Thanks for your patience and continuing to read. As an apology for the very delayed update, I have given you an extra long chapter XD.

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Last chapter:

'Frederick, how could you speak so‽ I'm sure her family would be very worried,' Sophia scolded.

'I guarantee if you send her father a note, he will say she can stay here and won't require a doctor. I doubt he or Miss Elliot will even visit,' Frederick replied tersely.

Sophia glanced at her husband, but the Admiral merely shrugged, not able or willing to make conjecture on the Elliot family dynamics.

'I will send the letter and wait for a reply,' Sophia replied with a frown at her brother.

Frederick was right. The note she received from Camden Place was short, vague, and showed a distinct lack of care. Sophia put her tea cup on the table with a loud clatter.

She sniffed in a deep breath and held it. I am as calm as the sea on a perfect day. I am as calm as the sea on a perfect day. I am as calm as the sea on a perfect day. She then slowly exhaled.

She flicked the letter from the table and watched it float to the ground at a frustratingly languid pace.

What relations! It is a wonder Miss Anne didn't marry the first man she ever met to avoid her hysterical little sister, cold older sister, and careless father.

The thought, however, immediately sobered Sophia when she realised the first man to propose to the woman was, presumably, her little brother. Sophia shook her head to banish the thought.

That was a long time ago and the lady is lying prone upstairs in need of assistance because I distracted her in the park.

Despite Sir Walter's assurances that his sick daughter - who he had not seen - would not require a doctor, Sophia called the butler and ordered him to send for a reputable doctor at once.

She continued to sit in her chair and glare at the offensive note until her brother came in.

'Sophia, are you unwell?' he asked with concern.

She spun in her chair to face him. 'I'm quite well, why do you ask?'

'Because you look like you are planning to throw something overboard.'

Sophia's laugh tinkled around the room.

'It is of no matter,' she replied with a wave of her hand. 'You were correct on your assertions about the Elliot family dynamics, Miss Anne is to stay with us for the time being.'

Frederick's eyes dimmed slightly as he nodded once. He then picked up a book and settled down on the sofa to keep her company in silence.

Eventually, a knock at the front door stirred them, and the doctor was admitted. Sophia immediately took the man to Miss Anne's room, explaining what had happened on the way.

As they entered the drowsy Miss Anne's room, the doctor asked with a frown, 'The river by the park?'

'Yes, she was not in there more than a few minutes,' Sophia replied.

'Rivers are very dirty and carry disease. It is a concern that a delicate lady would be exposed to such water without it first being heated, at the very least.'

The doctor leaned over Miss Anne and performed some checks, muttering under his breath as he worked. Miss Anne tossed and turned while he worked, never fully waking. Sweat slid down her cheeks and her gown clung to her.

'The lady is very unwell. We need to lower her fever, it is dangerous for her mind. I recommend she be bled.'

Sophia cringed, she hated the sight of blood.

'I have leeches with me. May I begin?'

'Of course,' she replied, gripping the chair to keep her stable in case the stretchy creatures caused her to swoon.

'The room should also be closed: the windows blocked and the curtains drawn. Bring her extra blankets and have the fire burnt to full height.'

Sophia directed the ladies maid standing at the edge of the room to begin the preparations as the doctor withdrew some leeches and began to lay them on Miss Anne.

'I need to continue making my rounds to other patients, however I will be back tomorrow. Leave the leeches on, they will come off by themselves when it is time. Summon me, at any time, if her condition seems to worsen.'

Sophia led the doctor to the front door and then slipped into the drawing room.

'Was that the doctor?' the Admiral asked.

'Yes, he has finished his examination,' Sophia answered.

'Will the young lass recover quickly?' the Admiral's gruff voice asked.

'Oh, George!' Sophia cried as she slumped into the chair.

The Admiral and Frederick immediately jumped up - alarmed - and moved to Sophia.

'What is the matter, my dear?' the Admiral asked, crouching by his wife's chair.

'Miss Anne is very sick. She is being bled at the moment. The doctor is concerned she may not recover.'

