Section I, Section II, Section III
Chapter 14
nne did not realize how quickly she was striding through the Pump Room until she saw the exertion on Lady Russell's face. Normally she would have apologized profusely. Today, however, she had little patience for her friend.
"Anne, listen to reason! You must see the advantages of the match. You could step into your mother's shoes as mistress of Kellynch. Anyone capable of thought must have…"
"Elizabeth wants that privilege for herself."
"We both know you are better able to fill that role."
"I do not want that role." Anne knew she wanted to be another man's wife.
"And what have you against Mr. Elliot?"
"Oh he is clever, he is charming…but my instincts tell me…"
"Instinct!" Lady Russell said with traces of anger. "This is no time for instinct! Look at the facts! The present Mr. Elliot is…"
"And what of the past Mr. Elliot?" Anne challenged as she halted abruptly. The look of surprise on Lady Russell's face neither intimidated nor silenced her. "Why has his character altered so completely? Why do I feel we know so little about him?"
"You will come to know him…after the wedding…"
Anne shook her head in despair. This woman, whom she had valued above all others for her sense and practicality, was revealing a disappointing lack of discernment. "That is not what I want. I want someone in whom I can see real warmth. I have never seen any burst of genuine emotion."
Seeing Lady Russell scoff made their differences all the more apparent. It straightened Anne's spine and strengthened her resolve. "Very well, I am armed with facts enough for you…"
Anne meant to tell of Mrs. Smith's predicament. Lady Russell was looking at her intently, waiting for her to continue. Another anonymous society couple, acquaintances of Lady Russell, interrupted them. It was important to acquaint Lady Russell with the new information on Mr. Elliot. It was imperative. But now was not the time. Anne sighed and took her leave. Lady Russell, still peeved at Anne's intransigence, only just acknowledged her. Anne walked away faster than was polite, desperate to still her hammering heart, quite her irritation, and control her rampaging thoughts.
She walked up Union Street toward Milsom and seeing the crowds milling from store to store, diverted into Gay Street on the way to Camden Place. She was so engrossed in her own thoughts that she nearly collided with Admiral Croft.
"Miss Anne! We are destined to meet on the street of Bath, I see. I am glad I came upon you for in my haste I forgot a rather important letter I was to mail. And since you are obviously coming to call on my Sophy, I will walk with you!"
Anne belatedly remembered the house the Crofts had taken on Gay Street. "Admiral, I assure you…I was not, I mean, I was merely on my way home. I would not wish to intrude."
"Nonsense! You are quite the favorite with my wife! She is not very occupied today!"
"Not very occupied?" Anne queried worriedly. The Admiral was persistent and took her arm, walking determinedly toward the residence. The possibility of Frederick being home agitated her. "I cannot possibly stay more than five minutes."
"That is enough to say hello, my dear."
Anne was inexorably drawn toward the steps, with the butler about to deny his mistress only to be laughed at by the master. She was led to a comfortable sitting room and came face to face with Frederick himself. He was holding a newspaper awkwardly, as if he was pretending to read it. The he was unprepared for her entrance was evident in the way his eyes widened.
"I am intruding," Anne said hurriedly, wanting an intimate moment with Frederick more than another breath yet feeling unequal to it at the same time.
Frederick jumped to his feet and bowed. "Not at all. Please sit down."
"Yes, yes, sit down. I will alert Sophy of your visit myself."
Frederick took her elbow and gently placed her in a chair. He drew another close to her for himself. Anne looked down at the discarded newspaper, trying to focus her eyes and attention on the fine print. A slight movement from Frederick alerted her and she turned to see him reaching out to her.
She froze in expectation. He hesitated, fearful of pushing her further away from him. He stretched the small distance between them, running the tips of his fingers down her silky cheek in a feather light caress. Neither one of them breathed as his hand cupped her chin, one thumb stroking her bottom lip. He drew back slowly and exhaled as a commotion outside signaled the return of the Admiral.
Anne took up the newspaper, staring at it unseeingly as she tried to steady her breathing.
"Sophy promises to come shortly. She is merely with her mantuamaker."
