Frederick's head tilted upwards and his stomach turned as the men cut the tree. He had hoped that by watching this giant symbol of his past come down, he might finally achieve the closure that had eluded him for the past eight years. Instead, every branch that fell to the ground brought an increasing feeling of discomfort.

The strong and magnificent oak had been brought down suddenly and violently by an external force; the parallels to his and Anne's engagement, along with Lady Russell's interference, could not be missed. More than that, this tree had been their tree, one that had witnessed the happiest moments of his life thus far. Where he and Anne had spent innumerable summer days sitting under the broad leafy shade, watching the sunlight reflect on the lake and dreaming about their future together. Where he had proposed to her and experienced the exquisite felicity that followed with her acceptance. Where they had shared their first kiss. He could still hear the tinkling sound of her laughter, see the sparkle in her eyes as she gazed lovingly at him, and smell the lavender of her hair as she rested her head against his arm.

As more and more pieces of the tree came down, Frederick fought an urge to call out and stop the work. The men finished with the branches and began sawing into the wide trunk; Frederick could hardly bear to watch. No longer could he ignore the truth that had always been in front of him - he was still in love with Anne Elliot.

He wanted to do something, but what? The gardener had declared the tree a loss and Admiral Croft and Sophia had agreed. Frederick had no authority on the matter… only one other person might. He turned to Sophia, who had accompanied him and Admiral Croft.

"Is Miss Elliot aware of this work being done?"

"Miss Elliot? I daresay she would not care," Sophia responded with a slight laugh.

The words were like a knife to Frederick's heart.

"Did she… had she said something about this tree?"

Sophia gave a puzzled look. "No, but other than her flower gardens, she seemed not to care about anything involving the grounds. And she is fifty miles away in Bath. The gardener assures the Admiral that this work is well within our discretion."

Frederick realised his mistake. Sophia thought he was talking about Anne's older sister, Elizabeth.

"I meant Miss Anne Elliot. She is only three miles away. Perhaps someone should tell her."

"Oh, I see. No, we need not bother her. The gardener has explained that this is the only option for the oak, and Miss Elliot seems busy enough with Mrs. Charles Musgrove and her nephews."

Frederick nodded. He could speak no further without raising his sister's suspicions, and had no idea how Anne felt about the tree or him. Her actions over the past few weeks had bewildered him more than anything, and he found himself unable to read her as he had once so easily done. By sunset, the tree was reduced to a low stump.

~~OOO~~

That evening, Frederick and the Crofts made their customary journey to the Great House for dinner. Conversation at the table was particularly animated as everyone wanted to discuss the storm.

"How terrible it was!" Mary exclaimed loudly. "The constant rumbling was quite hard on my nerves, and I thought the windows might burst from the wind. I was awake half the night afraid for my life. Thankfully, the boys slept through the entire ordeal. They sleep through everything!"

"I was so frightened!" Louisa agreed. "I went straight to Henrietta's bedchamber and stayed there until morning." She turned to Frederick who sat to her right. "Have you experienced anything like it before, Captain Wentworth?"

Frederick set down his fork and knife. "I have been through a few similar storms while at sea in the West Indies and near England."

Louisa and Henrietta exclaimed in horror.

"It must have been even worse on a ship! How did you endure it?" Henrietta wondered.

"How fortunate your men were to have such a capable captain!" Louisa remarked.

Frederick shifted in his seat uncomfortably. He had enjoyed the flattery and attentions of the Miss Musgroves over the past few weeks, but not tonight. He stole a glance at the other end of the table, where he wished he were seated. Anne was engaged in conversation with Charles and Admiral Croft. Frederick reluctantly turned back to Louisa and Henrietta and made a brief, polite response before taking another bite of roasted pheasant. He then turned to Mr. Musgrove and said,

"Did your property take any damage from the storm?"

"Yes, Captain Wentworth. A few trees were uprooted by the strong winds. Luckily, no structures were damaged."

Sophia, sitting next to Mr. Musgrove, added, "Kellynch Hall was fortunate to have only one casualty. The tallest oak tree on the grounds was struck by lightning and had to be taken down today, but everything else survived intact."

Frederick heard Anne's voice suddenly stop in mid-conversation and he looked at her. All the colour drained from her face and to his surprise, her gaze shifted to him. Their eyes met for less than one second before she realised it and hastily turned back to Charles, but that was all it took for Frederick to penetrate her thoughts. She had cared deeply about the oak tree, and Frederick knew that meant she still cared about him as well.

~~OOO~~

Anne sat on the sofa after dinner, giving all the appearance of listening to Mary and Mrs. Musgrove as they talked next to her, but only hearing half the conversation. The rest of her mind was focused on her own thoughts. The oak tree was gone! Frederick had once told her that oaks could live for hundreds of years. This particular one had existed since before the Elliots were awarded the baronetcy, and Frederick and Anne both thought the tree would last beyond their lifetimes.

"It may be one of the few things that outlasts my love for you," he had once whispered before placing a gentle kiss on her lips.

Anne looked at Frederick as he sat with Louisa, Henrietta, and Charles by the fireplace. He had continued to avoid her company tonight as he had done since arriving at Kellynch. Perhaps it was fitting that, like his once tender feelings for her, the tree was no more. Kellynch Hall and its grounds already held too many reminders of her failed engagement to Frederick, and the tree was the most painful one of all.

"Good evening, Miss Elliot."

Anne looked up to see Sophia standing next to her and forced a polite smile.

"Good evening, Mrs. Croft."

Sophia took the empty chair next to Anne. "I could not help but notice your reaction at dinner to the news of the oak tree, Miss Elliot. I hope you are not upset that it was cut down."

"Not at all."

At Sophia's unconvinced expression, Anne continued, "I was only surprised, Mrs. Croft. That particular oak tree was one of my favourites, and has been around for so long that it never occurred to me it might one day be gone."

Sophia nodded sympathetically. "I understand. I am sorry the news was burst upon you so unexpectedly. Frederick thought you might wish to know about it sooner, but I did not think it mattered. The next time we have any changes to the grounds, I shall inform you immediately."

Anne paused. At least Frederick had remembered - of course he remembered. Though he had acted no further and was now trying to attach himself to another, the revelation that he was not entirely unfeeling towards her provided a certain amount of pleasure.

"The stump of the tree still remains," Sophia continued. "Would you like to see it? You must know you are welcome at Kellynch Hall any time."

Anne had deliberately avoided Kellynch since the Crofts had arrived, but decided a visit might be best - she could say a final goodbye to the tree and all it represented, and finally close the chapter on that period of her life.

"Thank you, Mrs. Croft. Might I call on you tomorrow morning?"

~~END OF CHAPTER~~