Beginning, Section II, Next Section

Chapter 11

Posted on 2014-11-26

The Elliots invited all the most eligible men with whom they were acquainted to the ball, including those Elizabeth had met in London that spring and her newest matrimonial candidate. A few of Elizabeth's female friends were also invited. The various cousins were also invited although none were expected to attend. They were invited as a matter of courtesy. This would be an opportunity for Elizabeth to impress her current candidate with her skill as a hostess on a great estate.

In order to increase the number of men at her party, she also invited Mr. Wentworth and Mr. Thomas. Mr. Charles Musgrove from Uppercross was also invited, although Elizabeth didn't find him very interesting. She wanted to be sure there were many unattached men attending. He actually spoke more often with Anne than he ever did with Elizabeth. He found Elizabeth dull and boring. His parents were also invited.

This occasion required a new ball gown for Elizabeth. It did not require a trip to London for the gown, though, so Elizabeth had a dressmaker from the village visit Kellynch. When Mrs. Finch arrived, she was shown into the sitting room. She had her pattern book with her for Elizabeth to examine. Anne sat in a corner with an amused smile watching the proceedings.

Elizabeth said, "Thank you for coming. Now, what I need is something classic and elegant that will provide a showcase for my beauty. Something similar to this, but more elegant." She pointed to a dress that their lady's maid held in her hands.

Mrs. Finch examined the dress closely. She then opened her book and held it out to Elizabeth. "Would something like this work for you?"

Elizabeth looked at the dress and said, "Yes, yes, that is what I was thinking of. However, could we add an additional flounce here and here?"

Anne wanted to laugh at this addition but kept her smirk to herself. The dress was quite pretty in the picture and would look a little over the top with Elizabeth's suggestions.

Mrs. Finch then said, "I have brought a number of fabric samples for you to choose from. Any of them would be suitable for a ball and would fit your coloring admirably."

The two spent another twenty minutes examining the samples before Elizabeth selected the ones she would need. They then retired to Elizabeth's dressing room for measurements to be taken. Anne shook her head at the extra fuss Elizabeth seemed to need to validate her actions.

Anne was satisfied with refreshing one of the gowns her grandmother had supplied while in London. She had no expectations for the ball except to have a pleasant evening. Their lady's maid was more than adequate to make the modifications that Anne wanted on her dress. She wanted the trim around the neck to be changed to a lace that was not quite as fussy.

As Mrs. Finch and Elizabeth exited the sitting room, Anne left to visit with Lady Russell. When they were seated in her parlor, Anne described the excitement of Elizabeth's new gown selection. Lady Russell said, "Well, naturally she would want to look her best. This will be the event of the season around here. It is not often that a local beauty comes of age as she is. You know this means she can now marry without your father's approval and still collect her dowry if she desires?"

"Grandmother explained that to me when we were in town. Father never discusses such things with us. I wonder if Elizabeth is aware?"

"She is. I spoke with her about it after the ball was announced. He had not discussed it with her, but she now knows of her financial situation. I also informed her that the money the three of you share is not a great dowry, so she must secure someone who can support her in the fashion she has become accustomed to. She looked thoughtful at that and said she had really only been considering rank and not wealth."

"Agatha and I had that discussion with Grandmother, Aunt Matilda and Aunt Margaret. I had not been aware of the financial considerations that can go into making a good marriage before. I spent a lot of my time in town trying to understand the various situations of people and who would or would not provide a comfortable home. It was quite enlightening."

"It is always best to select someone who can see you comfortable for the rest of your life. I have always been grateful that I have sufficient means to do as I please and not worry about my situation. If you consider Penelope Shepherd, you will see that she has taken on a very risky proposition. Mr. Clay has nothing extra, just the salary he makes as a clerk to Mr. Shepherd. He barely makes enough to support himself, let alone a wife. What will happen to her if something happens to him? And what if they were to have children? Likely, she would have to return to her father for support. Had they waited a few more years until he became a solicitor too, they would be far more comfortable. I do not know what they were thinking. And look at the war widows in the village. Who knows what will become of them. They have very little and all three of them have young children. With their husbands dead, they are at the mercy of others unless they return to their families."

Anne replied, "Heavy thoughts before a ball. I would rather consider how many visitors are to join us and whether or not we shall enjoy them."

Lady Russell smiled and said, "Indeed. I know you are not enamored of their friends from town, but they do provide a nice change from our neighbors. Who knows, perhaps one of their new acquaintances will be congenial."

"At least the music will be nice and dancing is always a pleasant diversion."

When she saw a purpose in entertaining, Elizabeth enjoyed the preparations. For the days before the ball, she enjoyed ordering flowers and overseeing the menus, decorations, and other preparations

The day before the ball, all was chaos at Kellynch as finishing touches were put in place. There was always some little detail that Elizabeth forgot on occasions such as this until the last minute. Anne did all she could to assist but, in spite of her efforts, Elizabeth found some relief in snapping at Anne on a regular basis throughout the day. She finally found her composure that afternoon when the first of the guests who would stay at Kellynch arrived. With an audience, she was the picture of cool, calm detachment.

The next day, the remaining houseguests arrived. Those arriving later in the afternoon found only Anne to greet them, as both Sir Walter and Elizabeth had already begun dressing for the ball. Anne provided a light refreshment to all the guests before everyone else retired to prepare.

As evening dawned, the musicians arrived and tuned up. The guests descended the stairs to the ball room as the neighbors arrived. Sir Walter and Elizabeth were all that was coolly gracious while Anne was all that was warm and welcoming. As people entered the ballroom, Sir Walter greeted each guest, passed them on to Elizabeth, who passed them on to Anne. They then entered the ball room where they could mingle until the dancing started.

Elizabeth and Sir Walter opened the ball together. Anne followed with one of the neighbors and the rest joined in the set. Anne was a popular dance partner. Charles Musgrove danced two sets with her, but Anne did her best to discourage him from thinking he was attracted to her. Since his interests were his estate and hunting, she felt that had no true basis for conversation, although he was nice enough. She always listened to his stories as no one else did, but after her time in town, she realized that she would be unable to accept him.

Anne sat out one of the dances visiting with Lady Russell. "Charles Musgrove seems a nice young man."

Anne replied, "He is nice enough. However, I do not consider that we have enough in common to create a lasting relationship."

Lady Russell replied, "Is there anyone you've met who meets your expectations?"

Anne said, "Yes, there are a few. They are my cousins and my uncles. They are the examples of what I am looking for. They are far more interesting than most of the other men I know."

Lady Russell responded, "Perhaps you are being too fastidious."

At that point, Anne's next partner arrived and she was back on the dance floor. She considered Lady Russell's comment and decided that she was not too fastidious. She just wanted to make a better, more informed choice than her mother had done.

While the ball met Anne's expectations, Elizabeth was dissatisfied. Anne had enjoyed dancing almost every dance. Elizabeth had danced all of the sets, but had not danced two sets with the same gentleman all night. She danced, but none of her partners gave any indication of great admiration and no courting ensued. She was not pleased and took out that displeasure by criticizing everyone around her for the next several days.

After the ball, the dull routine at Kellynch returned for the remainder of June and into July until Mary joined them. Elizabeth did next to nothing all day except make occasional calls on neighbors or receive them. Anne paid calls, did charitable works, practiced her piano, wrote letters, and read. Elizabeth felt she had done her social duty for the month with the ball and could not be bothered with any others until well into July after Mary's return. However, she was willing to attend activities hosted by her neighbors.

Chapter 12

In late July, Mary finally returned to Kellynch. Lady Rachel sent Mary in her carriage attended by Sally but was not able to join her. Once the carriage was unloaded, it turned around and took Sally back to South Park.

At fourteen, Mary was at an awkward stage and yearning for attention. Had she relied on the attention paid only by her father, she would probably have become very demanding and difficult. The love and attention lavished on her at South Park had been very beneficial. She had grown more confident and comfortable with herself at South Park and was quite pleasant to be around. During the previous school year, she had developed a tendency to ail, since this would help her get attention. However, her grandmother had 'cured' her of this and had provided the love and attention that Mary craved. She felt far more secure than at any time since the death of her mother. When she returned home, she found that Anne was far more comfortable to be around than Elizabeth was.

As she exited the carriage, Mary found Anne waiting for her on the step. "Mary, welcome home. It seems an age since I have seen you."

Mary replied as she climbed the stairs to Anne, "It does, doesn't it? I am doing quite well, particularly now that I am home."

"How was your travel?"

"Not too bad at all." Anne gave her a hug as she arrived at the top of the steps which Mary returned. Arm in arm, they entered the foyer and headed up the stairs to Mary's room so she could refresh. They continued talking as the mounted they steps with Mary bringing greetings from everyone at South Park.

As soon as Mary had changed, they returned to the parlor where tea was awaiting them. Anne had ordered it as soon as she heard the carriage arriving. She had also requested some of Mary's favorites, a courtesy she knew Elizabeth would not consider. As she poured for Mary, Elizabeth entered the room and said, "Oh, Mary. Have you arrived? I hope you are well."

"I have just arrived. Yes, I am quite well. I am glad to be home again." As she said that, Sir Walter also joined them in the room.

"Welcome home, my dear."

"Thank you, Father. I am glad to be here."

After these pleasantries, Elizabeth and Sir Walter had little to say. They concentrated on their tea. Anne and Mary discussed everyone at South Park and the day's travel. After tea, the two of them strolled over to visit Lady Russell. Lady Russell had lots of questions for Mary and wanted to hear everything that had been happening. They spent quite a long time with Lady Russell which finally allowed Mary to understand what a wonderful woman she was. She had previously taken her cue from Elizabeth, rather than Anne, and had considered Lady Russell to be simply a bossy older neighbor. She now realized that she could be a true friend and adviser.

The next day, Mary and Anne shared much of the day together. They both wrote their relatives; then, Mary joined Anne on the rest of her visits. Mary found much contentment in accompanying Anne on her visits to the needy in the area. Now that Mary was more confident, thanks to Lady Rachel's influence, the two sisters found they had more in common than they expected. Where in the past, Mary had been very demanding of attention, she had come to see that there was no need to demand. Her father would never change, but she was of worth just as she was. In assisting Anne, she found a great deal of satisfaction. In becoming real friends with her sister, she found even more. Anne found that as Mary had matured and was becoming a friend, she was less lonely in her home than before. And both were grateful to have Lady Russell to turn to for advice and companionship when that failed at Kellynch.

After the morning together, Mary tentatively asked, "Anne, I wonder if you could help me to become a better pianist? I do not play very well, and unfortunately, have never practiced enough. But I watched Agatha working at it so hard to improve, when she already has someone's attention, that I asked her about it. She explained that we become accomplished to help us develop our talents and our self-confidence and for our own personal enjoyment. I always looked at it as work, never as something to be enjoyed. I know you enjoy it, and even though she has to work so hard, so does Agatha, so I think I am missing something. Can you help me?"

Anne was touched by Mary's request and replied, "I would love to. Before we start though, what kind of music do you like? Perhaps you have not enjoyed it because you don't even like to listen to what you are trying to learn."

Mary thought for a while then replied, "I know it isn't fashionable, but I like those airs you play when you are alone and thinking. I think I also like Mozart, but he seems too hard to play."

Anne smiled, "Some of the airs are not too difficult. Shall we start with those and see where we go?"

The sisters spent a pleasant forenoon together. Mary played a few of the pieces she had studied at school that year. This helped Anne assess her current skill level. When that was complete, she handed Mary one of the simpler airs that she felt could be mastered relatively quickly. By the time both decided to take a break and visit Lady Russell, Mary found she could play it through and actually enjoyed the way it sounded. They talked about accomplishment as they walked to Lady Russell's.

Anne said, "School will help you to have a veneer of accomplishment, if you are diligent in what they try to teach you. For true mastery, you will have to continue to study on your own. This is true whether it is art, music, embroidery, reading, writing, riding, or even gardening. If it is not something that interests you, you will forget most of what you learn shortly after completing the class. However, if you are truly interested, your knowledge will continue to grow. For example, Mother saw that we were all given piano lessons. I found I really enjoyed them. Of course, I studied at school, but since leaving, I have continued to improve. I find that regular practice accomplishes many things for me. First, my playing improves as I continue to master new pieces. My enjoyment of music in general improves as does my understanding of it. My self-discipline increases. My satisfaction increases. And if I am unhappy, playing soothes me."

Mary replied, "And you believe this to be true of other accomplishments as well?"

Anne answered, "Yes, I do. However, many upper class women choose not to bother to maintain any accomplishments once they have married. They see them only as a way to attract marriage. To my mind, that is not accomplishment, it is only for show. What also happens is that these same women find they have little to talk of that is not gossip because they do nothing. Look at Grandmother. She still plays the piano for her own enjoyment, but her true accomplishments are now centered around her charitable efforts. As we go through different seasons in our lives, what is necessary may change what we focus on and thus what accomplishments matter. Since our dowries are quite small, in comparison to many of those of our class, it is our accomplishments that will differentiate us from other young women."

"I did not realize that our dowries are small."

"Grandmother and I discussed this at length. I had not understood this either. Our wealth and connections will not attract anyone, except perhaps someone from Somerset where Kellynch is still important. Anywhere else, it is of no matter and is not particularly a distinction for us."
"How interesting."

"I do not think Elizabeth has ever realized this. It is part of why she has not attracted a suitable husband yet."