Anne opened her mouth to protest again but cut it short at Frederick's brief touch.
The Admiral gestured for Frederick to follow him. Frederick obliged swiftly, throwing first a silent plea for Anne to stay. They stepped outside the door and the Admiral began. "As I am to leave you together, it seems only right that I give you something to discuss."
"That is not necessary," came Frederick's quiet reply.
"It is quite necessary. And there is a matter I wish you to settle for me." Here the door was very firmly closed. Anne could still hear the rise and fall of their voices from beyond the door, for the Admiral was not one to keep a low tone. However, she did not hear the content of their spirited discourse.
The door shortly opened to the sound of Frederick saying impatiently, "Very well, sir. As you wish it!"
Anne looked at him expectantly and saw a distinct change in his expression. Gone was the tenderness of minutes past. A pale cheek and angry countenance had replaced it. He did not meet her eyes as he walked to a distant window. His breath came with difficulty and Anne could only imagine what kind of request could have produced such a reaction from him.
He turned back to her with determination. "You must have already heard too much, madam, to doubt that I am to charged with a task."
Anne nodded hesitantly. Frederick's manner of address was making her uneasy.
"There is a matter of some delicacy that I must inquire about. The very fact that I was charged with this deplorable task is repugnant. But I have been charged by my Admiral and must acquit myself. I know the impropriety of the question well. Though anyone who knows the Admiral will understand the spirit in which it is meant."
This rambling speech further confused and terrified Anne, for she could not but suspect an unhappy conclusion.
"The Admiral had received a confidential report…" Frederick stumbled over his words. "He had heard, my God I cannot even say it!" He took a deep breath and said, "It has come to the Admiral's attention that all has been settled for a union between you and Mr. William Elliot. It has occurred to him and my sister that you and your husband may wish to take up residence in Kellynch. While there is a lease in question, the Admiral wishes me to convey that he and my sister will take alternate lodgings if residing in Kellynch is indeed your wish."
Mr. Elliot again! Anne's jaw dropped open and she flushed in mortification. There was no end to the man's evil presence in her life. Even physical absence did not impede Mr. Elliot from interfering with every aspect of her life.
"There, I have said it aloud. Give me your answer and we are both released."
Anne could barely speak, "The Admiral is too kind…"
"You are to marry him then?" Frederick replied harshly. "Very quick work, Miss Elliot. Not four months ago you failed to recognize him on the Cobb!"
Anne began to grow angry. Frederick was still determined to believe the worst of her and there could be no future for them without trust. Anne stood up, determined to leave this house. "There is nothing to report to the Admiral or Mrs. Croft. Those reports are false. I am not engaged, nor is there any intention to break the Admiral's lease of Kellynch." She gathered her gloves and bonnet. "Please extend my apologies to Mrs. Croft. It is past time for me to go."
She hurried out the door with little grace or composure. Frederick was following her and she wished him miles away at the moment.
"Anne! Wait, please! I am sorry." She stopped at the front door but kept her back to him as she tied her bonnet ribbons haphazardly. "Tell me clearly. Are you saying that you will not marry Mr. Elliot?"
Anne was tired to the core of all the rumors and suppositions regarding her future. She was tired of being ignored and discounted by those she loved, even Frederick. Anne was not a woman given to spite and later she would have cause to regret her hasty words. But for the moment, she wanted only to end this intolerable situation in her favor.
"No, sir," she replied coldly. "I am saying that he has not asked me." With those parting words, she left the house and hurried to her room in Camden Place.
Chapter 15
nne buried her face in her pillow, remorse coloring every remembrance of her altercation with Frederick. What had possessed her to make such untruthful, unfeeling statements? To suggest that she would accept Mr. Elliot's proposals when nothing could be further from the truth. There was nothing to wonder that he doubted her. She had broken their engagement, all the more reprehensible an act because she had gone against inclination. He had come for her again and she had spurned him. She had set out to show him she had kept her promise. She had proven that he had broken his promises to her. Now that she knew her own heart, it was probable that she had driven him away.