Frederick gasped beside her.

'Now, now, my dear, I'm sure the doctor is wrong: Miss Anne is a strong lass, and she was only in the water a short while, I daresay that she will recover just fine. Her skin probably just had a shock when it hit the cold water,' the Admiral consoled.

Sophia leaned into her husband and sniffled slightly. 'It is my fault. I distracted Miss Anne; she would not have been taken by surprise if I hadn't asked her to walk with me, she had been watching the playing children which scared the swans—'

'My dear, it is not your fault. It was simply an accident. Now dry those tears and run back upstairs and see to the little lady.'

Sophia looked at the watery image of her husband and sighed. 'I know you are right, but my heart can't help but feel guilty. If I hadn't been there—'

'If you hadn't been there, then Miss Anne would not have had help, and even if she managed to get back to her home, her father would not have called the doctor. Now no more of this, my dear.'

Sophia nodded and wiped her eyes. The last few hours had been a whirlwind of adventure, the likes of which she had not experienced since they were caught unawares by a storm at sea. Gathering a fortifying breath, she stood and left the room to her comforting husband and pale brother.

Sophia spent a restless night dreaming on Miss Anne's fever worsening under her care. Before dawn, she gave up sleeping after a particularly vivid dream and, pulling on a covering robe, moved to check on the younger woman.

A bleary eyed maid was seated by the bed, dabbing Miss Anne with a damp cloth.

Sophia rested her palm against the young woman's cheek, heat still permeated the skin with a disturbing determination.

'The leeches have dropped off?' Sophia asked the maid.

'Yes, Ma'am.'

Sophia nodded, picking up a book and glancing at the title.

I hope Miss Anne enjoys Love's Labour's Lost and it draws her out of her illness rather than chases her into it.

Sitting in a chair on the opposite side, next to a low burning candle, she fingered the pages to find the first. Her smooth tones sounded throughout the room as she began to read aloud to the prone lady.

The sun peaked through the window as she reach the fifth chapter, by which stage her throat was dry and rough, but Sophia felt better having, hopefully, given Miss Anne some relief; the younger woman had definitely stop tossing so violently.

Sophia exited the room to change into a morning dress and move her stiffening joints. When she descended the stairs, she encountered her brother entering the house. His eyes where shadowed by black smudges which belied his otherwise perfect appearance.

Clearly, I am not the only one to have had a sleepless night. Frederick, I hope this jolts you into understanding of how fragile life is. Grab what you want with both hands and never let go – I did, you should too.

'Good morning, brother, where have you been at this early hour?'

'Nowhere in particular: I wished from some fresh air, the house is uncomfortably warm at the moment.'

'Yes, the fires are all high for Miss Anne. Her fever continues, however the leeches have finished their bleeding and she is not tossing as much as before. I think that may be a good sign.'

Frederick bowed his head slightly and moved forward, taking his sister's hand and squeezing it lightly. 'Thank you, sister,' he whispered.

She returned the pressure on his hand lightly, before he released her hand and moved into the morning room, collecting a newspaper from the tableside on his way.

Sophia followed him and rang a bell. The butler arrived with her daily letters. She shuffled through them slowly.

There were three from naval acquaintance, one from an old friend, and the last was from Mrs Musgrove. She put the one from Mrs Musgrove to the bottom of the pile and opened the others one by one. One held an invitation for dinner the following week, the others were just the passing of news. Once she had read the first four letters, she moved to her writing table and began her responses.

Her quill scratched over the paper in a sound which caused her to cringe, there was just something about the noise. Her answers took long enough that when she had completed them, it was time to break her fast.

It was only a short while after breakfast that the first morning guest of the day arrived. Lady Russell was announced by the harried butler, who followed the woman into the room with a disgruntled expression. Sophia, surprised by the visit from a lady she had not before met, stood and gave a polite, but not overly-friendly curtsey. Lady Russell returned the welcome with an apology and cool glance towards her brother.

Sophia immediately hardened her gaze on the intruder, her slight was quickly turning her into an unwelcome visitor.

