A/N: From this point forward, the story switches from "Captain Wentworth" to "Frederick" except as needed in letters and conversations.

We'll also be moving faster through time. So far the story has only spanned four days in late December/early January, but we'll be moving quickly through January and into February so that Molland's and the concert fall on the same days as in the novel.

~~START OF CHAPTER~~

"Must you leave so soon?"

Louisa tried to keep her voice calm, but her face plainly showed her distress. They were newly engaged, and not four-and-twenty hours later, Frederick was leaving for six weeks!

"Yes, I am afraid so, Miss Musgrove."

"We are engaged now, you must call me Louisa."

Frederick groaned inwardly. Yes, they were engaged. He had not yet accustomed himself to the shocking new development.

"Of course… Louisa," he replied. "I have put off my visit to Shropshire for too long. I originally planned to see my brother and his wife in October, and now it is January. I am afraid I cannot delay any further."

He regretted the exaggeration, but at least it was not an outright lie. He needed to get away after yesterday's disastrous proposal, and hoped that distance and time might weaken Louisa's attachment to him.

"But you must go to Uppercross to speak to my father!"

"I am sorry to say it will have to wait until my return."

"Can you not stop at Uppercross on your way to Shropshire?"

Frederick hid his annoyance as she pressed her case. After all, had he not praised her firmness and decisiveness on their walk to Winthrop? Now he must bear the consequences of his words. Besides, her suggestion was not outrageous; a trip to Uppercross would not be a major detour on his way up north, but he had his reasons for putting off the visit to Mr. Musgrove.

"I understand your eagerness, Louisa, but what is six weeks when we have… the rest of our lives?" His cravat felt uncomfortably tight around his neck as he forced those last words out.

"Must we keep the engagement to ourselves until you see my father?"

"It would not be proper to tell others before I speak to Mr. Musgrove."

"Oh, but I already know for a certainty that he will approve! Papa is very liberal and he has spoken many times of his great admiration for you."

"Even if you believe it is only a formality, I must give your father his due respect."

The disappointment on Louisa's face was unmistakable, but Frederick would not be persuaded. She dropped the issue and took on another one.

"Perhaps I could come with you to Shropshire? I should dearly like to meet my future brother and sister."

"I should like that very much, but I anticipated your request and spoke to the surgeon this morning before coming here. Unfortunately, your condition is still too delicate to endure a long carriage ride."

Frederick was glad for the surgeon's advice, as having Louisa accompany him would defeat the purpose of his trip.

"Very well," she relented. "I shall be thinking about you every day. I love you, Freddy."

He shuddered again.

"Louisa?"

"Yes?"

"I would… I prefer to be called Frederick."

"Oh, of course. I am sorry." She coloured, mortified that she had used a name he did not like.

"Think no more of it. I must go now. Take care, Louisa."

As he stood to leave, Louisa leaned forward in hopes of a kiss on her cheek, or maybe even her lips. Frederick hesitated as he considered which option would be least offensive to them both. Finally, he chose to pick up her hand and give it a quick kiss.

Louisa's stomach knotted as he left the room. His behaviour was very different from what she had observed with Charles Hayter and her sister, Henrietta. She had caught glimpses of their shy hand holding, stolen kisses on the cheek, whispered words and tender blushes. Frederick, meanwhile, did not even seem excited to be engaged. His actions certainly did not reflect those of a man violently in love. Was he merely preoccupied with his upcoming visit to Edward, or was something else on his mind? Would he show more affection once they were married, or would he be an equally cold and distant husband?

Louisa was desperate for advice, and resolved to tell Henrietta about the engagement. Separated by less than fifteen months in age, they had never kept anything from each other. Surely Frederick would not expect her to withhold such monumental news from her dearest friend and confidante! Despite Frederick's wish to keep the engagement private, Louisa trusted in her sister's discretion.

~~END OF CHAPTER~~