A/N: Thank you so much for the reviews! For the guest who reviewed early yesterday - unfortunately, Frederick is rather stuck. The chapter below explains it a little and I will explain my thoughts further at the end.

~~START OF CHAPTER~~

February 1st

My dear Frederick,

I trust you are enjoying yourself in Shropshire. Please send my love to Edward and Catherine.

I had a most extraordinary evening at the Musgroves tonight. After dinner, Mrs. Charles sought me out and asked me to convey her wishes for your happiness in my next letter to you. She also said she hoped to see her "future brother" soon. I thought it very strange, for if you are indeed engaged, I know you would have informed me so yourself. I hope you will let me know if she has been misinformed, or if I should be wishing you joy as well.

The Admiral and I are to Bath tomorrow. We have secured lodgings at Gay Street and plan to stay for four weeks. His doctor thinks him gouty, so he will take the hot baths and medicinal waters. Mrs. Charles tells me that her father and sisters are enjoying Bath and have become good acquaintances with Mr. Elliot, whom you caught a glimpse of at Lyme. Apparently, Mr. Elliot is very agreeable and spends half his time at Camden Place. Perhaps we shall make his acquaintance when we pay our respects to Sir Walter.

Your affectionate sister,

Sophia

Frederick cursed and slammed his fists on the table, causing the tea cup and saucer in front of him to shudder noisily as if they cowered in fear. Mary knew about the engagement! Of course, it must have come from Louisa. And if Mary was indiscreet enough to speak about it to Sophia…

His blood ran cold. In all likelihood, Mary had told Anne about the engagement as well.

What must she think of me?

Since only Louisa could break the engagement, Anne probably considered the marriage a certainty. She would have no reason to wait for him, and to make matters worse, she was now in frequent company with the handsome and infuriatingly eligible Mr. Elliot! Frederick had not forgotten Mr. Elliot's admiration of Anne in Lyme. Lady Russell would surely approve of the match and try to influence Anne as well.

Why would Anne decline Mr. Elliot's attentions if she thinks I am lost to her? Wealthy, well-mannered, heir to Kellynch Hall - he has more to recommend him than I ever could.

The door slowly opened and Edward stepped forward. "Is everything okay, Frederick?"

"Yes, of course Edward. Life could not be better." His voice dripped heavily with sarcasm.

Edward frowned and quietly withdrew. Clearly, his younger brother was not fit to be near anyone.

Frederick sunk his head into his hands. Despite being in Shropshire for four weeks, his engagement to Louisa was as firm as ever. How much longer could he hide here, avoiding his responsibility? How would he endure a marriage to someone he did not love, and worse yet, the idea of the woman he did love married to another?

"Damn it! What am I to do?" He shouted angrily to the empty room, followed by a string of colourful sailor words. No answer would follow.

~~END OF CHAPTER~~

A/N: In the Regency era, only women could break engagements without causing a huge stir. Frederick is too honourable to act in a manner that would make Louisa want to break with him (and I wouldn't want to write a Frederick that acted otherwise). So just like in the novel, he stays in Shropshire and desperately needs someone else to help him! He'll be in misery for a little longer… I wanted to write some interaction with Edward and besides, Frederick deserves a little more suffering for entangling himself!

Calla - It's no secret, in my stories Anne and Frederick always get their happily ever after :)