This discussion continued with Lady Russell whose views were similar to Anne's. Lady Elliot had shared those views with her friend. Elizabeth chose not to follow her mother's lead in this matter, but Anne had already started down that path before her mother passed on. She found it satisfying to help Mary begin the same journey. By the time the girls returned home, Mary had committed herself to improve in a variety of areas, not just at piano, while she was home for summer. She also looked at both Elizabeth and her grandmother from a different perspective. Even though she was old, her grandmother was far more to be admired than Elizabeth was.

The remainder of July and most of August passed with these two spending much of their time together, occasionally with Lady Russell, but mostly just with each other. They developed a true closeness from these days. Mary's satisfaction with her playing increased as her ability improved. The duets they did together were particularly satisfying.

When they made parish visits in Uppercross, they would stop and visit with the Musgroves. The oldest daughters, Louisa and Henrietta, and Mary became great friends that summer. Anne always enjoyed visiting the Musgroves, so they would stop in at least once each week. The friendliness and conversation of the large family was so different from the strained quiet at Kellynch that both Mary and Anne found themselves looking forward to these visits. All four girls would occasionally entertain themselves by taking turns on the piano. Henrietta and Louisa were not particularly proficient yet, but Mary was pleased to realize how much she had improved when she compare herself to them.

On occasion, the Musgroves would invite Anne and Mary to join them in a picnic and the girls would take the carriage to Uppercross in the morning and return home late in the afternoon. With so many in the Musgrove family, and with the Heyters also joining them, there were always many interesting moments. The antics of the younger children were particularly engaging. Charles Musgrove joined them only occasionally as he was busy with his father. They had determined that he would benefit from one year at university and were busy ensuring that Charles was sufficiently prepared for that autumn term. He was attending not from academic interest but because it would help him increase in confidence and expand his contacts throughout the gentry of England, which for a landowner could always be beneficial.

Mary was slightly older than Henrietta and Louisa who would both be starting school in the autumn. Happily for all concerned, they would attend the same school as Mary. After hearing this, Mrs. Musgrove said, "Miss Mary, you must join us when we take the girls off to school. I know you are an old hand at it and think nothing of it, but it is so new to them. We would enjoy your company."

Mary smiled and felt gratified to be wanted. "I will ask Father. I would love to travel with you."

Mrs. Musgrove replied, "Let me just pen a note to him to assure him that we want you with us." While conversation continued around her, she completed her errand and handed it to Mary.

Anne too smiled. She was happy to see the growth in Mary that enabled her to be gracious and charming instead of whiney and demanding. As the three younger girls became very close, Mary chose to ride over to Uppercross whenever she was not visiting with Anne. This had the added benefit of significantly improving her riding ability as well. All in all, Mary found her few weeks at Kellynch to be far more enjoyable than she had expected.

At the beginning of August, Anne turned nineteen to little fanfare. On the day, Lady Russell had invited Anne to tea, assuming that the Elliots would celebrate at dinner. When Anne arrived, she found out how wrong she was. Sir Walter never even remembered until Mary mentioned it at table. He then offered his congratulations but there was no celebration and there were no gifts other than a beautiful handkerchief that Mary had embroidered. Both Sir Walter and Elizabeth were slightly embarrassed but laughed it off saying that Anne should go into the village and pick something up and charge it to Sir Walter.

The Musgroves recognized the birthday the next day when she and Mary visited. As they arrived, Mrs. Musgrove greeted them, "Miss Anne, we are so pleased you could join us to celebrate your birthday. I hope you had a pleasant day yesterday."

Mary wanted to respond, but Anne placed a hand on her arm and answered, "Oh, yes. It was a very nice day. And it was so kind of you to invite us to celebrate again with you. You are so kind."

"You know how we enjoy both of you visiting us. You must join us in the parlor for a lovely tea." And so saying, she ushered them into the parlor where all the family was gathered. For once, even Charles and Mr. Musgrove were enticed from the study to join in the festivities. Charles felt he was just about ready to take up his studies at university in September and could afford an afternoon off for such an occasion.

The noise level of the parlor was quite high as all the Musgrove children had been included. The little ones were unable to contain their excitement and the volume increased when Anne and Mary were shown into the room. Louisa and Henrietta immediately claimed Mary and pulled her into a corner with them to chat. Anne was given pride of place in the seating next to Mrs. Musgrove on their divan. As she sat down, Louisa moved to the piano and played a song to wish Anne many happy returns of the day.

Then Mrs. Musgrove poured out tea for Anne and Mary. Mr. Musgrove proposed a toast. "To Miss Anne. Never was there a better friend. Kind to all with always something positive to share." They all agreed and raised their cups of tea to toast her.

Mrs. Musgrove had selected all sorts of dainties for the tea. There were cress and cucumber finger sandwiches. There were biscuits and muffins and tea cakes. For those not given to sweets, there were a variety of scones (and jam to turn those into sweets too). There were also some fruits.

As she surveyed the bounty provided, Anne said, "Mrs. Musgrove, you have outdone yourself. I am touched that you would honor my birthday with such a wonderful collation. I thank you so very much."

Mary added, "This is so special. Thank you for including me."

Charles spoke up and said, "You two are like a part of the family. Of course we would want to celebrate. After all, Miss Mary is going to school with Louisa and Henrietta this year. When she travels with Mother and Father, will it not be as if we had an additional sister?"

Henrietta laughed and said, "Oh Charles. You are so droll. However, we do like Mary very much. She is so nice to be around."

Louisa agreed. "We have such jolly times together. I even enjoy riding now because we have done so much of it this past fortnight. I just love this summer. With Mary there, even school will not seem so bad."

Both Louisa and Henrietta gave Anne handkerchiefs that they, too, had embroidered. She was touched by their thoughtfulness. The Musgroves presented her with some lovely lace she could use as trim on one of her dresses. Anne thought it a very special day.

As they returned to Kellynch, Mary asked, "Why did you not tell them about the lack of celebration at home?"

"It would not reflect well on Father. While he may not be our ideal of a father, he is ours and we should not subject him to ridicule if we can avoid it. It does not really matter to anyone else that our family did not celebrate my birthday. I think it would also make the Musgroves uncomfortable to see how poorly thought of I am by my own family. This way, we maintain harmony in the neighborhood."

Mary chuckled, "You are too good. I am not sure I could avoid criticizing their thoughtlessness like you do."

Anne replied, "I can do so to myself, but it does not solve anything to criticize them. I suppose it gives me an opportunity to practice a different kind of charity."

"This is obviously an area I should work at then."

"Only if you agree with why I do it. If not, then do not trouble yourself about it. I just find it easier to keep the peace."

While both girls continued to visit regularly, Mary started spending more of her time at the Musgrove house when she was not visiting with Anne. She appreciated the charity work but found it more engaging when she did not do it daily as Anne did.

As mid-August approached, Lady Russell and Anne helped Mary prepare her wardrobe for the next school year. Lady Russell supervised while Anne and Mary worked with Mrs. Finch to create some new school dresses and modify some of her existing dresses to create new ones for the upcoming school year.

In the past, Mary had wanted an entirely new wardrobe each year. The charity work she had done with her grandmother and sister that summer had shown her what an abundance she had in her own life. She realized that she could be as stylish as ever in a combination of new and made-over gowns and save a little of her spending money in the process. The three had a pleasant time planning the new wardrobe and seeing to its creation.

As they were discussing the particulars, Mary said to Lady Russell, "Before this year, I had never considered what went into creating my wardrobe. But now that I've seen how few things so many people have, I have realized that I am greatly blessed. I look at what Anne does with her dresses and realize that I have a couple that are still almost fine. With a little work, they can last for another year and still appear to be new and fashionable."

Lady Russell replied, "It is always pleasant to have a new gown or two. However, many have so many it just seems excessive. Moderation is always tasteful. I agree these two gowns can be made over to look au courant for this school year. It is not as if a school girl is appearing in society just yet. Save your money for when you really want it."

Anne added, "And you will still look lovely and as a school girl should, both at the same time."

They spent quite a bit of time with Mrs. Finch until they were satisfied they had the modifications they wanted, after which Mrs. Finch and her girls put Mary's modified wardrobe together. When it was ready, Anne, Lady Russell, Louisa and Henrietta joined Mary at Mrs. Finch's for a viewing. All pronounced themselves very satisfied with the results.

Once it was complete, they transported it back to Kellynch and Anne helped Mary pack for her trip back to school. As the packing was almost complete, Anne left for a moment and returned with a small wrapped package which she handed to Mary.

"This is for you. It is to help you remember me and how much I love and appreciate you when you are away at school this year."

Mary opened the gift. Inside was a book of poetry. Anne and Mary had enjoyed discussing poetry on some of their rambles, and Anne hoped this would recall those talks to Mary's mind. Mary said, "Oh Anne, this is lovely. Now I shall be able to recall those poems we discussed and re-read them and remember this time together. Thank you so much."

That evening, they had a farewell supper at Kellynch. Lady Russell was invited, but otherwise it was just the family. Elizabeth had even selected many of Mary's favorites for the meal. Actually, she had suggested that to the housekeeper who had been the one to plan the menu. However, Elizabeth had wanted to distinguish Mary since she had been far less trouble this summer than in the past.

The meal was pleasant; the food was good; the conversation was banal but that was to be expected. Mary enjoyed the time with the family. Since the Musgroves were leaving early in the morning, farewells to her oldest sister and father were said as Mary went to bed. She knew Anne would see her off in the morning.

Anne and Mary were the only ones up early the next day. They ate together and discussed the travel arrangements for the day. Mary was excited to travel with Louisa and Henrietta Musgrove.

"There will be so much to talk about as we travel there. They have never been, and I can tell them about the things we are passing. When I travel with Father, it is usually very quiet. He never has anything to say to me. I know both Louisa and Henrietta will talk with me. I expect Mrs. Musgrove will too. This is going to be so fun."

Finally, they heard the Musgrove carriage drawing up in front of the house. Trunks had been sent off by wagon, so the footman took Mary's bag and carried it out to the carriage. Anne and Mary descended the stairs arm in arm as Mr. Musgrove climbed out of the open carriage door. Anne gave Mary a hug goodbye saying, "Be sure to write me. I will miss you. I am sure all will be well and you will all have a splendid time."

Mary returned the hug and accepted Mr. Musgrove's help entering the carriage. The three girls sat on one side, Mr. and Mrs. Musgrove on the other. Mrs. Musgrove offered a cheery greeting, "Miss Anne, it is nice to see you this morning. Miss Mary, we will have a wonderful ride together."

They all said their farewells and the carriage pulled away. As Anne saw Mary off, she realized that it would be lonelier than ever and how much she had come to appreciate her sister.

Chapter 13

Posted on 2014-12-03

The day after Mary left with the Musgroves, the three remaining Elliots started their journey to town for the wedding of James and Arabella. They did not send any luggage ahead as they planned to stay only one night in town. They would leave immediately after the wedding breakfast; after all, the family was not important enough to merit spending a great deal of time or effort. Both Sir Walter and Elizabeth attended because it was important to show respect to the family. Anne attended because she was excited for her cousin and wanted to celebrate with him. Had the family shown more deference to the Elliots they might have been interested in staying longer.

Although it was an excellent carriage, with three Elliots, a maid, and a valet, it was a bit crowded for both Sir Walter and Elizabeth. They would have preferred to leave Anne behind. However, since Anne was specifically included on the invitation, they were unable to do so. If the truth were known, only Anne would have been invited if the Stevensons could have managed that.

The first hour of each day was generally silent. Elizabeth and Sir Walter continued in a light doze while Anne read. Gradually, the sleepers finally awoke and required some sustenance. Anne had ensured that there was a basket of breakfast goods for them to allow them to wait until their noon stop for a true meal. After the basket, Elizabeth generally had a few comments on the scenery. Eventually, both Elizabeth and Sir Walter would engage in a discussion of the first of their autumnal shooting parties. Each day, the dialogue was similar.

"My dear, I really think you should invite Sir ---- and his family. The son is not bad looking and is not such a rake as are some others. I believe you have danced with him at least twice this past season."

"Do you really think so? He is not much of a dancer. Did you see him at the ball? Do you think he will be better in the field?"

"According to his father, he is. He was never much interested in dancing but has always fancied himself as a shot."

"He has a sister as well. We will have to include her. She chose not to join us in June. Maybe she will stay home again."

"Don't worry about that. She can be no competition to you. Now what about Viscount ----? He may be a little old, but he is still rather good looking."

"I suppose he is better than nothing. Anne can always keep him entertained at table. I hate talking with him. He only ever talks of books."

In her corner of the carriage opposite her father and sister, Anne smiled to herself as she listened to their concerns. She actually enjoyed the Viscount; he had been invited the previous year as well. He was interesting and well-read, which was probably why Elizabeth did not enjoy him. He might even be more interested in Anne than Elizabeth if one judged by his attentions.

The remainder of the morning would pass in this fashion as, each day, they discussed pros and cons of the possible attendees. After the break to change horses and have a meal, both would doze off again and peace would once again reign. When they awoke, it was generally accompanied by complaints of the dust, of stiffness, of thirst, and of the tedium of traveling to town for this wedding. Anne knew better than to try to address any of their complaints, so she just watched them with some amusement and kept her own counsel. Finally, after a few days of travel, they arrived at Hugh Stevenson's home the day before the ceremony.

As they were shown into the parlor, Margaret rose and greeted them all. "Walter, Elizabeth, it was so good of you to come to the wedding. Anne, it is wonderful to see you again. The others are presently out but should be home shortly. I will have a footman show you up to your rooms to refresh. We will have tea when you are ready." She rang the bell which summoned the footman who showed them all to their rooms. Both Elizabeth and Sir Walter required more time to titivate than Anne who returned to the parlor promptly.

"Aunt Margaret, it is so good to see you again. Have the renovations been completed?"

