Frederick returned from Lyme in high spirits. He loved spending time with his family, but he came alive with his brothers from the sea. They had lived through peril together and survived. They understood how precious life was, and wished each other happiness.
Harry was right. James Benwick did benefit from Frederick's visit. He had become forlorn, getting lost in poems which only fed that feeling. But a visit from Frederick tore him away from it and a glimmer of the old James fleetingly reappeared. It was for that reason that Frederick vowed to return.
The following day, Frederick made his way to the Great House. His absense for the past couple of days did not go unnoticed.
"Captain," cried Louisa upon Frederick's arrival "where have you been?"
"My apologies," replied Frederick, looking at all the Musgroves "I have been visiting dear friends of mine in Lyme. When I received a letter from my friend Harville informing me that we were only 17 miles away from each other, I left immediately to see him. I just returned last night."
"How wonderful," remarked Mrs Musgrove.
"Yes it was. I had no idea how lovely Lyme could be. It is situated next to the sea. We took a walk along the cobb and saw some spectacular views."
"It must have been very cold this time of year," said Charles.
"Not at all. The sea air makes the weather milder than the cold we feel here at Uppercross. But living on a boat may have made me a little numb to bad weather," chuckled Frederick. "It is a place worth visiting though. I highly recommend it."
At this, Louisa cried, "Oh yes we must! Let us go immediately!"
"Surely a day in the summer would be better suited for a visit," said Mrs Musgrove.
"We couldn't possibly wait so long. Why, by that time, the beauty that the Captain speaks of, will no longer be there! No," said Louisa with a shake of her head, "we must go now and be back in the evening."
"It isn't an easy distance to travel within a day Louisa," reasoned her father. "The horses would become too tired. No, if you were to go, then it would not be possible to leave and return on the same day."
"Then we shall stay at an Inn, and return the following day. We shall take Anne with us, as her stay with us will soon come to an end. She will leave to go to Bath, and this would be a wonderful way to send her off. One last outing with us all. Please Papa, let it be so!" pleaded Louisa.
Mr and Mrs Musgrove exchanged a knowing look between themselves. With all the attentions Captain Wentworth paid to their daughter, they were expecting a proposal soon. He definitely seemed to spend most of his time conversing with Louisa during his visits, and it seemed like an unspoken understanding amongst all the Musgroves that Louisa was earmarked for Captain Wentworth. All that was left, was the formalities.
Mr Musgrove understood where Louisa's eagerness came from, but was still resistant to agree.
"That's a wonderful idea. Anne would love a day out. We could use my carriage too, to not over burden your horses father. And if we set off early in the morning, we can travel at a leisurely pace, and still have enough time in the day to enjoy the sights," added Charles.
"We can leave the day after tomorrow," suggested Frederick.
"See Papa! Please say yes now," said Louisa.
"Very well," said Mr Musgrove, at which Louisa came and kissed him on the cheek with delight.
"You must all come over for breakfast that day, and then you can leave together for Lyme with no further delays," said Mrs Musgrove looking at Frederick in particular.
"Thank you," smiled Frederick. He was happy at the prospect of returning soon to see his friends, and be able to introduce them to the people who had showered him with kind hospitality since his arrival at his sister's home. And Anne, thought Frederick. Harry will no doubt wish to see the woman who almost broke me, all those years ago.