Dinner Party Scene Extended - 1995 movie
A/N: This is, I will admit it, my first actual fanfic however do not let that deter you from reading and enjoying this. Though I am a novice in the creation of fanfiction I have been an avid reader for many years.
This was inspired by the 1995 movie more so than the book and so it starts at the evening party where Fredrick declares himself; I always wanted more in that scene. I found the end of Persuasion to be somewhat lacking, much as I love the book and the 1995 movie. So, I took it upon myself to add to its greatness. Here is my take…
Disclaimer- I do not own any characters used in the following tale. This was solely created for enjoyment, not profit.
Chapter 1/5
Anne could sit no longer, she had to do something and in an attempt to relieve her fluttering nerves she decided to take a turn about the room. She looked on all those around her but could only pay attention with half a mind. Her thoughts were being diverted with the upcoming arrival of Captain Wentworth. For, he must be on his way and entering the very room at any moment. She could not wait and yet she still held some anxiety about his arrival. Do not mistake her, she was determined, there could be nothing that would deter her this time around, of that she was sure but, 'What would her family and friends think? How will they react?' She could not stand it if her father and sister, even Lady Russell, gave Captain Wentworth the smallest hint of incivility.
On observing her friend, Lady Russell knew not what she was about, noticing Anne's almost listless behavior in walking about the room. She reached out for her hand and decided to advise, not persuade, her once again to think how agreeable a marriage to Mr. Elliot would be; he who she thought a most appealing and equal match to her dearest friend, whom she almost looked to as a daughter. She was determined however to never err in attempting to help Anne again. Her opinions had not changed, she still felt in the right in regards to her behavior eight years ago but using such forceful persuasions as she did in the past she was almost ashamed. She would never wish Anne to feel and appear as low as she had just after. 'One ought to be able to admit when they were in the wrong, even if it is only to one's self', thought Lady Russell.
Mr. Elliot interrupted them, much to Anne's internal dismay and Lady Russell's pleasure. But anything he had to say was of little consequence to Anne and she hardly heard him. There was soon a bustle at the doorway. In walked the expected Captains Wentworth and Harvillle. Anne's stomach immediately went to her throat securing a knot there that she thought would never leave her. Her malady however removed itself the second she saw his stunning and exuberant smile. His clear pleasure in the moment calmed her clenching nerves and anxieties.
Her father's extremely civil welcome was unexpected but appreciated and Sir Walter invited Captain Wentworth to a game of whist.
"I have come on business Sir Walter", replied Captain Wentworth.
"Business?" Sir Walter questioned.
"My proposal of marriage to your daughter, Anne, has been accepted and I respectfully request permission to fix a date."
The room was all in astonishment. They could not have foreseen the declaration of such a speech. 'Anne and Captain Wentworth? What?' were the thoughts of everyone.
Mrs. Croft was perhaps the most overtaken by the news. She did not know her dearest brother had thoughts of matrimony so soon after his recent disappointments in Lyme. She had suspected him to be hiding his true feelings from her on the subject but she had yet to confront him and discover the truth. 'Could he really have fixed his attentions on someone else without her knowing?' She did not think so.
She took a glance at Anne, who was caught up completely in her brother's presence; she could see nothing but true merriment and felicity. Anne had a glow about her that until now had gone unnoticed. And glancing between them she observed her brother had the same; a flaming soul to be caused only by the purest of eternal joys; to be in love. She could not be happier for him however she was still a little apprehensive, if only because of its coming on so suddenly. Yet, she would not venture to mention her uncertainties this evening, unless of course the opportunity presented itself.
On hearing the news Lady Russell gave a start. She could not be more astonished. She was grieved that Anne should be deciding to give up the idea of taking her mother's place at Kellynch Hall. It was still too captivating an idea for Lady Russell to relinquish but she was determined to abide by her earlier declaration.
Sir Walter's open mouth was all that need be witnessed to confirm him to be completely flabbergasted. He muttered something he could hardly recall. 'Captain Wentworth wanting to marry Anne? Anne, who is so plain?' Movement to his left caught his eye and he noticed his cousin, Lady Dalrymple, observing the Captain and nodding her head in her own approval. Sir Walter could do nothing but follow her in approving the gentlemen's request and a meeting was set for tomorrow morning to discuss the matter further. He then tried again to get the Captain to join a card table, but Captain Wentworth had moved to stand next to Anne.
