Frederick was part way through finishing his breakfast, when the Admiral remarked, "Tis a fine day today! Sophie, I think I will go into the village and enquire about a carriage. Being on land is starting to make me restless. I feel disorientated being stationary for so long."

Sophia chuckled, "Indeed! I think I will join you. You don't mind do you Frederick?"

"Not at all Sophia. I was just going to visit the Musgroves," replied Frederick as he reached for another piece of toast.

Sophia exchanged a knowing look with her husband. She was glad that her brother was finally open to the idea of marriage, but was concerned he would make a match out of haste. In a short period of time, Frederick had established a strong relationship with the Musgroves, which would encourage the expectations of a match between him and one of the Miss Musgroves. Sophia had no doubt about that, as Frederick was there practically everyday! But secretly she hoped Frederick would make a better choice. It seemed the greatest appeal of the Miss Musgroves' was their ability to massage Frederick's vanity, which Frederick was thoroughly enjoying.

He wasn't enthralled by one girl over the other, but Sophia could see that both girls had eyes for him alone. She shared this view with her husband when Frederick had left.

"It is too soon to tell my dear," said the Admiral as he took Sophia's hand. "Right now, he has 2 pretty little things vying for his attention at the same time! By gosh, that's 2 more than most fellows ever get! But rest assured, once he gets to know them, he will pick the one best suited to be his wife."

Sophia smiled in response, but couldn't agree. As lovely as the two girls were, she secretly felt neither of them would be the right person to marry Frederick. They were both too young, and one a little timid whilst the other a little brash. But she did agree on one point, It is too soon to tell. Maybe with time, Frederick will realise himself.

As Frederick made his way to Uppercross, his mind thought back to the last few days where Anne was one amongst the company. He noticed that she wasn't lively, even amongst people she was well acquainted with. He hardly ever heard her speak of her own accord. He noticed that whenever he was nearby, she would seem ill at ease, but not in a way which made it apparent to everyone else.

She seemed to be well loved and respected by the Musgroves, but was always taken for granted. On one of the nights they were all gathered, he couldn't help himself but remark to Louisa whether Anne ever danced. He had observed that she was called to play the pianoforte for the others to dance to, but was never approached by either girls to relieve her from this duty and give her a chance to enjoy a dance or two herself.

"Oh no! Anne does not care to dance. She would much rather play for us instead," said Louisa. Frederick couldn't help but glance in Anne's direction, who's flushed cheeks told him that she had overheard them. He knew this to be untrue. The Anne he knew never liked to make a fuss over herself, but it didn't mean she did not enjoy dancing. He remembered the sparkle in her eyes when they used to dance together. No, Anne does care to dance. If anyone cared to ask.

After that, Frederick tried to ease her discomfort by keeping out of her way as best he could. When he realised he was sat in a place she had recently vacated, he politely apologised and reoffered her seat to her before leaving her alone. He didn't like seeing her in distress, but not enough to make an active effort to ensure her comfort was achieved. Excepting the incident with her nephew.

Frederick sighed! Once again, he had acted without thinking. He could see she was struggling and instinctively went in to help. It doesn't mean anything. I would have done the same if it were anyone else.

And to avoid making an issue out of it, Frederick remembered forcing his gaze away from Anne's face as he lifted the misbehaving toddler off her. He wasn't too sure what he would have seen, but as he left he could see it had affected Anne.

He didn't like seeing Anne so uncomfortable. It was a stark contrast to how he remembered her. This Anne made him pity her. He wished that her unease would go away, but knew it would take some time. She wasn't as nervous as she was when he first saw her with her sister Mary. But she was never relaxed around him. She hardly ever spoke, and if she did it was always a quick polite response or greeting. As a result, Frederick unwittingly found himself thinking about her.

It's just because her discomfort makes me uncomfortable. Once she gets used to my presence, I won't think twice about her! thought Frederick as he approached the Great House. It doesn't mean anything.