Mrs. Clay was knocking on her door, calling her to dinner. Anne did not respond and eventually the other lady moved away. Her maid was sent in to inquire after her. Anne sent her away with a message that she was indisposed with a headache and unavailable for the remainder of the evening. Mr. Elliot was expected to dine with them tonight. He was in all likelihood already waiting below, charming her gullible family with glib words and smooth actions.
"Miss Anne?"
Anne sighed and looked up at her maid, Nelly. The girl looked troubled. "What is wrong?"
"There's more than your family wantin' you." She drew a letter from her apron. "I don't know if this is the right thing to do. But this is for you."
Anne sat up and dried her cheeks, wincing as her head began to ache from crying. "Is it from Mr. Elliot?"
"No ma'am," Nelly replied. "Begging your pardon, but I wouldn't deliver any letter from him. He's not right for you." That said, Nelly began to blush and stammer. "I'm sorry, Miss Anne. I should not have said that."
Anne smiled comfortingly, "You have never lied to me, Nelly, and I never want you to. I know Mr. Elliot is not the one for me. I didn't realize you knew so much about it."
"We talk, ma'am. Us on the downstairs. There truly isn't much we don't know. But you are so well liked, ma'am that all of us could not help wanting to dissuade you from marrying that man. He'll never make you as happy as you deserve."
Anne pondered this. She knew of course that servants were aware of all the intimate details of Elliot life. Sir Walter and Elizabeth were often oblivious of the other people who lived with them. Anne, since her lonely childhood, had always taken it upon herself to get to know these people who were invisible to the rest of the family. Anne looked at the item in her hand.
"Then who is this from, Nelly?"
Her maid blushed again. "Captain Wentworth, ma'am. I saw him coming toward the house and with Mr. Elliot here…" her voice trailed off meaningfully.
Anne flushed. "You convinced him not to call."
"Aye, ma'am. Was that wrong?"
"No." Anne said softly. "I can't see my father and sister being anything but rude to him."
"I'll leave you to read it then." Nelly slipped away to the dressing room.
Anne unfolded the letter with shaking hands and began to read.
I can exist 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. I love you. And not too long ago, you loved me. Tell me not 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 years and a half ago. I have loved none but you. Man does not forget sooner than woman, nor his love die an earlier death. I have and will love none but you. Unjust I have been, weak and resentful undoubtedly, but never inconstant. You alone brought me to Bath. For you alone I think and plan. Can you not see this? Can you have failed to understand my wished? Have you doubted my sincerity? I am agitated. I can hardly write. I see the light in your window and feel you are too far from me. Believe there is true attachment and constancy in men and that it is most fervent and undeviating in me.I end this letter uncertain of my fate. I wait outside for word from your maid. A word, your face in the window will be enough to decide whether I enter your father's house tomorrow or never.
F.W.
It was not a letter that could be recovered from quickly. Anne was short of breath at the thought of Frederick waiting outside in the cold. She knew what she had to do and how she had to respond. "Nelly!" She called.
Nelly hurried into the bedroom, alarmed at the unusual urgency in Anne's voice. "Ma'am?"
"Is Captain Wentworth still outside?"
"Aye ma'am. Made me promise to tell him if he is to stay or leave."
Anne searched for a pressed gown to replace the one she had crushed. "I must go to him." Nelly scrambled to assist her and impatiently brushed away Anne's shaking fingers. Anne splashed cool water on her face and pinched her cheeks to bring some color forward. She need not have bothered for the excitement of seeing Frederick and mending their relationship had put her in a glow.
Anne could hear her father's voice booming from the dining room as she crept out of her room with Nelly. She was about to descend the main staircase when Nelly pulled her the opposite direction. Anne was giddy and barely able to contain her laughter as she journeyed down the hitherto unknown service staircase that emptied out into the kitchen. Most of the kitchen staff was astonished to see her. There were swift curtsies and hairlocks pulled which she responded to quickly and quietly. Nelly led her to the open back door through which she could see Frederick prowling impatiently in the darkness.
Anne took a step forward before a though occurred to her. "Nelly? What do you all think of Captain Wentworth?"
Nelly smiled at her shyly. "We all think you ought to have been happy eight years ago, ma'am."
