Anne alighted from the carriage and waited for her footman to ring the bell of number ten. It was well past three o'clock, far too late in the day for socially accepted calls. She could only hope the Fraser's, and most importantly Edward, would forgive her for such tardiness. However, once she spoke to Edward upon the subject which detained her, she was quite certain her late arrival would soon be forgot.

The door opened; gosh how her nerves fluttered! Greeted by the now familiar face of Matthews, Anne was led into the parlour. The butterflies continued their assault; her poor emotions had taken quite the thrashing over the last day. She was both nervous and excited. She was eager to see Lady Beatrice yet nervous to hear of Lord Fraser's progress. Above all she was quite desperate to see Edward again; to watch his eyes crinkle in genuine warmth when he smiled, and to sooth her ravaged mind with his words of much needed reassurance. She was quite determined to discuss her meeting with Caroline Bingley and ascertain his thoughts on the matter. She could still not comprehend what the woman had been trying to achieve in her coming to her home with such easily exposed lies.

Upon entering the room, Anne's heart dropped. The room was empty. Don't be so foolish, she scolded herself, why everyone will likely be in Lord Fraser's chambers. Your arrival has indeed been quite delayed.

She chose to stand, removing the ribbon of her bonnet from beneath her chin. How her mother would have scolded her if she could see Anne removing her bonnet when out in public as she did now. How funny that Anne should be content enough in her own person that she did not care for her mother's opinion. Although beautiful, the trim to the edge of the brim had a rather uncomfortable join, which kept rubbing most unpleasantly against her cheek. She had much better remove the offending item than risk a red face. She was certain that no one in this household would take offense to such an act.

She placed the bonnet on the arm of a chair and laid the small parcel she had brought alongside it. The last time she had been in this room she had almost been kissed. That this had been Edwards intention, she was now quite certain. She had never been kissed before. She had read about it of course, but it was not the sort of activity a young lady was privy too; especially not under the watchful eye of her mother. Her much loved gothic romances and the heroines from her novellas were forever falling into the most passionate and violent of romantic entangles. She bit her lip and paused. She could not help but wonder what it must be like. What might a kiss from Lord Edward Colville, Viscount of Arbuthnot be like?

The door opened and Anne was greeted by the warm welcome of Lady Beatrice. Dressed in a day dress of pale blue, it set off her colouring in a most becoming manner. What a beauty she must have been in her youth, Anne thought, as she reached her hand out to accept the extended hands of her host.

"Anne my darling girl, we had expected you over an hour ago. I am afraid we had almost given you up! How glad I am you are here now. I shall ring the bell for tea. My, how well you look. You must come and sit with me for I have so much to thank you for."

"You owe me no thanks," Anne replied taking a seat next to Lady Beatrice upon the small settee. "I am just glad I could offer a very small part in Lord Fraser's recovery. Pray tell me, how does his Lordship fair today?"

"Oh, much better. He is more awake and able to engage in conversation for a short period of time before fatigue takes hold. Anne I cannot tell you how happy I am. I feared the worst and yet by some miracle Malcolm is still with us. You cannot imagine the torment I have endured. I should never have left him in pursuit of attending the races with Edward, but Malcolm was so insistent that I should go. My husband has been unwell for quite some time. Never did I, or anyone else for that matter, believe things would take such a devilish turn. Yet you arrived, and by the grace of God, you brought my husband back to me. You are in every way the perfect angel in which Edward has always described you. I shall forever be in your debt."

"You owe me nothing," Anne smiled, gently squeezing her friends' hand. "It was perhaps simply fate my being here and quite down to pure luck. I have had much experience with fevers, it was simply fortunate timing. Lord Fraser was the one to break the fever, I did very little by comparison."

"You are an angel. Of this I will hear no exception or denial."

Anne laughed; how could she argue with such a statement. Lady Beatrice looked so happy; it was hard not to be carried along by such joy. "Well if I am to be an angel, I shall not try to down play my small part any longer. But I must tell you, it is I who owe you thanks. If it was not for your kindness and attention, I do believe I should not have found my place so well in London society. Nor would I have found my place within the Mayweather committee, and the kindness offered by Mrs Drummond-Burrel. I do so love being involved in the charity and my work with the girls. For that I am truly grateful."

