Disclaimer: As I didn't add one earlier here it is – I don't own any of the characters (sadly) or the story/plot line etc …
Sorry about abandoning this. I love it and your reviews are really great (especially Lady Susan – thank you!) but I got a bit of writers block then I just got lazy. Anyway here – finally – is another chapter! Enjoy!
Frederick entered the Coles drawing room at precisely 8 o'clock the next evening. It seemed Edward had never heard of "fashionably late."
He had entered Fred's room at quarter to eight and had been appalled to find Fred still chuckling over Tom's latest letter. Fred had leapt up at the sight of Edward and exclaimed "Edward! I've news from Tom. He seems to be having a hell of a time in town! Listen to this … The three girls in question were of no considerable…" But Edward burst in before he could finish.
"Fred! What have you been doing? We've got to go in a minute!"
"Oh," said Fred with a wave of the hand, "Late the fashionable people rot! What care they for the time the clergyman shows up?! What do they even care if the clergyman doesn't show up for that matter?" Fred said with a smirk.
"Fred! This is not the time. This will look very bad if we turn up after the Elliots. Like we're trying to give ourselves airs."
"The Elliots! So you're sure they're coming?"
"Yes, yes," said Edward distractedly running his fingers through his hair, "Didn't I mention that Mr Bates called by and said they were coming for sure. Without the sister of course."
"Which sister?" questioned Fred his attention finally fully caught.
"The younger, couldn't bring Mary there, glad they finally came to their senses."
"But Miss Anne is coming?"
"Yes Fred, now will you please get ready?"
Fred missed the last remonstrance. Miss Anne was coming. Within five minutes he was dressed and out the door, onwards to the Coles.
Fred scanned the Coles drawing room, thankful for the advantage his height gave him. Yet he was unsuccessful in his search, the Elliots were nowhere to be seen. Everywhere small groups were huddled together laughing and talking, the ladies glancing anxiously at theirs and each others dresses, the gentleman all with a glass in hand. A tall, graceful woman swept across the room to greet Fred and Edward, a warm smile softening her pointed cheekbones and intimidating height.
"Mr Wentworth, how good to see you again," Edward and the woman exchanged the compulsory bows and then she turned to Fred. "And this must be your brother, Lieutenant Wentworth?"
"Indeed ma'am. Thank you for inviting me." Fred stepped forward as he spoke and bowed low.
"It was a pleasure I assure you." She placed herself in between Fred and Edward, took an arm of each and proceeded to lead them about the room, introducing Fred to her more notable guests and merely passing by others with a friendly smile. She stopped when she reached a group of gentleman and called her husband from among them. He was of average height, with greying hair and seemed like he once might have been handsome. However now the lines on his forehead and drooping eyes gave him a slightly withered look. Nonetheless he greeted them with a smile and said in a teasing tone,
"What service may I render you my dear?" Holding out his arm for her.
"I merely wish you to take charge of our fine clergyman and his brother my dear. Nothing to worry you I assure you. Any relation of Mr Wentworth is sure to be agreeable." She dropped a curtsey and moved back into the folds of the small groups and Fred could immediately hear her name called by half a dozen people. She turned round shrugged her shoulders at her husband with a mischievous smirk and moved away to answer the calls. Fred laughed at her seeming popularity.
"She's a wonder that woman," said Mr Coles as he watched her disappear into the crowd, "Can keep anyone happy, can solve any problem. Sometimes I think it should be her up in parliament rather than this lot." He jerked his head back to indicate the men behind him. "Might have a rather more peaceful time with the ladies in power. I mean what could they fight over? War of the linen merchants?" He chuckled heartily at his joke.
"No, I'm convinced a woman's reign would not be peaceful." Said Fred, he laughed as he continued, "I would hate to think how many wars even my darling sister would start. Against writers of appalling fiction, against the butcher who is constantly sending her fatty meat, against the French for always leading the fashion, against my brother and I for pulling her hair as children! And I would not like to be in her way if she chose to seek out her revenge. There is such fire in woman! It frightens me!"
"Frightens you! A man, a grown and weathered soldier in fact admits he is afraid of women!" Exclaimed Mr Cole laughing.
"Aye. For women can make a man do anything."
"Nonsense!" cried Mr Cole, "We control them!"
"Do we?" questioned Fred, "Really? I think not. I believe it takes nut a single tear from a lady and I am ready to lay down my life not to see another. I am quite their slave."
They were at that moment interrupted by the entrance of the long awaited Elliot party.
Anne's heart beat wildly as she followed her sister and father into the drawing room. She had taken extra care of her toilette that evening, curling her long black hair into ringlets that fell gently on her cheek, contrasted beautifully by the tiny snow white flowers she had carefully placed in her dark swept up mass of curls. Despite her extra attention to her dress Anne had been the first ready, in fact the only one to finish her toilette in good time for the party. She had paced back and forth in the hall angry with her father and sister, anxious that their vanity would cause no slight to be felt by the Coles and that she herself could once more see the young lieutenant.