"Forgive me Sir but my mind is too engaged at present to concentrate on the game. I shall be a poor partner. Please allow me to view from here."
"Very well." Sir Walter, not wanting to trouble himself any further, turned his attention back to Lady Dalrymple and rejoined his game. The rest of the room took his lead and tried to concentrate once again on their respective card games but every so often someone would cast a glance in the couple's direction, who were conversing quietly in one corner, and unknowingly distracting the rest of the room.
The card games were soon broken up with the necessity of stretching ones legs and an entreaty for Miss Carteret to entertain everyone on the piano forte was cast by Sir Walter and seconded by Mr. Elliot, who had little to engage himself in this evening on account of Anne's attentions to Captain Wentworth and so he attached himself to Miss Carteret. The rest of the room arranged themselves to listen to the entertainment however it did not last as long as some hoped; Miss Carteret was not that experienced a player.
"Miss Elliot, will you play next? You play so beautifully", implored Mrs. Musgrove after Miss Carteret had resigned her position at the piano forte, having played only two songs of tolerable quality.
"Why yes of course you must play Miss Elliot" exclaimed Captain Wentworth.
Anne blushed and assured them that she would be delighted to play. She left her place next to the Captain and stationed herself at the piano. As she began to play Mrs. Croft saw her opportunity to approach her brother and sat herself down next to him. She was troubled however, 'how does one begin such a conversation?'
Captain Wentworth though, soon saved his sister from her dilemma in exclaiming, "Does not she play amazingly? I have never heard her equal."
"Indeed" agreed Mrs. Croft. He was not content with such an answer and turned to observe his sister better.
"Sophie you have a look as if you wish to speak. Please say whatever it is that is distressing you."
"I am not so sure that I should Fredrick, for I fear you will be angry." She paused, waiting to see if he would stop her from continuing on but he did not. "I am only concerned that, and do not misjudge me Anne is a dear creature, I respect her greatly and I have no doubt of your characters complimenting each other beautifully but, is this not too sudden? Are you sure of her feelings? Are you sure of your own?"
"Sophie, do not trouble yourself so. I am as sure of her feelings as I am of my own. Please ease your mind at once."
Mrs. Croft was not satisfied by his answer but could see that she was going to get no more out of him as Anne had just finished and Captain Wentworth was hasty in quitting his place next to her.
The casual feeling of the evening continued on with the rest of the party engaged in small conversation excepting Mr. Elliot and Mrs. Clay who had separated themselves from the main party and were having a rather heated discussion that was beginning to draw the attention of Elizabeth and Lady Dalrymple.
Captain Wentworth moved toward Anne who was now in conversation with Henrietta and Charles Musgrove.
"This is grand for there are to be three weddings in the family now and in as many months" Charles said almost giddy with delight. Henrietta could not but join in his smiles.
Captain Wentworth interrupted smiling, "Then do we have your blessing Charles?"
"Indeed you do Fredrick. I could not be more pleased, for now we are to be brothers at last. I say there will be no losing your friendship now."
"Did you think that at risk Charles?" He said almost laughingly but soon realized Charles was in complete earnest and the conversation quickly took a serious turn. Anne and Henrietta looked to each other sensing this to be a conversation needed to be had between the two gentlemen. They tried to give a little distance and privacy to the men by opening the subject of wedding lace.
"Charles, did you honestly believe our friendship at risk?" Captain Wentworth continued.
Mr. Musgrove then replied, "I confess I did Fredrick. After the business with Louisa and Benwick, I had thought you would try and distance yourself from us. I had no doubt that our friendship began in earnest but I was not sure that it was only strengthened with the thoughts of brotherhood."
"I could no more distance myself from you Charles then I could from Captains Benwick or Harville. Indeed our friendship is true. There is none of this falseness to which you allude."
"I am greatly relieved Fredrick."
"Good" The Captain replied.
The gentlemen experienced a short moment of awkwardness but it was averted by the ladies coming to an awkward pause of their own and Charles took his opportunity to escape his somewhat emotional scene by addressing Henrietta, "Henrietta shall we go and press Mama for the details of the dinner at the Watsons' on Saturday? We would not want her to forget that we are all to enjoy the amusement."
They walked off in Mrs. Musgrove's direction leaving Anne and Captain Wentworth to themselves.
