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To the reviewers: Weave the Magic- Frederick and Anne will be coming up;ebfiddler - Thanks! I'm glad you are enjoying her reactions XD; SassenacheyLassy - thanks!; Arlome - you'll find out XD; Mrs I - haha, thank you very much!; and Guest - Thanks for your comments, I'm glad you like this angle XD
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Last chapter:
Edward continued, 'Now that I have told you this, you must stop contriving to throw them together.'
'Of course,' Sophia replied. 'I have a headache coming on, I think I will go to bed. Goodnight, Edward.'
Sophia stood and made her excuses to the rest of the family.
Sophia woke early the next morning and sat in the frosty garden while compiling her thoughts, a warm shawl around her arms sheltering her from the biting air. She was upset with Miss Anne yesterday, well livid was perhaps a better description, but upon reflection in the cool morning light she realised two things.
Firstly, Frederick still cared for Miss Anne: which was more important than hurt feelings from years in the past.
Secondly, Edward was right. There is more to the story than they knew, and it is surprising that someone as intelligent and caring as Miss Anne would not have had a good reason to end the engagement.
Maybe Frederick did not listen to the reason, he can be so passionate and impulsive at times, and a time of his heart being broken was probably one of those instances.
Sophia let out an unladylike huff.
What a mess. I just want my brother happily married.
Regrettably, such marital bliss seemed out of reach at the moment, his heart tied to a lady who he avoided like the fox avoided the hound.
How unfortunate it was that in ensuring her brother stayed a proper distance from the enthusiastic attentions of Miss Louisa, she had inadvertently kept him away from any chance of reconciliation with Miss Anne.
Sophia knew she would never be able to pry the information on the reason for the broken engagement from her brother, he could be a sealed vault when he wished: a necessary trait for a captain, but an infuriating one for a brother. She might, however, have more luck with Miss Anne if she pressed hard enough. The key would no doubt be direct conversation and being forthright with the information she had gathered.
The crunch of leaves interrupted her thoughts, glancing upwards she saw a maid coming towards her.
'Excuse me, ma'am, a letter has arrived from Uppercross Hall for you,' the maid said as she held out the folded paper.
Sophia took the note and thanked the maid. Breaking the seal with a snap of her wrist, she unfolded the letter and read the contents. It was yet another offer for the family to join the Musgroves for supper at Uppercross Hall, for that evening, of course.
Glancing at the sky, Sophia guessed that the time was after 10 am.
Enough time to prepare to attend tonight's supper. And doing so will give me a chance to talk with Miss Anne. Frederick had not been in that family's company in around a week and Edward can, no doubt, be relied upon to help keep Miss Louisa entertained. Yes, we will attend…
Sophia rose of the little bench with determination and made her way back into the house to inform everyone, who should have by now finished breaking their fast, that they would be attending the Musgroves for dinner that evening.
Edward meet the announcement with a raised eyebrow, hardly surprising given his last conversation with his sister. Frederick's eyes narrowed in confusion and a hint of worry. Catherine was happy to meet their neighbours. And the Admiral was as agreeable as ever.
With agreement from the group, Sophia sent a letter back to Mrs Musgrove accepting the invitation.
AN: Next up is dinner with the Musgroves! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this latest update despite its short length!