"That is where everyone is. They were finished last week. Everyone is there to admire and ensure all is well for tomorrow"

"How happy for them."

"Yes. With us and the Fletchers here in London, they will both have family close to hand. All in all, everyone is well satisfied."

After about thirty minutes, Sir Walter and Elizabeth joined Anne and Margaret in the parlor. They all sat making small talk for about ten minutes before noises were heard in the entry way and the rest of the family entered the parlor. They said polite greetings to Sir Walter and Elizabeth and warmly greeted Anne. Excitedly, everyone talked about the renovations to the new house and continued with a discussion of the wedding the next day.

Sir Walter and Elizabeth never particularly enjoyed family gatherings as they were never the center of attention and frequently never knew anything of the current events usually discussed at such gatherings. At least this time, most of the discussion centered on the wedding which allowed them to participate in the conversation. The remainder of the day was spent together with much joy and laughter as family members caught up on family happenings.

The Stevensons found their home crowded with Sir Michael and Lady Matilda sharing one room, Lady Rachel, Agatha and Anne sharing another, so that Sir Walter and Elizabeth could each have their own rooms. James had already moved his things to the new house and chose to stay there so as to free up his room for Sir Walter. Percy had graduated from Cambridge that spring and had enlisted in the Horse Guards. His training now complete, he was currently stationed in London. He was on duty that day but had managed a leave to attend the wedding and arrived just before dinner was served.

William and Susan Stanley, Earl and Countess of Derby, were staying nearby in their own townhome with both sons William and Charles. With the entire family on the scene, with the exception of Mary off at school, dinner was a noisy affair. The only ones with very little to contribute were the Elliots. Not much had happened in their lives with the exception of their spring ball and that did not merit much conversation. Sir Walter and Elizabeth had very little to say. Anne did share the efforts of Mr. Wentworth and Mr. Thomas to educate those men that had returned from the fighting so that they could once again support their families. Sir Michael asked to be updated on their progress. It was something that South Park could also do.

The wedding was a rather quiet affair as the attendees were primarily family. Since it was not a fashionable time of year, many of their friends were still in the country. However, with the immediate families there, all who were important to the couple were on hand. Percy stood up with his brother and looked quite resplendent in his uniform having enlisted during the summer. Arabella had a friend as her attendant.

After a lovely wedding breakfast, the Elliots were on the road again returning to Somerset. The Stanleys and Stevensons were remaining for a few additional days of family visits. The Elliots' return journey was a mirror of the journey to London only with more complaints and criticisms of the wedding and accommodations at the Stevensons'.

While the Elliots were away in London, Captain Frederick Wentworth, brother of the curate, came into Somersetshire to stay at Monkford with his brother. He was a remarkably fine young man, with a great deal of intelligence, spirit and brilliancy. In fact, he very closely matched all that Anne had told her grandmother and Lady Russell she was looking for in a companion.

Captain Wentworth was introduced to Anne when she called at Monkford to deliver her weekly basket of food from the Kellynch kitchen shortly after her return from London. The Captain rose from his chair as Mr. Wentworth ushered Anne into the parlor.

Said Mr. Wentworth, "Miss Anne, I would like to introduce you to my brother Captain Wentworth. I think I told you when he received his promotion sometime back when we discussed the action at Santo Domingo. He has come to visit before he receives his next command. Thank you once again for the bounty from Kellynch. With two bachelors it will be greatly welcome. " Mrs. Slate, busy in the kitchen behind him, snorted trying to suppress her laughter.

Anne curtsied as the Captain bowed. Mr. Wentworth took the basket and indicated a chair asking Anne if she could stay to visit for a few moments.

Anne asked the Captain about the action that garnered him is promotion. He naturally enjoyed telling the story and she found it quite thrilling. She shared the disagreement between her uncle and grandmother about the action. He enjoyed the discussion. After about a quarter of an hour, Anne gave her regrets as she had other calls to make. She left the home happy to have made his acquaintance. He was a good story teller.

Each time her steps took her toward Monkford, she found herself in company with the Captain. They talked of life before he joined the Navy and how life had changed when he was at sea. He was particularly grateful to spend some time with Mr. Wentworth as it had been many years since they spent any time together.

The Wentworths had been close before he left for sea. Edward was the oldest child. Next came Sophia followed about five years later by Frederick. Mrs. Wentworth had been a mother who wanted to leave her children with many happy memories. She would create occasions the family could celebrate together. Mr. Wentworth was a quiet man who worked hard to support his family. These celebrations were generally very jovial but never at a significant monetary cost. They had needed to be careful with their money. Mr. Wentworth had been a parson as was his oldest son. They were comfortable but had no excess of income.

His father had been able to save enough to get Frederick a position as a midshipman when he turned ten. From that point on, he had been at sea with only short shore leaves as he moved up through the ranks. Shortly after he had become a lieutenant, his parents had both died when an illness swept through their village. Edward was finishing up at school studying for the ministry at that time. Sophia had just married Captain Croft, who was now an admiral. Captain Croft had a sister who was friends with Mrs. Wentworth and had effected the introduction. After these deaths, when Frederick had shore leave, he generally spent it with his brother as Mrs. Croft was frequently away with her husband. It had been a number of years, though, since his last leave with his brother.

Anne found this view of Captain Wentworth's life fascinating. It was so very different from anything she had ever known. As the three of them talked, Anne found herself staying much longer than usual for her visits. When she recognized the time, she realized that she would need to hurry to finish up her visits with the parishioners in Monkford that day. She hastily took her leave and her basket and went to visit two families in need.

They met again a couple of days later when the Musgroves hosted a dinner and invited both Mr. and Captain Wentworth. Anne found herself seated between the two and greatly enjoyed the conversation. She was once again able to talk about current affairs, just as she had with the Stevensons, with people who were interested and informed. While both the Captain and Mr. Wentworth made occasional comments to their other companions, the Captain and Anne soon found themselves in an intense discussion of the change from the Holy Roman Empire to the Empire of Austria and what all these new kingdoms and confederations in Europe would mean in the future of the wars.

After the Musgrove dinner, Anne found herself thinking frequently of the Captain. She came to the realization that he held all the qualities that she found important in a future husband. Of course, she was careful to keep her thoughts to herself.

Chapter 14

Elizabeth continued planning for her fall shooting parties and was quite short-tempered. Every time she thought about her efforts these past few years, she became angry that she had not yet secured the match she was hoping for. Having the right mix of people was important and she found it difficult to strike the proper balance of men and women, single and couples, all of the correct rank and status. This was true even though they had spent the journey trying to solidify the guest list. Finally, it was time for invitations to be sent out and they must look elegant and beautiful. Although Anne's hand was prettier than Elizabeth's, Elizabeth thought it prudent that she be the author. Anne found it best to spend more and more of her time out of the house and filled even more than usual of her day with visiting tenants and other parishioners. On many occasions, she happily encountered Captain Wentworth as she walked and he would escort her while they talked.

Captain Wentworth thought it interesting that this elegant young woman would spend so much of her time caring for those in need in her area, and not just those for whom her family was truly responsible as tenants on the estate. He asked her on one of her visits, "Miss Anne, do you mind if I ask you a question about your charity work?"

"No, not at all."

"I have never seen someone who seems to take the task so much to heart. You visit not only your own tenants, but parishioners for whom you have no responsibility at all. You visit in three different villages and seem to spend quite a lot of time. Why do you do it?"

"I watched my mother do something similar when I was young and have learned from my grandmother that where much is given, much is required. I am blessed with an abundance in my life. Those I visit are generally suffering want of some kind that I have the means to alleviate. I find a great deal of satisfaction in serving this way. It costs me little but time. And how would I spend the time otherwise? I cannot find it in me to idle my time away as do some others."

He interrupted, "Like your sister?"

She smiled but said, "Naming no names. The well-to-do have little required of them, and I think that is wrong. According to the parable of the talents, those that are given much must multiply them or risk losing them. We have surplus in our house that can make a major difference to those I visit, so I just distribute what would otherwise go to waste and all benefit from it."

"How do you benefit?"

"From the healthful exercise. You note I usually walk or ride. It helps strengthen me. Also, there is a feeling of gratitude that comes from seeing the results of the service I render. I do not do as much as your brother in Monkford, but the little I do sometimes takes a day from dreary to not so bad when I bring cakes or biscuits to a family that has begun to recover from illness. Sometimes, all someone needs is to know that others care. I do care for these people. My grandmother does the same where she lives. It brings a wonderful richness to your world to serve others. And these others I visit do not have a great estate to oversee their lives and provide assistance. I just feel that, because I can help, I must."

"I guess my brother would agree with you."

"I think you do too, but just are not aware. When you are at sea, you are serving all of us. You are protecting us and keeping the seas safe. If you and others like you did not do what you do, I might not be able to do what I do. We all owe you a huge debt of gratitude. You risk everything and doing so provide a service we can never repay. All the prize money and pay can never actually reflect the value of what you do."

"I had never considered it in that light. I guess what I do is service."

"Yes. It is service to the nation."

Half the sum of attraction, on either side, might have been enough, for he had nothing to do, and she had hardly anybody to love; but the encounter of such lavish recommendations could not fail. They were gradually acquainted, and when acquainted, rapidly and deeply in love.

After knowing Anne for about a week, Captain Wentworth determined that he had found all that he was looking for in a wife. On one of their walks, he began, "Miss Anne, I cannot tell you what it means to me to have met you. I have never met a woman with all the qualities you possess. You are everything I have ever desired in a wife. Would you make me the happiest of men by consenting to become Mrs. Wentworth?" he asked.

Anne replied shyly, "I cannot imagine anything that would give me greater joy."

It would be difficult to say which had seen highest perfection in the other, or which had been the happiest; she, in receiving his declarations and proposals, or he in having them accepted.

They spent the next hour in walking about discussing plans for the future. Frederick began, "My pay as Commander is only barely sufficient to support a wife. However, the prize money can provide for us quite well. For example, the frigate we captured last spring has been adjudicated. My portion is worth twenty five thousand pounds. Under other circumstances, I would probably invest a portion and spend the rest. However, investing it means we can rely on an income of something about one thousand pounds. That should enable us to be somewhat comfortable. And I expect there will be additional prize vessels over the years."

Anne replied, "You know that I assist our war widows in the villages. What would become of me and any family should the worst happen?"

He answered thoughtfully, "You would have the prize money but not much more. You might want to live with your family instead of alone, but I should think you could be comfortable."

"I do know that your prize money will ensure we can be comfortable. I know that you will continue to progress and we can continue to build that up."

He added, "I am sure that once Sophie and the Admiral retire from active service, you could find a home with them if you chose. Perhaps with Edward and his wife if he were to marry in the future."

"I have other family besides my father. I might find a home there if I needed. I would rather not consider the worst, but since I have had to help with it, I do have to think about it."

"I do like this practical side to your nature."

"My grandmother explained a lot about what we should consider in the finances of our suitors if we want to make a financially sound decision. I do not need to live in a place like Kellynch, but I would like to be comfortable."

"I promise I will see that you are always comfortable. My sister usually travels with her husband. Would you want to do the same?"

Shyly, Anne replied, "I think I would. It would be difficult to say good-bye and see you only infrequently. I rather think I would enjoy being at sea with you."

"My income should allow us to have a maid to travel with and assist you on board ship. Although I don't really hold with women onboard, I think you would be the one to change my opinions on that subject."

Anne smiled. They continued to discuss how life aboard ship would work, how sometimes he might be stationed in foreign ports where she could live in a small house on shore, and how the brotherhood of the navy extended to a sisterhood of the wives. Anne found it thrilling to contemplate.

As they concluded their discussion, Frederick made arrangements to apply for permission later in the day while Anne returned home and excitedly wrote to her grandmother. Once it was posted, her happiness found outlet in an hour of music. A short period of exquisite felicity followed, and but a short one. Troubles soon arose.

Frederick arrived at Kellynch and asked to meet with Sir Walter. The butler looked at him speculatively but showed him into the foyer to wait while he sought his master. Upon hearing that Captain Wentworth had requested an audience with him, Sir Walter was gratified but baffled. He agreed to meet the Captain in his study and went there directly while the butler returned to the foyer.

As Captain Wentworth entered the study, Sir Walter looked at him curiously. Frederick started, "Sir Walter, I want you to know that I come to you with honorable intentions. I have come to highly regard your daughter Anne and she has consented to become Mrs. Wentworth. We would like your consent and blessing."

Sir Walter, on being applied to, without actually withholding his consent, or saying it should never be, gave it all the negative of great astonishment, great coldness, great silence, and a professed resolution of doing nothing for his daughter.

Said Sir Walter, "Sir, what can you be thinking. I am astonished you should look so high as the Elliots of Kellynch. You would much better look within your own rank and station for the next Mrs. Wentworth. You shall surely not find her at such a place as Kellynch. I will do nothing to further such a demeaning connection."

"I assure you that I have sufficient means to make Miss Anne happy and to keep her in a comfortable style."

"And who are the Wentworths? They are of no status whatsoever. It is not to be thought of." He reached over and pulled the bell. When the footman arrived he said, "Please show Captain Wentworth out. He is just going now."

Frederick was quite angry with his reception but kept his temper and nodded his head at Sir Walter. He followed the footman and headed back toward Monkford. Anne intercepted him just out of sight of Kellynch.

"Well?"

"He was not receptive. I am not important enough."

"Oh dear. I had not even thought of that."

"The Elliot name is too lofty to join it with the Wentworth. I do not think he is even thinking of you. Only of the connection."

"I am afraid that sounds about right. Did he forbid it?"