"Charles is a dear friend, it troubles me that he thought our friendship to be formed, even partly, of false regard", began Captain Wentworth.
"I can easily believe it. It would not be the first time he was to be used wrongly by someone he respected" Anne replied looking somewhat ashamed.
"What do you mean Anne?"
"Mr. Musgrove is a good-natured man with an agreeable temper and pleasing manners but he does not always have complete confidence in himself. He easily perceives himself inferior to others he respects."
"And how have you come by this knowledge of Charles?"
Anne blushed and avoided his gaze. "Ah, then you must be referring to his proposal toward you?" Fredrick continued.
"I admit I was. I am sorry if that troubles you", Anne replied grieved that alluding to the matter may have induced pain in the Captain.
"And why should it, did you not refuse him?" He paused to catch her eye, "I confess I was overjoyed when I heard this. To learn that you had refused a man who was so much superior to me at the time. I had thought that if the opportunity had arisen, Lady Russell would have persuaded you to marry anyone who was better off. I had convinced myself during those eight years at sea that if I were to hear of you having married, I would not care."
He lowered his head, seized her hand and massaged his thumb over top it and continued, "I declare I felt a great deal learning that I had come quite close to losing you. It was I think the first reawakening I experienced of my feelings towards you. I had shut them in so deep; so sure they were never to return. And then that dreadful incident at Lyme which turned out to be more of a blessing then I think you realize. "
Anne knew not how to reply to such a speech and instead of speaking squeezed his hand to reassure him. He looked at her then and they shared a sweet moment smiling at each other. "Dearest Anne", he whispered.
Captain Wentworth then recalled his sister's conversation from earlier, "Anne, I need your opinion on one subject. If it does not trouble you, I would like to acquaint my sister with our past. She is most distressed that we are making a hasty attachment and I would like very much to appease her worries and she is the only one I would ask this for."
"Yes at once. She is your sister; surely you do not need my permission?"
"If I had spoken to her about my feelings yesterday of course not, but today our understanding is so different and our futures are now one, I must have your consent on all matters. And she is soon to be your sister as well my dear. I will not have her know anything you wish her to be ignorant of."
"Certainly we have nothing to hide from her." exclaimed Anne. "But, if I may, will not her awareness bring on some disapproval towards yourself in regards to your dealings with Louisa?"
"Surely you have forgiven me? My behavior was dreadful to you to be sure but have I not explained? Have I not pleaded and ached enough to earn your forgiveness?" He exclaimed.
"Why yes of course. You know I have but, will she?"
"Well if you can my dear I need not care if she does."
"Fredrick, you shouldn't speak so. I know how much you admire your sister and trust her opinion. Do not treat it as though you do not value it or her."
"You are right. You are right. I do value her, more than anyone save you. But I would still like to inform her of our history together. I must risk her good opinion, if I am to secure it. I would have thought that you would not want her to know of…" he paused not knowing what to say without giving offense, "of the manner of my refusal. That you were persuaded to refuse me against your own heart's wishes and to be frank, I am sorry, but it may make you look weak in her eyes."
"But I was weak Fredrick, even if I feel I was right in the end to refuse."
"And do you wish her to think you weak as well? Surely not? I would want no one, especially my sister to think such things" he replied, disregarding the second half of her statement for the time being.
"No, it is not preferred but, I hope that my present character is better known to her than any story about the past can persuade her to think differently. She must know about the earlier period between us if we are to assure her of our affection and I can see that you greatly wish for it to be so."
"You are too good. Too willing to sacrifice yourself for others. From this day on I promise to give you as much if not more than I receive. For you deserve much much more."
Anne nodded her acceptance to his kind words for there was no arguing with him. He soon continued, "And if you would be so kind, will you accompany me? I would very much like to do this with you on my arm for she may be more apt to forgiveness with our joint presence."
"Then please let us do so at once."
They were however detained from communicating such knowledge the rest of the evening. But it was fixed between them that after his meeting with her father he should escort her to call on the Crofts and all would be revealed then.
A/N: I must confess, I had no idea I would enjoy writing this as much, if not more than I enjoy reading other's stories. Reading fanfiction has been a great pleasure of mine for a long time now and it is hard to imagine my surpassing it by simply writing. I am no writer. This is not natural for me, it is merely the result of too much Persuasion and not enough sleep.