"Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love." - Jane Austen
Epilogue – Earl Waldegrave
Earl Waldegrave wandered the streets of Bath attempting to enjoy the beauty of the day. His life had been difficult over the last year and his burdens were heavy. He had hoped to have someone in his life to share these burdens with or, at least, to bring some joy to his currently overwhelming circumstances. Alas, that was not to be.
Even now, the earl could not think about Elizabeth Bennet without a smile. Her wit and easy laughter had drawn him in from the beginning of their acquaintance. She was kind and artless in a way that was seldom to be found among the ladies of the Ton. As a second son, John Waldegrave had the luxury of not being the target of mercenary women. For certainly, who would scheme to capture the less attractive second son? No, that privilege was reserved for his brother George. His arrogant, foolish elder brother who John could not help loving and missing even over a year after his death.
When John suddenly lost both his father and his brother, his entire existence was turned on it's head. Those were dark days, indeed. If not for Amelia, he would surely have drowned in his grief. However, his love for his sister pushed him to continue on and accept his new fate. He was determined that he and Amelia would thrive and he would do all within his power to ensure her happiness. No one was more surprised than he when her happiness appeared in the form of Tom Bertram. That man had been a dissolute rake of the first order; however, he humbly explained to John that he was a changed man. The death of his close friend as well as his own near-death experience was the impetus needed to wake Bertram up from the error of his ways.
John was able to see the changes in Tom for himself as he courted his sister. He was confident that his beloved sister would be well-cared for and secure in her marriage. This thought brought him back to the task at hand. He had promised Amelia a gift from Bath and set out today to fulfill that promise.
John entered the shop and acknowledged the storekeeper who greeted him. Making his way towards the hat display, he noticed a lovely woman studying a pale blue bonnet. When she glanced up at his approach, he was surprised to recognize her.
"Why, Miss Anne Elliot! What a surprise to see you after so long." John said with a bow.
Anne smiled widely as she curtsied in return.
"An agreeable surprise, I hope, your lordship."
"I trust your family is well?" John asked.
"Yes, they are, thank you. My father and Elizabeth are in Bath. My younger sister was lately married."
"Wonderful to hear." John replied.
"And how is Miss Waldegrave?" Anne inquired.
"Amelia is very well, thank you. Soon I shall have a younger sister married too." He responded with a smile.
"Oh, I am glad to hear it." Anne said before adding quietly, "I was so very sorry to hear of your father and brother's passing sir. Please accept my condolences."
John bowed and thanked her before they were interrupted by an elegant older woman.
"Anne, I was wondering if you made a selection?" The older woman asked before she glanced significantly toward the gentleman.
"Lady Russell, I'd like you to meet the Earl Waldegrave. Your lordship, this is my godmother, Lady Russell."
John bowed over the elder woman's hand.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Russell."
Anne's godmother smiled and nodded and then turned to Anne.
"I see that you're not done shopping, my dear. Please take your time."
John spoke up at this.
"If I may be so bold as to impose upon an old friend, perhaps Miss Elliot would be so kind as to assist me in selecting a purchase for my sister?"
Lady Russell smiled and then replied, "You have chosen well, my lord. Anne has excellent taste."
Anne blushed at the compliment.
"My godmother is too kind. I am at your service, my lord."
"Wonderful. In return, I would like to invite you both to join me for dinner this evening, if you're not otherwise engaged?" He asked, hopeful.
Anne looked to her godmother, who nodded.
"Thank you, my lord. We would be very happy to join you."
John smiled broadly, "Excellent! Now, to select the perfect gift."
He moved towards the display that Anne had been inspecting upon his arrival.
When the two were looking at the hats, John leaned over conspiratorially.
"I suppose Amelia would not appreciate that rather large bonnet with the equally large stuffed bird on it? It is the most unfortunate shade of orange, yet, I cannot but imagine how amusing her face would be upon opening the gift box."
Anne laughed louder than was proper and John could not help but join her.
"What a doting brother you are, my lord. I was unsure when you asked for my assistance but now I see that it was a wise choice. I believe you do need me." Anne said with a smile.
John quietly replied, "Yes, I believe I do."
That day in Bath was the start of a brief yet tender courting between Earl Waldegrave and Anne Elliot. The gentleman's charming, good-humored personality was complemented by the lady's soft, loving nature. There were no misunderstandings to overcome during their courtship. It was a period of discovering one another and understanding how certain events in the past had brought them to their current place in life. Anne revealed to John that an earlier attachment gone wrong had taught her to trust in her own judgment in matters of the heart. John admitted to his own failed attempts to find happiness that led him to Bath. Their marriage was one of contentment, respect and enduring love.
Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into our dear Earl Waldegrave's future. (I know that MANY of you were worried for him). One more epi to go…Elizabeth & Darcy. Thank you again for all of your beautiful words of encouragement.