"No, but he did not give consent either. You are not of age, are you?"

"No. I just turned nineteen."

"Perhaps he will come around if given time to think about it."

"Oh, I hope that is the case. For now, I must go see Lady Russell. I do not know how she will react."

"Please do not let them dissuade you. I love you and will do everything in my power to make you happy."

"Thank you, Captain. I love you too."

"Please, call me Frederick, at least when we are alone."

"All right, Frederick. And you must call me Anne. Well, wish me luck."

After this, Anne turned toward Lady Russell's and Frederick continued on to his brother's where he vented his displeasure at his reception by Sir Walter.

When Anne joined Lady Russell in her parlor, she happily informed her of her engagement with Captain Wentworth. Lady Russell responded, "Anne Elliot, with all her claims of birth, beauty, and mind, to throw herself away at nineteen; involve herself at nineteen in an engagement with a young man, who had nothing but himself to recommend him, and no hopes of attaining affluence, but in the chances of a most uncertain profession, and no connections to secure even his farther rise in the profession; would be, indeed, a throwing away, which I grieve to think of! Anne Elliot, so young; known to so few, to be snatched off by a stranger without alliance or fortune; or rather sunk by him into a state of most wearing, anxious, youth-killing dependence! It must not be, if by any fair interference of friendship, any representations from one who had almost a mother's love, and mother's rights, it would be prevented."

"What can you be thinking? Captain Wentworth has no fortune. He has been lucky in his profession, but spending freely, what had come freely, had realized nothing." All this and more Lady Russell said to Anne.

Although Anne had expected some questioning from Lady Russell, she had not anticipated so much opposition. She was dismayed that both father and friend were so against what she knew to be a very good opportunity for her. She tried explaining to her friend but was unable to convince her. "He has recently captured a prize ship and will invest those proceeds. They are enough that we can live in modest comfort. I am sure he will continue to advance and improve upon those investments."

"They are as nothing in comparison to what you could realize if you would make a suitable connection."

"He is everything I am looking for, all that we have discussed of what I want in a companion. I know he will make me happy."

Lady Russell frowned. "He will make you worry. He is not able to care for you in a proper fashion. Without money, you will become very unhappy. As he worries about you, he will take risks. Marrying you will likely hurt his career. And what happens to you if he is killed in action? You must rethink this."

"We discussed that. It would be most unfortunate, but I could still maintain a modest lifestyle should that come to pass."

Lady Russell disagreed. "You will be like Penelope Clay living from paycheck to paycheck. Should the worst happen, you will be back home with nothing to show for it. And what if there were to be a child or even children? You could never manage without your family."

They continued to talk for another hour. Anne was dismayed as she walked back to Kellynch saddened at the distance between her thoughts and those of her godmother.

At the dinner table, the engagement was the main topic of conversation. Elizabeth's response was all astonishment. First, that Anne should attract a suitor before her was not to be borne. Second, that the suitor was not a man of rank but a common sailor. Third, that Anne should sully the Elliot name by connecting it with that of the nobody Wentworth. Anne found that she had very little appetite for the food on her plate.
When Anne finally retired to her room that night, after a very cold evening indeed, she was quite discouraged. Since so little attention was paid her, she had never expected such a reaction to her leaving the family circle in company with Captain Wentworth. She was unsure she could withstand the opposition from both family and mentor.

When they met again the next afternoon, Frederick tried to bolster her confidence in him. He was confident that he should soon be rich; full of life and ardor, he knew that he should soon have a ship, and soon be on a station that would lead to everything he wanted. He had always been lucky; he knew he knew he should be so still. Anne felt better again after this conversation and resolved to weather the storms at home.

Such confidence, powerful in its own warmth, and bewitching in the wit which often expressed it, must have been enough for Anne; but Lady Russell saw it very differently. His sanguine temper, and fearlessness of mind, operated very differently on her. She saw in it but an aggravation of the evil. It only added a dangerous character to him. He was brilliant, he was headstrong. Lady Russell had little taste for wit; and of anything approaching to imprudence a horror. She deprecated the connection in every light.

After two days of repeated arguments and opposition, Anne was becoming quite discouraged. Her only solace was the time she was able to spend with Frederick. Had Anne no other resources to support her, she might have been persuaded by Lady Russell's arguments once she began to show how the engagement would tend to hurt the Captain's prospects for advancement. Anne began to believe that perhaps it would be better for the Captain if she were to dissolve the engagement. She wanted only what was best for the Captain.

Happily for Anne, she received a most promising reply from her grandmother. It changed her entire attitude to the current opposition at home.

South Park, Gloucestershire
September 1806

My sweet Anne,

What wonderful news. I am so happy for you. I realize that it would be easier for you if you had the support of your father in this endeavor. Although you did not say so, I know that is highly unlikely. He thinks too highly of rank and status which the Captain does not yet have. After all, Captain is merely a courtesy title for a Commander. I know not what Lady Russell thinks, but I want you to know that I think your engagement is a very fine thing.

With your father's probable opposition, you may have to wait until you are twenty one before you can wed. Although I think it likely your father will suggest that he will not supply your dowry, your mother's marriage settlement actually settles this upon you if you marry with consent before you are of age or if you marry at all after coming of age. Waiting until you are twenty one is not a bad thing. This will give you time to acquire some skills that will help you in your new situation in life. I suggest that you are lacking in the specific skills which would currently be needed by Captain Wentworth's wife. Here is my suggestion. Plan to marry when you come of age in two years. Come to live with me here at the dower house and learn those skills I think you need. To be blunt, can you actually cook, sew clothing or manage a household with next to no help? You will need those skills if you travel with him, even if they are not required should you reside in England. These are not usually taught to young ladies of our class. Come here and learn them in a place where we will be happy for you.

If it will help, I will come directly to Kellynch to provide emotional support until you can join me in South Park when your young man leaves.
Your loving grandmother,

After receipt of this letter, Anne replied immediately begging her grandmother to join her. She feared that she would finally succumb to pressure and break off the engagement if she were not given some support. That afternoon, she also showed the letter to Frederick. He was grateful that at least one family member would support his cause.

"This is nice. I look forward to meeting your grandmother."

"She is quite a power in her own right. Although Father will not appreciate her being here, he will temper his opposition somewhat."

"Her thoughts about you acquiring more skills are interesting. I had never thought of those things that she mentions."

"Neither had I. She may be right that waiting will be better for us if I should really need those skills. She is certainly correct that I currently lack them. Ladies are not taught to cook, nor to do real sewing. We embroider. We might do a little mending, but not really. And I can manage staff, but not a household directly."

"Then we should be grateful for her advice and make sure we follow it."

They did not warn Sir Walter that Lady Rachel was on her way. Anne knew it would be better to surprise the family with her visit so they could not prepare against her. Lady Rachel left home almost immediately upon receipt of Anne's letter accepting her help and arrived within days, to Anne's immense relief and Sir Walter's surprise and dismay.

Chapter 15

Posted on 2014-12-10

The morning after her arrival, Lady Rachel and Anne took Lady Rachel's carriage to Monkford to introduce Lady Rachel and the Captain. Captain and Mr. Wentworth exited the building upon seeing the carriage draw up outside his home. Anne introduced everyone after the driver helped the women exit the carriage. After greetings were exchanged, Mr. Wentworth showed everyone into the house. Mr. Wentworth bowed then said, "I will be working in my study should you need me. I am sure the three of you have much to discuss."

The rest sat themselves comfortably in the parlor. Lady Rachel had Anne sit next to her and took her hand in hers. The Captain sat in the chair facing the two women.

Lady Rachel began, "Captain, I am pleased to meet you. I hope Anne has shared my letter with you. You are probably surprised at the lack of support from Sir Walter, but I am not. You do not yet have sufficient rank for him to deign to notice you. If you were less good looking than you are, you would have received even more opposition."

The Captain smiled at that. "I had noticed his tendency to judge everything by how it looks."

Lady Rachel responded, "Looks are as important as rank, for him. And increased rank improves looks. In any case, I know you are probably surprised. Anne isn't valued, but Sir Walter values the Eliot name. As you saw in my letter, I think it prudent to wait until Anne is of age for two reasons. One, we can then force him to provide her dowry. He can withhold it until then. But more important, it will give Anne time to learn new skills. I have had friends in her position. When you are in foreign parts together, she will need to have skills in homemaking and budgeting that are generally not taught to ladies of our rank. Let her learn them. If you have made your fortune by the time you marry, it will not have hurt her to acquire these new skills. If you are still climbing the ranks, it will make your life together more comfortable."

Anne said, "We discussed this when I received your letter. You bring up some good points we had not considered. I believe you are correct that acquiring skills like cooking, learning to design and sew basic clothing, cleaning and such would be good for me to learn. Should we be stationed away from England, these will be excellent skills to have."

Captain Wentworth added, "I do not like the idea of having to wait, but I can see the sense in it. Would you have us stay here until I get orders and then remove Anne to your home?"

Lady Rachel answered, "That is one option, if you wish to continue your visit to your brother. The other is for you to cut your visit short and come to South Park. You can stay in the main house with my son's family while Anne returns with me to the dower house. You can continue your courting and engagement under the eye of her uncle, rather than her father, where it will not be viewed with so much resentment."

He turned to look at Anne with a question on his face. She said, "I think our visits together will be far more pleasant there than they will be here. With both Father and Lady Russell opposed, I will be hearing negative things whenever anyone here speaks to me. The only place we have any joy in our engagement is here in Monkford. Would you be willing to cut the visit with your brother short?"

He said, "Of course I would, Anne. You are of far greater importance to me than an extra month with my brother. Let me go talk with Edward." He immediately followed his brother into the study. He returned within a few moments and continued, "It is settled. When would you like to leave, Lady Rachel?"

"The imp in me would like to stay long enough for Sir Walter to be very uncomfortable, but that would require that Anne be unhappy. Let us leave the day after tomorrow."

He answered, "I can follow a few days after that. Lady Rachel, you cannot know how much I appreciate your support for Anne. I fear that Lady Russell's arguments about how it would be much better for me to move through the ranks unencumbered would have eventually convinced Anne to do the noble thing and give me up. That would make both of us very unhappy. This way, we have a goal in mind-two years from now-and can make plans for reaching that goal."

Lady Rachel nodded, "Anne is so young, it is hard to withstand the persuasions of those who love her, or should love her, and stand firm against them. She had mentioned you in her earlier letters, so I know more about you than you may realize. After her second letter, I suspected her attraction. I had her uncle do a little investigating. I am more than pleased with what he learned."

Anne was shocked and said, "Grandmother, whatever do you mean?"

"Hugh frequently hires private inquiry agents for his clients. I had him employ one to investigate the Captain. Everything he learned was very positive. He is an admirable young man. And a commander's pay is sufficient for a very modest living."

Anne replied, "Combined with investments from his most recent prize capture, we can be more than modestly comfortable."

Captain Wentworth blushed at this praise. He was secretly relieved that someone in the family valued Anne highly enough to take steps to ensure he was suitable and said, "Actually, I am grateful. It is good to see that someone cares enough for Anne to be sure I would make an acceptable husband for her. "

Lady Rachel laughed and replied, "You shall see. The rest of the family loves Anne. She is a valued family member in the Stevenson clan. My sons and daughter all enjoy her company. You will find us quite different from the Elliots. I am glad to hear that you have prize money investments. I will admit that it does ease my mind somewhat. I assume this just happened?"

"Yes. During the battle at Santo Domingo, our ship was heavily involved and our captain fatally injured. I took over command, and a battlefield promotion to commander was confirmed by the admiral at the end of the action. As the fighting continued, it was apparent that our damages were significant. I notified the admiral who commanded that we put in to shore and make repairs. Since a commander does not command a ship of the line, we were ordered to return to England once repairs were complete so that a new captain could be assigned. We completed the repairs over the course of about 2 weeks. Just as we left port, we chanced upon a French merchantman who had just collected cargo bound for France. We were able to capture her and bring her along as we returned to England. Since it was outbound with full cargo, we were lucky in the amount awarded. They made an unfortunate tack that allowed us to catch and board them. With full cargo, the prize money was more than expected. If it weren't for Miss Anne, I would likely have spent a large portion. As it is, if I am prudent with it, we should be comfortable together although I will need to use some of it in my new command. I already know of one difference between the families. Anne says that her charity work is just following in your footsteps and those of her mother. I know her sister does not bother with it, and yet it fills many of her days. That says much for the heart of the Stevensons compared with that of the Elliots. Also, it seems from our conversations that the Stevensons enjoy keeping up with current events while the rest of the Elliots do not."

Lady Rachel said, "I recall reading about that capture. How fortunate for all of us that you were there. I am glad you understand the importance of what Anne does. Elizabeth, her mother, was very like her. Elizabeth, her sister, could not be more different. I wish she had taken more after her mother, but there is nothing I can do there. She is her own woman and does as she pleases. I believe that those of us with means have a responsibility to help those who are struggling. And yes, we do follow the news. We shall be interested to read of your future exploits."

During that dialogue, Edward returned from the study and joined the conversation at that point. "Miss Anne is an excellent example of the embodiment of the Good Samaritan. She provides the means, sometimes great, sometimes small, to alleviate the suffering of those around us. All of us who work with her enjoy her company. She never makes those she assists feel that they are unimportant or an imposition. She has been a great asset to our communities here and all will miss her."

Lady Rachel replied with a smile, "Well, all except her family. They hardly notice her."

Frederick added, "That is unfortunate but true."

Anne blushed and shifted the talk to those most in need in Monkford so that Edward could tend to them after her departure. They visited for a while longer before Anne and Lady Rachel returned to Kellynch. After luncheon, Lady Rachel planned to tackle Sir Walter head on and wanted to rest and refresh herself before she did.

