What If … Sophia wouldn't let it rest?

"The Admirals kind urgency came in support of his wife's; they would not be refused, they compressed themselves into the smallest possible space to leave her a corner, and Captain's Wentworth without saying a word, turned to her, and quietly obliged her to be assisted into the carriage."

"Thank you for your assistance Captain." She whispered softly and urgently.

He didn't meet her eyes, instead he nodded and then leaning forward, murmured so only she would hear, "please remember your promise." He looked to Sophia and she understood his meaning.

"Of course." She murmured back and with the Admiral's flick of the reins, she was away.

Tha Admiral wasted no time in voicing his opinion on the subject of Frederick and his ever changing tendencies towards the Musgrove girls. He wished he would just pick one and save them all a lot of time. It was obvious he meant to have one of them, it just seemed he was having trouble making up his mind as to which.

Sophia looked at Anne blushing and exchanged a look with her husband, that had him cease his chosen subject of conversation instantly. After a few minutes of silence, Sophia addressed Anne. "I still do not understand what happened to part you two." Sophia admitted. Anne swallowed hard. Sophia, undeterred, continued, "I do not expect you to confide in me and share all your secrets, yet. However, please know my dear, I am here for you when you are ready." She gave Anne a warm smile and rested a hand on hers. Anne was almost beginning to relax when Sophia spoke again. "It is obvious to me, you are perfect for one another."

Anne shut her eyes against the threat of hopeless tears, "Mrs Croft." she pleaded, opening her eyes, "If your brother is unwilling to divuldge the detals of our attatchment, then you must understand, I cannot go against his wishes. You are his sister."

"As were you. Almost." She winked and smiled. Anne was speechless. A few moments of silence passed and Anne was hoping the awkward conversation was over. It was by surprise Mrs Croft caught her with her next words. "Do you still care for him?"

Sophia did not meet Anne's eye, or her husband's, as his head snapped round to look at his wife in dismay. Anne felt trapped, she could not ignore the question, or to lie to a woman she now considered her friend, and yet if she did answer honestly, she would be going against Captain Wentworth's wishes of pandering to his sister and her questions.

Mrs Croft, sensing the tension and knowing her question must have placed her new friend in a difficult position opened her mouth to tell the young lady she was sorry and that she did not need to answer such a question, when Anne's voice broke the quiet. "I will always care for him, that will never change."

Anne had answered truthfully.

Her feelings for him had never, and would never, waiver. He had been the first person outside of her family, she had claimed to love. The first man whoever showed her attention, whom she was inclined to return such attention to. The first person since her mother, to have listened and understood her in a way no one had since. He had been the one she could imagine herself growing old with in a way she never could have with Charles Musgrove, or anyone else who had ever fancied himself drawn to miss Anne Elliot.

It was lucky that any male attentions had all but ceased after he had left. She knew how much she had changed after he was gone, with no one to bring her out of it, she had retreated into her shell and remained there ever since. There had only been Charles who had taken the time to speak with her and try to know her better, but it was all for naught on his part. She could never love another man as she had Captain Wentworth, and because of that, she would never marry.

She knew she should, that she should try to lighten the already heavy burden her father had placed upon him; two ageing spinster daughters still living at home under his care, but she failed to see how she ever could. She supposed eventually, if ever someone was to ask, she would be obliged to say yes, after all, he would no doubt be married himself by then and then what would it matter? Either single or in a marriage of convenience, she would remain alone and unloved. She could see the Crofts were hanging on, awaiting her next words with trepidation, so she continued.

"However, his feelings, I fear, have already found another home." She acknowledged the Admiral's earlier observations with a nod towards him. "I have resound myself to the fact our acquaintance, was nothing more than a mere dalliance between two young people" she lied. Remembering her promise to the Captain, she swallowed and continued, "I urge you to do the same Mrs Croft. We cannot dwell on things out of our control and power to change. It can only result in pain and distress for all those involved." Anne stated resolutely.

Mrs Croft only smiled. "Perhaps."