"Never has a task been so easy, for you are so readily welcomed by all," replied Lady Beatrice as she poured the tea. "Why when Edward asked me if I could take you under my wing, I had no idea that in doing so I should find such a dear acquaintance. I believe I have found a true friend for life and I do so hope you see myself in a similar light."

"Edward persuaded you to offer me your further acquaintance?" Anne asked with some surprise. She had always believed Lady Beatrice had chosen to befriend her on her own merits.

"Oh Lord Anne no," laughed Lady Beatrice, seeing the hurt look upon Anne's face. "My friendship with you has been based on entirely that, my wish to be your friend. You are a dear sweet girl whom I have grown exceedingly fond of. After our first introduction, Edward only wished that I allowed myself to get to know you; to appreciate your character as highly as he does. You must know how fond Edward is of you."

Anne smiled relieved by such a reassurance. "Lord Colville has been very good to me. He is one of my dearest friends. I should not have been surprised in learning that he helped secure our friendship. He is very considerate towards myself."

"He is a good man, but I believe you already know this. You do not need to hear his high praise from a woman who considers him as dearly as any son. For it is a very biased opinion indeed. I am only glad he has chosen for himself so wisely. You could not be more worthy of such consideration from my darling boy."

Anne looked into the mischievous eyes of the older lady. Was she suggesting what Anne thought? Had Edward perhaps confided in Lady Beatrice the extent of his feelings toward her?

"What do you know?" Anne asked softly. She did not wish to seem to eager.

"Oh Anne, it is not my place."

"I do wish people would simply say what they mean and act upon what they say with integrity." Anne remarked quite sharply. "I am quite sick to high heaven of implied words and gossip. Add to that utter fabrications and I am quite at a loss!"

Lady Beatrice raised her brow in alarm. Goodness what had gotten into little Anne. She had never seen the girl quite so displeased.

"My apologies Anne, I did not intend to cause you any grievance. Oh dear, it is simply not my place to perhaps, over divulge. It is between yourself and Edward."

Anne, realising her sudden outburst, wished above all she could disappear. It had been entirely unintentional, and in no way did she mean to direct her frustrations at poor Lady Beatrice. Her earlier dealings with Caroline Bingley had vexed her so. It was not in her nature to lose her temper.

"I must apologise. I did not mean to say such things. Nor would I ever direct such feelings towards you. As I have said, you have shown me nothing but kindness. Oh dear, it would seem I am all a fluster. I can only apologise. The reason for my late arrival seems to have also left me rather out of sorts. I did not mean to burden you with my worries."

"My dear child," Lady Beatrice said sympathetically. Something quite a miss must have happened to disturb the girl's steady character so. Lifting Anne's arm, she placed her own her through that of her companion and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Whatever is the matter?" She watched as tears welled in the girl's eyes. "Anne, do not feel bad on my account. I should not have spoken thus. It was never my intention to cause you any discomfort."

"It is not your fault," Anne replied, roughly dabbing her eyes with her gloved hand. How annoying that all her pent-up worry and anger with regards to Caroline Bingley should come to the surface now. Poor Lady Beatrice. Well at least she had held her own in front of that vile woman.

"Anne, what it the matter? I can assure you whatever you wish to share with me shall be kept just between us girls. A problem shared is a problem halved. I think," said Lady Beatrice ringing the bell for a member of her staff; "that you and I are very much in need of a small afternoon pick me up."

After a quick exchange with young Missy, who seemed genuinely delighted to see Miss de Bourgh present; the girl returned momentarily with a silver tray adored with what looked like a bottle of sherry and two crystal glasses.

Handing Anne a small glass of the amber liquid, her Ladyship then linked her arm again with Anne's and leaned in close to her. "Now then, why not tell me what is praying on your mind? Perhaps then our two heads will be able to help ease your worries."

And with those gentle words of encouragement, out poured Anne's horrid conversation with Caroline Bingley. She tried her best not to reveal too much of her true feelings towards Edward, but the more she spoke the more she knew they were not so easily hidden. She told her Ladyship all that was said; told her of the implied secret understanding and then finished her rant upon revealing that Miss Bingley had even gone so far as to be duped by Anne's own untruths.

