A/N: A big "thank you, you marvelous friend!" to my beta, tater, who is still dipping her quill into the red ink for me, and teaching me how to be more coherent with my thoughts for this story.

Chapter 52 – The Extent of My Admiration

Journeying back to the city, Meg discussed her nervousness auditioning Tuesday. "I know I said I felt slightly familiar with the dance, but I am still anxious about performing it. It is in a neoclassical style. The last portion has very rapid, challenging combinations. I have been accustomed to the more traditional pieces; I hope I will be able to portray the emotions correctly."

"Do you regret having to leave your work in Paris?"

Meg looked speculative for a moment, and stated, "I miss the routine and emotional predictably of my work there. But, another part of me really wants to venture into other genres. Although I speak of being uncomfortable with this particular piece, at the same time, I love the idea of performing it. I have been practicing relentlessly, and there is something very liberating about the movements and the flow of the style. I am not in my element, and yet I am reaching out to some other part of me. It is both thrilling and frightening." The dancer shrugged, and asked, "Have you ever experienced this with your singing?"

"I used to."

"Do you miss the feeling, then?"

"Yes. I truly miss the feeling."

"If you knew you might have the opportunity to sing that way again, would you take it?"

"That is a difficult question."

"Yes, I know," sighed Meg, lapsing into silence. Anne remembered that the dancer had been declared a prodigy, excelling in her craft at the Academy. Now she was nearing the height of her professional career. It made more sense to the older woman, while listening to Meg, why Sophia had not wanted her to sacrifice her art. Yet, it surprised Anne that the 20-year-old could be so child-like in manner. She was bereft of a support, and handled herself as though she had no confidence.

"Would it be all right with you if I came to your audition Tuesday?"

"Oh, Anne, would you really? I would love it if you would!"

It was only after she offered that the thought occurred to her: Frederik might be there, as well.

When Anne alone remained in the cab, she gave direction for Valeria's apartments. Her godmother had specified that she must visit the evening she returned. "Are you hungry?" asked Valeria after she greeted her goddaughter.

"Actually, yes."

"Good. Come, sit down."

Valeria plumped one of the pillows, and Anne suddenly became aware that the hostess expected someone else. When she asked whether there were others attending the meal, Valeria commented, "I do hope so. I invited your father and sister, but they have been with the Dalrymples all the afternoon. I am not certain whether they will decide to grace my home tonight." Just as she finished her statement, the doorbell sounded.

"Oh. I wonder who it is. I will just go and-," Mrs. Russell crinkled her nose in a nonchalant fashion and excused herself from the room.

"You have returned, at last," exclaimed the vicomte when he entered moments later. He sat across from Anne, and stated. "Valeria asked me to see that you do not get bored while she attends to a phone call."

Anne did not openly express her disdain at her godmother's little charade. She felt much like Elizabeth would in that moment. Her pride was pinched by the tricks Valeria was attempting in throwing them together. She greatly hoped that Raoul did not think her so interested that hers was the mind behind the calculations. Yet, he did not express any disinclination to be in her presence.

"I was sorry to find you were not at the spa opening, but I was told the reason for your absence." Anne raised her eyebrows, surprised that Raoul had been invited. While it was understood that he was a man of wealth, she had never considered that he might move in the same circles as her father.

"Are you acquainted with Dame Dalrymple?" she asked.

"I am, though I did not know it before I attended. It seems the Dame was a good friend of my father's years ago. Of course, she did not recall me personally. It was only by an introduction through Elliot; I was extended an invitation in lieu of your own attendance," he explained.

"Ah. Well, I'm glad someone could be granted the pleasure of such an honorable event, since I could not be present." Anne tried to keep the sarcasm from her voice, but failed. She had meant to say the words kindly, but she could hardly conceal her own feelings regarding the triviality of the opening.

Raoul's expression was inquisitive as he gazed into her face. "Are you so very loath to attend social functions, in general?"

"No, no. It is not that. Forgive me."

"No, do tell me what your feelings are upon the matter. I should greatly wish to know your thoughts."

"I am not disinclined to be acquainted with Dame Dalrymple or her daughter. I have, as yet, not seen her, so it would not do to give a preconceived judgment of her character. I am only disturbed at the manner in which my father speaks of her. He is completely persuaded that there is no one else her equal in social rank, and, therefore, everyone should be reconciled to having no other topic of interest to discuss than the thoughts and actions of the Dame. Poor woman, I should feel very sorry to find in her nothing so affecting, but a charming smile and polite 'how you do you do.' For, my family has talked her up to such heights as she could not possibility attain."

Raoul, who had started out with a subtle twinkle in his eyes, was verily laughing aloud by the completion of Anne's discourse. "Yes, yes. I can see where your thoughts lean. And, I will tell you, I found myself more interested in the particulars of your absence than the conversation surrounding the honorable Dame and Laura Carteret. I think you must, indeed, be endowed with an excellent and giving heart. For, whether you were decidedly against the Dame or no, traveling to visit your sick friend and braving the displeasure of your father shows your spirit of goodness and disinterestedness."

Anne opened her mouth to contradict, but Raoul interrupted her. "There is no point in giving yet another example of your modesty. I have discussed it all with your friend. Valeria and I have found a common interest in sorting out your merits, which I am certain to greatly horrify you in telling you so." He spoke the latter statement with a wide grin, but his expression turned serious as he informed her, "But, I shall not fluster you, Anne. I merely wished to make known to you the extent of my admiration."

