Chapter 22
After his chance meeting with Anne, Frederick felt uneasy. It seemed the whole of Bath shared his friend's views about the expected union between Anne and Mr Elliot.
I AM too late, thought Frederick. The familiar feeling of anger returned, but instead of being directed towards Anne, it was now at himself. Too long it took for him to realise how he really felt. What do I do?
His original plan was to orchestrate a meeting with Anne, and then use the opportunity to speak privately. But knowing there was an existing suitor, who Anne was regularly meeting, left Frederick unsure. He had assumed Anne would have welcomed a renewal of his attentions, but maybe she had moved on? Afterall, his behaviour with Louisa had made her think that he had moved on. So why wouldn't she? It had been nearly two months since they last saw each other and Anne had been in the company of Mr Elliot. Considering their own courtship, which was shorter, it was not improbable that Anne could already be in love with him.
But she still cares, thought Frederick as he remembered the look in her eyes, when he nearly confessed to her in the cafe. I MUST try!
There was a concert organised in the octagon room tonight, which Lady Dalrymple was attending. Remembering the connection to the Elliots, Frederick was confident that he would meet Anne and resolved to attend.
As soon as he entered, he saw that Anne was already there with her father and sister. Remembering the way Elizabeth behaved in the cafe, Frederick intended to bow and pass on. But Anne, who was the nearest to him, approached him and called his name.
"Captain Wentworth! How do you do?"
At the sound of his name, Frederick stopped. "Well, thank you Miss Elliot. I hope you did not get too wet on your walk home the other day."
Frederick could see a slight blush tinge Anne's cheeks as she answered. "Not at all."
There was a slight pause, whereby thoughts of their last conversation filled their minds. Frederick wanted to confess to Anne, and declare he still loved her as he did 8 years ago. But his thoughts were interrupted by Sir Walter and Elizabeth, who at that moment had caught his eye. He saw recognition in their eyes, but was surprised to be acknowledged by them both with a bow and curtsey. Not one to be impolite, Frederick returned the bow before returning his gaze to Anne. He could see his surprise reflected in her face, but with the added sense of gratitude. Perhaps, all is not yet lost, thought Frederick hopefully.
There wasn't much time left for idle chit chat, for soon after, the Dalrymple's had arrived and Anne was obliged to leave. Frederick watched her leave with more hope than he dared wish. If she was indifferent, she would hardly risk antagonising her family. He sensed that she still cared for him, but could not say with great certainty. Anne was always pleasing to all, even to those who did not deserve such kindness. But her behaviour towards himself had definitely changed. In the early days of their reunion, she hardly looked in his direction, let alone speak to greet. But now, there were more interactions. Boldy initiated by her. Yet, her manners were still reserved.
He couldn't quite make her out anymore. Frederick released a frustrated sigh. There was a time when he could correctly interpret her slightest movement, but now he was all confusion. Was he seeing meaning in words and gestures that his heart was wishing to see?
Once the music started, Frederick looked towards Anne, who was seated near the front, next to Mr Eliott. He observed how the gentleman frequently lowered his head towards Anne's. There was no doubt in his mind that the gossip shared by his friends in the cafe was idle chit-chat. If tonight's display was anything to go by, it seemed there was every reason to believe there would be an announcement of an impending engagement soon!
Yet, Frederick could not help but still hope. He could see that Anne was not inviting Mr Eliott's attentions, but her mild manners did nothing to abate Frederick's fears. Please God, don't let me lose her again.