Chapter Four

It was unclear to both Frederick and Anne whom out of the party was more delighted in their newly formed attachment. Harville who had been standing close to his friend ready to support him in anyway necessary should the need arise, was the first to reach the Captain and shake his hand, genuinely pleased to see his friend happy and settled at long last. Both he and his wife enjoyed Anne's company and she should be welcome in their home anytime with or without her husband. Sophia Croft was the first to reach Anne, pulling her into an embrace and holding her close while murmuring that she couldn't be happier at the prospect of them becoming sisters. The admiral kissed her hand and offered her a low bow and they both addressed their brother ready to scold him for not being forthcoming with his intentions toward Miss Anne.

Anne's own brother and sister; Charles and Mary offered hearty congratulations, Mary already rattling in Anne's ear about how she would be far wealthier than either Henrietta or Louisa. Anne tried to steer the conversation to something other than her future husband's wealth. Charles was pleased to have his newly formed friend and shooting partner properly inducted into the family. Mrs Musgrove was fishing for details and couldn't believe a courtship had been happening under her very nose. "But he never had any inclination of leaning towards Miss Anne, quite the reverse and she the same! Barely a word has passed between them. Most peculiar indeed! But love is love and I shall be pleased to hear Miss Anne is settled."

The ladies Dalrymple and Carteret along with Mrs Clay all offered their felicitations from their seats closely observed by Sir Walter unsure if he had made the correct decision supporting such a match. Elizabeth showed no indication of being pleased or not, and after a moment returned to her game encouraging the others to do the same, it was of course her party. Mr Elliot scowled from a corner and at the earliest opportunity made his excuse and quit the residence. He had had to admit he had lost a race he was not aware he was in, to an opponent he had not even considered.

As the night wore on, Anne was disappointed to see Henrietta's words were proving to be correct. Frederick and she had barely had a moment to themselves; pulled one way and then the other and never in the same direction as each other, answering question after question. Everyone had advice or blessings they wished to bestow, and soon she began to tire of it, and them.

Despite their distance, Fredericks attention had remained fixed on his fiancée much of the evening. He could tell just by watching her body curve inwardly she was beginning to feel the effects of a long and eventful day. When she hid a yawn behind her reticule his suspicions were confirmed; his beloved was tired and although it would not be proper to escort her to her bedroom and ensure she fell asleep, he could make things a little easier for her.

Reminiscent of their walk from Uppercross to Winthrop, a word in Sophia's ear saw her, the Admiral, Captain Harville and himself making their own excuses to leave early. In the immediate commotion that followed, as the Musgrove's decided it was time they left too, Frederick was able to capture Anne's attention and ensure she followed him out into the hallway. The footmen had been called away to summon carriages and the happy pair found themselves quite alone.

He wasted no time in taking both of her hands in his and drawing them to his lips kissed each knuckle in turn. She moved towards him, closing the gap between them. She ached for him to hold her like he once did a long time ago. But things were different now. They had both been young, reckless and impetuous back then. She made to move back when he drew her to him and pushed her head against his chest. Holding her that way brought back all the good memories she had suppressed for so long. She took a deep breath in letting his scent consume her. She felt his head drop to hers and a chase kiss to her forehead. They broke apart reluctantly at the sound of footsteps. He looked down at her now flushed cheeks and prided himself at being able to produce that affect in her. "What are you smiling at?" She whispered.

"I don't know where to begin in answering that question, so I'll answer with a simple; you."

"Frederick!" she admonished.

"Now I have two things to smile about, for that is the first time you have addressed me as such since my return."

"I could hardy call it you in front of others. Besides you have repeatedly referred to me as 'Miss Anne' throughout our time together and in our conversation this afternoon."

"I … I did not know if I still had your permission to call you what I used to." He said bashfully.

"I don't remember ever revoking that permission." She added playfully.

This is how they always were, years ago. A servant passed them and they looked at the floor guiltily until they had passed, he then reclaimed her hand and smiled at her knowing they had mere seconds before everyone would be wondering where they were. "Very well I shall use it, but only when we are alone, for it is for I alone to use and you alone to hear." She smiled warmly at this and covered his hand with her other one. She opened her mouth and closed it again, unable to –not brave enough- to say the words she longed to speak. He saw her hesitancy and after ensuring they were alone, urged her to speak. She bit her lip in such a worried fashion and looked so anxious, he let himself believe for a foolish moment she was having second thoughts "Anne what is it?" The playful tone had escaped his voice and left behind only desperation. His head fell, unable to meet her eye.

Anne sensing his sudden increase in insecurities, held his arms and forced him to look at her. "It is nothing like that which you are imagining. I wanted to give you something and now that we are alone it seems the perfect opportunity, but I am afraid you will think badly of me, that is … that it is undignified for a lady to do such a thing."

He felt the tension release from his very bones. That was what she was afraid of; what he would think of her! "Anne it is only you and I out here, and I will never ever think anything of you other than love and affection." She looked unsure still, he grinned, "would it help if I closed my eyes?" he was back to being playful. Her eyes grew wide for a moment and he worried he had taken the banter too far but before he could apologise she was nodding. With another glance around him he shut his eyes and held his hands out like a child awaiting a gift. Had his eyes remained open he would have seen his beloveds shyness return as she shuffled even closer to him and stretching up on her tip toes planted a gentle but sweet kiss upon his cheek.

The surprise was such, his eyes sprung open as her lips left his skin and he found his face so close to hers, that he could count every eyelash. Their eyes met and locked and without warning to her or even himself, his body acted of its own accord and his lips found their way to hers. They met softly and all too quickly it was over. Harville's overly loud voice was announcing the arrival of the others and declaring their closeness was now at its end. Both had a blotchy reddening complexion and a guilty look about them, that anyone who had been paying them attention would surely have noticed, as it was, none did and when the Crofts carriage finally arrived, both appeared composed.

As a parting gesture Frederick bowed over her head and then whispered so only she could hear, "Goodnight Annie." He then straightened, addressing her father once again, politely thanking him for a wonderful evening and wishing for his compliments to be passed along to Miss Elliot for such a delightful evening. He re confirmed he would be calling on Miss Anne in the morning should it be agreeable with her, she nodded it was. Captain Wentworth informed them he wished to discuss the finer details of the marriage and that Captain Harville would be accompanying him. Anne who had begun to glow even more at the mention of marriage and wedding dates from her betrothed was thrilled to learn she would see him again so soon, and to have the chance at attempting another kiss. Frederick eyes fell to her and he let her know silently he was of the same mind with just a flash of a smile. But it was a smile she was re-acquainting herself with; that certain smile. The smile that let her know he knew what she was thinking, because he felt and thought it too. It was the one he had used so often from across a crowded room so many years ago. Their secret smile. Sir Walters consent was of course given and the couple parted ways until they would meet on the morrow.