Frederick stood behind Edward at the back of the church waiting patiently for his brother to say goodbye to each parishioner. Frederick gazed up absent-mindedly at a grand stained glass window which seemed somehow out of place in a small parish church. It was apparently a gift by the Baronet of the neighbourhood – the famous Sir Walter Elliot.

Despite all that was told to him of the grand Sir Walter and his three daughters (and a surprising amount could be said within twenty four hours) Frederick was not in the least concerned or excited to meet them.

And when teased by his brother for his lack of interest in the neighbourhoods finest he merely replied, "My dear Edward. Please forgive me for not becoming immensely excited at the prospect of seeing yet another pompous aristocrat waltz into the room and make lazy, condescending conversation with the privileged few. It's just the prospect somehow doesn't fill me with joy."

"Ah you wait," replied his brother with a knowing smile. "You'll see. Not all the Elliots are pompous aristocrats."

"I think I can withstand the charms of a Baronet Edward."

"Of a Baronet I am sure- it is his daughters I am thinking of."

It was with this conversation fresh in his mind that, he turned to watch the grand Elliot procession up the aisle.

A handsome man of around forty five with a conceited air that was practised from birth by those in his position led the way. On his arm was a fine young lady in her early twenties, her hair swept up in an extremely elegant and extremely fashionable style. If it was not for that same conceited air of her father she would have been incredibly handsome, but her fine features were marred by the haughty disdain written upon them.

Sir Walter arrived at the door and Edward stepped forward to receive him. As Fred had predicted Sir Walter was a man of many words and all of little consequence.

"Mr Wentworth, I am glad to see you looking well again. Last Sunday I could have declared you had aged five years! But you know head colds really are the chief destroyers of looks. I have heard it said it is a chesty cough, but I assure you – as I assured Lord Bernet who told me so – it is always the work of a head cold.

Edward readily agreed but assured Sir Walter he was feeling much better, thank you very much.

"Mmm," said Sir Walter surveying him critically. "But you still do not have enough colour." A hand laid delicately on Sir Walters shoulders reminded him of his business and the famed beauty Miss Elliot stepped forward.

"Thank you reverend. A most amusing service," she said shortly to Edward who merely bowed, she then turned and scolded her father. "We really must be going now father. We have so much to do!" Somehow Frederick doubted it but did not complain as Miss Elliot steered her father away out the door to the awaiting carriage.

The final two of the party then came forward and Frederick saw his brothers face split into the first real smile that day.

"Miss Anne," he called out warmly, "How are you?" Smiling back a delicate young lady of around 19 answered. "Very well thank you Mr Wentworth, aren't we Mary?" She questioned a girl whose plaited hair showed her to not yet be out in society. "And you sir? I hope you are fully recovered?"

"Indeed I am thank you Miss Anne. I do not believe you have met my brother, Lieutenant Frederick Wentworth."

Frederick stepped forward for the introduction accordingly.

"A pleasure Miss Anne," he said before bowing low. He searched her face as she shyly repeated the civilities. She had soft blue eyes and a delicate ivory complexion.

After a few minutes more conversation with Edward she took her leave, glancing back over her shoulder at Frederick. She guided her younger sister away with a gentle arm upon her back and Frederick watched her quietly listening to the younger girls chatter as they walked to the carriage.

"What did I say?" Edward said quietly to Frederick. "Couldn't resist. No-one can dislike Miss Anne."

"She is very different from her father and sister isn't she?"

"A whole different calibre Fred," Edward replied before tuning back to his duties, leaving Frederick to ponder over his new acquaintance.