off of his beer bottle.

'Nothing.' He muttered, flipping the bottle cap between his thumb and forefinger.

'I don't believe it. You've been glowering at me all day.' Louisa drew a fork through her pasta.

Ned studied his sandwich critically. 'Why do you keep asking me to carry you around? I'm sure many others would be more than willing to help. A wheelchair would be even better. I don't understand your stu-your aversion to them.'

'There are stairs all over the villa, and I couldn't wheel myself because of my wrist.' Louisa said softly. 'I'm sorry, I didn't think you minded. Why didn't you say something earlier?'

'I didn't mind at first, but it's getting more difficult.' Ned said darkly, pushing his sandwich aside.

'Have I put on weight?' Louisa deadpanned, hoping for a smile.

'It's just getting harder for me to be around you so much.' He finally met her gaze, and Louisa caught her breath. She had never noticed how stunning his green eyes were. He sighed, leaning back in his chair. 'Please, Louisa, find someone else to be your pack mule from now on. Might I suggest Wentworth, since you are so attached to him?'

'I asked. He offered to find a wheelchair for me. He is too busy to worry about me.' She leaned forward and grabbed Ned's hand. 'Why do you find it so difficult to be around me? Am I such an awful person?'

'Really, Louisa, I think you know why ...' His serious smile made her stomach flutter.

Louisa took a deep breath. 'I've heard rumors ...'

'Yes, so now you understand.'

Louisa drew back, stunned. So it was true, after all. He was in love with her. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and took a sip of her wine. 'If I find someone else for the rest of the day, can you still come and get me in the mornings?'

'I'm sorry, Louisa, but I just can't anymore. I'm sure Wentworth will take care of you if you ask. I never could understand why you kept asking me. After all, he is the one you--' He stopped abruptly, giving her a heartbreaking smile before gesturing towards her full plate. 'It looks like you are just as hungry as I am. Are you going to finish that?'

'No.' Louisa said, pushing her plate aside.

Ned loaded their plates onto the trays and brought them to the counter. Returning, he stood in front of her with a funny look on his face. 'Shall we?' At her slow nod, he sighed deeply, then dropped to one knee and lifted her in his arms.

Louisa slipped an arm around his neck and rested her head on her shoulder. She watched his profile as he carried her through the terminal, noting how strong his jaw was, and how thick his eyelashes were. Louisa's heart lurched as she caught the scent of his clean aftershave. She thought she could even feel his strong heartbeat against her ribs.

Catching herself, Louisa wondered why she had never noticed these things about Ned before. She had taken him completely for granted. Now, she remembered every kind and thoughtful thing he had done for her. A warmth began to bloom inside of her, and with a sudden, awed realization, Louisa gazed up at Ned's face. Somehow, in all of this, she had fallen for him.

At that moment, Ned glanced down at her with a sad, tender smile. Louisa caught her breath, suddenly feeling that she was much too close to him. He chuckled softly, shifting his hold on her.

'You okay?'

'Fine.'

'Almost there.' He bounced her in his arms a bit as if to reassure her, then kicked a door open with his foot.

'I feel like I'm a bride.' Louisa murmured.

'Why now, after being hauled around for two weeks?' Ned asked with a lopsided smile.

'Because I ... I don't know.' She blushed, losing courage. 'Maybe you can put me down. I can try to hop to the car.'

'No, it's a long way. You would probably pull a muscle.'

'I thought you might be relieved, because you can't stand me.' She tossed back, baiting him.

Louisa felt Ned take a deep breath. 'I never said that, Louisa. I just ...' He gazed down at her. 'Do you have any idea how difficult it is to hold you this intimately when I can't ... have you?' He glanced away quickly, with a flushed face.

'I think I finally know why I chose you as my "pack mule," Ned.' Louisa murmured.

'And why is that?' He asked softly.

'Because, besides being slightly stronger than Frederick, you are also ... much more dear to me than he is.' Her throat tightened nervously.

Ned almost dropped her. He stopped and caught a breath. 'Louisa ...' He said in a tone that warned her not to toy with him.

Louisa lifted her face to find his green eyes blazing down at her. Her heart skipped a beat as he tightened his hold on her. 'Ned, I-'

Her words were stolen completely away as Ned's mouth closed over hers.

The frigid London wind was a shock to Will after the mild Italian breezes. Anne, however, barely noticed the weather as they left the airport. To Anne, London meant Internet access, and Internet access meant Frederick Wentworth. Something about the tone of his note told her that whatever he had twice tried to give her was very important.

Will asked Anne if she would like to catch something to eat, but she turned him down, saying that she had something to do back at Annapurna. Will decided to accompany her, because he had some business to take care of with Marilyn Peters.

The Annapurna estate was fairly quiet when they arrived. Anne followed Will to Marilyn's office. Will entered first, and Anne was surprised at the warmth of Marilyn's greeting for him. Anne walked in quickly, pretending that she had not noticed the embarrassed flush on her supervisor's face.

'Do you have a staff e-mail list that I could look at?'

'They are all in my online address book. I'll e-mail it to you.' Marilyn replied in an odd voice.

Anne left, frowning as the door closed behind her.

It took ten minutes for Marilyn's e-mail to arrive. In the meantime, Anne wrote seven revisions of the note she was going to send to Frederick. She struggled to sound both witty and professional at the same time, but was disgusted with every result. When the list finally arrived, Anne decided that receiving the script was more important than her own vanity, and hit 'send.'

To: Frwent@annapurna.com
From: Anelli@annapurna.com
Subject: Your letter ...

Frederick,

I seem to have lost your script AGAIN! I am so sorry. I received the note you wrote to go along with it, but I cannot find the script anywhere. I'm sure it was something important, because you mentioned that it might add to my stress level. Was it something to do with the case we settled? You can write back to me at this address.

Sincerely,
Anne Elliot

A response was waiting in her mailbox the next morning. Anne held her breath as she clicked on the message icon.

To: Anelli@annapurna.com
From: Frwent@annapurna.com
Subject: re: Your letter ...

Anne,

It wasn't your fault; I found it in my pocket after you left. I should have used an envelope. It wasn't so terribly important--nothing that cannot wait.

I hope you are well.

Frederick

Anne took a deep breath and hit reply.

To: Frwent@annapurna.com
From: Anelli@annapurna.com
Subject: re: re: Your letter...
Frederick,

I am well, thank you.

Now I feel bad that you have tried to get this script to me twice, and failed. Please send it. I will continue to feel bad until I can read it.

Sincerely,
Anne

She received Frederick's response two hours later.

To: Anelli@annapurna.com
From: Frwent@annapurna.com
Subject: Your Letter

Anne,

It is in the mail.

F.W.

Chapter 28

Posted on Thursday, 13 December 2001

When to the sessions of sweet silent thought I summon up remembrance of things past, I sigh the lack of many a thing I sought.
~William Shakespeare--Sonnet 30~

Anne finished putting the last ornament on her four-foot tree, then sat down on the sofa to admire her handiwork. She propped her feet on the cocktail table and finished a glass of wine while Peggy Lee sang 'The Christmas Song' in the background. Outside it was dark, and snowing heavily.

After spending two weeks in a crowded Italian villa, Anne's small flat seemed very empty and quiet. The snow muffled the street sounds, and Anne felt as if she were in her own world. She leaned her head back against the cushions with a sigh, then opened her laptop and went back to work.

Anne took a short break an hour later to make herself a small dinner. She returned to the sofa with her plate, and checked her e-mail while she ate. She was surprised to find the mailbox so full. Usually her family and friends were horrible at keeping in touch.

