Thanks for your patience and continued loyalty.

A special thanks to everyone who reviewed! CeliaEquus - I'm glad you like the story, I hope your story is going well!; headless-nic - I wish I could kick Sir Walter for you, perhaps I'll do up a quick one-shot story to make it happen!; Rachetg - haha, yes it is fun thwarting Lady Russell!; DeeDeeHGD - yes, a chance for Frederick; Guest1 - thanks!; Guest2 - Hooray time again!; AustenFan - yes Lady Russell dodged!; Weave the Magic - Great idea, I'll see what I can do - it will probably be a one-shot at the end or linked to the story as a seperate entry; honey4020 - more as requested!; Kary Bobbins - indeed, he really needs those precarious points to see clearly!

Enjoy and thank you for all you support. Happy reading!

Last chapter:

'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.

The next three days passed like a game of cat and mouse between her brother and their guest: he would offer compliments and sweet smiles while she would blush and bat them away.

Sophia could barely contain her smug countenance at the progress, although she notched up her meddling by leaving them alone as much as possible.

She had just left the two in the sitting room while she simply had to confer with the housekeeper about the dinner plans. As she moved through the hallway a knock at the door sounded and her ever efficient doorman immediately opened it without allowing her to escape from view.

'Mrs Croft!' a lady's voice called.

Sophia turned to face the visitors and saw that it was Mrs Musgrove, her two daughters, her daughter-in-law, and her son.

'Mrs Musgrove, Miss Musgrove, Miss Louisa, Mrs Musgrove, Mr Musgrove,' she answered with a curtsey. 'How delightful to see you in Bath.'

'Why we had no idea you would be home, I was just planning to drop off my calling card in the hopes of arranging a visit. Did you receive my letter informing you of our arrival?'

Oh, I forgot about that letter. I guess I was too diligent at avoiding it!

'Oh, no, perhaps it was misdirected,' Sophia lied.

'Oh well,' Mrs Musgrove replied with good-humour.

'It is lovely to see you again, Mrs Croft. Is everyone home at the moment?'

You mean is my brother home - insufferable girl!

'Admiral Croft is out at the moment and my brother is keeping a recovering guest company,' Sophia replied succinctly.

Now take the prompt and leave, I will not have you stirring up issues when everything is moving so smoothly.

'You have had an unwell guest? Oh that must be awful,' Mary Musgrove added. 'Indeed, I am feeling a little faint myself.'

Sophia pursed her lips and uttered the response that she was too polite not to. 'Oh! That is terrible. Please, won't you join me for a drink to refresh yourselves? I have missed you all.'

The smiles that met her offer were united, except for Mr Charles, who cast a disappointed look towards the sunshine outside before accepting with thanks.

Sophia had no choice but to lead them into the sitting room where Frederick and Miss Anne were debating poets. I had best delay if I can…

'Tom, please inform my brother of our guests,' Sophia said and then directed another servant to take hats and such from her guests.

When they entered the room, Frederick and Miss Anne where an appropriate distance apart, Miss Anne sitting by the fire with a blanket over her knees and a book in her hand, Frederick with the newspaper nearby. He placed it to the side and stood to greet their guests, bowing and expressing the required words of welcome and delight. He immediately engaged Mr Charles in a conversation about guns, while the ladies exclaimed their surprise at finding Miss Anne was also visiting.

'Anne, what are you doing here?' Mrs Mary asked.

Here we go…

'Mrs Croft and Admiral Croft have been very kind to look after me when I fell ill while in the park with them,' Miss Anne replied.

'Oh you never get very ill,' Mrs Mary replied, eyeing the blanket and position by the fire. 'Nor feel the cold like I do, I would so like to sit by the fire and warm my poor fingers.'

Sophia saw Miss Anne shift slightly and immediately said, 'I can ask a servant to move a chair closer to the fire for you, Mrs Musgrove, however if you are feeling faint, I have found it is better to sit away from the fire – as far as possible.'

That should give your sister some peace.

'How long have you been here?' Miss Musgrove asked Miss Anne.

'Oh, around a week, I believe, I was not conscious for part of the time,' Miss Anne replied.

'Shouldn't you have returned home by now?' Miss Musgrove questioned. 'You look well enough to travel. We can transport you back when we leave, if you like.'

'I will not allow my dear friend here to leave before she has completely recovered,' Sophia intervened. 'It is not worth the risk, and Miss Anne is a delightful guest to have.'

'Thank you, Mrs Croft,' Miss Anne replied gently.

Sophia waved her hand in replied with a smile, and then moved to ring the bell for refreshments. As she did so, she noticed the youngest Musgrove sister gravitate towards Frederick and Mr Charles.

Hmm, that won't do. I know…

'I am so grateful for your visit, I quite need the advice of all of you ladies on the latest fashions and which you think we should adhere to.'

Mrs Mary visibly puffed up at the compliment, while Miss Louisa halted her movement with a slightly frown.