Chapter 16

Sir Walter and Elizabeth determined to visit friends so as to avoid Lady Rachel and were therefore gone when the other two returned to Kellynch. They enjoyed a quiet luncheon together, and then Anne went to her room to begin packing her things. Lady Rachel read in the parlor until she heard the carriage indicating the return of the other inhabitants. She went to the entry to greet them and corner Sir Walter.

"Elizabeth, Walter, did you have a nice visit? Walter, I would like a word with you, if you please."

Both indicated that their visit had been pleasant. Elizabeth continued into the parlor, while Lady Rachel indicated a passageway that led to the study. Sir Walter reluctantly led the way. Since his mother-in-law was of higher rank, and was still quite good looking, he had always tended to feel somewhat ill-at-ease around her. He knew he had to defer to her, even with his wife dead, and he feared her outspokenness.

Lady Rachel sat in one of the arm chairs and Sir Walter took the seat opposite her. "What can I do for you?" he asked.

She sat quiet for almost a minute before replying. "Walter, I understand that Anne's young man does not yet have sufficient wealth or position for you to notice him. I have offered Anne a home with me for the next two years so she can learn skills appropriate for his lifes. He is well thought of and I think he will manage to make himself quite well off, so they will be quite comfortable. In the meantime, Anne can live with me until she comes of age. However, I expect that when she turns twenty one, they will marry. And you will turn over her dowry as specified in Elizabeth's marriage settlement. Once Anne is of age, if she chooses to marry, that money is hers. I hope you remembered that."

"I think she can do much better. To ally herself with a common sailor is a denigration of the Elliot name."

"I know you think that. You have stated as much every time you have seen the girl. But you did not answer my question. You do plan to turn over that money, don't you? I do not want to have to take legal action to compel you, but I will if I must."

Reluctantly, he replied, "Yes, I remember. I did not think Anne was aware of the terms of the settlement. I do not want her to make a mistake when she could do so much better."

"Anne is very fortunate to have found an ambitious, honorable man who cares deeply for her. I know you loved Elizabeth, in your own way, but I do not think you appreciate how rare it is to find someone who appreciates one for who one is the way Captain Wentworth does Anne. So many society weddings are mergers of family or money. There is love and respect in their relationship which gives a greater chance of them being happy together through the rest of their lives."

Ignoring that comment, he continued, "So you will take Anne with you? Do not expect me to provide for her when she is living in your home. If she wants to ignore the wishes of her father, I wash my hands of her."

"You needn't worry Walter. I love Anne and will care for her. You and Elizabeth are welcome to visit us if you wish. Since you have never bothered to visit since your wife's passing, I shall be surprised if you do show up. However, I expect Mary to come during the holidays as usual. We will leave day after next. Anne needs time to pack her belongings and say her farewells."

That said, Lady Rachel rose from the chair, took another look at Sir Walter, shook her head and left the room. She headed straight to Anne's room. Elizabeth saw her leave and went to find out what had happened. When her father was done, she said, "Well, at least we are done with Anne's disapproving comments and presence. I am sure our next shooting party will be much nicer with her gone."

"You know it means no more background music, though. People seem to appreciate her playing."

Elizabeth replied, "That will hardly matter. No one will notice her absence."

In Anne's room, Lady Rachel sat and watched as Anne continued to determine what to take and what to discard as Lady Rachel summarized the conversation. Lady Rachel finished with, "I am sure I have said nothing of which you were not aware."

Anne sighed. "No. It is just that there are times I wish Father liked me more. I would like to be missed, but I suspect my absence will rather be appreciated by Elizabeth. She does not like my company."

"The more fool she," responded Lady Rachel. "In any case, at South Park, you are appreciated and we all enjoy your company. And visiting with the Captain there, rather than here, will be much more enjoyable."

"Thank you Grandmother. You are certainly correct in that. Since the engagement, both Father and Lady Russell have been uncomfortable to be around. Elizabeth is far more critical too. Well, I think I have determined which dresses to leave behind," she said indicating a pile in the corner.
"Do you agree?"

Lady Rachel looked over the pile and said, "I think she is jealous that you are engaged and she is not. I think you have chosen well. They will be hard to make over, as you learn those skills, and are not really in style any longer. These are from the end of your school days, are they not?"

"Yes. I no longer wear them. They were just taking up space. Perhaps one of the maids can make use of them or the fabric."

Anne then rang for a maid to remove the discards and pack the remainder. She and Lady Rachel retired to the music room while the maid accomplished that. There, Anne looked through the music and selected some of her favorites to take with her. Since Elizabeth no longer played, and Mary was away at school, no one would miss the music. She did leave a few of the simpler, more popular pieces so that any visitors would have something to play. As they looked through the music, Anne played a few pieces for her grandmother.

Dinner was a rather strained affair. Sir Walter feared Lady Rachel would make her usual cutting comments on his accustomed topics of conversation and so was at a loss as to what they could talk of. Elizabeth ignored her grandmother and talked mainly of their plans for fall shooting parties. Lady Rachel contributed occasionally, so as usual, it was left to Anne to help carry the conversation forward. If she mentioned anything other than the shooting party, though, Elizabeth ignored the comment. Finally, dinner was over and Lady Rachel retired to her room as it had been a long day. Anne followed suit, not wanting to hear the criticisms from her father and sister.

The next day, Lady Rachel and Anne finished the packing by going through the library selecting some of her favorite volumes. No one else had ever read them, so they would not be missed. Then the wagon with her trunks left. Together, they paid calls on various friends, tenants, and others who had frequently benefitted from Anne's visits to say her goodbyes. Last of all they stopped in Monkford to say farewell to Mr. Wentworth. He promised to see her again upon her marriage to his brother. They also stopped in at Uppercross to say farewell to the Musgroves.

They spent the remainder of the afternoon with Lady Russell. Lady Russell was at first surprised at Anne's decision. As Lady Rachel outlined the proposed course of study to help Anne acquire skills that would enable her to be successful whatever the Captain's station, Lady Russell began to thaw in her opposition.

"Do you really think he will make her happy? He is so far from successful at this stage."

"Yes, I do. He has risen through the ranks quite successfully so far. With the various wars, the navy offers an excellent opportunity for wealth and advancement. However, if Anne were to journey with him away from England, she would find it difficult to make a comfortable home. I will help her acquire the skills that will enable her to do that no matter their situation. And he now has an incentive to be successful other than his own ambition. That will provide an extra drive for success."

"All I have ever wanted for Anne was a happy situation where she is appreciated."

"The Captain does appreciate her. I think they have every chance for happiness."

"Anne, I hope you understand that my opposition was not due to the Captain himself. I just want what is best for you and for you to be happy."

Anne replied, "I do understand that. I think my best chance for that will be with the Captain."

"Well, please write and let me know how you get on. I imagine learning these new things will be quite different from when you were in school."

"I will write regularly. In some ways, I am going back to school, but this time will learn practical skills instead of 'accomplishments.' I am looking forward to it."

Soon it was time to return to Kellynch for one last dinner. The final dinner at Kellynch was bittersweet for Anne. She was happy to get away from an atmosphere that was almost toxic, but sad that she would be losing this part of her family. Little notice was taken that this was her final dinner. Conversation once again centered around the hunting party that was to start within a few days. Elizabeth was much more concerned with the prospective suitors than the loss of her irrelevant sister.

Anne spent a few moments after dinner mentally saying goodbye to favorite haunts as she wandered through Kellynch's rooms. She was ready to move into a new life with her grandmother and plan for her future with the Captain.

Early the next morning, Anne and Lady Rachel had a hearty breakfast alone together. As they finished, both Sir Walter and Elizabeth finally entered the breakfast room to say their farewells. After a few moments, Anne and her grandmother went out to the carriage, joined Sally in it, and left Kellynch. Anne was relieved to leave the strained atmosphere behind. They enjoyed the carriage ride to South Park, settling happily into residence together at the dower house once again.

Chapter 17

Posted on 2014-12-17

Captain Wentworth was expected a few days after Anne's arrival. However, her new life lessons began the next day. Lady Rachel and Anne spent about an hour with the housekeeper, Mrs. Craig, discussing the things that Anne would be learning in the next two years.

Lady Rachel began, "Mrs. Craig, we have determined that, in order to be happy in the future she has chosen, Miss Anne needs a new course of study. She has become engaged to a navy captain and needs to learn how to do many of the things she learned to oversee. For example, she needs to learn to design and sew clothing, cook, garden, clean, budget, and live with minimal staff. As you know, I have some of those skills, but in general, we rely on you for that. I would like you to oversee her training so that Anne can do these things. While she will only need the sewing at sea, the others are likely to be needed in foreign postings."

Mrs. Craig looked a little quizzical and said, "You really want her cleaning and cooking? Doing the heavy work too?" She looked at Anne's small figure and knew she did not have the strength for some of those jobs.

Lady Rachel said, "Not the heavy things. The Captain's pay is enough that they will be able to have at least a char for inside and a man for outside wherever they may be. However, she needs to know how these things are done, not just the results, so she can provide instruction for a new maid or man who is not skilled. And for cooking, yes, she needs to be able to cook meals for her family. If they are in foreign lands, they may not be able to find adequate help."

Anne added, "Mrs. Craig, you needn't worry that I will try to do the heavy work. I know I am not suited. However, I do agree I need to know how it is done."

"You do understand some of it will not be pleasant?"

"I expect that. I do know it will be different than I am accustomed to. I have spent a great deal of time visiting parishioners in need and have seen a variety of accommodations and challenges the poor face. I do not think we will ever be quite that low, but you will not be showing me things I have not seen."

"Very well then. We will discuss cooking with Mrs. Carlisle. Your grandmother can oversee the needlework lessons as she did with her own girls. I will manage the rest. "

They discussed the merits of procuring a maid to learn alongside Anne and function as her lady's maid and traveling companion after her wedding. Mrs. Craig suggested that there was a young maid, Nell, who could fill that role admirably. She had been with them only a short time and had come from a large family where she had assisted in all aspects around the house, including cooking. The three met with Nell, then held a discussion about her suitability. Finally, they met with Nell again and offered her the position.

Lady Rachel concluded the offer with, "Nell, you must understand that this means you will live far from Gloucester and your family here. While we go regularly to London, Miss Anne and the Captain will be at sea, go to foreign ports, and visit here only occasionally. Are you ready to be so far from home?"

Nell excitedly replied, "Oh yes, ma'am. This would be such an exciting opportunity. I understand about being a maid of all work, but to be a lady's maid too, that would be wonderful. And to see all these different places, that would be wonderful."

After that, Nell began learning to be Anne's lady's maid in addition to her other work at the dower house. Mrs. Craig provided additional training to Nell, with more emphasis on things that would be difficult for Anne physically, so that Nell would be a true partner and companion to Anne. In addition, she saw that Nell learned to read and write so that she might communicate with her family once she was gone with Anne. Nell had never anticipated that and was excited at the opportunity. There was always someone in town or at the parsonage who could read her letters to her family.

After the discussion with Nell, Lady Rachel, Mrs. Craig and Anne met with Mrs. Carlisle to discuss cooking lessons. After some consideration, Mrs. Carlisle suggested that Anne spend her mornings in the kitchen, at first observing, but then assisting. All agreed that this would work well. However, for the two weeks that Captain Wentworth would be visiting, she would spend only a little time in the kitchen instead of the entire morning. They would begin the next day.

That afternoon, Lady Rachel helped Anne find clothing that would be more appropriate for work in the kitchen than a standard morning dress. They obtained a servant's dress that fit Anne moderately well. She would wear that for her cooking lessons. As they progressed with the sewing lessons, she would make others that would work as well without making her look like one of the servants.

The sewing lessons started that very afternoon. They took apart one of Anne's older dresses to help serve as a pattern. Anne learned first how to take apart the dress. It took almost the entire afternoon to completely dismantle the old gown. She was appalled at how many pieces there were even to just a simple dress. What a complicated gown would look like was terrible to contemplate. Nell participated in these sewing classes as she would need these skills as the lady's maid. She had some basic sewing skills but would need considerably more to provide the assistance Anne would need.

That evening, they ate with Sir Michael, Lady Matilda, and Agatha at the main house. Over the meal, Anne and Lady Rachel described Anne's situation and what the plans for the next two years were. All thought the plan a good one and were sorry for Anne's difficulties with her family.

Agatha said, "Before we left London, Joshua Ackerman and I came to a sort of understanding. He will not have sufficient income for at least another year, but when that comes close, he has hinted he will ask me to marry him. He comes into an inheritance when he turns twenty-five next year. He does not want to rely on his father to support a wife. He has asked to court me though, and his sister is writing me so I can hear of him. I am grateful Father and Mother are pleased with my situation. It makes things so much easier."

Sir Michael said, "One wants ones children to be successful in marriage. Sir Walter has a different idea of what that means than we have. We consider it successful if you respect your spouse, have a comfortable life together, and enjoy one another's company. He feels success is based on wealth, rank, and appearance. It is simply a different way of approaching life. Unfortunately for Anne, she is of our opinion and not her father's. He is lucky that Elizabeth and he share the same values for they are much more comfortable together. It is not that either way is better, just that they are different approaches to life."

Lady Rachel gave a small laugh and said, "Well Michael, you are certainly the diplomat. I do not think I have ever heard you defending Walter before."

Sir Michael replied, "This past season in town was eye-opening for me. I can see that our approach to life is not the only valid one nor the only one that works. While I do not respect the choice that Sir Walter has made, it is a valid one and works for him. I guess getting a little older also means a little wiser, and I can see more clearly how it works for him and many others like him. I personally could not live that way, but that does not mean it is not a valid choice."