'I only just heard about my Goddaughter being unwell from Sir Walter, I fear my surprise and worry had lead me to be rather rude, I do hope you will forgive me. I understand from Sir Walter that she is not too ill and will make a quick recovery. Given this, I thought I should come over and convey her to my own home, so as not to inconvenience you any further,' Lady Russell explained, although the frosty look she tossed at Frederick during the close of her speech convinced Sophia that the lady also had alternative reasons.

'I fear Sir Walter has understated Miss Anne's condition; she has a high fever and has been unconscious since her fall.'

'Why was Sir Walter not informed?' Lady Russell demanded.

'He was. He replied with a letter to say she would not be requiring a doctor and asked us to let her stay until she was well once more,' Sophia replied coolly.

Lady Russell's eyes widened and then she pursed her lips. 'A doctor has not been called?'

'I summoned a doctor. She has been bled, and is to stay in bed with the windows closed and the fires burning high.'

Lady Russell relaxed slightly, nodding slowly. Sophia watched her glance around the room, eyes halting on Frederick. 'Well, I will move her to my home here in Bath for her recovery.'

'I cannot allow that, Lady Russell. Miss Anne is too ill to be moved and I will not permit an action which may further weaken her when she is in such a fragile state. She is in a comfortable guest room and I will take you to see her, but she will not leave unless under her own power,' Sophia replied in a tone reminiscent of the Admiral's when on a ship deck.

Lady Russell stiffened, replying rigidly, 'I would like to see Anne now.'

Sophia nodded, 'Of course, please follow me to her room.'

Sophia cast one last glance at her brother whose jaw was clenched and eyes narrowed on the retreating from of Lady Russell.

On entering Miss Anne's room, Lady Russell's face paled dramatically and she flopped with unladylike grace into the chair by the bed.

'Oh, my poor Anne!'

'She has recovered a little,' Sophia offered.

'She was worse‽'

'Yes, Lady Russell. It is lucky the Admiral and my brother were on hand when the accident occurred so that she was able to be rescued so quickly.'

'Rescued. Tell me what happened,' Lady Russell half demanded, half asked.

'We me Miss Anne while walking in the park. Some young boys startled some swans who in turn knocked Miss Anne into the river. My husband and brother immediately assisted her out while I wrapped her in my cloak.'

'That gossip is about my Goddaughter! Heavens, this is awful,' Lady Russell replied. 'And what of the part where her clothes were see-through?'

'False, I assure you.'

'It is still highly shocking. With the rumours running through the town gossips, I simply cannot allow Anne to remain in a home of an unmarried man—'

'It is fortunate then that she is not. If you will recall, the house is being rented by my husband, Captain Wentworth is a guest and one who saved Miss Anne from the river.'

Lady Russell blushed slightly. 'Forgive me, I did not mean to impugn your brother's honour. There are, however, circumstances in his past interactions with Anne that mean it would be best she was not in this house.'

'If you refer to the engagement between the two, please stop feeling the need to dance around the topic. I would, however, remind you that my brother is highly placed in his career and has a substantial fortune…'

'Are you implying that he would be a suitable match for my Goddaughter, the daughter of a baronet?'

'Yes. But it is a matter between them; if they chose to become engaged once more, I would not have you interfere again.'

'I did what her mother would have.'

'You cannot know that for certain, either way, what is done cannot be changed. But I will not have you look at my brother as you have since you arrived in my home.'

Lady Russell pursed her lips and nodded stiffly. 'When is the doctor to visit again?'

'He will be back today. Would you like to sit alone with Miss Anne for a while?' Sophia asked with understanding.

'Yes, I shall sit with her. Has anyone being reading to her?'

Sophia smiled and handed the older woman the Shakespeare on the bedside, opening it to the appropriate page.

'If you require any assistance, please ring the bell. I will be about the house for the day.'

'Thank you,' Lady Russell replied.

'You are welcome,' Sophia replied and then exited the room.

Well done, she thought sarcastically, I've managed to insult a Lady and Miss Anne's Godmother, perhaps I should visit Sir Walter to cap off the achievement.