The first message was from Lindsey, who wrote that everything had returned to normal in Florence. Hassan was working everyone's tails off, and Louisa was finally able to use crutches as long as her wrist was wrapped well. Lindsey closed her message with a sly remark that Frederick had seemed rather sad after Anne left. Anne smiled sadly, shaking her head. She knew better than to take Lindsey seriously where Frederick was concerned.

The next message was from Amanda Russell, who wanted to know when Anne was returning to Somerset for Christmas. Anne typed a quick reply, then opened the next message, which was very short, and typical of her younger sister.

To: elianne@annapurna.com
From: Marymu@Somerset.net
Subject: re: Hi!

Anne,

Charles is well, of course. Walter is, too. He is not waking up in the nights as much now. I am going to try to move him onto formula. Charles is the father, and should be getting up nights with his son, too.

I have spent the last week in the house, because the weather has been so poor. It makes me miserable. All of my joints are sore. The doctor says that this is left over from my pregnancy, but I am afraid I've caught a virus.

Well, that is all. Amanda Russell is coming to tea. She has not been around much. You would think she would pay more attention to a new mother.

Mary

Anne was surprised to find that the next message was also from Mary. It was unusual to hear from Mary once a month, not to mention twice in one day.

To: elianne@annapurna.com
From: Marymu@Somerset.net
Subject: (none)

More news: Charles has just spoken with Louisa's parents, who said that Louisa is coming home for Christmas, and bringing her new boyfriend! Is it Mrs. Croft's brother-the one we met when he came to visit them this fall?

I asked Mrs. Croft, (Mrs. Russell brought her to tea), but she knew nothing about it, and sounded rather surprised. Maybe her brother is keeping secrets from her! She was very kind, and seemed very concerned about my health.

Anyhow, we are all invited to a Christmas party at Kellynch. She hopes we won't feel strange about it because it is still technically ours.

Well, that is all the news for now. I wouldn't have written again except that Mrs. Croft wanted me to pass the invitation along.

Anne's heart sank as she typed a reply. Of course Louisa was seeing Frederick. Who else could it possibly be? Anne couldn't imagine that Louisa would have invited Ned as her boyfriend. Louisa had been oblivious to Ned's feelings when Anne left, and she could not imagine that he could have gotten so far in a mere two days.

To: Marymu@somerset.net
From: Elianne@Annapurna.com
Subject: Christmas Party

Mary,

Thank you for the letters. I am glad that Charles and Wally are well. I hope that you feel better soon.

I hope to be home on the 21st. Have you and Amanda agreed which house I will stay at yet?

When is the Crofts' party? I would love to go. I don't know anything about Louisa having an official boyfriend. Did Mrs. Croft mention whether her brother is going to be in town for the holidays? If so, you are probably correct.

I am back in London now, and working harder than ever. Florence was lovely, and I was very sad to leave. I definitely think you and Charles should travel there someday.

Take care, and say hello to everyone for me. Any word from Dad or Liz?

Love,
Anne

By morning, the snow had turned to a dirty slush, and Anne ached for the pristine whiteness of the Massachusetts countryside.

Will Elliot had arrived before her, for once, and was on the telephone. He grinned and waved as she passed his office.

A white paper bag was sitting on her desk with a note attached.

I didn't want to interrupt our morning routine just because you decided to sleep in this morning. See you at the meeting.

~Will

Anne frowned to herself as she put the cooling coffee in her small microwave. Will's attentions had been welcome in Florence, but now that they had returned, Anne was finding him a bit tedious.

She bit into a delicious cinnamon-chip scone while she waited for her computer to boot up.

A message from an unfamiliar address was waiting in her in-box. It had an innocuous subject line and no attachments, so she opened it.

To: Anelli@annapurna.com
From: samnhary@aol.com
Subject: Christmas

Dear Anne,

Your sister passed your message along to me. I would love for you to attend the party-if you are comfortable visiting relative strangers in your own home. I thought that you might be missing it at this time of year, and we do not yet know too many people in this area yet. We would very much like to get to know all of you better!

I will be mailing official invitations next week, but here is the information:

Saturday, December 22
7:00pm at Kellynch Hall
Bring yourself and a white elephant gift
Dress is holiday casual (whatever that means! Harry came up with the term.)

Also, we have cleared up a little question: Louisa is dating someone named Edward Benwick. Poor Frederick. This Ned must be something else, to have gotten past our Dickon. Either that, or she is utterly blind. But then again, this is his sister talking. ;o)

We don't yet know whether Frederick will be able to join us. He is terribly busy at the moment, as you know.

If you have any questions, you can write back to me at this address. Otherwise, have a very nice December, and safe travels on your way home.

Sincerely,
Samantha Croft

Anne realized that she had been holding her breath. She read the message one more time, then leaped up from her chair, and began to pace around her office.

Louisa and Ned. Frederick was really and truly free!

As she read the message for the third time, the joy rose in Anne's chest until she felt like she was going to burst, and she suddenly felt like running down the halls shouting. But because she was supposed to be a responsible adult, and because the morning meeting was supposed to begin in ten minutes, Anne decided instead to head over to Will's office.

He was still on the phone, but motioned for her to enter. As she came near his desk, he thrust the phone into her hand.

'Here, keep him entertained. I have to run and get some information from the file in Marilyn's office for him. It will just take a second...'

'Who-'

But Will left the room without telling her who was on the other line. Anne chuckled and lifted the receiver to her ear. In her current state of mind, she found herself perfectly willing to charm some stranger's ear off.

'Hello?' Anne asked in her brightest, warmest voice.

Anne?!

Anne thought she was going to have a heart attack. She dropped into Will's leather chair before her legs could give out. The extremely astonished voice on the other end couldn't possibly be ...

'Frederick?!'

Yes. This is Anne, isn't it? He asked with great incredulity in his voice.

'Yes.' Anne said, drawing her free hand across her face, thanking the heavens that no one was around to see her at that moment.

Oh. There was a brief pause before he spoke again. How are you?

'Fine.' Anne took a deep breath. His question was loaded, and Anne thought he sounded almost worried. 'I haven't received your letter yet.'

Oh. His relief was palpable, even at Anne's end of the phone line. It should arrive tomorrow. I sent it certified, so you will have to sign for it, but at least you should get it this time.'

'Third time's the charm.' Anne quipped.

'So I'm hoping.' He said, again in that odd, heavy tone.

'I've just had an e-mail from your sister.' Anne said shakily.

Really? Anne smiled faintly at the surprise in his voice. What did she have to say?

'I'm invited to the Christmas party at Kellynch.'

Good. I hoped that she would invite you. It is your home, after all.

Anne suddenly felt that she had adopted Mary's unstable nerves. 'Are you going to visit them for Christmas?'

I don't know. Hassan is very...determined. Filming should be finished in two weeks, but I think there will be a great deal to do before any of us get a break.

'Hm ...' Anne trailed off, at a loss for words.

I assume you've heard about Ned and Louisa?

'Yes!' Anne exclaimed. 'What do you ... think about it.'

They seem happy enough. I suppose it's a relief, actually.

'Yes. I suppose.'

Will returned and perched on the edge of his desk. Anne rose quickly from the chair.

'Will is back. I should let you get back to whatever you were doing.'

Wait, Anne. We are going into the mountains tomorrow afternoon to film scenery and the last few scenes. We will be out of touch possibly for a week or so. Hassan will have a satellite phone, of course, but not for regular use. After that, we will be busy packing up. If there is anything you need to...contact us for...that is not specifically related to the film... There was a long pause, and Anne thought for a moment that they had been disconnected.