Anne responded, "Thank you. It has always been a trial for me that I cannot be what Father wants. I am glad to see that it isn't so much that one is wrong or right but that one is different from the other. I suppose that every parent wants their child to make choices that validate what the parent has done. I invalidate my father."

Lady Matilda said, "Yes, I think you are correct. Your father cannot understand you because your values are so different from his own and he has not the capacity to understand such difference. He never recognized those in your mother although you share her values. You can continue to honor him as your father but also continue to move along your own path at the same time. At least we can help you make that move. So, now tell us about the Captain."

Anne and Lady Rachel described the Captain. Then the discussion changed to recent events in the news including his prize capture. It was the sort of meal Anne truly enjoyed.

The next day, Anne donned her almost-fitting servant dress and appeared in the kitchen at the appointed hour. After much pleading, Agatha was also allowed to observe, although she did not plan to do any hands on learning. Mrs. Carlisle sat them at stools in a corner so that they could just watch this first day. As they went through their duties, Mrs. Carlisle explained what they were doing.

"Of course, earlier, we prepared the breakfast items and delivered them to the breakfast room. Now, it is time for washing up and then starting on the next meal. Today, we are dining in the early afternoon with a supper for tea."

The girls watched as Susie cleaned all the glasses, then plates, then cutlery, then serving dishes, and finally pots and pans. Mrs. Carlisle explained why they were washed in that order. She explained how to scour the pans using a lye solution and occasionally some sand while Susie demonstrated. Anne had never truly grasped the physicality required of a scullery maid. Susie spent quite a long time washing. Each item was place on a drain board to drip as the next item was washed. At the end of each type of item, they were then dried and put away. She then moved on to the next. When everything was done, the work surface was wiped down. The towels were then taken outside and hung to dry.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Carlisle was working on loaves of bread. As Susie cleaned, Mrs. Carlisle was kneading the loaves which had already had one rising. She kneaded each loaf and returned it to its pan for a second rising. The loaf for the family was in a loaf pan. Those for the servants were formed into a loaf rounded shape and placed on flat pans. These pans were then placed on a shelf near the oven which would keep them warm for the rising. She explained what she was doing and why as she did it for the girls' edification.

After the loaves were rising and the kitchen clean, they began the remaining preparations for dinner. Mrs. Carlisle placed a roast into a roast pan and seasoned it while Susie cut up potatoes, carrots, onions, and turnips. These Mrs. Carlisle placed around the roast. She added a little fat in the midst of the vegetables as well as some seasoning, then covered the pan and placed it into the oven.

With the main dish in the oven roasting, it was now time to place the bread loaves into the bread oven for baking. Then attention turned to the sweet. Susie continued to wash up so that items could be reused as the dinner preparation continued.

Anne was amazed at all the work it took to put a simple dinner on the table. Mrs. Carlisle continued to provide explanation as they worked so that they would understand what was going on. When the loaves were removed from the oven, it was time to dress for dinner and return to the drawing room with their grandmother.

When they joined Lady Rachel, Anne said, "Grandmother, I truly do see the wisdom in your suggestion. If I had to cook for my family, we would starve to death. I had no idea so much was involved in creating a simple dinner such as we are having today. I could not even imagine preparing a fancy meal."

Lady Rachel smiled. "I would have been surprised if you did. My mother was old-fashioned and trained all of us in the very basics. However, even in my youth, that was unusual in the upper classes. Now it is almost unheard of. That means that should we choose to marry outside our class, we are almost completely unprepared. One of the reasons we have so many servants is that caring for a household is a very difficult task. A great deal is required to do so competently. That is why we are so careful in our housekeepers. These women are the ones who ensure that we are comfortable. In foreign parts, you will be limited in the number of servants you can employ. If you were to marry now, you would have to wait until you are twenty one to receive the dowry. That means, depending on the sort of home you rent, you could employ only a few servants. I do not think you will ever be required to do the heavy scrubbing to keep the house clean. Also, you will likely never be required to do any heavy work in the garden. However, you need to know about it to oversee it. And you might need to do your own cooking and likely your own sewing as well. Mrs. Craig and I will see that you have all these skills. Nell will be learning others to assist you, particularly the heavier work."

Anne replied, "Well, I know how to oversee the housekeeper, so now I guess I learn all the other details. I am sure it will be interesting."

Agatha said, "You know, I do not think my mother knows how to do all this."

Lady Rachel replied, "I would be surprised if she did. As I said, it is not generally taught to those of our station. However, you will both benefit from what Anne learns, that is if you still want to participate, Agatha."

"You know, I think I do. And not just observe. When Anne starts learning to do things in the kitchen, I would like to also. While I will likely not need it, as she might, it will be a good set of skills to acquire in any case."

Shortly after that, dinner was served. As they sat down to the table, Anne looked at the food with new appreciation for what it took to bring to the table. That added a little savor to her enjoyment of the meal.

During the afternoon, they returned to the need for serviceable dresses. Lady Rachel, the girls, and Nell rode into the village. They spent time selecting suitable fabrics for the new dresses. They selected both a medium brown and a medium gray in a fabric slightly finer than that used in the dresses of the South Park servants. Both girls would make these two dresses, although they also agreed that they would trim them slightly differently. This was also a lesson, as they made their selections after they were instructed in how well each fabric would wear, how easily it would press, how easy it was to clean and to maintain. Other considerations were the cost per wearing, as opposed to the overall cost of the dress. One could get many more wearings out of a slightly better fabric, making the cost per wearing much lower than the less expensive material. All of these were things Anne had never before considered. She had simply chosen a design, and a material that she liked. Her maid had managed the maintenance and repair. Now Nell would also be learning those alongside Anne.

When they were once again in the carriage with their purchases, Anne said to her grandmother, "You know, I think we should do this same thing with Mary when she visits next spring. These are all things we should all know, and I know she is like me and knows nothing of this. While I might someday be in a position to make completely frivolous choices again, somehow, I do not think I will. I think all of these things will inform my future choices."

"I did some of this with your mother and Aunt Susan before they came out when they left school. I suspect your mother would have done the same had she not been taken before her time. It is unfortunate that Elizabeth is not interested. I will follow your suggestion and begin teaching Mary as well when she visits rather than waiting until she leaves school permanently."

Agatha said, "I certainly appreciate learning this. While I shouldn't need to make my own dresses after we've made these two, particularly not from these stout materials, understanding this will make it easier to select cloth for the servants and for future children. Also, we can better appreciate our finery."

They then proceeded to pay calls on a few of the neighbors. For the rest of the week, each day, Anne and Agatha spent the morning in the kitchen. Each afternoon, they spent some time working on sewing the work dresses. They then either paid or received calls. By the end of the week, Anne had completed one new dress and Agatha was almost finished with hers. It had taken many hours of fine sewing, and they were justly proud of their accomplishments. By this point, they was now chopping vegetables and kneading dough in the kitchen. Both were very proud of the progress they were making.

Chapter 18

As expected, Captain Wentworth arrived at South Park after Anne had been in residence a week. He was warmly greeted by Sir Michael and Lady Matilda. As introductions were made, Sir Michael sent a footman down to the dower house to inform the ladies of Frederick's arrival. When he returned to the drawing room, Sir Michael introduced Agatha.

"Captain, I am so glad to meet make your acquaintance. Anne has told us so much about you. And I love the lessons she is having. Mother is letting me spend some time with her learning as well, although I am not doing as much actual cooking as Anne will be doing."

Sir Michael laughed and said, "Yes, we are very glad to meet you. However, you will not be here on your own. We have a group joining us tomorrow for a week's shooting. I hope you will feel free to join us while Anne is busy with her lessons. I assure you they are very nice people. They include the family of the young man who unofficially hopes to marry Agatha next year, so you would be getting to know a future relative."

"I would enjoy that, sir. My brother, who Anne may have indicated is a curate in Monkford, is not one who is given to shooting parties. I enjoy sport and would like to participate. I am sure I will have an opportunity to spend time with Miss Anne before I leave to return to sea. And I would like to meet a future cousin."

At this point, the ladies arrived in Lady Rachel's carriage and were shown into the drawing room. Anne and Frederick enjoyed a few quiet words together before politeness had them rejoin the general conversation in the room. "Oh, Frederick, it is so good to be able to spend some time with you where people will not be so critical. I am happy you are finally here."

"Yes, it will be nice. Come now, it has not been that long since we parted. How will you feel when I am away at sea for months?"

"I will be deliriously happy to see you again." Anne blushed as she made such an audacious response.

Frederick laughed. "As will I. At least we will have some days together before I must leave again."

As Anne turned to look over at the assembled family, she smiled winningly and replied, "I think you will find my family here quite enjoyable to visit with."

Lady Matilda had watched the encounter and smiled herself as she brought Anne into the general conversation asking about Anne's progress in the kitchen during this past week.

"I have learned to peel and chop vegetables. For a stew or soup, it is tedious but relatively simple. For a fancier dish, dicing them all the same size is surprisingly difficult. I have not yet succeeded in being very consistent, but Mrs. Carlisle is quite patient with me. Agatha finds my feeble efforts very amusing."

Agatha responded, "I am certainly grateful that I do not need to work so hard for my meals. However, the skills required are very impressive. I am sure this will make our winter far more interesting than last."

Frederick moved over to speak to Sir Michael as the ladies discussed domestic topics. "I understand the family has some young men in the army."

"My nephew and younger son are both in the fray."

"I gather from Miss Anne that this means you follow the news closely."

"We all do. Mother as well. It leads to interesting discussions. A simpleton would have trouble in our family circle, so I think you will enjoy yourself with us. You are no simpleton."

"Thank you sir. That is uncommonly generous of you."

Sir Michael asked Frederick to share the story of the prize ship capture. They all listened in fascination, remembering their discussions about the Santo Domingo action when it occurred. They moved from the prize to again discussing Duckworth's choice to follow the French across the Atlantic. It was quite a lively discussion. Finally, they sat down to a pleasant meal discussing current items from the news. Everyone wondered what it would mean that Prussia had joined Britain and Russia in the fight against Napoleon.

"The Prussians do not have a navy to speak of, so there should be little impact to the war on the seas," said Frederick.

Sir Michael replied, "But the Prussian military is top-notch. I should think they will have a major impact in the ground war."

Lady Rachel added, "Well, I do not know if the Prussians are as good as you say. Napoleon is still moving forward at a frightening speed. I think it will take everything we have to stop him."

Lady Matilda said, "I think you are correct, Mother. I know the Kaiser prides himself on his armies, but they have not been tested in some time. And Napoleon has his working quite well."

The merits of the various armies were discussed throughout the meal. As the ladies withdrew, Frederick said to the men, "I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to be in company with a diverse group of people who are actually interested in what is going on. Too many are complacent thinking that nothing will impact us here in England. Should Napoleon be successful, we will be isolated here in our little island with only the navy to keep things moving. I hate to think what that would look like."

Sir Michael replied, "I cannot think it would be very comfortable."

The evening's entertainment consisted of Anne and Agatha taking turns to play piano as the others visited or listened, depending on their temperaments. Finally, Anne and Lady Rachel entered the carriage and returned to the dower house while the others mounted the stairs to their rooms.

The shooting party arrived the next day. Besides the Ackermans, there were three other older couples. The only young people visiting were Millicent and Joshua Ackerman. Millicent decided to join Agatha and Anne in the dower kitchen in the mornings while the men were shooting. These activities would have been suspended if the visitors were not such close friends. These could all sympathize with Anne's situation and applauded Lady Rachel's solution.

Lady Rachel spent that time up at the main house with Lady Matilda and the rest of the wives. There was always a great deal to talk about, particularly of mutual friends and the various marriages and births occurring in their set. A little embroidery accompanied the discussions along with a great deal of tea and biscuits.

Everyone joined for a late luncheon in the main house after the morning shooting was completed. Much of the discussion was about conditions in the field. For some, the afternoon was given over to riding or strolling about the grounds. Others spent some time resting after the labors of the morning. Anne and Frederick were able to spend time in the afternoons together in conversation, usually about what he would be doing when he returned to sea.

"I will have command of a smaller ship, a sloop. Commanders do not captain a ship of the line. While I have orders to report, I do not yet know what ship it will be nor where we will be heading. I receive that information when I do report. Then, we fit out the ship and obtain a crew. Then, off we go."

"I now have a lady's maid, Nell, who will be able to be a companion when I join you onboard ship. That's all right, isn't it?"

"It is common although not a requirement. She will be company to you when I cannot be and provide assistance that a husband may not be good at."

Anne smiled and replied, "It seems like such a long time to wait. I wish Father were not so... However, at least there is something practical I can do while we wait."

"I would love to marry you now and take you with me when I leave. However, since he would not give his permission, we must make the best of it. Now, I noticed last night when cards were proposed, that you chose not to play. Do you not enjoy cards? They are often played on board when one is not on duty."

Anne blushed to think that he had noticed such a thing. "I am no card-player. I can play but choose not to if given an option. At card parties at Kellynch, for example, I usually provide background music at the piano. I get no enjoyment from cards."

"What does give you enjoyment?"

"Other than your company? Well, music, reading, fine conversation."

"Ah. You will keep me hopping as I strive to ensure I can measure up." After this, Anne asked about life onboard ship and listened as Frederick explained how he generally spent his time. He told a variety of stories about mishaps at sea and the beauty he experienced almost daily.