'Brother, Captain, will you not join our discussion, the perspectives of men are quite important,' Miss Musgrove said.

'Indeed, Captain, you could tell us what styles you see in the navy ladies of your acquaintance,' Miss Louisa added.

Sophia felt her eyes widen at the girl's forwardness and clenched her jaw shut, lest it also fall open.

Frederick bowed to the ladies and replied, 'I think my sister would be able to give a far better description than I.'

Miss Louisa blushed slightly, nodding quickly and retreating to her mother's side. Miss Musgrove watching her sister with a sorrowful expression.

Sophia led the discussion into fabrics and styles with exuberance, ensuring she involved the ladies frequently so they would not have the opportunity to seek out her brother again.

After an hour, the guest eventually left. They asked if they would join them at the theatre the following evening, however Sophia declined for herself, the Admiral, and her brother, sighting that they expected Miss Anne would still be with them. As the group bustled out into the hall, Sophia saw Frederick return to Miss Anne's side and assist her to stand – no doubt intending to return to lady to her rooms so that she could rest before supper.

Just one hour later another guest arrived. Lady Russell. Again. The formidable lady had called every day since Miss Anne had awakened and would sit with the recovering woman for above an hour. Every visit ended the same way; with Lady Russell trying to remove Miss Anne and Sophia refusing to allow it.

'Good afternoon, Lady Russell. I trust you are well today?'

'Mrs Croft,' Lady Russell replied with a bow. 'I am, and yourself?'

'Very well, I thank you.'

'How fairs my Goddaughter today?'

'She was up and in the sitting room earlier, however has recently returned to her rooms to rest before supper. I fear she may be asleep at this time.'

'That is of no matter, I would still see her.'

'Then let me lead the way,' Sophia replied and began to move to the stairs once the servant had accepted Lady Russell's belongings. At this point, the sound of heavy footsteps caused Sophia to look up. Frederick was returning.

Thank Heavens! That could have been awkward!

Frederick waited for the ladies to ascend, offering Lady Russell a polite, if slightly stiff, bow that was returned in an equal manner.

Sophia left the Lady with Anne and returned to the sitting room to discover her brother had disappeared. A quick check with the butler confirmed her brother had made his getaway and headed out for a walk.

Lucky landman.

Moving to her writing desk, she searched through the unopened letters to find the one from Mrs Musgrove that she had received a few days ago and then forgotten about.

Ah ha! There it is.

She shifted the other letters away and broke the seal with a crack. The thick parchment unfolded and a large, cursive font took over the page.

Dear Mrs Croft,

I have the most delightful news, we have finally arrived in Bath. I made the journey with my daughters, Mary, and Charles. Mr Musgrove has decided to continue managing the estate by himself, as he finds the shopping tiresome and finds little joy in the gambling at clubs. My two nephews have also joined us on the trip; however, will, of course, be spending their time with the nursery maid.

We will be spending a few days shopping to update our wardrobes to the current fashions, if you have any news we need to know on that part, I beg you inform me as soon as possible so we do not overlook a key fashion item which the dressmaker may forget.

We will then be ready to begin enjoying the society of Bath and would be thrilled to meet with you, Admiral Croft, and Captain Wentworth. Indeed, I confess that my daughters have greatly missed the company of all our naval friends. Are any of your family attending any balls in the short future?

Sophia frowned as she mused on those words. While Mrs Musgrove was too well-bred to say it outright, there was a distinct undertone in the letter that the Musgrove girls would be agreeable to her brother's company. She skimmed the rest of the letter - it was much the same – and then pushed it into her 'answer not required' pile; given she had seen the lady today.

She then began to answer other letters while she waited for Lady Russell to make her re-appearance.

Eventually the formidable lady was shown in by a servant.

'Thank you for taking such good care of my Goddaughter, Mrs Croft. She seems to have enjoyed your company greatly.'

Sophia nodded gracefully in acceptance of the compliment. 'Miss Anne is a delightful lady, anyone could not but wish to assist her.'

With the exception of her direct family it seems.

'I daresay she will be sufficiently recovered by tomorrow, I will bring my large carriage to ensure I can transport her home in comfort.'

'I do hope she is well enough to travel tomorrow; if she is, I will be happy to offer to prepare Miss Anne for her journey.'

Lady Russell gave her an arch look and then wished her a good day, departing with a rustle of her silken skirts.

Sophia head began to throb and she pressed her hand against it firmly.

I always feel like I have seen a French frigate on the horizon after she visits! My, she is a formidable woman – I wish Sir Walter would visit instead…

Ringing the bell, Sophia waited for the maid to arrive.

'Can I assist you with something, Ma'am?'

'Ah, yes please; could you get me some jasmine tea with a teaspoon of honey. And a scone.'

The maid smiled as she bobbed her curtsey and rushed away.

Leaning back in her chair, Sophia closed her eyes, happily anticipating her stress relief treats.

AN: Thanks for reading :) The next post will be up in 24 hrs.