"It was pure and utter fabrication! You and I know full well Lord Colville has not left you or Lord Fraser's side for a moment since his return to London. And yet, she all but agreed with me, confirming they had been in planning together all this week! All I can do is ask myself why would she say such things? Why say it if there was not some truth to them? Surely, she must know that if untrue, her falsehoods would be found out? What is to be gained by coming to me so?"

Lady Beatrice sat quietly, listening to Anne with great curiosity. The poor girl. She was clearly no match for someone so clearly devious in her intentions as Caroline Bingley.

Anne took a rather large sip from her sherry glass. It did feel better to say her inner confusions out in the open. How lovely it was to have someone to confide in. How lovely it was to have a female in which to ask advice. She gave her Ladyship a faint smile. She was likely similar in age to her own mother. How strange the world was, to deny one woman the chance of motherhood, yet allow another to so easily abuse it.

"Do you feel better?" Lady Beatrice asked. Anne nodded; her large honey coloured eyes looked at her with such expectancy. She thought of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, of their acquaintance when they had been but young debutants, fresh upon the London scene. How could a woman so hard and calculating produce such a sweet natured girl for a daughter?

"Can you really think of no reason why Miss Bingley would speak of such things to you?"

"None at all. I am at a complete loss as to what she hoped to achieve in doing so."

"My dear girl, she was merely staking her claim. She intended to remove you as a threat by relying on your sweet nature and praying on your confidence. She did not expect you would challenge her claims."

Anne contemplated such a scenario. "If you are right, I have broken my promise to keep her secret. That was wrong of me, but it was a most unpleasant untruth."

"Do not feel bad about such a thing! You are far too good humoured in nature for your own good. Do not feel pity or reproach for breaking such a promise of keeping her false secret. If anything, you should be proud that you were not so easily misled. You are no simpleton. Do not let any female, whoever they may be, make you doubt your worth."

"My worth?" Anne repeated, not quite understanding her Ladyships meaning.

"You are her competition Anne. Miss Bingley clearly see's you as a threat and has tried her very best to unnerve you. To remove you from her path in the cruellest way possible, to imply Edward is bound to another. But it would seem you handled yourself quite admirably and you know full well there can be no truth behind such claims."

"You are certain? There was no moment while in Epsom Spa that could, oh I do not know, hold light to such claims?"

"My dear Anne, when Edward is not with you, he is speaking of you and with great affection. Miss Bingley, like many other women in her position, may try and appeal to Edwards ego, yet there is only one woman of whom he thinks highly. Surely you know this?"

Anne bit her lip. "I did believe, only yesterday, that there was more to our friendship than merely that. I must confess I have spent much of the evening replaying such a happy scenario. To then have these happy thoughts shattered by such a line of conversation brought to my door." She signed "Well, I am ashamed to say it has but rather rattled my confidence."

"You doubt his affection?"

Anne shock her head. In truth she doubted herself. Her worth. Why would such a man want her as his own?

"I must confess, I myself have recently wondered if there was more to our friendship, but I always scolded myself for being swept up in foolish idle gossip. Edward is all that is good in the world. He is all I could ever wish for."

"Then why do you hesitate, when the man has quite firmly set his sights on you?" Lady Beatrice asked. Reaching forward, she stroked the side of Anne's sweet face.

"He has?"

Lady Beatrice simply nodded in reply. They sat a moment, Anne leaning against the older lady, taking comfort from her closeness and the mild scent of lavender.

"So now that we have cleared up that little understanding, what do you intend to do about it?"

Anne bit her lip. What was she meant to do? Should she confront Caroline? Perhaps she should tell Edward how much she admired and loved him? If what Lady Beatrice believed to be true, then he loved her entirely in return. Yet it was still there, that small worry that she would still not be found good enough. That when the time came, he would simply leave her behind.

"I do not know. I must confess I am quite at a loss upon what one should do in such a situation. Do you think I should tell Edward that I care for him? Perhaps it would be better to simply tell him of Miss Bingley's falsehood. What would you do? Oh Lord, he is not still here is he? I do not think I am quite ready for such a conversation."