Dinner was later in the day and generally consisted of the fruits of the hunt. The shooting party was a huge success. Frederick enjoyed both the shooting and the new acquaintances, but he particularly enjoyed his growing ease and knowledge of Anne. The more they learned of one another, the more they recognized how well suited they were for one another.

Millicent, Anne, and Agatha entertained everyone in the evenings by taking turns at the piano. Eventually, the card players would gather together and the games ensue. Those not interested would visit or read as desire dictated.

Joshua Ackerman and Agatha were able to spend these evenings becoming even better acquainted. By the end of the week, Joshua Ackerman had determined that he did not want to wait to formalize his agreement with Agatha, although they would still wait until he inherited to marry later in the spring. Thus, he spent time with Sir Michael asking his blessing and permission, discussing how he envisioned his future with Agatha. Sir Michael gave permission, so Joshua took Agatha aside as they all visited in the drawing room and asked her for her hand. She happily gave her assent. He then shared the happy news with everyone present.

All offered their congratulations. As Frederick offered his, he said, "I expect I will be at sea when you two marry. I hope you have all happiness and expect to get to know you in the future after Miss Anne and I have married. I look forward to many happy years as a family."

Agatha smiled and said, "Thank you. You have already made Anne so happy that I know we will enjoy years together as a happy family. I look forward to you joining us formally in two years or so after Anne's birthday."

The next evening, they had a celebratory dinner. The day following the celebration, the shooting party left, but Joshua Ackerman had permission to write to Agatha until they saw each other in town again in the late winter. Two days later, Captain Wentworth said his farewells and departed for his next assignment on the Asp. He too would be corresponding with Anne, but also with Sir Michael and Lady Rachel. He had greatly enjoyed this portion of Anne's family, such a contrast to her father and sister. At Frederick's request, Anne also began corresponding with Sophie Croft, Frederick's sister.

Chapter 19

Posted on 2014-12-24

Anne and Agatha continued to develop their practical skills in the kitchen and with needle. Once they had successfully mastered chopping and dicing, they were allowed to make soups and stews from scratch. They were amazed at how many different ones could be made from the same basic ingredients just by varying the proportions and the seasonings

Mrs. Carlisle put all the fats from trimmed meats into crocks each day. These crocks were stored in the cool cellar below the pantry. At least weekly, sometimes more often, these fats would be rendered. This would mean a few hours of carefully cooking the fats to melt out all the oil. Once all was melted, it would be poured through cloth into a pan to form a cake of fat. The cracklings left behind in the cloth would be fed to the dogs. As the girls watched the first time, Mrs. Carlisle explained what she was doing.

"Cleaning the fat is called rendering. We remove the impurities, which allows us to keep the fat safe for a long period of time. If it is stored with impurities, it goes rancid. We use different fats for our frying and flavoring our food. The tallow, from the beef, is used in making both soap and candles. We will show you how to do both the next time we make them. Once the fat cake is hardened, we place it in a crock in the cellar. We keep one cake in the kitchen while we store the rest. The one in the kitchen is the one currently in use. We grease roast pans with lard or tallow. We grease baking pans usually with lard. These keep food from sticking, as you are learning. We use the lard in our baking. They add moistness and flavor to many of our dishes."

Agatha said, "I had been wondering what you were using in the skillet. I thought you would probably tell us when it came time for us to move beyond the soups."

Mrs. Carlisle laughed, "Yes, I would, as you can see. There is so much to learn, I did not want to overwhelm you with information. Much easier to learn about it when you start to use it. As you are going to learn about the cleaning next, now is time to learn about tallow. Mrs. Craig will be overseeing the laundry staff making soap before we do laundry next time, and you need to know about tallow for that."

Anne asked, "So we will learn how to make soap from Mrs. Craig?"

"Yes. Sometimes it is the housekeeper, sometimes the cook who oversees making the everyday soaps. Lady Rachel has Mrs. Craig manage that. I make the tallow and she uses a good chunk of it in making soap."

The girls finished making their working dresses and put them to good use. The two began to learn to repair tears, to darn, to sew on buttons, and to make hems. Nell practiced these right alongside them. Once these skills were mastered, they put the new skills to practical application in making night clothes for the ill, elderly or new babies within the parish. The completed nightclothes accompanied them when they visited recipients who could appreciate their efforts.

They started learning about the skills required for cleaning, beyond that in the kitchen. The first would be clothing. They were amazed at how difficult it was to do laundry. The different requirements for different types of fabric were fascinating and complex. This explained why laundry was done on a schedule and only twice per month. If the family had been involved in it, it would have taken much more time to accomplish. After everything was washed, it had to be mended if necessary; then it would be pressed. It took many days to wash the laundry. Mending was a never-ending chore. This was something Nell would manage for Anne's wardrobe.

One day about a week before they planned to learn about laundry, they spent the afternoon with Mrs. Craig and Sally, Lady Rachel's lady's maid. Mrs. Craig said, "Girls, Sally is the one in our household responsible for soap. Although we often purchase fancy soaps for the family to use, the rest of the soap is made by staff. Sally has a real knack for it, so we have assigned her to the job. It is a nasty one, and can be very dangerous."

At a nod in her direction, Sally said, "We have decided to have you help, but we hope you will take the precautions very seriously. It can be very dangerous." Both girls nodded. Nell looked very solemn. She had seen burns resulting from soap making. They were very ugly.

Mrs. Craig continued her instructions, "We burn hardwood in the kitchen bread oven because it gives a very steady heat so the bread bakes more evenly. We use the ashes from the hardwood to create the lye we need for the soap. Each day, those ashes are carefully cleaned out and placed in a lye leaching barrel. When it is full, we add water. You have seen that lye water used to scour grease from pans. Now, come watch as we prepare the next step."

The girls followed Mrs. Craig to the lye barrel outside the kitchen. They recognized the crock beneath the barrel as the one used to bring in lye to scour burned grease from the cooking pots. The liquid lye was tested for strength by placing an egg in it. When at the right strength, the egg would float. This liquid was then combined with tallow over a very low heat at the stove. They spent quite a while stirring this mixture as it bubbled. When it became thick, salt might be added to help it set. It was then poured into a soap mold and allowed to cool and harden. These bars of soap were used by the servants and in the laundry. Soap making took an entire day. It would harden overnight.

The next day, the girls learned the next step was preparing soap for washing the clothing. The girls returned to the laundry room, and Mrs. Craig continued her lecture as Sally continued to prepare. "We need to shave the soap into bits to make it more efficient for laundry. If we shave the soap, it will mix with the laundry water more easily. Many people do not bother with soap when they do laundry. They use all manual labor. However, we find that soap helps get the clothes cleaner."

Sally proceeded to shave up one of the bars of soap. Once it was shredded, the bits were placed into a bowl for use the following day when they would begin washing the laundry. The bowl was covered so that none of the precious soap would blow away.

Next they sorted the clothing into different degrees of color as they would not wash darker clothes with lighter. The last activity of the day was to take all the white clothing and place it in a tub with some diluted lye water to soak before washing. It would help remove stains and maintain the whiteness. Other items with stains were treated by the stain being saturated, then soap rubbed directly into the stain. This would also sit until the washing the next day. If the stain was blood, it would be wet, then covered with salt which would lift out the blood.

The next day, they began early. The maids, Mrs. Craig, Nell, Anne and Agatha met in the kitchen yard where a large cauldron was heating water over a fire. Mrs. Craig said, "We start with our white clothes. They need hot water to help them get clean. Now, some people do not use soap, they simply beat out the dirt. However, we find that soap helps it come out more easily. " Some of the soap flakes were sprinkled into the hot water. The white clothes were removed from their soaking tub and placed into the hot water. A bat was used to move the clothing around in the hot water. Anne and Agatha took a short turn beating the clothing with the bat. They were not able to do so for very long as they hadn't yet developed the needed strength or skill. The maids worked until Mrs. Craig deemed the clothing clean. It was then moved into another tub for rinsing. After one rinse, the water in the tub was drained and refilled for a second rinse.

After the clothes were washed, the maids wrung the water out. Again, both girls tried wringing the clothes for practice. They were able to be effective on lighter items, but those that were heavier or larger, like bed linens, were beyond their strength. The wrung out clothes were then placed on a line for drying.

While this was going on, the cauldron was removed from the fire, more water was added to replace that which had been soaked up, and slightly darker clothes were added. The washing then occurred again, with more soap added to the mix and another round of beating clothing. Each change brought a batch of even darker clothing until the final batch of the darkest. It took two days to wash the clothes planned for that week. The girls were exhausted by the end of the first day. However, they continued to assist on the second day.

The clothes hung on the clothes line for at least the remainder of the day that they were washed. The whites were left to hang for at least two days as the sun would help bleach them and keep them whiter. Heavier articles took longer to dry. Once all were dry, mending was the next task.

Sally, Nell, and Mrs. Craig examined all the items looking for small tears. Mrs. Craig said, "If we catch the tears when they are small, the mending is much easier than if they go for longer times. Sally and Nell look each time they put something away, but small tears are easy to miss. You can see here on Lady Rachel's dress that something happened in the hem. Sally will repair that before we do the pressing. This is also when we might do a bit of changing of trim and such if it is wanted."

After a morning of mending, the afternoon was spent in pressing. Both irons and mangles were used on clothing. Irons were heated at fire in the laundry room. While still hot, they pressed the wrinkles out of the linens and other clothing. The girls were amazed at how heavy the irons were. Most items were pressed with a mangle rather than a flat iron which was a newer innovation.

After they finished, Anne said, "Now the discussions about fabric care make much more sense. Ironing is so tedious. Irons are also heavy. If we choose a fabric that requires less ironing, it also requires less upkeep."

Agatha agreed, "I will always think of that in the future when I select a gown."

As they completed the pressing, Anne added, "I hope I never have to do this myself. It is very tiring. I wonder how they manage laundry on board a ship. I suppose that in foreign parts or at sea, I may be required to do this. I suspect Nell will be the one doing most of the work though." As she was putting finishing touches on one of Anne's dresses, Nell smiled at that thought.

Agatha said, "I vow that I will always show appreciation for my lady's maid. Imagine having to do this all the time. You are probably right that Nell will usually be the one doing all this for you."

As they completed the laundry, they watched the maids touch up everything they had done. Their own results were passable, but obviously not up to the standards of their maids.

By now, both girls had developed new muscles from these unaccustomed activities. They also had far more respect for those who did these jobs in their households.

While they had respect for the skills, they were aware that these were not skills discussed at a dinner party. The Stevensons hosted a dinner in the latter part of October where skills were not the major topic of conversation. Rather, everyone was worried about the total defeat of the Prussian army at Jena and Auerstadt.

Over the soup course, Sir Michael said, "Now there is nothing to stop the French until they get to Russia. There is no force strong enough to stop them. And I wager that Napoleon will recruit from the Prussians to add to his own forces. Even if they could not withstand him, they are decent soldiers. He may become invincible. And now that Britain is involved, Anthony and Percy have both been sent to the continent. Even more to worry about."

His neighbor agreed, and the two had an in-depth discussion of the situation to which their neighbors listened closely. At her end of the table, Lady Matilda discussed what it might mean in terms of imports from the northern portion of the continent. Now only Scandinavia would be available. Did anyone know what came from Scandinavia? Unfortunately, they did not, and were concerned that choices would start to become limited as Napoleon's reach expanded. It had already shown itself in the difficulty of finding good wine and brandy.

After they finished sharing what they knew, what they feared, and what they hoped, they moved into less controversial topics such as the success of shooting that fall. After shooting, the success of the harvest was the main topic of conversation. The evening concluded with all of the ladies performing in the music room. In Anne's opinion, this was far more enjoyable than a similar evening at Kellynch. Here everyone had participated and seemed to enjoy themselves.

Anne's correspondence with Sophie Croft was progressing. She had sent an introductory letter when Frederick was still there and had included a note from him. It had taken some weeks, but she had recently received her reply. Because the Crofts were at sea, mail delivery was irregular. Sophie had sent her congratulations and had asked many questions about Anne. Anne spent a morning composing her response to her future sister. From the tenor of the questions, she could see that Sophie would be a far different sister than Elizabeth.

Anne's correspondence with Mary was also growing. She had written Mary about her engagement and the reason for her removal to South Park when it had occurred. Mary had waited to determine what she really thought before responding. She had considered her father's response, Lady Russell's, and grandmother's before deciding what she felt. Anne had included all in her letter. Mary decided that Anne was doing the right thing, that someone who would cherish her was more important than someone of rank. She sent a letter indicating strong support for the choice that Anne was making. Once again, these two sisters drew closer together which Anne truly appreciated.

Letters to Kellynch were not answered, except for those to Lady Russell. Father and sister were always poor correspondents, at best, when she had been in school. Since they were not happy with her choice, they decided to just ignore Anne. Besides, there was nothing to report. No courting took place at the shooting party. Lady Russell's letters did fill Anne in about the party and lack of results. She lamented Elizabeth's short sightedness when it came to men. She also heard about the party from the Musgroves. While Charles loved shooting parties, he was away at university this time and had not attended. Mr. Musgrove felt the shooting had been below standard this year while Mrs. Musgrove had enjoyed visiting with the participants. Anne also heard from Mr. Wentworth about the literacy project. It was moving forward slowly.

Now that the colder weather was upon them, Anne learned to lay the fires, both with wood and with coal. Both were heavy and dirty. She had to sweep out the fireplace first, an incredibly dirty job. Once the fire was laid, she learned to light it. She was grateful that the maids usually took care of this job. Nell was already proficient and assisted Anne as she learned. Anne was grateful that Mrs. Craig had her practice this only once each week after she had learned. It was not a job she enjoyed at all.