When Sophia re-entered the sitting room, Frederick was pacing.

'Lady Russell will sit with Miss Anne for a while.'

She caught sight of the slight sneer on his face, before he schooled his features into polite interest. 'I am sure Miss Anne will enjoy the visit.'

'I'm not she will be aware of it; she has yet to reawaken.'

Frederick nodded sharply and lifted the paper once more.

In the two days that passed before Miss Anne awoke, Sophia had found herself required to shoo her brother away from loitering in the corridor that led to Miss Anne's room on a number of occasions. The surprise on his face whenever she came across him, assured her that he was acting subconsciously, as though trying to get as close as possible to watch over her while she was defenceless. What he defended her from, Sophia was unsure, but she figured that it was a reminiscent action trained in by captaining a ship for so many years.

Another three days went slowly by until Miss Anne was able to join them for dinner.

Her hovering brother entertained a cautious Miss Anne, while Sophia and her husband played chess. As she stole the Admiral's queen, she chanced a glance at their guests. Frederick had lost the haunted look that had shrouded his countenance since Miss Anne fell into the river.

Humph, I should have pushed her in a pond sooner.

'They appear to be getting along swimmingly,' the Admiral remarked quietly, taking her knight.

Sophia gave her husband a narrowed her exasperated eyes at her husband's latest joke.

'That is neither funny nor witty.'

He guffed. 'I think it is, and you love my jokes.'

Sophia huffed and moved her next piece. 'Check.'

He grinned in reply, 'Check mate, my dear.'

'Very well played, dear.'

'Thank you. Again?'

Looking at Frederick smiling charming at Miss Anne, and her wary look in return, Sophia replied, 'I think we have ignored our guests for long enough: will a rematch tomorrow suffice?'

'Sounds delightful, my dear.'

Raising her voice, Sophia said, 'Well, that is enough chess, Admiral, you have beaten me again; but next time I shall win.'

'I have no doubt about it,' the Admiral replied.

'Sister, how did the Admiral best you this time?' Frederick asked with good-humour.

'He lured me to take his queen and leave my king unguarded. It seems that I chose poorly.'

Frederick chuckled, 'It sounds like your manoeuvrer off the coast of Gibraltar.'

The Admiral tapped his nose in response with a wink.

'Miss Anne, can I interest you in a game?' the Admiral asked.

'Oh, no, I never learnt to play chess,' the lady replied with a hesitant look towards Sophia.

Ah, too ladylike for such masculine game, well growing up as a Sir Walter's daughter it is not surprising.

'All in good time, Miss Anne, there is plenty of time to still learn,' the Admiral replied.

'I should be interested to learn, but perhaps another time when I am better able to concentrate,' Miss Anne replied with a demure smile.

Very tactfully, I think you would do well in the naval drawing rooms, Miss Anne.

'Capital! I shall hold you to your response, Miss Anne,' the Admiral promised.

'I look forward to it with anticipation, Admiral,' the younger lady answered.

'More so than cards?' Frederick asked the lady.

Sophia pressed her lips together to hide her smile that was spurred on by her little brother's attempt to re-insert himself into the conversation.

'Indeed, sir.'

'Well, if chess and cards are out, perhaps you will play the piano for us? You play so delightfully,' Frederick pressed.

Why are you so thoughtless when it comes to this woman, brother!

'Brother, you do recall that Miss Anne is still recovering, we could not possibly ask her to entertain us in such a manner.' Sophia scolded. 'My, your memory seems to have suffered terrible after your last campaign.'

Frederick shot her a withering look, but Miss Anne stifled a smile. Frederick's harsh look softened as he turned to the lady who once more owned his heart.

'Why do you laugh, Miss Anne?' he asked with a kind smile.

'I should be happy to play when I am fully recovered, Captain Wentworth,' the young lady answered, then added in a teasing tone, 'Was it a very terrible campaign?'

'Not at all, rather dull for the most part. The excitement only occurred when a French frigate tried to sneak passed. They failed and we took the ship.'

