Chapter Ten

"This is not quite the reaction I had been picturing when I envisioned giving you the news."

She rose to her feet and walked to the mantel piece, turning her back on him. "Frederick it is a nice thought, but it simply cannot be."

"Why not?"

She turned to look at him. "You know why not. Kellynch is no longer my home. Father, he cannot return there under the present circumstances. There are many debts still held by the tenants and shop keepers to name but a few."

"Is that your only objection?"

"That and the fact it would be most imposing on your sister and the Admiral, as I am sure you intend holding our wedding breakfast at the hall also, do you not?"

Frederick rose to his feet and came to stand beside her. "I am. That part was most easily settled. Sophia jumped at the chance; she suggested it. She has no daughter and Edward was married without either of us being on land to witness it or to take part in the festivities. She would like nothing more than to help us plan our occasion in any way that she can – beginning with the use of the hall." Anne's eyes were glistening. "As for your fathers return, the Admiral has already begun enquiries of his steward at Kellynch, but it is his belief from what time they have already spent there, 'Miss Anne' was the loveliest kindest lady and employer they had known since Lady Elliot herself. They would want nothing more than for her to be married at her childhood chapel with those who have watched her grow up to see it. A glimpse of her riding past in a carriage is payment enough."

Anne grabbed his arm. "Frederick can this be true? Could there really be a chance?"

"I believe so my sweet, I truly do." He held her hands again desperate for any contact. "Now for your second surprise."

"Frederick, this is really too much. I am already being spoiled by you. Honestly just being with you is enough."

"Well how would you like to accompany me on a visit?"

"A visit? To see whom?"

"Your friend Miss Smith. The one you were telling me about." He looked down examining her fingers in his own. "I confess since you shared her story and her plight at the hands of that rogue Elliot, I haven't been able to rest. I have a few contacts in that part of the world and I believe we may be able to help her."

Anne was overcome with gratitude for her friend and herself, at his display of kindness towards a woman he was yet to meet and thought of the stark contrast between that of her fiancé and Mr Elliot. She forgot propriety completely and launched herself into his unsuspecting arms, he recovered from the surprise quickly and caught her up in his embrace, pulling her to him tightly. "Thank you Frederick. Thank you. You are a good man. The best of men." She gushed.

"Save your praise my dear. I haven't accomplished anything yet!" he teased humorously. Inside he burned with pride at being able to make up for any discomfort he had put her through during his time at Uppercross, as well as having this beautiful woman in his arms. He kissed her forehead before she lifted her mouth to his, initiating a kiss. It started off slowly and innocently enough, but soon they became swept up in their passions until the footstep of an approaching footman pulled them from their lust fuelled haze. Frederick ran a thumb across Anne's swollen lips trying to comprehend how she could become even more enchanting from just being kissed. Her eyes sparkled and her face glowed. It was all most becoming and the heady combination of that and her scent was all encompassing, driving him to distraction. He would not have anything spoil their wedding, as much as he would like to, he refused to compromise Anne in anyway by anticipating their wedding vows. She trusted him completely and he would not betray that trust by taking liberties with her in her father's parlour! He took her by the shoulders, pushing her back gently, separating them and held steady while he composed himself. "Annie this is no good." He sighed. "When we are alone … I find it hard to control myself around you."

Anne, imagining he could only be referring to their recent development in the relationship; kissing, sheepishly admitted "I do not mind." Before turning a deeper shade of pink. She did not know exactly what happened between a husband and wife but she knew enough to understand it was an act of love on the most intimate level and the feelings she had for Frederick had her wanton for what she wasn't even sure of, but with each kiss she was left wanting more and almost bereft when he ceased his ministrations.

"But you should, and so should I. You are a lady, an innocent lady, and I intend to keep you as one up until the moment you are my wife. We need –we must- behave ourselves, even if that means we no longer spend any time alone."

Anne huffed and even pouted. "I do not like the notion of that at all."

He hid his smile. "Nor do I my sweet. But I feel we … I cannot be trusted to … well in short, I cannot keep my hands off of you!"

Anne felt her whole body flush crimson at his directness, but then they had always been like that, speaking honestly with one another, no matter how out of turn. She would not want them to change now. She took a deep breath. "Perhaps we should go and see Mrs Smith."

"A capital idea my love. Let us go and fetch your things and be off."

Frederick had purchased a new Landaulet and was eager, and a little anxious, to hear her opinion of it, since she would be riding in it as much as him in the future. It was very comfortable and well cushioned. Anne however only smiled and climbed in not saying a word or remarking on it in any way. Disappointment spread over him and something more; fear. Fear that he had pushed her too far, for being too blunt and fear he had slighted her by his frankness in telling her what would happen if they were left alone. They were alone now, in the confines of a carriage no less.

Anne however felt only shame. Shame at being so naïve and innocent. She had no knowledge of what Frederick was so afraid of happening between them. She didn't want to do anything that could be construed as encouragement. She didn't want Frederick to compromise her. Not only for the sake of her reputation, but for that of his. He had a loyal following and honourable repute, she did not wish to be the one who ruined that.

They arrived at Westgate buildings in an awkward tension filled silence. Mrs Rooke showed them in, all smiles for the Captain and words of congratulations, word had already reached the inhabitants of their engagement. She led the pair into the snug sitting room, taking their coats and hats and then leaving them with Mrs Smith so they could speak privately. After Harriet Smith had been formally introduced to Captain Wentworth and passed on her own heart filled felicitations, Anne begged her to relate her tale of woe once more. This time directly to The Captain in case Anne had mistaken any of the details.

Once she had done and produced several letters to collaborate her story, the ladies remained quiet awaiting Wentworth's response. Frederick leaned forward and took Harriet's hands in his own, the lady gasped at the contact but instantly relaxed under his caring gaze, "Mrs Smith, I am appalled at the treatment you have already received at the hands of Mr Elliot. No one deserves such horrors, and having to deal with all of this in the aftermath of your husband's passing, it makes me shudder to think what you have gone through. I would hope Anne should never have to face such times, but if the worst was to happen, she would have a friend like to you to advise her." He glanced at Anne and then back to Mrs Smith. "Someone to turn to for support. In Mr Elliot you have been most ill-used. The information you have shared with us regarding your property in the West Indies sounds promising. I have a few associates in that part of the world and the means to instruct a man of the Law to act on our behalf." Harriett made to interrupt him but he waved her off. "It is really no trouble to me and I would be grateful to help one of Anne's closest friends."

"Oh Captain Wentworth, can this be true? I mean truly, you are going to try and help me?"

"Yes my lady, you alone are the one who not only warned Anne against Mr Elliot, at risk of your own detriment, but one who, in the past, provided her with much needed solace during her own difficult time. It would be my honour to serve you in any way I can." He assured her. Mrs Smith retrieved her hand from the Captains grasp and covered her face in anguish and relief. Anne was beaming proudly at her future husband and it made him sit up a little straighter. They left soon after with the promise of returning when they had more news.