The sun had risen not long ago when Lady Russell strolled through the Elliot family cemetery. Passing the graves wherein lay one hundred and fifty years of baronets and their loved ones, she arrived at the tombstone inscribed:
In beloved memory of Lady Elizabeth Anne Elliot, who died March 11, 1800, aged 35 years.
"My dear Elizabeth, how I have missed you these fifteen years," Lady Russell murmured. "So much has happened since I last came seven months ago."
Lady Russell visited annually on her beloved friend's birthday, but she felt compelled to make a special trip this May morning. She placed a bouquet of pink peonies, Lady Elizabeth's favorite flower, by the tombstone. The gardens at Kellynch Hall and Kellynch Lodge overflowed with them at this time of year. Finding a seat at a nearby bench, Lady Russell bowed her head and began speaking quietly.
"Almost nine years ago, I made a mistake, Elizabeth. Do you remember I persuaded Anne to end her engagement to Frederick - Captain Wentworth, as he was known to me then? I used every argument and fear, however unlikely, against Anne until she relinquished him. I then sat on this very bench boasting to you of my success; how heartily ashamed I now am of my behaviour."
Lady Russell paused, overwhelmed by her emotions. Guilt, shame, regret. A tear slid down her cheek and she gently brushed it away.
"This past January, I discovered that Anne and Frederick were still in love with each other. To endure so many years of estrangement and hardship, without even the ties of engagement or marriage! Theirs is a rare and special love indeed. A love that neither of us were fortunate enough to find. A love that I had come to believe only existed in poems and novels.
"I also learned how wrong I had been about Frederick. I had overlooked his merits because his appearance and manners did not agree with me. How ridiculous that sounds now! Frederick is a wonderful man - intelligent, courageous, kind, loving. And just as importantly, he values, respects, and adores Anne. You would have loved him as a son, Elizabeth.
"Unfortunately, Frederick had unknowingly entangled himself with Louisa Musgrove. I was grieved that my prior interference might have cost him and Anne their only chance at happiness. I had to repent for my actions; I had to do what I could to bring them back together."
The tears began falling freely now.
"In February, I visited Louisa to better understand the situation. I did not expect her to confide in me or seek my advice, but she did. She was engaged to Frederick but had been spending much time with a Captain Benwick, and had developed stronger feelings for that gentleman. At first, Louisa did not want to end her engagement for fear of breaking Frederick's heart. She would marry him out of obligation, and secure the misery of four people in doing so.
"Without betraying Anne and Frederick's feelings, I advised Louisa to follow her heart and choose love over a misplaced sense of duty. After some reflection, she decided to release Frederick from the engagement, and she and Captain Benwick married last month.
"And today, after all these years, Anne and Frederick will finally be married. I hope, my dearest friend, that I have acquitted myself well."
~~END OF CHAPTER~~