'And you didn't hit your head in the fight. That could explain the memory problems,' Miss Anne continued with a twinkle in her eye.

'I think he did actually,' Sophia prompted. 'I believe some rigging came down in the cannon fire and landed on your head. Miss Anne, do you think I should summon the doctor for my brother?'

'Fine, fine, I'm getting old and forgetful like you, dear sister,' Frederick replied with a twinkle in his eyes, tossing his arms in the air for effect.

Sophia grinned in reply. 'I shall never be old, brother.'

'Of course not, sister, please accept my most humble apologies.'

Sophia sniffed ad raised her chin, unable to wipe the smile of her face. 'See that you do not make the mistake again,' her eyes narrowing as she added, 'or I will throw you out onto the street like the naval scoundrel that you are.'

A soft giggle interrupted the siblings and the two turned to face the noise. Miss Anne had a hand clasped over her mouth, tears in her eyes, and a flushed face. Another giggle broke through.

'The pair of you are impossible,' Sophia declared with a wide smile as she stood and collected some items. 'Admiral, shall we play a round of backgammon and leave these two to their insufferable laughter?'

'Of course… my old dear,' the Admiral replied.

Sophia could help herself, and threw a backgammon piece that was in her hand.

They all began to laugh at the childish display from the elder lady who looked a little sheepish.

Ah well, at least this is an enjoyable evening. Yes, I do like Miss Anne, she makes an excellent addition to our insensible fun. No judgement in her eyes as she laughs with us – clearly Sir Walter did something right… not that I could see Sir Walter or his other daughters looking anything less than horrified at this display of poor breeding. We have been too long on ships with the lower echols of society, no doubt.

Miss Anne then stifled a yawn and blushed lightly.

'Miss Anne, you are looking tired and I think you have quite spent more energy than you should have given your rowdy company. Frederick, could you escort our guest to her room? I do not want her to trip on the stairs, given her recent fall,' Sophia said.

Well, a little matchmaking won't hurt.

Sophia watched with a smug smile as Frederick gallantly offered his assistance and the blushing young lady accepted.

Frederick was gone for a considerable time before he reappeared, indeed, Sophia and the Admiral were half-way through their game before he returned. She raised her eyebrow at her little brother and his flushed face.

'Whatever keep you so long, brother? Do I need to send a second escort next time?'

'No, sister, Miss Anne and I were just clarifying a misunderstanding.'

'And what misunderstanding was that?'

'That I did not think that she was much altered since I last saw her.'

'Why would that come up?'

'I may have said she looked lovely this evening, and she responded by saying that Miss Louisa had passed on a comment that I had made about hardly recognising her when I was still angry.'

'You said what!' Sophia hissed, smacking her brother so hard that her hand tingled.

'I realised the moment I said it that I was being very ungentlemanly.'

'You were,' Sophia answered, rubbing her hand to push away the tingles.

'I explained that what I had said was the words or a bitter and angry man, and that I had finally grown up and realised what I had lost.'

'What are your plans?'

'She seemed to forgive me, so I plan to use this time while she is a guest to convince her to marry me.'

Sophia bounced up onto her feet and clapped her hands together with a grin.

Frederick observed her with a wiry smile. 'I guess that I don't need to ask your thoughts.'

'Miss Anne is a lovely lady, while she is older, she will make you an excellent wife and her connections, not that they matter, and manners can only help you in the future. I think you will be very happy if you marry her. Don't make me wait in suspense for long – I wish to attend your wedding before I become old.'

'You will never be old, sister,' Frederick replied, kissing her lightly on the cheek, 'just cranky,' he added as he ducked out of the room.

Sophia scowled at his disappearing back, when she turned to face the Admiral he was watching her with an amused expression while holding his arms protectively around his backgammon pieces.

'I'm sorry, my dear, but I really can't afford to lose any more pieces to your wrath,' he said with a grin.

Sophia rolled her eyes and slide back into her chair with her nose lifted, rolling the die to make her next move.

AN: Thanks for reading :)