Fredrick's letter read;

Dear Fredrick,

I cannot, in any way express my delight at your wonderful news. We have decided that your wedding being three weeks away, that your engagement supper should be tomorrow week. Would it suit you if we called on you in Bath in a few days? If this proposal is acceptable, we know how much Anne loves Kellynch, so we have a proposition for you both. As the Admiral is only a tenant of the house, I asked him to make enquiries into returning the house to Sir Walter as we have a great desire to settle in Bath. We found that Sir Walter has no intention of returning to Kellynch himself as he is quite taken with Bath. He made it very clear that if the Admiral and I have to quit Kellynch, the house must on all accounts be sold. I know it would be incredibly distressing for Anne to have the house sold to anyone else before her Father is solvent and has a hope of returning here. We know that you and Anne would love to reside here, we shall be looking at houses in Camden Place when we are in Bath. We are also great friends with Mr and Mrs Musgrove of Uppercross House. I believe you are acquainted with them, as Mr Musgrove invited you to stay at Uppercross earlier this year. They too are talking of leaving Uppercross for Bath as Mr Musgrove has a case of the gout and the doctor believes that the waters of Bath would be beneficial for his recovery. Charles Musgrove will inherit Uppercross of course. We are both looking forward to seeing you and Anne at Camden Place and at your lodgings.

All my love,

Sophia

'My letter was from my sister. She has proposed a date for our engagement supper. It shall be next Wednesday at Kellynch. She also writes to inform me that Mr and Mrs Musgrove are soon to be quitting Uppercross for here, Camden Place, as Mr Musgrove has a bad case of the gout. Charles Musgrove and your sister will be to inherit. I believe they are leaving after the Miss Musgrove's have their weddings.' Fredrick chuckled slightly as Anne's expression was one of slight confusion and exasperation.

'One of the letters I received was from Henrietta Musgrove. She wants to meet with me at my earliest convenience to talk about wedding plans, and the other letter from Mary telling me of her high spirits at the thought of three weddings in the same month! I fear I shall never get away from them both, even when I am married to you!' Anne said, exasperated.

Fredrick chuckled and placed a reassuring hand on her arm and said;

'Don't worry my love, when we are married, we will have whomever you choose in our house; anyone we do not wish, we shall pretend we are not home for.'

Anne laughed, touched by Fredrick's joke. A maid rushed in, without warning.

'Bessie, I am astonished that you did not wait and nock before entering. Surely you know better? Please apologise.' Bessie bowed her head.

'I'm sorry, Sir, Miss, but I had to warn you both. Miss Elizabeth is storming down here presently. I advise you both to take your leave at once.'

Fredrick raised his eyebrows and hurriedly picked up the letters from the writing desk, carefully taking the unfinished letter to Mrs Smith with him, in case someone was inclined to read what Anne had started to write about Mrs Smith's personal affairs.

'Thank you Bessie.' He nodded and grabbed Anne's hand and ushered her out of the room.

Kellynch Hall

The next morning, as early as he could manage, Fredrick engaged a hired cart to Kellynch Hall. He sent an express to his sister informing her of his plan and set off. After a few hours of travelling, Fredrick arrived at a little village near Uppercross, the nearest village to Kellynch Hall. After making his way through the busy market square he reached a large town house that held a prominent position in the square. A regularly polished brass plate next to the door read;

SIR A.M COOKSON (Magistrate and Banker)

PLEASE Wipe your feet AND Ring the bell.

Fredrick rang the bell and after a few moments a very finely dressed maid appeared.

'Yes Sir?'

'I am here to see Sir Cookson on a matter of urgency.' Fredrick explained.

'Come through, Sir. I'll take your coat and I'll show you through to his study.'

She led Fredrick into a large richly furnished room at the end of the hallway which was adorned with books and papers of every sort, and housed a large desk at the end of the room, behind which sat Sir Cookson.

'A Captain Wentworth to see you on a matter of business, Sir' The maid bobbed a curtsy and left the room.

'Captain Wentworth?' He shook his hand. 'I am very pleased to meet you. Now, to business – how can I help you?'

'I have come to discuss the property Kellynch Hall with you. I have been told that you are charged with its care.' Fredrick explained.

'Well, as I am sure you may know, I asked the father of the lovely Mrs Clay the job of finding a suitable tenant for the place. He found the Admiral and Mrs Croft, the Admiral having just retired from the Navy, was in need of a place just like it. They have signed all papers and lively there in quite some comfort, I dare say for a good few months now, I believe.'

Fredrick smiled knowing at Sir Cookson.

'Yes.' He answered. 'My sister is Mrs Croft and I have been fortunate enough to have stayed there on a few occasions.' He paused to gauge the gentleman's reaction. 'The matter I have come to discuss will involve a lot of discretion. I want to make sure everything proceeds in the proper manner. I have recently become engaged to Miss Anne Elliot, the middle daughter of Sir Walter Elliot. The Admiral and my sister have recently become set on quitting Kellynch for Bath for the waters and they know how much my betrothed loved her former home. They have made communications with Sir Walter, expressing their wish to leave Kellynch. He has no intention of returning to Kellynch, as he is very taken with Bath at present. He asked for the house to be sold, and I wish to purchase it.'

Sir Cookson stared at Fredrick. He blinked a few times, quite unsure of what to say.

'Well, Sir. I have received just this morning a letter testifying to the truth of what you have just related to me, but I still have not received a confirmation from Sir Walter that this idea to sell his property is indeed his own.'

'I have here a letter from Sir Walter stating all that you will what to know, I am sure.'

Fredrick handed over the letter with a slight smile. Sir Cookson frowned slightly.

'Captain Wentworth. Having been a married man myself, I can tell when a gentleman is planning something special in mind for a lady. Can I ask, is the hall to be a wedding present for Miss Elliot? When is the date of your wedding?'

Surprised at the gentleman's question, Fredrick raised his eyebrows slightly.

'In roughly two weeks, Sir. It is to be a wedding present surprise for Miss Elliot. She is very attached to the house and she would hate to see it go to anyone else.'

Sir Cookson smiled slightly but frowned.

'I know the sense of desire and responsibility you may feel in having to please your future wife, but I advise you not to rush into anything that is spontaneous and rash, just to please her.'

'Sir, I was a Naval Captain and obtained a wealth of Spanish gold and a very large fortune, which I think may amount to be at least twice yours, Sir so I am glad that I may put it to some good use. As for being foolish and making rash decisions, I have been thinking of buying the house somehow for Miss Elliot if it ever came up for purchase since I made her acquaintance nine years ago. Argument is fruitless Sir, I will not give way.' He faced the gentleman wearing a determined expression.

'Right, Sir. I am sorry to have doubted you, but you never can tell each young man from the next. I will fetch the papers directly.'

Bath

The next morning, Fredrick received a letter confirming what he understood to be true after signing various papers the previous day.

It read;

Captain Wentworth,

As of discussion yesterday, I have managed to insure that Kellynch Hall will be yours by law within the next week before your wedding, so it will be ready to move in on your wedding day. I have informed the Admiral and Mrs Croft that you will take full possession three days before your nuptials, so they will have to find alternative lodgings for that night at least if you allow to have them stay on as long as you wish. I understand the Admiral and Mrs Croft intend to have moved out of Kellynch by late next week, but I will endeavour to keep you informed.

I have made sure that the sale of Kellynch stays a secret, you may be assured of my secrecy.

Yours sincerely,

SIR Cookson