'Frederick?'

Yes, still here. I was just going to say that anything else, business-related or otherwise, should probably wait until we are back in London. Some things are best discussed in person.

'All right.' Anne agreed, highly confused. 'Well, have a safe trip into the mountains, Frederick.'

You too, Anne ... take care.

Anne tried to still her shaking hands as she handed the phone to Will.

Frederick's letter was waiting in Anne's mailbox at work the next morning. Making her way down the hallway with it in her hands, she paused outside Frederick's open office door. The corridor was extremely quiet, because most of the people in Frederick's area were in Italy.

Drawn by sudden impulse, Anne glanced around to make sure that no one else was in the vicinity, then stepped inside. The room smelled faintly of wood polish and leather. Anne made her way to the desk and ran her hand across the back of Frederick's soft, black leather chair. She felt faintly guilty for disturbing the sanctity of his office, but had been unable to stop herself from entering.

Likewise, the envelope in her hands would not be ignored any longer. Anne took a beautiful silver letter opener from a glass cup on the desk and slit the envelope. The letter was written on a piece of the same heavy, wonderfully creamy paper Frederick had used for other note he had written to her. Anne ran the tips of her fingers across his neat, flowing script, then sank into his desk chair to read.

I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Do not tell me that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone forever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it eight and a half years ago. Do not dare say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconsistent. I may have allowed others to make advances, but to you alone I have given my heart. For you alone I think and plan.- Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes?- I could not have waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice, when they would be lost on others.- Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and consistency among men. Believe it to be most fervent, and most undeviating in

F.W.

I have re-copied this for your benefit-the other was almost illegible. You must know what conversation prompted this letter, but if you do not, I should be delighted to enlighten you at a later time. In the meantime, I must go to the mountains, uncertain of my fate, but I shall return to London, or to Massachusetts, as soon as possible. A word, a look will be enough to decide whether I shall renew these addresses to you then, or never. Please do not respond until we next meet. I could not bear to have your refusal over the phone, and if you decide to accept me, I want to see your dear face when you do.*

Chapter 29

Posted on Friday, 21 December 2001

Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends. ~Richard Bach~

The street lamps came on as the sun set. A light dusting of snow glittered on the ground and muffled the sounds of passing cars. As the wind swept down between the buildings, Anne drew her red wool scarf closer around her face. Her hair had come loose from its elastic band, and whipped wildly around her face. The wind was making her eyes water.

Will chuckled and grabbed one of her gloved hands. 'You need a break. Let's stop in here.'

'Harrods? Oh, Will, no. I've bought too much already, and I'll never get out of here without buying something.'

'Just for a bite to eat, then.'

Anne reluctantly agreed and followed him through the front doors.

'I have tried to avoid this place.' She commented, eyeing the extraordinary décor. 'Overdone, overpriced...'

'Well,' Will grinned, 'you can buy almost anything here if you have the money. The food is also pretty good.'

Anne shook her head, smiling, as they started up the escalator. 'I have to admit that it is very...interesting.'

They made their way to the restaurant at the top of the building. It was still early, so they had their choice of tables. Will helped Anne to remove her coat, then ordered a bottle of wine.

'Thank you for shopping with me. I never know what to buy my mother.'

'You are welcome.' Anne smiled, removing her gloves. 'I was behind on my shopping, as well. My sister Elizabeth is impossible to buy for.'

'Yes,' Will said thoughtfully. 'From what I remember, she would be.'

'I always wondered what happened there.' Anne said opening her menu. 'You had her completely charmed. I thought you would get together.'

Will hesitated. 'To tell you the truth...we did. It was very brief and ended very badly. That is part of the reason I left your father's company so bitterly...and made all of those cruel and stupid mistakes.'

'I never heard about it!' Anne marveled.

'It's not the kind of thing people talk about. I suppose Elizabeth is too proud to share her humiliations with her family.'

'Humiliations?'

'Never mind. It's in the past.' Will muttered. 'I've moved on. I only hope all of you have forgiven me.'

'Of course. I think you've changed much for the better.'

'Thank you.' He said grimly.

The wine arrived, and Will placed their order. They sat quietly, sipping their wine.

'Would you like to go to a show tonight?' Will asked tentatively.

'I really have to get home after this. I have a lot of packing to do if I am to leave tomorrow.'

Will studied her for a moment. 'What did I do?'

'Pardon?'

'I suppose right now it might be because of what I just shared about your sister, but ever since we returned, you have been withdrawn around me. What happened? We seemed to be getting along so well in Italy.'

'That was before-' Anne stopped, giving him a weak smile. 'I'm sorry, Will, but I can't be anything more than your friend. It doesn't have anything to do with Elizabeth.'

'Why can't you?' Will asked, twirling his glass between his fingers.

Anne took a breath. She was not ready to speak about Frederick, but she had to give him a reason.

'To tell you the truth, it has seemed to me lately that you are more interested in someone else. Tell me, Will, what is going on between you and Marilyn?' She had not really been serious, but Will did not take it as a joke. He blanched.

'Nothing. Nothing at all. Why do you ask?' Will asked in a low, alarmed voice.

'The two of you have been acting quite strangely around each other.'

'She's my boss. She is married. She is at least six years older than I am.'

Anne shrugged. 'If you say so.'

Will stared at her silently for a moment, shifting uncomfortably in his chair. Finally, he leaned forward and took one of her hands. 'All right, it seems it is my night for confessions. Can I trust you?'

Anne raised an eyebrow.

'You were correct. I have been seeing Marilyn. It began just after you left for Italy. It was my choice to join you down there...I was scared by what had just happened. I thought I needed a break, and you, to distract me. Obviously, it did not work.'

'I suppose I should be angry.'

'I honestly did not mean to play games with you. I really did want things to work out between us. I know that pursuing something with her is dangerous, and I hoped that you might help me to forget ...' He squeezed her hand. 'Are you very hurt?'

'I should be ... but no. There is only one man in the world that has the power to hurt me now.' Anne gave a short laugh, realizing that she had used Will in much the same way he had used her.

Will studied her carefully. 'And has he?'

Anne paused, thinking. 'I hurt him. Hopefully, that will all be resolved over the holidays.' Her expression softened as she gazed towards the window.

'Well...' Will released her hand and leaned back in his chair. 'I don't know what to do now, but I'm awfully glad we had this talk. And I'm glad that you don't hate me.'

'I don't like the fact that you are breaking up a marriage, but no, I don't hate you.' Anne smiled warmly. 'Now that you are going to stop courting me, we can be good friends. You are a nice man, and deserve happiness. I just wish that it didn't involve our boss.'

'Me too.' Will smiled ruefully.

Their dinner arrived, and the conversation returned to the superficial as they ate. After dinner, they made a brief tour of the store. Anne did end up purchasing several unique imported items for Elizabeth.

After Will dropped Anne off, she spent the rest of the evening packing for her trip home. Now that she had sorted through her problems with Will, she really only had one worry left: How on earth was she going to greet Frederick when, at last, she saw him again?

The villa was remarkably peaceful when Frederick returned from one last trip into Florence. Most of the company had left earlier in the week, just after the last scene was shot. Those who remained had helped to sort, pack, label, and ship the miscellaneous items that had to be returned to Annapurna's headquarters, various prop departments, and museums. With the holidays as an incentive, they had worked quickly, and had nearly cleared the villa in just four days.

Ned and Louisa were waiting in front of the building, surrounded by luggage as Frederick pulled up the long drive. Turning off the car, Frederick gathered his packages from the back seat and jogged over to them.

'Doing some late Christmas shopping, Wentworth?'