Anne smiled at her and stepped out into the night. Her shoes clicked softly on the stone steps and Frederick whirled around in anticipation. That he had not expected her to appear was evident. She smiled tremulously to encourage him. He returned the smile and seeing that the evening had left them alone on the sidewalk, opened his arms. She flew into them, burrowing against his warm, solid frame, and feeling the comforting tightness of his arms around her.
"My Anne…" he whispered into her hair.
Anne sighed her relief. They were reunited.
Chapter 16
Posted on June 1, 1998
nne did not want to leave the warmth of Frederick's arms but she knew they were making a spectacle of themselves for curious servants. He resisted her attempt to free herself and looked alarmed when she slipped out of his embrace. A quick glance behind her alerted him that they were being observed, though surreptitiously.
"This is not right," she said remorsefully. "To have to meet in back alleys…"
Frederick's eyes closed slightly, as if he was battling his pride. "It doesn't matter. I can endure anything but not being together."
Anne sighed sorrowfully. All was not yet mended between them. There was too much pain and too many broken promises. It would take work to repair the damage they had inflicted on each other.
"There is a small park across the street," she whispered, taking his arm. "We have much to discuss."
He pressed her tightly against him as they walked. There were a few lamps along the way, throwing eerie shadows all around them. Anne might have been nervous had she been alone, but with Frederick by her side she felt secure. Both of them tensed as they saw the parlor room lights dim and brighten as the figures of Mr. Elliot and Sir Walter entered. Anne stilled, knowing that they were unlikely to be discovered, but fearing the shattering of this precious moment of intimacy.
"How did you manage to escape?" Frederick asked.
Anne smiled. "I never joined them at all. All they know is that I have retired because of a headache."
They entered the park and made their way to the opposite end, as much to remove themselves from the sight of Camden Place as to remove Camden Place from their minds. Frederick found a small, cold bench cozy enough for them both.
He touched her face gently. "You've been crying." Anne did not respond. Frederick drew her back into his arms and rested his chin on her head. "I am a fool. I have hurt you so much and so often. I am deeply sorry, my Anne. Can you forgive me?"
"Frederick, we must find a way to forgive each other. I have not been blameless." Anne loathed leaving his arms, but she could not concentrate on what had to be done while she was in them. She stood slowly, seeing the fear flare again in Frederick's eyes, and caressing his cheek to calm him. "If we are to be honest with each other, nothing must remain unsaid." She looked down at her twisting hands. "I will never be able to express how deeply I regretted breaking our engagement." Frederick shook his head quickly. "No, let me say it. It must be said. "I allowed myself to be guided by everyone but myself, by my father, by Lady Russell. I knew soon after that I had been mistaken. That we would have been happy. That I should have listened to my heart and trusted you that all would be well."
"Tell me," Frederick asked softly. "If I had returned two years later, newly posted to the Laconia and with a few thousand in my pocket. Would you have renewed our engagement?"
"Would I!"
Frederick buried his head in his hands. "There can be no small share of blame for me. It is not that I didn't think it or wish for it. But my pride, my abominable, infernal pride, would not let me seek you out. It was that same pride that kept rearing its head in Uppercross. It wasn't until Lyme that I knew myself. To know that you felt the same, even after I had been horrible to you, was a blessing."
"I meant only to be your friend," Anne said softly. "I did not expect more."
"I know." Frederick smiled. "It seemed like the chance of a lifetime when you agreed to stay. Although every chance I took to speak to you seemed to frighten you."
Anne blushed. "I was frightened. I realized very quickly that staying was a mistake."
"A mistake? How can you say that when it brought us back together?" Frederick cried. "I did everything in my power to make you see what you meant to me!"
"Yes, you did." Anne acknowledged with painful remembrance. "And any other circumstance would have seen me welcoming you. But with Louisa and the Musgroves…" Anne's voice trailed into silence. "You should not have made any promises."
"After so much time apart. I could not be easy until I knew you would wait for me."
"And I did. I believed you and hoped. I closed my eyes to what was your true situation. How do you think I felt when you reprimanded me for declining Captain Benwick's suit?"