In November, the girls made their first steps in learning to knit by knitting dishcloths. The wool for the dishcloths was supplied by Mrs. Craig. Once they could make a consistent weave for the cloths, they would move on to shawls. Their first efforts were comical, ending in a variety of shapes, none quite square. It took quite a few days to achieve consistent tension to create the square. Until then, they would unwind the mistakes and reknit until they achieved passable results.

At this point, Lady Rachel again took them to the village to learn about the different properties of knitting wools and cotton. At the end of the discussion, they selected wools for their shawls. Now that they were able to knit with consistent tension, the work progressed rapidly. With these successfully completed, they determined to make shawls for at least one family member as gifts for Christmas. Shawls were easier than some of the more complex projects.

In the kitchen, they were now concentrating on learning to bake. Mrs. Carlisle was careful in what she let the girls touch, since breads and pastries could be tricky to master. Mrs. Carlisle was a proponent of lard in her pastries but it required a deft touch to make them flaky. They would not attempt those for some weeks. By the end of November, they were able to make a simple tea of bread and soup or stew which was served at the dower house. Agatha remained for dinner to share in the fruit of her labors. The three sat down together and waited for the meal to be served.

Mrs. Craig appeared and announced, "Lady Rachel, I want you to know that Miss Anne and Miss Agatha made everything that appears on the table this evening. It is simple, that is true, but they were able to do it without help under Mrs. Carlisle's supervision."

The footman then served the soup while another placed the basket of bread on the table. Lady Rachel said, "This looks lovely. I am proud of you, girls."

Agatha said, "I am still amazed at how much work is required for a meal that is soup and bread. Now that we know how to do it, we can do it much more efficiently. But it is still a lot of work."

Anne said, "At least now I know that we will not starve. We won't have much variety yet, but we won't starve."

Lady Rachel said, "Well done. I am very proud you have persevered and mastered this much. You are right, Anne, that there is still much to learn, but you will not starve."

Over the rest of the meal, they discussed the next steps and the progress they had already made. Both the sewing skills and the cooking skills were now at a satisfactory novice level. They could see how far they had come, but could also see how very far there still was to go.

"Grandmother, as I see how much we have had to learn just to make a simple meal and night clothes, I am more grateful than ever for your suggestion. I know Captain Wentworth will ultimately be successful, and even now we could afford a modest home and servants, but this will truly enable me to manage our household no matter what our circumstances," said Anne.

Agatha added, "And I will always have a much greater appreciation for both the servants and the tenants. Many of the tenants get by with no servants. Others have only a char to do the heavy work. And it is amazing how heavy that heavy work is."

Lady Rachel replied, "It never hurts to understand the position of others in life. You gain greater appreciation for your own and their contributions through the studies you are making. Gratitude is never wasted. Neither is knowledge. Next year, you will learn about all the harvest activities. This year, most of that in the autumn was taking place in the afternoons when you were sewing. That is a completely different challenge. Well, at least Anne will learn. Agatha may be in her own establishment by that time. As the weather keeps us indoors and curtails some of our visits, we will start spending time on budgeting. I do not mean the level that the Lady normally does. We will get down to details about how to budget your money and choose wisely among different merchants. That will help both of you."

Agatha laughed and replied, "That is what we hope, anyway. I hope to be in my own place before next autumn. Budgeting will be very helpful, I'm sure."

After this dinner, the wintery weather started coming in fits and starts. Cold, blustery winds had arrived, so, on many days, Agatha remained at the main house. Otherwise, she was forced to use the carriage to join the classes at the dower house. Anne continued to progress in the kitchen, now adding a variety of casseroles to her soups and stews. She also began learning how to prepare the sweet course. She found she enjoyed cooking, although she did not care for the clean up afterwards.

Both girls found discussions about procurement and budgeting very different than they would be as Lady of an estate. The housekeeper was the one who selected which establishments they used and understood about the prices paid for various items. While the Lady on the estate was involved at a general level, the girls were now learning at the level the housekeeper used instead. They helped reconcile accounts and determined where changes might be beneficial. It was surprising how complicated it could be.

Chapter 20

By the time the Christmas season had arrived, both had made many of the presents for their family members. Anne purchased items for her father and sisters and Lady Russell, but for everyone in the South Park family, she made items she knew they would appreciate. She sent embroidered handkerchiefs to Frederick, getting them sent early in November so there was a chance they would reach him by Christmas. Since he had left in October, she wrote him each week, updating him on the little things she was doing. She had received one letter from him from the day before he shipped out in early October. He was being sent to the Indies again. He indicated that she might expect to actually receive letters at least every six months, sometimes more frequently.

December promised another set of family festivities as William and Charles Stanley had planned a double wedding ceremony and invited all of the family to attend. William, Lord Stanley, was engaged to Ethel Bosworth. Charles was engaged to Cora Harmon. The brothers had always been close, and when they had each become engaged during the spring, had determined to wed together near their home. Their brides were also friends, so they were willing to share their special day together.

At the beginning of December, Sir Michael and Lady Matilda left to collect Mary from school. While she had not been able to meet Arabella and attend the September wedding, she was looking forward to meeting her new cousin and attending the wedding for the others. She was deemed old enough to attend instead of being relegated to the nursery during the activities. They rode straight from school to Derby.

At the end of that week, everyone else packed up and left South Park to meet in Derby for the holiday. William and Charles Stanley were marrying on December 18. At James' wedding in September, everyone had agreed to travel to Derby for this larger family wedding. The brides were both from local gentry, so their families had not needed to travel.

The Stanley's home was a beautiful stately mansion with plenty of rooms to house the large family. Lord and Lady Derby were there to greet each of the family members as they arrived. He made arrangements to curtail his estate management activities during the holiday season in favor of hosting duties. As each carriage arrived, the inhabitants were welcomed into the house, with Lady Derby immediately tasking a footman to get the group up to their rooms to refresh and warm up again. They would then be shown into the parlor for a cup of tea and talk.

Anne, Mary, and Agatha were given rooms next to one another and all planned to spend a great deal of time together. Mary was pleased to meet Arabella. She could see why James had liked her so very much.

Once all had arrived, it seemed that the only quiet moments were at night when everyone was sleeping. As Susan and Lady Rachel were sitting together in the parlor watching the chatter one afternoon, Susan remarked, "I just love times like this when we are all together, even though it is so often chaotic. It is nothing like when the children were all young together, but it is still rather noisy."

Lady Rachel remarked, "When the children were young, they were mostly in the nursery together. I like this much better."

Susan said, "If only Elizabeth were still here with us. It is a shame that Sir Walter and Elizabeth do not like our family functions. I am glad Anne and Mary are here though. Anthony and Percy are still missing, though. I hope they are well."

Lady Rachel sniffed. "I am sure the boys are fine. Walter does not feel comfortable around us. We do not share his opinions or viewpoints, and he finds ours to be unintelligible. We do not defer to him, and he seems to need that deference to feel comfortable. His oldest is so different from her sisters. I fear Mary would have followed his lead, but this past year she has truly started to improve. Anne is so like her mother and Elizabeth so different, I wonder that they are even related. Mary is becoming more like Anne and her mother every day. Elizabeth follows her father in looks and Anne and Mary their mother. It is a little like having my Elizabeth back to have Anne living with me."

Susan patted her mother's hand and replied, "It must be. It was really kind of you to come to Anne's rescue. I do not understand her father's opposition to the match."

"Simple. He is not exalted enough to attach to the Elliot name. Even if he doesn't care about Anne, he does care about the Elliot name. However, Captain Wentworth is a good man, and it will be an excellent match. And his disapprobation means I get to spend almost two years with Anne as my companion. I cannot regret that."

"It also means she and Mary can be here for the wedding and Christmas. If they were at Kellynch, we would not see them."

Meanwhile, Anne, Agatha, Mary and Arabella were becoming better acquainted with Cora and Ethel. The six clustered together on two sofas and discussed their upbringings, their families, the upcoming wedding, and Arabella's new life with James.

Mary was so excited to be included as an adult even though she was still a school girl. This gathering was so different from those at Kellynch, and the interactions among the women so different, that she began revising her opinions on how relationships should work. She had never considered the reciprocation involved in healthy interactions between friends and family since there was none in the Elliot family. She watched more than she participated, and she came to the realization that friendship involved both people making an effort. She also realized that she had few real friends. She had the opportunity to turn Henrietta and Louisa Musgrove into true friends, but it would require making some changes on her part. Over the course of the holiday, she continued to study what worked and what made people want to spend time together. She decided that she needed to make some changes so that when she returned to school, she cultivated some true friendships. She was doubly glad she had chosen to come to Grandmother instead of Kellynch for this holiday.

In the evenings, all of the girls took turns to play on the piano for the family. Once again, Mary was grateful for Anne's encouragement the previous summer as she acquitted herself quite well. The more Mary associated with her extended family, the more she saw the limited picture her father presented of the world, and the more she rejected his viewpoint.

Nell enjoyed the trip as well. Sally provided training on how a lady's maid acted when on a visit such as this. Nell was becoming quite proficient and appreciated the differences between South Park and Derby. As she helped Anne one evening, she said, "Miss Anne, I can already see how different my life will be thanks to you. I can never thank you enough for choosing me for your lady's maid."

"I am glad you are enjoying your new responsibility. Is Sally giving you tips on how to act while we are here?"

"Yes. She is ever so helpful. It looks like my life will be very interesting with you. I just wanted you to know how grateful I am."

Although there had been snow off and on throughout the month, December 18 dawned cold and clear. The sun shone on a white landscape that appeared picture perfect for Christmas. The family filed out of the house and into carriages for the short ride to the chapel. They arrived to find it filled with Christmas greens and smelling of balsam. Family and friends filled the small chapel on the estate to overflowing. As William and Charles moved to the front, they each gave a nervous smile at the congregation of well-wishers. Finally, the organist played the fanfare and everyone arose. On the arm of her father, Ethel appeared in the aisle and walked slowly toward William. Behind her, Cora appeared to have a tighter grasp on her father's arm as she waited her turn to start.

As the brides joined their grooms, white handkerchiefs appeared and began to dab at eyes throughout the rooms. Both mothers of the bride wept softly. Susan managed not to cry, but her mother joined in with the quiet weeping. Within a few moments, Ethel and Cora had joined the Stanley family, with Ethel becoming Lady Stanley.

Everyone in the chapel then joined in a festive wedding breakfast up at the house. It lasted well into the day, winding down only after each new couple finally said their farewells. Each was going to stay in a different hunting lodge nearby allowing them some privacy as they became accustomed to a new life together. They would rejoin the family on Christmas Eve.

Christmas at Debry was a fun break for the entire family. It was far more congenial than the celebration at Kellynch and far better attended. Mary had chosen to come to her grandmother and sister, assuming there would be more to do and more fun. In this, she was correct. Besides fun, it was also a great learning opportunity. Almost everyone else there outranked her. And in spite of that, very little attention was paid to rank. This was almost the complete opposite of the situation at Kellynch. Along with her insight into friendship, this enabled Mary to see how little rank should play in the interactions between friends and relations. This might explain why her father and eldest sister appeared to have few friends while Anne appeared to have many, at least if correspondence and the way people spoke of one another were any judge.

While practicing piano with Anne's assistance, she mentioned this to Anne. "I have noticed that when it is just the family present, no one seems to pay any attention at all to rank. When others are visiting, everything is most correct and precedence is followed, but when it is only family, it is ignored. Is that usually the case in families like ours?"

"One of the reasons Father is uncomfortable with the Stevensons is their attitude about rank and precedence. Father is never able to ignore it and feels he is always entitled to deference. However, the Stevensons consider that, in order to promote more harmonious family relationships, rank and precedence should be ignored within the family circle. If it is not, how can we be happy together?"
Mary replied, "I had been noticing their attitude and wondering about it. We have never spent much time with the extended family, at least since Mother passed, so I had never seen this before."

Anne smiled. "I was old enough when Mother passed that I had already had a lot more experience of this than you. If you continue to learn from Grandmother and the extended family, rather than just from Father and Elizabeth, I think you will find a far happier situation in life. Father and Elizabeth suffer from their attitude to everyone around them. They are never satisfied. Grandmother is just the opposite. And her happiness has nothing to do with being an Earl's daughter. It is in her attitude to life."

Mary nodded her head in understanding and returned to her practicing. However, she continued to observe and ponder what she saw.
The Stanleys held an Open House for neighbors on Christmas Eve. The newlyweds all returned to participate in the celebration. At the beginning of the evening, they held a Yule log lighting ceremony. The grand fireplace had been thoroughly cleaned and a fire laid which included a huge log that would burn all night. A remnant of the prior year's Yule log was used to light this year's log as the festivities began shortly before dark fell. It brought good luck for the coming year if the log burned well all night.

After the lighting, carols were sung to welcome in the holiday. These were followed by an evening of dancing. Finally, they all headed down to the chapel for a midnight Christmas service. Following the service, the neighbors returned to their homes while the family returned to the house and their beds.

In the morning, the family attended another Christmas service. Gifts were exchanged in the afternoon prior to another sumptuous feast. Mary was excited that she had attended until the dancing began. Kellynch rarely hosted any Christmas festivities. Sir Walter and Elizabeth would attend those of a neighbor. Anne had joined in the previous year while Mary had remained home alone. Once she was 'out,' she would be allowed to attend the dancing as well as the midnight service.

After Christmas, James, Arabella, and Hugh's family returned to their homes in London, Mary to school, and the rest to life at South Park which became quieter, settling into a predictable pattern. Due to the snow, visits to neighbors were curtailed. Agatha attended Anne's training irregularly as they kept mainly to their own houses during storms.