Chapter 23

Sophie heard the front door shut, closely followed by quick footsteps ascending the staircase.A quick glance to the clock showed that Frederick had returned an hour earlier than expected.

She turned to the Admiral with a raised brow, who seemed non-plussed by Frederick's reclusive behaviour. It wasn't in her nature to pry unnecessarily, but that didn't mean she did not care.

If his mood doesn't improve soon, I will have to talk to him, she thought to herself. And with that thought, she resolved to keep a watchful eye on her younger brother.

Upstairs, Frederick was busy pacing the length of his bedroom. His emotions had gotten the better of him, as he remembered his hasty exit from the concert.He could hear her voice as clear as if she was right there with him, pleading for him to stay. But with that thought, followed the memory of her would-be-suitor.

The same flash of jealous anger swept over him, that prompted him to respond to Anne the way he did. He couldn't help himself. He couldn't bear to watch the man pay attentions to her any longer. He had to leave. Try as he could, the little voice in his head telling him he had lost his chance with Anne forever, would not be quietened. The longer he watched Anne with Mr Elliott, the stronger that thought became. Until it became unbearable to continue to be in the same room as them.

But she stopped me, thought Frederick. His mind was racing; attempting to rationalise and placate his anxious heart. He could feel the pangs of pain he felt at their first separation start to re-emerge.

No! he thought forcefully. That won't happen again. I can't let it happen again.

-~-

After a restless night, Frederick decided to start his day with an early morning walk. His worries of Anne plagued his mind all night and when the first light of the new day crept into his bedroom, Frederick gave up on trying to sleep. Walking would help him gather his thoughts better.

The early hour allowed Frederick to find the peace which elluded his mind at night. Rational thought began to grow, with each step he took. And before long, the pangs of regret and panic were no longer threatening to overwhelm him. When he felt he was master of himself, he made his way back home for breakfast.

Upon entering the house, he realised that he was outside much longer than he thought.

"There you are Frederick," said Sophia. "We were wondering where you were. You had a visitor whilst you were out. It seems your friends from Lyme have also arrived in Bath."

"Harville is here?" asked Frederick. Harville will know what to do!

"Yes. But as you didn't leave any message saying where you had gone or when you would be expected to return, I couldn't persuade him to stay long. He left a calling card instead for you," she said motioning with her head at the cream little card.

Sophia could see the positive effect of this news on Frederick, and decided to postpone her queries. After a hasty breakfast, as expected, Sophia watched her brother leave the house again.

-~-

"Harry!" grinned Frederick as he greeted his dear friend. "You could not have timed your arrival any better. What brings you to Bath?"

"Indeed. It was quite the impromptu trip, else I would have written you beforehand. Benwick does not wish to have a prolonged engagement, and would like to arrange things as quickly as possible," explained Harry with a pained look. "I am truly happy for him. He deserves to be happy. But I cannot pretend that the matter does not pain me when I think of Fanny."

"I know, it can't be easy," said Frederick. "But think of it this way, your sister would not have wanted James to spend his whole life unhappy and subdued as he was. He needed to move on."

Harry shook his head. "I can't help thinking, that had the roles reversed, Fanny would not have been able to replace him as soon as he has her."

Frederick silently agreed. Fanny's attachment to Benwick was very strong. There was no doubt in anyone's mind who saw them together, that they were in love with each other. He felt for his friend. This was truly a confusing time for Harry.

"That is why I am here in Bath. James asked me to arrange for his likeness to be made for Louisa, from the one he gifted to Fanny," said Harry as he presented the small portrait to Frederick.

"Leave it to me," said Frederick as he took it from Harry's open hand. "It won't matter to James who gets it done, as long as it is done. I will arrange it all on your behalf."

Harry gave Frederick a grateful smile. He should have known Frederick would do as much.

"So am I correct in assuming that James did not come with you?"

"No. But most of the Musgroves, excepting Louisa and Mr Musgrove, came too. They are renting a room at the hotel down the road."

"We must go to visit them. But before we do, I am glad to see you alone. I require your sound words of wisdom."

"About Anne?"

"Yes," replied Frederick before relaying the latest circumstances to Harry. "I don't know what to do, Harry. I feel like I have lost her once again, but this time the anger is directed all at myself. Had I not been such a fool, we could have already been reunited as we once were."

"Once again Frederick, I believe you are not seeing things as they really are. If all was really lost, an official engagement would be announced. Is that the case?"

Frederick shook his head.

"From the way you have described her family, that would be the first thing that would be done. I do not deny that her cousin is pursuing her, but I cannot believe that Anne would be so easily captured. She still cares for you Frederick," said Harry earnestly. "If only you would believe that."

"How can I? After all this time? After witnessing my foolishness?"

"You are forgetting that Anne has bourne much worse behaviour and responded with unselfish kindness. Your fear of history repeating itself, is blinding your judgement my friend."

"You are right," Frederick replied, daring to hope once again. "But what shall I do? How should I proceed?"

"That, Frederick, you must decide for yourself. But the first thing you need to determine is whether she feels the same for you, as you do her. It is high time you seek clarification and remove all doubt. Then your path will become clear."

Frederick nodded. Using Harry's encouragement, he resolved to declare his feelings to Anne. And, if she would agree, make her his wife.