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

Special thanks to the reviewers! Arlome - I know, a positive whirlwind!; DeeDeeHGD - thank you!; Rachetg - Sophia was so fun to write!; Guests - thanks!; AustenFan - I know, Frederick can be far too much like a glacier; Jim - 24hrs indeed.

Last chapter:

'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.

Miss Anne did not make an appearance for supper that night, sending an extremely apologetic message with a maid. Deciding that Miss Anne was unlikely to rise early, given her evening weakness, Sophia donned her cloak and bonnet for an early morning walk. The sun had risen, however most of the city still slumbered when she took to the street. A cool mist swirled in the parks, and the clop of horses hooves on the cobblestones echoed down the streets.

Arriving in the park, Sophia moved slowly around the gardens, smelling the beautiful roses and inhaling their citrus and tea scent. The effect was sublimely calming and peaceful.

Oh, I needed this! While I do enjoy Miss Anne's company, that of her daily Godmother is very trying. Maybe I will convince Miss Anne to have an extended visit with us when she is well once more... I wonder if she would like to travel to the coast with us: Frederick did mention he wished to visit a friend of his in Lyme, maybe we could all go for a week. Although Miss Anne did avoid a trip with us last time, I'm certain she may have changed her mind… particularly if I can get Frederick to show his support.

Sophia wondered passed a group of servants who were gossiping nearby.

How shameful that they are gossiping, I'm sure that they should be running errands.

She couldn't help but overhear them.

'Quite lives in the house, calls every day and asks about the younger sister – but she is away somewhere, on her deathbed I hear.'

'Shame Mr Elliot is so focused on a sickly lady. Maybe he will turn to the older sister soon.'

'Ugh! She is awful - such a high and mighty sort. Can't believe a Baronet's daughter is so horrid and self-centred.'

'I'd be more surprised if she wasn't, Sir Walter—'

Sir Walter! They are talking of those Elliots!

'—would stare at his looking glass all day if he could.'

'I hear the older Miss is almost an old maid! I daresay she would dearly wish Mr Elliot transfer his focus from the younger to her.'

This rumour is creeping up again! Hmm, perhaps there is something to it, given how wide spread it appears to be.

'The younger has been away for ages, so it could be possible. Although they say absence makes the heart grow fonder. Who knows, maybe he will throw morning convention into the wind and propose the moment he sees the younger again.'

Hmm, should I tell Frederick? Perhaps if he hasn't before Miss Anne is to return home I should warn him; I won't let that snake steal Frederick's chance at happiness!

The group snickered. 'They are all fools. If I had so much money I would be much better than all of them.'

The group all chorused their agreement of the stupidity of the titled families that they worked for.

And I must remind my staff the importance of discretion…

On arriving home, the butler took her items and she moved towards the sitting room. As she neared the door, she heard a feminine voice.

Who's that? Surely, Miss Anne is still asleep. I think I have overheard enough conversations today, I had best interrupt.

Moving closer and reaching for the handle some words caught her attention.

'I still love you, I never stop—'

Oh!

Sophia immediately withdrew her hand and hovered by the door.

I mustn't allow anyone to interrupt.

'—Please say that you forgive me, Anne. I am sorry I've acted so stupidly since that moment all those years ago.'

'I did not explain myself very well, there is nothing to forgive.'

Sophia leaned her ear closer to the door.

'I didn't give you the chance. And it wasn't like you could write to me after the engagement was ended. I promise I will always give you the chance to explain in the future, if we can have a future, please say we can.'

'I will always be your friend, Captain.'

'Just my friend?' came her brother's dejected voice and Sophie's heart wrung.

'Are you offering something else?' a soft shaking voice replied.

'Yes! Please say you will marry me, my darling Anne. I love you and do not wish to live my life without you by my side for the rest of our days. I promise I will be a good, kind husband to you. I now have rank and money. Please say yes.'

'Yes, I would be delighted to be your wife, Captain.'

'Frederick.'

'Frederick.'

'So you forgive me?'

'I do. If you will also do the same for me. I should have suggested my idea before saying we could not marry quickly.'