Frederick looked ashamed of himself. "I knew I was causing you pain. I only wanted to see you with someone who would love you and take care of you."
Anne sighed angrily, "You do not know me at all if you think I waited eight years to settle with a man I did not love." She turned away to contemplate a last remaining blossom nearby. "Something died in me that day. I was resolved to forget all about you and to do what I wanted without advice from any one else. And I did."
"You forgot me?"
"I resented you. Especially after news of your engagement reached me."
"And when news of it's being broken arrived? What then? Were you still angry when I arrived?"
"I did not know why you would come to Bath at all."
Frederick sprang up and strode toward her. He took her arms and turned her to face him. "Didn't you? I came because YOU were here! Is that so difficult to understand?"
"Yes." Anne replied, looking up at his face. "I had convinced myself that you would not voluntarily tie yourself to someone you did not care for. It must follow that you cared for Louisa, regardless of your promises and avowals to me."
Frederick's expression rejected her logic and he dropped his hold to move away from her in frustration. Again a wall of anger built between them. Anne could not face another division and stepped forward, placing a trembling hand on his arm.
"I had to believe it. It would have ruined me to think that you loved me and still given me up for another." She whispered brokenly.
Frederick's expression softened as understanding dawned. He took her in his arms and held her tightly. "I am sorry, my Anne. It becomes more and more clear why you ran from me every time we met. Never doubt again. I love only you. I want only you. Can we undo the mistakes of the past?"
"I do not know…"
His arms would not relinquish her despite her doubts. "Why? What remains? I cannot believe Mr. Elliot means so much to you." He pulled away slightly. "Does he? Anne, do you love him? Will you marry him if he asks?"
"No," Anne had to reply truthfully. "But he has nothing to do with our problems." Anne looked up at Frederick earnestly. "Can we put all this behind us? Can you trust that I love you and want no one else?"
"Yes, I can. I do. And you? Can you forgive me and trust that I will never willingly part with you again?"
Anne looked at him for a long moment, seeing his anxiety grow as she hesitated. It was a critical moment, for if she could not trust him, they would never be together again. And with blinding clarity, Anne realized that none of it mattered – not her mistakes nor his. They were together and it would answer all their needs. "I do. I do trust you."
He exhaled with relief. He eased her away from him and dropped to one knee. "Will you have me Anne Elliot? Will you marry me and make me a better man than I am today?"
Anne smiled, touching his cheek lovingly, "It may take me a lifetime. And I shall be a hard taskmaster."
"I am ready."
"Than I will."
She was again gathered in his arms, but this time she held him as tightly as she was held. Frederick smoothed her bangs away from her forehead and placed a tender kiss there. Anne closed her eyes and pulled him down, until she felt his breath against her lips. And with a kiss of passion, they sealed their commitment to each other.
Chapter 17
nne walked into the Musgrove rooms at the White Hart with a spring in her step. Last night's events had made her happy with her situation in life. The only shadow would be any difficulties her father might throw her way. Frederick and Anne had agreed to keep the happy news to themselves a little while longer, for Frederick planned to ask for her hand during the evening party. Anne had agreed easily, instinctively knowing and approving Frederick's strategy to talk to her father during his best social moments. As for Lady Russell and Mary -- Anne had reserved the right to inform them privately. There was nothing to fear in Mary's reception of the idea, for Frederick was already a favorite with that family. But Anne was determined that Lady Russell would not only accept the match, but made every arrear toward making Frederick welcome.
She entered the sitting room to find only Mrs. Musgrove, Mrs. Croft, Frederick and Captain Harville within. Frederick was seated at the writing table. He looked over his shoulder at her entrance and sent her a secret, brilliant smile.
"Oh Anne! Henrietta and Mary have gone shopping! They could wait no longer once the rain had eased. But I have strict instructions to keep you here until they return!"
Anne could think of no better place to be than with Frederick and looked forward to the time they could enjoy each other's company openly. Mrs. Musgrove continued her conversation with Mrs. Croft, speaking of Henrietta's engagement. There was a brief flash of remembered pain as the ladies began to discuss the horrors of long engagements and of waiting to start a life together. Anne could not help turning toward Frederick, seeing his reassurances. He provided them charmingly, with another smile and warmth in his eyes. Anne was satisfied that even this subject was settled between them.