"No, I am afraid he returned to the House of Lords shortly before your arrival. You are safe, I shall not produce him from a cupboard, have no fear. I must say I was rather relieved when he left, for he was so impatient awaiting your arrival. Though perhaps, after this morning's discussion, it is best that he does not see you quite yet. My dear if I were you, I would make it very difficult for our Lord Colville not to profess his undying love to you. And what better place for a man to finally confess such raptures of the heart than at a ball, would you not agree?"

"What do you advise I do?"

"Do nothing, my dear. Simply be you and allow Edward to ask what he has wished to ask of you for so long. I believe the two of you will be very happy together. If there is one thing I can confess to be expert of; it is the positive effect of a long and happy union with a man one loves above all else. Do not let the conniving efforts of a jealous female undermine your opinion. Never let anyone interfere where your future happiness is concerned."

She paused and gave Anne a most mischievous grin. "Though, thinking of it, it would not hurt to make Edward see you as the prize you truly are. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Perhaps you should try and avoid our dear boy until the ball. I assume you already have a gown in mind for the Bingley's ball? What better way to disarm Miss Bingley than by turning up to her own ball at your most radiant."

Anne thought for a moment. The image of the striking gown which she had purchased on impulse, left unworn came to mind. The shade was a brilliant cobalt blue. The neckline rather too risqué. Anne had fallen in love with the gown upon seeing it on the mannequin at her favourite dress makers. She had purchased the expensive evening dress with no real intention of ever daring to wear something quite so bold.

Could she be so daring? She thought of Caroline Bingley with her dark eyes, exquisite clothes and hair of pure ebony. "I do believe I have a gown quite perfect for the occasion."

"Marvellous, just marvellous. Now, I think you and I should go and sit with Lord Fraser. He will be exceedingly happy to meet his guardian angel. He may even wish for a short game of whist, and I believe we are both in need of much lighter conversation. I do hope you like cards."

Just as they rose to leave the parlour, Anne suddenly remembered the little tissue wrapped parcel. She asked Lady Fraser if she would be so kind to call for Missy once more. A moment later the young chambermaid appeared again, all smiles and youthful energy.

"I brought you this as way of showing my deepest gratitude for your assistance yesterday. It is similar to the one I was wearing yesterday; though I thought the colours of this one would be most becoming on you."

With eyes wide, Missy took the pretty, paper wrapped parcel from Miss de Bourgh's small outstretched hand. She looked towards the finely dressed lady who merely smiled and nodded to her with encouragement. Missy turned the parcel over and unfolded the paper neatly were the folds met. The paper alone was too beautiful to waste. Upon lifting the third crease her eyes were met with a mass of colourful swirls in rich burgundy and gold.

"I do hope you like it. I thought perhaps you could create a trim detail of your own? There is some gold thread folded underneath. It is the same thread which I myself have used to embellish some of my own paisley shawls."

"Why Anne, you are far too generous," remarked Lady Beatrice. "Missy my girl, what do you say to such a gift."

"Is it really for me?" The girl asked wide eyed, too afraid to touch the exotic patterned fabric.

"Of course," Anne laughed. "You admired my own shawl, so I thought it only a fitting token that I should gift you one of your own."

Missy did not know quite what to say. Never had she seen anything so beautiful. She pulled the fabric high, admiring the teardrop swirls.

"It is even more beautiful than the one you wore," she exclaimed. Suddenly she covered her mouth with her hand. "Forgive me, I did not mean your shawl was not also beautiful but.."

"Do not apologise," Anne said with good humour, cutting the young girl's unnecessary apology short. "I shall take it as compliment and confirmation that you do indeed approve of my choice of gift. Now let us go see Lord Fraser, for I am rather fond of whist."

Hello Lovely People!

I do hope these last three chapters will help make up for my rather tardy lack of updates for a while. Sometimes work and life just gets too busy, and I had to leave poor Anne in limbo for a bit.

I really hope to get this story completed quite soon. Thank you all so much for the reviews and messages, I am truely touched. Especially from those of you who seem to have tagged along for the whole of the journey!