Anne could not speak, but her flushed features gave a small understanding of her disposition to her companion. "Thank you," she whispered, knowing that she should respond to such compliments with graciousness. Conversely, she was feeling quite put out with her godmother.

"Knowing your good mind, I wish to ask you about your observations of your sister's friend. I would not be so bold, but I have no doubt that your conscious eye has been aware for some time…"

"You mean, Penelope Clay, I imagine." The vicomte nodded.

"You can not look on the matter without some distaste, I believe. The woman is always in your father's company, and she seems to have developed an influence with him, not to mention his growing attachment to her." Anne, though surprised at the man's openness, was able to perceive that Raoul saw the same impropriety as she in the relationship between Mrs. Clay and her father. Yet, her response would have to wait. The doorbell sounded once again, and a boisterous Walter Elliot and the two females who accompanied him everywhere descended upon the small dinner party.

"Why, Elliot!" observed Valeria, as she entered the hall. "I am quite surprised that you were able to detach yourself from the delightful company of the Dalrymples."

Elliot entered the room, espied Anne, and took no troubles to acknowledge her presence. "Good evening, Vicomte," he gestured to Raoul, and immediately was seated, occupying his time in the awkward quietness that ensued, whence he did not greet his younger daughter, in arranging the creases in his trouser legs properly.

"Hello, sister," greeted Elizabeth. Her tone was easily read to be one of reproof.

It was soon obvious that Valeria had not truly expected Walter Elliot, Elizabeth, or Mrs. Clay to attend her dinner. Instead of directing them to their seats, she merely allowed them to arrange themselves. The meal was plentiful, but the table felt overcrowded due to the sentiments of the eaters. The Great Elliot was disposed to be taciturn, and would not to speak to Anne for the duration of the evening.

"How was your day with the Dame?" Valeria asked, trying to coax Elliot into conversation.

"It was exactly what I had expected; a small, intimate gathering among friends. Much smaller than the opening. There were far too many people in attendance on Saturday to partake in a meaningful conversation." Walter Elliot's discourse continued for some minutes regarding the afternoon. Thereafter, Anne perceived that, though he had mentioned the party as being small, her father had been among some thirty other guests and their companions.

"We learned some news that is quite scandalous," introduced Elizabeth, when her father had exhausted all conversation about how the Dame had been ever so pleased with his display on Saturday, how she had remembered the concert in Ireland, and her pleasing reactions.

"Laura Carteret was here in the city a few months ago to try for the part of the Siren in Frederik Wentworth's play." Anne looked up from her plate immediately. "Do you know, she was turned down - overlooked! – because of Fran Carlotta's interest in the role. Can you imagine? Dame Dalrymple's daughter, a very-talented stage actress from what I gather, rejected because Carlotta wanted the part."

"She must be acknowledged as being far superior to the film star," asserted Mrs. Clay, with obvious desire to mimic the thoughts that must have been spoken at some earlier time.

"Quite right. The Dame is quite rankled over it, though she was polite enough not to let on," declared Elliot.

"I have never heard of Miss Carteret's name associated with a stage performance," Valeria mused. "Has she been in the business long?"

"That is the tragedy of it; she has only been stage-acting for the past four or five years, having newly discovered her talent. Most of her experience has been abroad and rather eclectic, from what I gather." replied Elliot.

"Perhaps that is why Carlotta was chosen over Miss Carteret," expressed Valeria.

Walter Elliot turned to look at her, incredulously. "I am surprised at your willingness to ally yourself with the producers of a musical over the Dame. Connie is an exceptional actress, and I can assure you that her daughter will be the same."

Valeria acquiesced, "I'm sure you are right, Elliot. I am quite aware of the awards and honors Constance Dalrymple has received for her performances in many great productions."

"Yes, I am certain that it is a slight to the Dame herself that her daughter was so callously passed over for the part." Walter Elliot dropped his napkin onto his plate. "And, for that reason, I will not attend the premiere of this insipid Siren of the Laconia."

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Misty Breyer: Loved your review! Yes, you now know that Sophie is Mrs. Smith in this story. I liked your description of Elliot. ("Fake orangey tan" – shudder). I don't know why, but I picture him with a figure like an older Cary Grant only shorter.

followthestory: Unsettling a foolish old man only makes him angrier. If Anne lashed out, she might have a temporary selfish pleasure in it, but what good does it do her or her father in the long run? Hmm…a talk between Raoul and Frederik. That wouldn't be pretty. (Heh, heh) Thanks!!

Sunsshinesista: I generally don't respond to earlier chapter reviews, but I'm making an exception. (Hope you make it to this chapter to read this.) First, thank you for notifying me of an inconsistency you perceived. I crave more reviews of this nature. They are in Malibu, California, not Florida. I was too vague about the location. So, I've made improvements to the first chapter. Thanks again!

Ana-Misa: Yes! Anne will not be bullied into anything. Great guesswork about Frederik's business, and great question regarding what would happen at Sophie's. It's so exciting to see that you understand things I haven't necessarily brought attention to.

bluetinkerbell: I guess I assumed that those who have loved Jane Austen's works would be able to understand this story. But, there are also many writers in this category who are hooked on the latest movie, and want to try for a modern dialogue. That's cool, too. Still, I have to say: Yay for the "smart" ones! And me, too.