'My sister never gives hints, so I thought I might find something interesting in town.' He grinned, dropping his packages on a stone bench. 'Are you leaving?'

'As soon as the driver returns. We are going to visit Louisa's family in Massachusetts for the holidays.'

'I'll probably run into you ... I am going to visit my sister in Somerset.'

'He has big plans.' Michael said, grinning, as he walked up behind them.

'Really? What sort?'

Frederick shot Michael a warning glance. He did not want his hopes broadcast before they had a chance to be realized. Fortunately, Michael took the hint and clapped Frederick on the back.

'His sister is having a party of some sort. We're headed that way too. Lindsey's family is also in Somerset.'

'Anne Elliot will be in the neighborhood, too. We should all get together sometime!' Louisa said innocently, missing the glances exchanged by the men.

Frederick coughed. 'Yes, definitely. In fact, my sister might even be persuaded to set a few more places at the table ...'

'That would be lovely, but we wouldn't want to impose.'

The car arrived, interrupting the exchange. After loading the luggage, the four friends exchanged good-byes.

'I heard through the grapevine that you have something exciting in the works.' Louisa whispered, reaching up to embrace Frederick. He started in surprise.

'Pardon?'

'Well, I just wanted to wish you luck. She is a very lucky girl.' Louisa kissed his cheek, then stepped back, leaning on her crutches.

Frederick wanted to ask how Louisa knew about Anne, but he was forestalled by Ned, who came forward to help Louisa into the car. Frederick patiently held Louisa's crutches while Ned lifted her in his arms.

'Happy holidays.' Ned said, returning a few minutes later to shake Frederick's hand. 'Good luck with your little project.' He grinned mischievously and gripped Frederick's shoulder before ducking into the car.

Frederick stared after the departing car, dumbfounded, as it drove away. 'Now, how did they find out?'

'You have been pretty obviously preoccupied these last few weeks. It didn't take a genius to figure out that your mood change stemmed from Anne's departure. And then there was the matter of the letter ...' Michael replied, leading his friend back into the villa.

'The letter?'

'After re-writing it, you left the original on the conference table while you went to find an envelope. I think it was Dick who came across it first. Don't worry, your secret stayed within our small group of friends.'

'And this is why everyone has been walking on eggshells around me lately?'

'Pretty much ... that, and the fact that your temper has been particularly vile lately.'

Frederick gaped at his friend.

'Well ...?' Will said finally, chuckling.

'Well, what?'

'Aren't you going to start packing?'

A small bouquet of pine sprigs, roses, and white carnations was waiting on Anne's desk when she arrived at Annapurna the next morning. Her heart gave a little lurch as she reached for the card, but it was not from Frederick.

Anne,

I just wanted to say thank you. You are a wonder.

Your friend,
Will

Anne smiled to herself as she added water to the vase. She checked her e-mail quickly, but finding nothing interesting, headed down to the conference room for the Christmas Brunch.

The room was beautifully decorated, and smelled wonderful. Most of the people Anne knew well were missing, either in Italy, or already on their way home for the holidays. Marilyn Peters was there, but she was in an animated discussion with George Faye, Hassan's business partner. Anne did not see Will.

She sat next to several young women, and entered a light conversation about Christmas shopping and holiday traditions. A small chamber choir provided holiday music as they dined on a beautifully catered meal.

After the meal, Anne exchanged a brief greeting with Marilyn, then headed towards her office to pack up her laptop and get her coat.

Will waylaid her on her way out of the building. Anne gave him a hug and thanked him for the flowers.

'You're welcome.' Will smiled warmly. 'I called Marilyn last night, and we had a long talk. We agreed to put this off until after the holidays. That way, we can both enjoy our vacation.'

'I'm glad.' Anne said, squeezing his hand.

'Me too. But if things don't work out with Marilyn, can I cry on your shoulder?'

'Of course,' Anne smiled, 'as long as you understand ...'

'No worries. I'll leave you to Frederick.' He laughed at her expression. 'You're not the only observant one around here, Anne.'

Anne burst into laughter, hugging Will again. 'Merry Christmas, Will.'

It was the smoothest landing Frederick had ever experienced. As they disembarked, a distant smile crossed his face.

'I'm going straight to Annapurna. I have a few things to take care of.' He explained to his friends.

In other words, he needed to talk to Anne. The last thing he wanted was to run into her at his sister's party, in the middle of a crowded room. Since he could not leave London until the night of the twenty-second, there would be no chance to seek her out before the party unless he spoke to her now. A quick call to the offices confirmed that she had arrived for the brunch, and was probably still in the building.

Frederick led the jog to the baggage claim, followed by Thomas Hassan and Dick Harville. Michael and Lindsey moved slower because of the wheelchair.

'Should have waited for our jet to return from the States.' Hassan wheezed, red-faced. 'Then we wouldn't have had to cross this damned airport.'

'You don't get enough exercise, Tom.' Frederick said good-naturedly, wheeling a cart over to the conveyer.

They waited for the suitcases to come, trying to ignore the many curious glances in their direction.

'Hey, are you ...?'

Most of the group ignored the question, because Thomas Hassan and Louisa Muse were the only two who had been widely publicized. Hassan gave a weary sigh and turned towards the two pre-teen girls hovering on the edge of their group.

'I think they're looking for you, Wentworth.' He announced gruffly, turning back to the luggage.

Frederick turned around, surprised. Before Twelfth Night he had not played a film lead, and was not used to autograph-seekers. 'Can I help you, ladies?'

'Well ... this came out today ...' One of them held up a weekly magazine, blushing.

Curious, Frederick took it from her hands and stared at the page. He took a sharp breath and handed the magazine back to the girl. 'Thank you ... I hadn't heard yet.'

'Heard what?' Michael came up beside him. 'What is that?'

'I was nominated for a Golden Globe. Supporting.' Frederick said shakily.

Michael whistled. 'Congratulations.'

'Excuse me. Would you ...?' The girl held the magazine out to him again.

'Oh, right ... sorry.' Frederick fumbled in his pocket for a pen, then started to write, but dropped the pen on the floor.

Chuckling, Michael bent to retrieve it. 'Forgive my friend here.' He said, giving the girls a winning smile. 'We've just gotten off a long flight, and he just woke up.'

The girls thanked Frederick, then wandered off chattering excitedly.

'Well, well, well. First People's Choice, and now Golden Globe.' Michael laughed.

Frederick took a deep breath, a slow grin crossing his face. 'They are just nominations, you know. I haven't actually won anything.'

'Yet. So, who are you taking as your date to the ceremonies?'

Frederick's grin widened, and he had opened his mouth to answer when there was a crash behind him. He and Michael spun around to stare at Thomas Hassan, who had dropped a suitcase and was doubled over in pain.

'Too heavy for you?' Dick asked sympathetically, reaching out to lift the suitcase onto the cart. 'Did you hurt your back?'

Hassan waved his hand in the air, pressing his other hand against his chest.

'Thomas, what ...?'

The director's face was bright red, and he was gasping like a fish. Michael and Frederick grabbed his arms just in time to keep him from hitting the floor.

'Not again ...' The director wheezed, contorting his face, as they eased him onto the ground.

Anne was running late as she arrived at the airport. Unfortunately, an ambulance was outside the main entrance, surrounded by a crowd of people. Anne fought through the mob, thankful that she only had two small bags.

The crowd surged suddenly, and Anne caught sight of four paramedics guiding a gurney towards the ambulance. She thought there was something familiar about the patient's face. She stepped forward to get a better look just as two men jogged up to the ambulance. They spoke quickly with one of the paramedics, then climbed into a black taxi.