Captain Harville seemed somewhat forlorn staring out the window. He caught Anne's eye and smiled, inviting her to join him with a small inclination of his head. Frederick was still attempting to scribble his letter, though he was obviously distracted by her presence. Anne moved toward Captain Harville curious as to what the man would like to talk of.
"Do you know who this is?" He asked, showing her a small portrait.
"Why...that is Captain Benwick."
"The very one. But this was not done for Louisa Musgrove, I'm afraid," He replied with a quick glance at the other ladies. "It was drawn at the Cape, for my sister." He sighed heavily. "Now I am charged to get it set for another. I confess it is beyond my power. So he undertakes it." He indicated Frederick, who was still glancing their way. "He is writing to the frame makers now. Poor Phoebe. She would not have forgotten him so soon."
"It would not be in the nature of any woman to forget one we have truly loved." Anne ventured. "We live at home...quiet, confined...and our feelings prey upon us. You men always have business of your own that takes you out into the world and keeps you active."
There was a hurried scratching at the desk before Frederick bounced up and joined them, folding his letter hurriedly. Captain Harville raised his eyebrows meaningfully at Anne in seeing the clatter Frederick brought with him.
"Are you eager to be on your way, Wentworth?"
"Certainly not!" Frederick replied with a smile for Anne. "I am eager to converse with you both! You must admit there is little interest in a letter of instructions to frame makers."
"It seemed to absorb you well enough when I was your only source of conversation." Captain Harville murmured with a twinkling eye. "But perhaps you could be useful in our discussion, for I suspect Miss Anne's quiet smiles hide a rather keen debating mind."
"Indeed it does," Frederick replied causing Anne to blush.
Captain Harville, being such a close friend of Frederick's, was beginning to discern a new attachment between his friend and this amiable young woman. He was quite happy to see it, for as much as Benwick's engagement to Louisa Musgrove confused him, he had deplored Frederick's engagement to the same lady. Harville was aware during the stay in Lyme, that Frederick had reconsidered his intentions toward the patient. Now he understood what had made Frederick change his heart. Harville was happy for what he saw pass between Frederick and Anne. There was a wealth of emotion there that would last them a lifetime.
Since neither of the secret lovebirds could remember what was being discussed, Harville devilishly pressed on. "Frederick defend my position. Miss Anne seems to think there is no constancy in men's hearts."
Anne blushed even deeper. "You mock me, sir. I said no such thing. I merely claimed the greater loss for my sex."
"I won't have it said that man loses heart sooner than woman. All stories, prose and verse are against you, ma'am. They all speak eloquently of women's fickleness and the trails of men's broken hearts they leave."
"Yes," Anne laughed. "But they were all written by men as well. I will not allow you to quote from such sources. Men have had all the advantages of education and position. The pen has been in your hands longer than it has been in ours."
"You will have to do better than that if you wish to argue with Miss
Elliot," Frederick said with amusement.
"And I get no help from you, Wentworth."
Anne was conscious of Frederick's eyes on her. "It depends on the circumstance."
"If only I could explain what a man goes through when he sees his wife and children fading with distance as his ship sails away and knowing it will be a twelvemonth before he will see them again. Or what he does to speed their journey to him, calculating and recalculating, knowing what is possible and always praying to see them hours sooner."
"I believe in all you say, Captain, I do. My only claim to constancy, and it is hardly enviable, is that women love longest when all hope is gone." Anne spoke softly, hesitantly.
"Miss Elliot," Frederick replied in the same low voice. "That claim is not woman's alone. I know of at least one man that has pined for years for a lost love."
The clocked chimed and Mrs. Croft stood up. "Here you and I part, Frederick. Although you might do better to come with me for you are making Miss Anne blush."
"We do have the frame makers to visit, Wentworth."
"Yes, yes," Frederick replied reluctantly. "May I escort you home, Miss Elliot?"
"Certainly."
Mrs. Musgrove protested faintly, but could not say for sure when Mary and Henrietta would return. Anne gathered her bonnet and gloves with a smile and assured her that she would see them at the evening's entertainment.
