Chapter 24
After confiding in Harry, Frederick felt much more at ease. Knowing what he needed to do next, helped keep his fears and doubts at bay.
Until I know for certain, I will not believe all is lost.
Frederick spent the remainder of the day with Harry. He was still recovering from the exertions of his journey to Bath, and so it was decided to postpone their visit with the Musgroves until the 'morrow. When Frederick returned to his sister's, he relayed the news of the Musgrove's arrival.
"That is wonderful news!" exclaimed Sophia. "I will ensure I pay them all a visit soon."
Frederick smiled. He had expected as much from Sophia, and couldn't help the memories of the many nights they shared with the Musgroves whilst in Kellynch. These thoughts inevitably bought Anne to the forefront of his mind.
This return of common acquaintances would no doubt present more meetings between us. Frederick exhaled quietly, calming his nervousness and preparing himself for his next interaction with her.
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Despite the conviction of meeting Anne again whilst visiting the Musgroves, Frederick was still uncertain as to when a meeting between him and Anne would occur. But his uncertainty did not last long, as the following day, he saw that she was there happily sat amongst them all. The ease and gaiety that had been experienced at Uppercross had returned with full force. Everyone around them was happy and easy in the present company. But Frederick, who had eyes only for Anne, could not bring himself to join in with the usual mirth. His eyes were constantly searching for an opening, an innocuous moment, for him to be able to converse with Anne directly, and alone. Any attempts he would make, would not go unnoticed.
I will have to wait and try for another day, he thought.
After resolving to postpone his confession to another time, he forewent trying to bring about an impossible situation and put more effort in trying to join in better with the current topic of conversation. But soon after he heard Mary exclaim "Anne" and "Mr Elliot", two names that grabbed him attention and made him instinctively look at Anne.
He saw her cheeks flush with colour, a sight, which under different circumstances, would have been a cause of utter pleasure. But the feelings of doubt re-emerged as quickly as her blush.
Once Mary's curiosity was satisfied, the conversation turned to plans of going to watch a play together. The result of which, was the usual banter witnessed between Charles and Mary. Frederick thought that Charles enjoyed provoking his wife, as he watched him declare he would not go to visit his in-laws.
"Don not talk to me of heirs and representatives," he cried. "I am not one of those who neglect the reigning power to bow to the rising sun. If I would not go for the sake of your father, I should think it scandalous to go for the sake of his heir. What is Mr Elliot to me?"
Once again, Frederick's eyes turned to Anne of their own accord. If she was attached to him, surely such a statement would be ill received!
Her eyes caught his momentarily, before looking quickly away. There was no anger or hurt, but something of self consciousness, which he was used to seeing when they were courting. Is that for me, or Mr Elliot?
He watched with eagle eyes, as Mrs Musgrove resolved the matter by making Charles change the tickets for a different night. He was grateful for Mrs Musgrove's kindness in ensuring Anne's comfort was achieved, but had hope soar in his chest when he heard Anne declare she would much prefer the night at the theatre instead of the family party at home.
The hope propelled him to walk towards her, and speak to her himself.
"You have not been in Bath long enough to enjoy its evening parties," he said whilst facing the mantelpiece near where Anne was stood.
"Oh, no. The usual character of them holds nothing for me. I am no card-player," she replied.
"I know. You did not used to like them, but time makes many changes." He turned his face to look her at her. He wanted to see how she reacted to his words. Hungry for a sign of encouragement, no matter how small.
"I am not yet so much changed," she cried.
He stopped and looked at her. Of course not. How could I have not seen it.Here she was, in front of him. Mere inches away from him. Still embodying all those characteristics he fell in love with. Time had not diminished any of her beautiful qualities. She had grown from a shy beautiful girl, to a mature beautiful lady. His eyes could only see how she had improved in all things. And his heart was grateful, that she hadn't got married to another.
"It is a period indeed. Eight years and a half is a period."
"Anne, we must get going," said Henrietta as she approached her and took her hand to lead her outside.
She still cares for me, he thought as a knot untied in his stomach. Her looks did not discourage him, as someone whose heart is attached elsewhere would no doubt have done. He felt the conviction grow within him. He just needed an uninterrupted moment alone with her.
He did not remove his gaze from her, despite her not looking back at him. He watched the small of her back as she was lead to the exit, but was halted by the appearance of her father and sister, Elizabeth. All the noise in the room halted with their entrance. It seemed the Musgroves also shared his sentiments of the Elliots.
"We would like to extend an invitation for tomorrow evening, to meet a few friends. No formal party." Elizabeth announced, with a courteous smile to all. And a decided smile to Frederick, whilst placing the extra card for him with the rest.
Frederick had no words for this change in attitude. He had thought her acknowledgement at the opera may have been by accident. But this pointed invitation showed that their opinion of him had changed. He didn't know what to think. It may be an olive branch, but it wasn't enough to make amends for the past. Despite his intentions for Anne, he did not intend to improve upon his relationship with Sir Walter or Elizabeth. Their constant disdain of others could never sit well with him. But for Anne, he was willing to call them his in-laws and nothing more.