Anne gasped suddenly, fighting her way closer to the curb as the taxi pulled away after the ambulance. As the car passed, Anne caught Frederick's eye. His mouth dropped open in astonishment, and he lifted his hand in a small wave.

Overhead, a voice announced the time. Anne gasped. She quickly returned Frederick's wave, hoping that he noticed. Then with one last glance at the departing taxi, she raced towards the baggage check.

Two hundred feet from the entrance, the taxi stopped suddenly. Frederick leaped out of the door, yelling for Dick to continue on without him. Anne was nowhere to be seen. He paused inside of the door, studying the departure screens. There were four different carriers sending flights to Boston, and he had no way of knowing which one Anne was on. He made a quick circuit of the main terminal, but had no luck. Finally, he found Michael and Lindsey in a small café. Out of breath, he asked if they had seen Anne. Bitterly disappointed, he sank into a chair and submitted to their sympathy.

Anne reached her gate just in time. She sank into her first-class seat rumpled and exhausted. As the plane took off, she reached into her pocket and withdrew a carefully folded piece of paper. Staring out of the window, she caressed the letter with a distant smile on her face.

Chapter 30

Posted on Friday, 11 January 2002

Breathe life into this feeble heart
Lift this mortal veil of fear
Take these crumbled hopes, etched with tears
We'll rise above these earthly cares.
~Loreena McKennitt, "Dante's Prayer"~

Mrs. Russell had given Anne a large bedroom at the front of the house, overlooking the road to Kellynch Hall and the forest beyond. After she finished unpacking, Anne sat by the window for a long time, staring down the road, until the sky was dark and the fireplace provided the only light in her room. Anne finally turned away when the wind picked up and it began to snow, obscuring her view of the road.

Amanda was waiting in the library in front of a roaring fire. She rose to greet Anne, leading her past four tall, frost-encrusted windows.

'How are you?' Amanda asked, pulling another chair close to the fire.

'My body thinks it is three in the morning, but I am fine.' Anne said with a half-smile as she took a seat.

'Would you rather go to bed?'

Anne shook her head. 'We haven't spoken for a long time.'

A servant arrived with tea. Anne hesitated until Amanda told her it was decaffeinated, and meant to be consumed before bed.

'Tell me about Annapurna.' Amanda said, handing a steaming cup to Anne.

'I am still very happy with my position. I am paid well, have a beautiful office...and Florence was incredible.' Anne smiled, stirring sugar into her tea.

'You've left all of your friends and family behind. How is your social life?'

'There are many wonderful people working for Annapurna.'

'Have you made any ... romantic attachments?'

Anne dropped her gaze to her teacup. She did not feel like discussing either Frederick or Will. 'I went on a few dates with one of my co-workers, but we were both interested in other people.'

'Alexander Potter is in town.' Amanda said with a significant grin.

'Kristine's brother?' Anne had a vague memory of a tall, gawky boy who had been nearly invisible next to his attractive and outgoing siblings.

'Yes. I remember how much you liked their older brother-Alexander has become even more attractive than Peter. He is a successful surgeon in Maryland.'

'I am happy for him.'

'It took him longer than the rest of the family to recover from Kristine's death. He is only a few years older than you are, and still single. Perhaps you could...'

Anne bristled. 'Amanda, can I ask you not to do this?'

'But he is such a nice, successful young man!'

'It is no use. I am ... in love ... with someone else.' Anne caught her breath. There, she had said it.

A smile spread across Amanda's face. 'You are seeing someone! Tell me about him. Is there any chance we will see him over the holidays?'

'We are not dating, but I have high hopes.' She smiled shakily. 'However, if you don't mind, I would rather not talk about him right now.'

'Of course.' Amanda murmured, studying Anne over her teacup.

'We've missed another flight.' Michael said, joining Frederick by the departure screens. 'I thought the drive from the hospital would take less time.'

'Holiday traffic, I suppose.' Frederick murmured, slinging his bag over his shoulder. 'I'll head for the British airlines. When Lindsey returns from the WC, you check the American companies. There must be something leaving in the next hour. If we don't leave by six, we will never make it back in time for Samantha's party.'

The counters were crowded with people trying to exchange tickets. For a brief moment, Frederick wondered if his new celebrity status might get him through the line faster, but decided against it. It did not seem fair, and he was not quite ready to play the star. Instead, he readjusted his hat on his head, glad that he was still unrecognizable to most people.

Frederick's cell phone rang twenty minutes later.

There aren't any seats left. To tell you the truth, they are not even sure any flights will get through. The Northeastern United States are in the middle of a blizzard.

'I'm almost to the counter, Michael. Meet me here.'

Frederick ended the call as a space opened at the counter. The ticket person barely glanced at him as she said, in a harried voice, that there were no flights into Boston available until Monday. Frederick tried to sweet talk her into looking again, but it was to no avail. Defeated, he backed away from the counter.

'Oh, you're-!'

A customer at the next counter came towards Frederick. He turned slowly to face her, not exactly in the mood to be recognized.

'I suppose you are trying to keep a low profile.' She said in a low voice. 'Don't worry, I won't give you away. Where are you trying to go?'

'Boston.'

'My fiancée and I have tickets to Boston ... but we don't have to be there until Monday. You can have ours.'

Just like that? Frederick frowned. He didn't want her to get in trouble just because she was trying to please him.

'Shouldn't you ask your fiancée?'

She brought Frederick over to the next counter and explained the situation to a young man.

'Why can't you wait until tomorrow?' He asked with an unhappy frown.

'There is this girl ...' Frederick replied. Then, seeing that his excuse had not been enough, he amended his statement. 'My sister is throwing a party tomorrow night.'

The fiancée's frown softened. 'I suppose you can't let your sister down. Besides, Jen would never forgive me if I refused. Is this girl important?'

'The love of my life.' Frederick replied seriously.

'In that case ... my name is Jeff, and this is Jen.' He gave Frederick an expectant smile.

'I am Frederick.' He replied in a low voice, confirming Jeff's suspicions.

'Thought so.' Jeff grinned, handing the tickets across the counter to the agent so they could be transferred.

'You wouldn't happen to know anyone else on your flight, would you? I am traveling with a friend and his wife, so I need one more ticket.'

Jeff looked at him for a moment, then disappeared into the crowd. He returned a few minutes later with an elderly woman.

'My husband-' She paused, 'I don't need two tickets now.'

Frederick added a generous amount onto both checks. The couple waited with him while he finished filling out the paperwork, then followed him into the main concourse where he was to meet Michael and Lindsey. Seeing his friends, Frederick thanked the couple warmly and began to turn away. Jen stopped him.

'I won't give you away by asking for a picture, but would you sign this?'

Frederick shook his head as he glanced at the napkin. 'I owe you more than that. Can I take both of you to lunch sometime when you arrive in Boston?'

The couple exchanged a glance, then quickly wrote their names and a telephone number on the napkin.

'What was that about?' Michael asked, laughing, as Frederick joined them.

'There are a few perks to ...' He shook his head, chuckling. 'Anyhow, I have the tickets. Let's go!'

'Have you ever seen it snow like this?' Charles asked, leaning his elbows on the windowsill as he peered out into the blizzard. 'It is going to be a difficult drive to Kellynch tonight.'

'It's only a mile, or so.' Anne said coming to stand at his shoulder. 'I'm sure they will have plowed the road.'

'Mary is not excited to go out into the storm. In fact, she said that if the snow keeps up, we might just stay here at Amanda's.'

'Mary is concerned about the baby.' Anne smiled fondly and reached over to ruffle his hair. 'I am sure she knows that you would never do anything to harm your son.'