She had thought of him often since his kindness in returning Mary, seeing his warm smile and hearing his low deep laugh. It was such thoughts as these that lingered in her mind as she entered the drawing room and caused her heart to pound so loudly in her chest.
Frederick watched as the Elliots entered the drawing room. Miss Elizabeth languidly held her fathers arm and simpered and smirked at the hostess. Her father was similarly engaged in cordial but unmeaningful compliments, but Miss Anne's eyes swept the room. Her eyes met his and a blush spread across her face. She smiled and turned back to her duties.
Fred moved closer to the party eager to be near Miss Anne. The cordialities were finished, Anne stepped back, trying to allow herself to be engaged in conversation, Fred stepped forward quick to seize the chance but Sir Elliot intervened. Upon seeing Fred's tall, distinguish figure and being particularly struck by his remarkable bone structure Sir Elliot had done the unthinkable and stepped forward to be introduced to an unknown man. He stepped in between Fred and Anne, delicately inclined his head and after a slight pause from Fred's surprise, received from him a pleasant bow. Mrs Cole stepped forward to introduce them.
"Sir Walter Elliot, Baronet and owner of the fabulous estate Kellynch Hall, allow me to introduce you to Lieutenant Frederick Wentworth, recently given leave of her majesties navy and staying with his brother Reverend Wentworth."
"Lieutenant?" Sir Walter feared he had been to hasty in his seeking an introduction.
"Aye sir, but with hopes soon to be a Captain." Ah, thought Sir Walter, here we have a climber, aspiring to reach the lofty social status that I enjoy. How he detested those of inferior birth who by their own struggles and hardship managed to elevate themselves in society, even become one of the nations so called "heroes."
"No doubt hoping to be back at sea soon no doubt?" he couldn't quite keep the sneer out of his voice but the lieutenant didn't seem to notice. Fred's eyes were on Anne as he replied,
"Not to soon sir." Sir Elliot turned from Fred and nearly bumped into Anne.
"Really Anne! You must be more careful of where you stand. Go! (he chivvied her away with his hands) Go take some refreshments or such like. Do not be hanging around me so." He turned back to Fred and with a smirk inclined his head, then moved away. Fed let out a sigh of relief. Mrs Cole leaned over to him and whispered conspiratorially,
"That's the problem with these great lords marrying cousins – all they produce is stupid people with too much money and pride then sense!" Fred gave a shocked laugh and turned to face her his expression questioning. She winked,
"Don't tell me you don't think it too!" she cried and with a laugh and a wave of her elegant hand moved once more into the throng of her guests.
Fred laughing turned and surveyed the room once more. Groups were huddled deep in conversation everywhere but he spotted a lone figure hovering near the refreshment table.
"Enjoying yourself?" said a voice at his side. Edmund stood next to him. "Saw the encounter with Sir Walter from across the room. How did it go?"
"The same as I predicted – he wasn't interested in a lowly lieutenant."
"Well shame on him, for this lieutenant is the finest dancer in all the county and I have been telling everyone so."
"Have you now?" Fred laughed.
"Yes so you had better prove me right. My honour stands upon it and I have found you many very pretty agreeable partners."
"Well I am afraid my dancing shall have to wait Edmund. Right now I am thirsty."
Edmund glanced over at the refreshments. He smirked and replied in a low tone,
"I bet you are."
"I shall choose not to understand that Edmund but now you now my hopes you shall not now keep me here."
"No on can never keep a young lady waiting." Fred shot Edmund a smile and made his way over to the table.
He casually poured himself a drink before sauntering over to where Miss Anne stood watching the room.
"Good evening Miss Anne." She gave a start and turned to him, her cheeks a fresh pink with embarrassment.
"Lieutenant Wentworth I did not see you there."
"You were to busy watching the others I believe."
"I enjoy watching people. They are fascinating creatures and are often far more entertaining than given credit for."
"Indeed how so?"
"Watching a gathering such as tonight, or even better a ball, one sees so many things. Little snubs, some perhaps didn't compliment a new hairstyle or gown and the repercussions are enormous, scowls across rooms, dirty glances, sometimes even cutting! And one sees different sides of all kinds of relationships, new acquaintances being formed, old ones renewed, fathers scolding daughters, mothers praising sons, lovers in an entirely different world of their own…"
"I think you see far more than people would in general. You seem to have quite a talent for perception." Anne looked up into to his face.
"What do you see?" she asked her soft blue eyes fixing his piercing dark own.
"Me? Well over there (he pointed to a group of gentleman engaged in a heated debate) these fine gentleman are discussing the pros and cons of a late spring this year. The taller is already predisposed on the side of the slimmer man to his right because the fatter man taking the opposing view has spilt his wine all down his front, is taking loudly and is sweating profusely. The taller man is clearly a gentleman of the first order, not his careful cravat and polished shoes, and therefore is somewhat offended by what he sees as the fatter mans blatant vulgarity. Do you agree?"