Frederick immediately offered her his arm and as they descended toward the street, Mrs. Croft and Captain Harville began airing their suspicions.
"I do believe that weddings are in the air, Captain Harville. Do not you?"
"It does seem the rage amongst our acquaintances."
"Even those who do not announce it."
Anne and Frederick smiled at each other as they turned to face their companions. "Do you mind?" Frederick asked. Anne shook her head. Frederick smiled at the expectant looks on his sister and best friend. "Miss Elliot has done me the honor of accepting my proposal of marriage."
Mrs. Croft immediately took Anne's hands and welcomed her. Harville slapped Frederick's back and congratulated them both. They were cautioned to keep their knowledge to themselves until Frederick had spoken to Sir Walter. After more congratulations, Anne and Frederick were given leave to leisurely walk to Camden Place.
Anne was almost giddy when the guests began to arrive. She watched Lady Russell glide in after Lady Dalrymple and Miss Carteret. Mr. Elliot immediately went to her side with blandishments, but she brushed them aside quickly and requested a private audience with her friend.
Lady Russell gave Anne a curious look, seeing the excitement in her young friend's eyes and the flushed cheeks. "What is it Anne?"
"It is not official yet for Father does not know. But I have accepted Captain Wentworth's proposal again."
"Oh Anne!"
Anne heard the disappointment in Lady Russell's voice and bristled. "Lady Russell, you have been my friend, my mentor, and my confidant. There is nothing I would do for you…except to give up Frederick a second time."
"But Mr. Elliot…"
"I have little regard for Mr. Elliot. In addition, that lack of regard is matched by his insincere feelings for my family. Frederick makes me happy. And his current situation answers all your reservations from the past. And even if they didn't, I cannot…I will not sacrifice my happiness or his a second time."
Lady Russell stared at Anne's expression, seeing all the determination and fire that had been missing for too many years. The first inkling that she had guided her friend badly penetrated. If her second wish were to be discerning, her first was to see Anne made happy in marriage. For Lady Russell truly loved Anne and was determined to love Captain Wentworth for making her friend's spirit glow so brightly. Without another thought, she enfolded Anne in a maternal embrace.
"If he can forgive an old woman who forgot what it meant to love, I can and will learn to love him as a son."
Anne sighed with relief. One obstacle down.
By the end of the evening, the every guest had offered Frederick and Anne their congratulations. It was a sweet moment of triumph for them both, for Sir Walter had not objected to the match and was persuaded to even think highly of it. Elizabeth did nothing but look cold and unconcerned. Charles took a moment to approach Anne.
"You have been very sly with me, Anne!"
"Not I!"
"Oh yes. There I was claiming that Frederick could not have been in Bath for anything but his sister when all the while he was here for you!"
Anne smiled self-consciously. "Is there truly no hurt feelings on any part?"
Charles patted her comfortingly, "All is right as rain. And I have learned not to stick my nose where it does not belong!"
Mary was gratified to have another sister married and although she had the discomfort of Anne's being elevated in seniority again, she was well satisfied that her sister had married a man of greater wealth and consequence than either of the Musgrove sisters.
Who could guess what happy event took place short months later? There was hardly a dry eye that watched a radiant Anne walk down the aisle toward Frederick. And no one paid any mind to the fact that Sir Walter and Elizabeth were relegated to guests in Kellynch Hall where the wedding sweetmeats were prepared and the celebration continued. The bride and groom had eyes only for each other, which is how every guest acknowledged was the way a wedding should be.
Mrs. Smith was happy for gaining another friend when she had despaired of losing the first. Frederick came to know what had transpired between Mrs. Smith and Mr. Elliot. There was nothing Frederick wished to do more than help ease her situation, for he understood what it meant to be without prospect. Greater still, he understood that without that information, he might not now have his present happiness with Anne.
Both Anne and Frederick learned to be happier than they ever imagined. Marriage to a sailor was not always smooth and there were moments of alarm and anxiety. But these moments were always eased by the warmth of homecoming and the growth of their very own family circle.
The End