'Unfortunately, my wife is not you.' Charles chuckled, moving over to the woodbin.

Anne stared at him for a moment in surprise. But, of course, he had not meant it in that way. Charles was too much of a gentleman to make subversive remarks about their shared past. Especially now that he was happily married to her sister.

'I suppose you meant to say that she is not like me.' Anne corrected, smiling.

'Erm...yes.' Charles colored suddenly as he caught her train of thought. 'She is not quite so flexible as you are. Not that I'm complaining; it makes life less complicated, in a way.'

'Mary has always been ... a rather determined person.' Anne agreed, bending to help Charles select the driest, most fragrant split logs.

'Which is a good thing, since I completely ignored her for so many years before she finally got through to me.' He said, looking up at her with a smile. 'Are you ready?'

'Yes.' Anne held her arms out so that Charles could begin placing logs in them.

'That should do it, I think.' Charles said, lifting a stack in his own arms. He kicked the door open and led Anne into the house.

'Do you two want to try the eggnog?' Mary called from the kitchen.

Anne dumped her wood by the fireplace and left Charles to build the fire. Mary glanced up as her sister entered the kitchen. 'I've tried to follow Amanda's recipe...I'm not sure I added enough rum, though.'

Anne gave the concoction Mary was stirring a wary look. 'Dairy does not agree well with my stomach. I will bring some to Charles, though.'

'Amanda should be back soon, with dad, Elizabeth, and lunch.'

Anne returned to the living room with two glasses. Charles took a brief sip of the eggnog, then set it aside.

'How is it?'

'Awful, but don't tell Mary. This is her third batch.'

Anne took a chair next to the fireplace. 'Are you happy, Charles?' She asked suddenly.

'I am! Why do you ask?' He said, smiling up at her while he fed a bunch of small sticks into the unlit fire.

'I just wanted to make sure that...you and Mary ... were okay.'

'More than okay. We fight a bit, but that is normal because we are two very different people. However, everything else is great. I couldn't ask for more than I have right now.' He said seriously as he struck a match and held it to a piece of birch bark. 'Are you happy, Anne?'

'I am...on my way.' Anne leaned back as Amanda's puppy leaped into her lap. 'Charles, when you realized you loved Mary and knew that she still loved you, but there was still that strangeness between the two of you because of ... well ... how did you fix that?'

Charles rocked back on his heels, frowning slightly. 'Mary was afraid that she was a substitute for you. It took a while for me to convince her that she wasn't. You might not remember this--At a party just after Mary and I started dating you were both trying to talk to me at the same time. I consciously turned away from you-sorry-and took Mary out into the porch so we could finish talking without interruption. We did not spend much of that time talking, however.' He said, grinning boyishly. When Anne did not laugh, he frowned. 'Is something wrong?'

Anne took a deep breath, absently stroking the spaniel's soft fur. He had always been one of her closest friends. If anyone could help, it was Charles. She found herself telling him everything. At the end, Charles stared at her, stunned.

'All those years ago ... you let him go because of something I said?'

'Amanda planted the doubt in my mind. You just gave it the final push.'

'Oh, Anne, I am so sorry. I was being selfish. I shouldn't have said a thing. To think that I could have helped you avoid eight years of-'

'Don't be sorry! It was my own decision in the end. In fact, it may turn out that it was for the better. Either way, I don't care about what happened eight years ago anymore. All I want to know is what to do tonight!'

'He doesn't know how you feel. I'm sure he is worried that you might reject him again.'

'Yes, but what should I do?'

'When the time comes, tell him what you just told me: that you've always loved him, even more so now than you did back then.'

Anne sighed. 'I'll get it all wrong. I can't think properly when I'm around him.'

Charles smiled and placed a hand on her knee. 'When the moment comes, believe me, you will know what to do.'

Chapter 31

Posted on Friday, 18 January 2002

I arise from dreams of thee
in the first sweet sleep of night,
when the winds are breathing low,
and the stars are shining bright.
~Percy Bysshe Shelley~

Somerset had been hit hard by the snowstorm. By the time it finally lightened, the roads were nearly impassable. The Crofts, however, were not discouraged. The party would go on.

When the Elliots, the Musgroves, and Amanda Russell arrived, Harry Croft was shoveling the front walk. He wedged his shovel in the snow and walked over to offer an arm to any ladies who might have trouble on the precarious walkway.

Samantha was speaking with a tall, good-looking man in his early forties when they entered the front hall. She introduced him as her brother Philip, an associate professor at Cambridge.

'How long have you been in town?' Anne asked, beaming at him. She was joyful almost to the point of tears because soon she would be with Frederick. They had so much lost time to make up for.

'We flew into Boston late last night.' Philip smiled. 'Samantha told me that you work at Annapurna ...with Dickon.'

'Yes, I do.' Anne replied, happy that Frederick's family had been discussing her. She felt a glowing warmth towards Philip, and imagined that Frederick would look very much like him in ten years.

'I thought it was going to be a small party.' She commented as they entered the crowded ballroom.

'The guest list did grow quite a bit from the original plan.' He smiled. 'Unfortunately, my little brother may not be able to join us tonight. Something at work detained him yesterday, and he had difficulty finding a flight. He was due to land an hour ago, but with this weather ...'

Anne felt as if someone had dropped a rock into her stomach. 'That's too bad.' She murmured.

Philip left her to greet a few more guests. Everyone else in their group moved towards the hors d'oeuvres. Anne paused just inside of the door, gazing blindly around the beautifully decorated room. Without Frederick's presence, a room full of people was suddenly the last place she wanted to be.

The wind had picked up again, and ice crystals assaulted the passengers as they climbed out of the taxi. Frederick pulled his scarf close about his face as he walked around the car to pay the driver.

The drastic change of temperature inside the house made everyone yawn. Frederick glanced at his friends, suddenly aware of how exhausted and ragged they all must look.

'Let's take half an hour to change, bathe, or nap.' Frederick rubbed a hand across his stubble-rough cheek. 'Take a right at the top of the stairs and the last door on the right.'

'Anne's old room.'

'That's right, I'd forgotten you were old friends.' Frederick said quietly after a moment.

'As were you.' Lindsey said impishly as Michael lifted her into his arms. A light glowed in Frederick's eyes as he watched the couple ascend the stairs.

'Hi Uncle Frederick.'

'Hello, Matthew. How are you?' Frederick said, turning to give his nephew a weary smile.

'Great! The party is going well. Come on in!'

'Actually ...' Frederick glanced at the ballroom doors, which were open a crack, displaying a riot of color, music, and laughter. He was sorely tempted to steal a peek into the room, to see if Anne had come. But he resisted the urge.

'I am going to shower and change. It was a long flight and a harrowing drive. Samantha would have my head if I entered her party looking like this.'

'Do you want me to tell her you are here?'

Smiling tiredly, Frederick asked Matthew not to let anyone know he had arrived. Glancing once more towards the ballroom, he slung his bag over his shoulder and dashed up to his room.

'I hope you don't mind...we found so many unused ornaments in the attic.'

'I'm glad you used them!' Anne said, reaching out to touch a brightly colored antique glass ball. 'They are too pretty to hide in a dusty attic.'

'Thank you. We love this house so much-'

There was a slight commotion in the hallway, and Samantha's gaze passed over Anne's shoulder. Her serene expression changed suddenly into a brilliant, welcoming smile, and Anne felt the hairs at her neck stand on end. She did not need to turn around or wait for Samantha's called greeting to know what had caused the sensation. Frederick had arrived.