Anne narrowed her eyes at him.
"I think you mock me Lieutenant."
"Mock you! Never!" He gave a playful gasp of indignation. "You wound me ma'am.
Do not you agree with my appraisal?"
"Well I would not like to put a beginner like you down, and you know it was very entertaining. I shall have to give you full marks, even if I perhaps do not agree that Sir Henry is vulgar. He is a well respected gentleman in these parts."
"And how did I do with the tall gentleman? Was I close?"
"Mr Kingsley is the nephew of the renowned lawyer Mr Clarks and has recently entered his establishment and set himself up as quite the businessman."
"Well one out of twos not bad is bit?" said Fred.
"For a first attempt not bad. Though I think you may have played this game before."
They were at this point interrupted by the call for dinner. Anne moved back to her family and Fred sought out Edmund.
"And what were you talking so long about to Miss Anne?" Edmund enquired.
"Oh nothing of significance, " Fred relied before following his brother into the dining room.
At dinner Anne was seated as far away from Fred as possible, in between two self-important older gentleman. They ignored Anne and she found it a relief when the meal was finish and the ladies retired to the drawing room. But she found this arrangement hardly any better. The ladies attention was preoccupied in lavishing the compliments demanded by her sister on her dress, manners and general person.
It was with an impatient heart Anne waited for the gentleman to finish their port so she could once more talk to the dashing lieutenant, but it wasn't until late in the evening that gentleman returned to the drawing room.
Anne didn't notice their arrival as she had been rescued by Mrs Cole and was swept up in discussing Shakespeare.
"My favourite play would undoubtedly be Much Ado About Nothing. Or any comedy where love wins out in the end, " said Anne.
"I always preferred Romeo and Juliet," said a voice behind her. She turned to find Lieutenant Wentworth striding towards her. She faintly wondered if he would always be surprising her.
"They were far more romantic," he continued, " And it proves love cannot be stopped by any mortal means – love can conquer all. It can heal any wound and perform any miracle. Love sets everything to right."
"No." Anne shook her head. Fred looked up surprised by her opposition but obviously intrigued. " Romeo and Juliet shows us the complete opposite. Their love ends both their lives and devastates their families. That is not setting to right or conquering all."
"But their love also stops the fighting. Their death allows the Montague's and Capulets to untie. And while their love lasts," he paused and gazed into Anne's eyes, "Whilst it lasts is it not the most spectacular thing they have ever felt?"
Anne overwhelmed by the intensity of his gaze dropped her eyes. Fred seemed to recall the presence of onlookers and hastily said in a more casual tone whilst turning away from Anne,
"That is how I have always seen it anyway." There was a pause before Anne said, more to herself than him,
"I was never satisfied with their choices." Fred turned an intrigued countenance back to her and questioned, "Oh?"
"They make all the wrong choices. Firstly they keep the marriage secret…"
"Else it would have been forbidden," Fred interrupted.
"But how do they know that? They didn't even give the families the chance to embrace them. Perhaps once they had seen the depth of their love and the happiness it brought to each they would have allowed the marriage to take place openly. Surely any family would want what's best for each other? They'd want to secure each others happiness?"
"Not all families. And what if they thought separating them would be ensuring each others happiness in the long term?"
"Perhaps they would be happy. As Shakespeare himself says, "The sun sees not till heaven clears." A parents judgement would be unimpaired."
"And yet devoid of the only thing truly important in a marriage," Fred countered. Anne paused contemplating her answer.
"But if they had parted they would have lived, perhaps finding a second chance to love again."
"So they should give up what they have now for the possible chance of finding something else in the distant future? To sacrifice everything they have now on the possibility that one day, some time, they'll maybe find something a bit like it?"
"No! Of course not! It's just… It's just selfish isn't it? To defy their parents, rob them of their children and destroy their families just so they and they alone can be happy."
Wentworth gazed down at her, utterly mesmerised.
"What right have they to ensure their happiness at the expense of everyone else?"
Anne held Fred's gaze for what seemed like an eternity. His lips trembled as though he wished to say something more., but it seemed Anne had rendered him speechless.
"Well Miss Anne," said Edmund, stepping forth and breaking the spell between them, "I do believe I owe you a congratulations! I have never seen my brother beaten in such a debate before and in such style too!" He gave a mock bow and held out his hand to lead Anne to a seat. She accepted and moved away but glanced back at Fred to see him shake his head and smile.
Fred was rewarded with a shy smile as he helped Anne on with her shawl. He led her down to her carriage, Anne leaning on his arm. He helped her into the carriage, his hand lingering within hers. As she brushed past him he caught the scent of lemon. It lingered around him long after the carriage had swept away up the drive.
So a little more of Fred and Anne together – hope you enjoyed it. I tried to show Anne's loyalty to her family through the discussion of Shakespeare, I thought that might need explaining – I don't think it worked very well, but I tried! So please review and next time I promise not to leave it so long before updating!