Chapter 25

Upon returning back home, Frederick found out that he wasn't the only one to be included in the Elliot card party. The Admiral and his sister were also in possession of the same little cream card he received from Elizabeth. Frederick's feeling of disdain could not be helped when considering the changed behaviour from the Elliots. He knew this change was all down to his increase in wealth, and this thought irked him. It gave him no pleasure to be considered a worthy acquaintance of either Sir Walter's or Elizabeth's. The only positive from this, was there couldn't be a repeat of their objections when he proposed to Anne once more.

Frederick had arranged to meet Harry the following morning, and after a quick breakfast set off with his sister to meet them at their hotel. When they arrived, the rain had eased, and they were greeted by Charles, Mary and Henrietta, who were on their way out to do some wedding shopping.

"Mama, please ensure you keep Anne here until we return. We will not be long gone," said Henrietta before closing the door.

With their departure, the room seemed much more calmer and easier to navigate around. Frederick greeted Mrs Musgrove and then left her with his sister, before finding Harry.

"Good morning Frederick."

"Good morning Harry," replied Frederick as he took the empty seat next to him.

"I hate to bring this up again Frederick, but whilst we are alone, do you think you could arrange the setting of Benwick's portrait?"

"Of course," Frederick replied as the door was opened once again. The noise made his head turn momentarily. It was Anne. He should have known she would come too, but once again, he could not see how he could speak to her privately right now. Returning his attention to Harry, he continued his conversation. "If you provide me with the materials, I will write the necessary letter."

Frederick began writing the letter containing the instructions needed to complete the setting as required, but could see from the corner of his eye that Anne had joined Harry at the window. They were a distance away from him, but not so far as to prevent Frederick from overhearing them.

They were discussing whose feelings were stronger and truer; those of men or of women.

"Poor Fanny!" exclaimed Harry with feeling. "She would not have forgotten him so soon."

"No. That, I can easily believe. It would not be in the nature of any woman who truly loved." said Anne.

At this, Frederick's hand stilled.

"Do you claim that for your sex?" asked Harry.

"Yes," said Anne quietly. "We certainly do not forget you so soon as you forget us."

Frederick could not believe what he was hearing. He was finally getting a glimpse of Anne's true feelings about their break-up. He needed to hear more. Forgotten was his letter. All his focus was upon Anne's soft voice. His heart soared to hear her talk. She did not paint everyone with the same brush. She acknowledged there was constancy within both men and women. Her opinions were intelligently articulated, and the sweetness of her temper was displayed once again. This was the time! Frederick needed to act now!

In his hurry, he dropped his pen. The clatter of his pen against the floor caught Anne and Harry's attentions.

"Have you finished your letter," asked Harry.

Frederick did not raise his eyes, lest they betray his feelings. "Not quite," Frederick said. "A few lines more. I shall be done soon."

Taking a fresh piece of paper, he began to write the words he had been aching to say to her since deciding to come to Bath. From the moment he had realised what his feelings were for her, when the cloud of resentment had cleared, he had been fearful of losing her forever. That fear was worse than his first heartbreak; a pain he thought could not be surpassed.

Listening to her words had been the encouragement he needed. Frederick realised he had been wasting time. His doubts about whether she would return his affections had prevented him from speaking to her as he should have. Once he had resolved to write to her, he found that the words easily flowed from his pen.

At the sound of Sophia's voice, he hastily folded his letter up. Whilst writing Miss A. E. on the front he replied "Yes, very true Sophia. Here we separate, but Harville and I shall soon be after you, that is if you are ready Harville. I know you will not be sorry to be off. I shall be at your service in half a minute."

Anxious for all to be gone from the room, Frederick was quickly formulating a way to give Anne his letter. He placed her letter on the table he was sat, and purposely left his gloves next to it. He was hoping that Anne would stay near the window a while longer before moving back to the other side of the room where Mrs Musgrove was seated. As soon as he had left the room with his sister and Harry, he told Harry to wait for him whilst he returned to fetch his gloves.

Frederick was relieved to see that Anne had not yet moved. With purpose, he took big strides towards the table near her. He beseeched her to meet his gaze, and then pointedly looked down at her letter, then back at her. When he saw that she understood the letter was for her, he gave his apologies to Mrs Musgrove and left as swiftly as he arrived.

It is done, sighed Frederick. But instead of feeling relief, he began to feel anxious. Until he received a response from Anne, he did not know what to do with himself. So instead of continuing on with Harry, he began pacing the streets nearby. It was not long before he spied Anne walking along Union Street with Charles. He quickened his pace to catchup with them, and within moments was with them. He looked at Anne, fearful of another rejection. However, when their eyes met, he saw her cheeks blush and a shy smile light her eyes.

Thank goodness!

"Captain Wentworth, which way are you headed?" asked Charles.

"I hardly know," replied Frederick.

"Are you going near Camden Place? Because if you are, I shall not mind asking you to take my place and take Anne's arm. She is rather done for this morning, and must not go so far without help."

Frederick smiled at his good fortune. Making no objection, he took Charles' place and watched him walk away. As soon as he had turned the corner, Frederick turned his full gaze upon Anne, whose face was lit up with the most magnificent smile his eyes had ever seen. He lifted her small hand and lovingly placed it upon his forearm, where she belonged.

My dearest Anne!