Giving Anne a polite excuse, and promising to resume their conversation, Samantha walked past Anne to welcome her brother.

Anne closed her eyes for a moment, suddenly feeling as fragile as the antique Christmas ornaments. There was a rushing sound in her ears, and she felt as if the room was closing in on her. She could not bring herself to turn around. Although there was the distance of a crowded room between her and the entrance, Anne knew that their eyes would meet. She was not prepared.

'Are you enjoying yourself?' Charles asked, handing a glass of champagne to Anne.

'Yes. Thank you, Charles.' Glad for the distraction, Anne took a large sip, momentarily forgetting that she disliked most champagne.

Charles laughed at her expression. 'That's right, the bubbles make you sick, don't they? I'll get you something else. Something...stronger, perhaps?' He asked, grinning, as he glanced towards the doorway.

'That would be wonderful. Thank you.'

Elizabeth joined her just after Charles left.

Anne took a deep, steadying breath. 'Are you having a good time, Elizabeth?'

'The dishes are a disgrace. I suppose few people of their station have matching china enough for a party this size.'

Anne murmured a vague reply as Mary and Amanda Russell drew near.

'... We thought she would end up with him, but apparently this Ned fellow paid more attention to her. It's a pity, now that he is becoming known. There is no accounting for the tastes of single girls these days.'

'Indeed.' Mrs. Russell replied coolly as they joined Anne and Elizabeth. 'We have just been discussing Mrs. Croft's brother, who has just arrived.'

'Remember when he was here a few months ago? And to think we knew him before he was famous.' Mary exclaimed rapturously. 'He could have been a relative, too. Remember: we all thought he and Louisa would get together. I will never know why she chose that Ned fellow over Frederick. Especially after tonight! He is devilishly handsome, with that dark hair and those blue, blue eyes. There is no accounting for some girls' tastes these days.' Mary repeated.

'He is attractive enough, but I was never one for those theater-types. Too unreliable.' Elizabeth said, studying him over her champagne flute. 'Wasn't he here a few years back? I think he might have asked me out.'

'Yes.' Anne choked.

'I thought he looked familiar, despite the dark hair. It seems he has done better for himself that I thought, but I'm glad I turned him down. Stars fall easier than they rise.'

'You were in Italy with him, Anne. What did you think?' Mary asked, turning Anne so that she had no choice but to finally face Frederick. She took a sharp breath when their eyes met. His expression was intense and unreadable. He only broke the gaze when someone grabbed his shoulder for attention.

'Anne? Are you all right?'

By the tone in her voice, Anne had the sudden impression that Amanda Russell knew quite well what was going on.

'Yes, I am quite fine, thank you.' Never good at dissembling, Anne excused herself and went to find Charles. She could hardly exchange any sort of message with Frederick when both of them were surrounded by well-meaning friends.

Frederick barely heard what his sister was saying. He had no idea how to read the one glance he and Anne had shared.

Henrietta Groves had once asked him why, of all women, Anne Elliot had been the one to keep him bewitched for so long. After seeing her again for the first time, when he had been fighting his feelings so hard, Frederick had asked himself the same question.

Frederick's world had been shaken when Anne entered his life for the first time. He had been so certain that she was 'the one.' After their separation, he had been deeply hurt. It took him a long time to forgive her. Eventually, he realized that Anne's betrayal was not entirely her fault. She had always been kind, and put others before herself. She had made the sacrifice for her family and friends ... perhaps even for him.

Once he was able to forgive her, Frederick kept Anne in his heart as a sweet dream from a time before his life became so complicated. A fond memory to cause a small heart ache whenever he remembered. She had been a muse, of sorts. So many of the women in Frederick's world were worldly and shrewd, and he held Anne as his ideal-gentle, honest, and innocent.

He had expected that, should they meet again, he would be disappointed. However, at twenty-eight, Anne had maintained those qualities. She was unspoiled by vanity, fickle attentions, and competition. Added to the attributes that had first made him fall in love with her, she was now successful, smart, confidant, and, most importantly, independent. Perhaps Anne was no longer the pretty young girl he remembered, but to Frederick, hers was still the dearest face he had ever seen. During their time in Florence, while jealousy had eaten Frederick alive, she had become even more attractive. Tonight, she had taken his breath away.

However, no matter how much he wanted to sweep her off her feet, Frederick knew that he had to wait. He had seen the signed receipt, and knew that he had received the letter. She knew how he felt. And, difficult as it was, he would not do anything until she gave him his cue. So he had to content himself with watching, and waiting for her to make her decision.

'Here you are ... one glass of liquid courage.' Charles said, grinning.

Anne thanked him and took a sip. She gave Charles a grateful smile as he leaned back against the wall. Once again, he had shown himself a true friend.

Anne tried to think of a way to place herself in Frederick's way. She was incapable of approaching him directly, certain that she would collapse in fear before she could utter a single word. Why it was so difficult, she did not know. After all, Frederick had told her that he loved her. All she had to do was tell him she felt the same.

The lights dimmed suddenly, and the music rose in volume. Slowly, couples found their way onto the dance floor. Anne cleared her throat, willing herself not to panic.

Charles saw her dilemma.

'Dance with me.' He said, taking the half-empty glass from Anne's hand.

Anne stole another glance at Frederick. He was conversing with a small group of people, but his gaze had returned to her face. She turned back to Charles.

'All right. If you tell me what to do.'

Charles slipped an arm around Anne's waist. 'Smile.'

They danced without speaking for a while. Over Charles' shoulder, Anne saw that Frederick had moved to the edge of the dance floor. She caught his gaze, and held it. Unsmiling, Frederick folded his arms across his chest and lifted an eyebrow. With a pounding heart, Anne gave him her brightest, most welcoming smile before Charles spun her around so that her back was to Frederick.

Charles laughed suddenly. He glanced down at Anne, then nodded to someone behind her. Anne froze as he stopped moving.

'Here we go.' Charles said softly, lifting her hand from his shoulder to give it to someone else. For a moment, she could not breathe. She stared at Charles with quiet desperation. 'Good luck.' He whispered into her ear.

As Charles walked away, Anne turned to her new partner with a brave smile.

'Hello, Frederick.'

'Anne.' His eyes were dark as he placed his free hand on her waist and slowly drew her back into the dance. Anne had to break the gaze to regain her senses. Taking a deep breath, she stared at his chest, wondering if his heart was pounding as fiercely as her own.

They danced in silence for quite a while before Anne realized that Frederick would not speak until she did. He had written the letter. His part was done. The ball was now in her court.

'We...' Under her hand, Frederick's shoulder moved as he took a deep breath. Anne refilled her own lungs and began again. 'We thought you might not make it tonight.'

'I wasn't sure we would, either.' He murmured. Anne looked up at his face, but he was no longer looking at her. He seemed mildly disappointed. Or sad.

'What happened to delay you?'

'Hassan had a heart attack.'

Anne gasped. Frederick met her eyes briefly before returning his gaze to a spot over her shoulder.

'He was in critical condition when we left. They never did let us in to see him, but we thought it our duty to stay as long as we could.'

'And, have you had news since you left?'

'He had another one, and died at eleven o'clock this morning.'

'I am so sorry.' Anne murmured. 'What will happen now?'

'I don't know. I don't think any of us really considered this possibility.'

'No wonder you look so sad.'

Frederick gazed down at her, sighing deeply, before lifting her hand to his shoulder and slipping both arms around her waist. As her cheek came against his chest, Anne realized that his heartbeat was, indeed, as irregular as her own. They stood still for a moment before Frederick began slowly turning them to the music.

'Frederick?' Anne was sure that he could hear the ache in her voice. 'Dickon...'

'Yes?' His voice was husky and tightly controlled.

'I'm so glad you came.'

Chapter 32

Posted on Thursday, 7 February 2002

Hold me but safe again within the bond
Of one immortal look.
~Robert Browning, 'Eurydice to Orpheus'~

Frederick's arms tightened around Anne, and she felt something brush the top of her head before he replied, 'I'm glad to be here.' Anne could tell by his voice that he was smiling.

Suddenly, the song was over. He slid his palms down her arms as he stepped back, catching her hands.

'Can you salsa?' Anne asked as the next song began.

'You know I can.' He replied warmly, bringing back a memory. 'Do you want to?'

It was tempting, because she remembered that he danced divinely. However, Anne had something a little more important to do. She shook her head.

'Me neither. Let's get something to drink.'

Keeping one of her hands, Frederick steered Anne through the surging crowd toward the refreshments. He poured two glasses of punch and handed one to her. Leaning casually against the wall, he seemed to be watching the dancing couples while he finished his drink. Anne took the opportunity to study him over the rim of her glass.

Frederick was beautifully dressed from the tips of his shoes to his crisp shirt collar. His dark hair was cut well, slightly shorter than when Anne had last seen him, but it was rather tousled, as if he had just rubbed it with a towel after showering. His skin was lightly tanned from the Italian sun. Anne thought that he had never looked so good. A dimple appeared in Frederick's cheek as she watched him, and he turned his blue eyes on her.

'Penny for your thoughts.'

'I was just thinking ... that I like your hair very much.'

'You don't prefer it blonde?' He teased, setting his empty glass on the table.

'I loved the blonde, but I had never seen it dark. Now...'

'Now...?'

'It makes your eyes even more ... blue.' She finished lamely, taking a quick sip of her punch.

'I'm glad you like my hair, Anne.' He said, grinning.

'I like a lot more than that.' Anne murmured, rolling her cup between her palms. 'I received your letter.'

Frederick's face was suddenly serious. He glanced over his shoulder. Anne followed his gaze and realized that no less than six pairs of eyes were trained on them.

'Finish your punch.' He commanded. He waited patiently until Anne had gulped the last of her drink down, then took the empty glass from her. 'Where can we go that is quiet?'

Anne was bemused by Frederick's intensity. For a moment, she had trouble picturing the other rooms in this, the house she had lived in for over twenty years.

'The ... solarium?' Anne blushed after she said it. As they hurried into the hallway, she wondered how many times she had dreamed of having a romantic interlude in the solarium.

Compared to the noisy gaiety of the ballroom, the hallway was almost painfully quiet. Anne slowed their pace so that her heels would not click quite so loudly on the flagstones. She stole a glance at Frederick, marveling at his set expression. He seemed to be deep in thought.

Reaching the double glass doors, Frederick pushed them open and stepped aside to let Anne enter. Following, he paused at the threshold and stood gazing around the glass room. The storm had picked up again, and a curtain of snow fell past the solarium windows. It made soft noises as it fell on the curved glass skylights and brushed against the windows. Somewhere, unseen behind the lush greenery, a fountain murmured gently.

Anne touched a button on the wall, and a series of sconces softly illuminated the room. Frederick's eyes settled on her as he quietly closed the doors behind him.

'Nice room.'

'You haven't seen it before?' Anne asked, surprised. It had been closed off while they were dating, but she thought he would have discovered it while staying at Kellynch.

'I have. But it is a ... nice ... room.' Frederick chuckled softly as he started toward Anne.

They stood together quietly for a while before she led him to a pair of benches near a window.

'I read the letter.' Anne began again as she sat down.

'What did you think?' He asked, dropping onto the bench facing hers.

'I ... my God, Frederick, do you really feel that way about me?'

'Yes. I should have said it to your face, Anne.' Frederick had forgotten how dark Anne's eyes could be when her emotions were heightened. He reached forward to squeeze her hand. 'I'm sorry.'

His words caught Anne by surprise. He certainly did not have anything to apologize for. That he had made her heart ache even more.

'Don't.' She choked, pressing his hand against her lips. 'I am so sorry.'

Frederick leaned forward and brushed his free hand against her cheek. 'I always meant to return...but then, I thought...'

'I was such a fool...' Anne's eyes were damp.

'Why didn't you marry Charles?' He asked softly.

'He wasn't you.'

Suddenly Frederick was crouching in front of her, gripping both of her hands tightly.

'Anne, do you ... can we...?' His voice broke.

Anne slid into his embrace. Frederick's mouth brushed her neck as his arms tightened around her. She closed her eyes, reveling in the feel of his lips caressing her skin. She had relived his kisses so many times in her dreams that she could hardly believe this was not a dream. As Frederick's lips moved along her jaw, Anne held her breath, waiting.

Frederick stopped suddenly when his mouth reached the corner of hers. Anne opened her eyes to find him regarding her intensely. She blushed hotly, wondering if he was having second thoughts. Then she saw the ghost in his gorgeous eyes: a fear over eight years old. He was still worried that she might reject him.

Something twisted inside of Anne as she brought her hand to his cheek. 'Oh, Dickon, I never make the same mistake twice.'

He winced, whispering her name as he caressed her cheek with his thumb. '... Promise?'

Anne nodded, rendered speechless by the expression in his eyes. She could not believe that she meant so much to someone e... to him.

He kissed her so softly that she could barely feel it except for the lingering warmth of his breath on her lips. Then he drew back a few millimeters, waiting. It only took a moment for Anne to realize what he was asking of her. She had ended their first relationship, so Frederick wanted her to take the first step towards beginning a new one.

Anne leaned forward so that their foreheads were touching.

'I love yo-'

Frederick's mouth closed over hers, cutting off the rest of her words. He tangled his hands in her hair and groaned as her arms slipped around him. There was nothing tentative about his kiss this time. They had both wanted this so badly, for so long, that it was almost painful in its intensity.

They broke apart finally, breathing raggedly, with damp eyes.

'Oh, how I tried to forget you.' Frederick murmured hoarsely, untangling his fingers from her hair and moving his hands down her back to pull her closer.

'I can't believe you weren't able to.' Anne whispered fiercely against his chest, still feeling the bruising warmth of his mouth on hers.

'Oh, Anne, loving you was so much a part of me that even when I fought it the hardest, I knew I was only hurting myself more. You were my first, my best, my only love ... I just couldn't compromise. None of the others ever stood a chance.'

Anne took a deep breath and realized that the hard edge of the stone bench was digging painfully into her back. Frederick helped her to her feet and apologized as he gently rubbed her back.

'You are wonderful.' Anne whispered.

'So are you.' Frederick smiled tenderly, kissing her.

'And that letter...' Anne sighed.

'It was a bit formal, though, wasn't it?' He mused, wrapping his arms around her and resting his head on top of hers. 'Must have been because we were doing Shakespeare.'

'I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I'm sorry I lost it the first time. We could have solved everything before I left Florence.'

'Let's stop apologizing, shall we?' Frederick brushed his lips across her forehead. 'I still wish I would have been brave enough to go to you right away, instead of wasting time on that bloody letter.'

'I was undone by your letter. If you had said those words to me with your beautiful voice and your sexy accent, I don't know what I would have done.'

'I didn't know you thought my accent was sexy.' Frederick grinned. 'Maybe I will have to read it to you sometime just to see your reaction.'

'I think you already know.' Anne whispered, sharing a long, meaningful look with him.

'Yes...' He murmured against her mouth, 'I believe I do.'

You Pierce My Soul.

Continued In Next Section