'As I said, there is nothing for me to forgive, you were acting intelligently and thoughtfully. I was being rash. But promise me you won't change your mind again – I don't think I could bare it.'

'I will never change my mind on this.'

'Even if you get a better offer? I have heard rumours.'

'I love you – there is no possible better offer given how highly I value my feelings in this decision.'

Sophia could barely contain her squeak of excitement. Feeling like she would burst, bounced on her toes and squeezed her hands together until they turned white.

Dancing from foot to foot outside the doorway, she reminded herself that they deserved a few moments alone to celebrate their engagement before she congratulated them.

On hearing a moan, she reconsidered the decision and knocked lightly on the door. Waiting until five slow seconds passed, she entered the room.

They hadn't heard her. The two wrapped in each other and sharing a passionate embrace.

This time she couldn't restraint the squeak that erupted in her throat.

The sound caused the lovers to dart apart with wide eyes.

'Sophia!'

'Mrs Croft!'

Miss Anne was hastily smoothing her dress, while Frederick shifted on his feet.

'So, good news I take it?' Sophia asked with a polite questioning look, although her satisfied smile was clear.

'Sister, please congratulate us, Miss Anne has generously agreed to be my wife.'

Sophia clapped her hands together and smile widely. Jumping forward, she hugged her brother.

'Congratulations to you both, I am so happy.'

Releasing her brother and wrapping Anne tightly in her arms.

'I am delighted you will be part of our family. You and my brother will be very happy together, I am sure there is not a better matched couple… except the Admiral and I, of course.'

'Thank you, Mrs Croft,' Anne whispered.

'I insist you call me Sophia, we will be sisters, after all.'

'Thank you, Sophia,' Anne answered.

'So, I take it this will be a short engagement?' Sophia asked.

Frederick smiled and glanced at Anne who gave a nod.

'An excellent suggestion, sister,' Frederick replied.

'Good. If your father allows it, Miss Anne—'

'Please, it is now Anne to you and Admiral Croft,' Anne broke in.

'Of course, if your father allows it, Anne, I would be delighted to host the wedding breakfast here.'

'Thank you,' Anne answered gratefully.

'Oh this is brilliant! I insist you both live here after you marry until you have your own home arranged; that way there is no need to wait to find a residence to marry.'

'Should you not ask the Admiral?' Frederick asked, at Anne's wide eyed look.

Sophia waved away the question with her hand.

'I guess I had best go and visit Sir Walter,' Frederick said in slightly subdued tone.

'I think we could both go to Camden Place today, you can escort me home and ask my father then with me by your side; although I am now of age and do not require his approval. It would be best that I remain at Camden Place until we marry, to ensure no gossip occurs.'

'A well-considered plan. I will be your chaperone,' Sophia decreed.

'Thank you, Sophia,' Anne answered.

'Shall we tell the Admiral first?' Sophia asked.

'He left on an errand this morning,' Frederick replied.

Hmm, maybe my husband is not of oblivious to this budding romance as I thought.

'When does Sir Walter usually start accepting visits?' Sophia asked.

'Around midday,' Anne replied, glancing at the clock which showed it was only ten in the morning.

'Then I suggest we have breakfast and visit at ten past twelve, ensure he is in a good mood and ready for visitors.'

Anne and Frederick nodded in agreement and we moved to the breakfast room and requested the meal be served.

By the time breakfast was finished, and everyone was prepared to leave, it was nearly midday. The butler called a coach and we travelled to Camden Place. Sophia trying to give the couple as much privacy as possible, attempted to read a book as they jostled and bounced down the road. By the time they pulled up at Camden Place, she felt her stomach trying to rise up her throat.

Note to self, never try to read during a carriage ride again – it is nothing like being on a ship.

Stepping onto the sidewalk, Sophia and Frederick followed Anne up the steps. The butler opened the door and ushered them in. Anne giving him a gentle smile of thanks as he offered his kind sentiments for her recovery.

They followed the butler into the ornate sitting room where Mr Elliot was seated with Miss Elliot.

'Miss Anne, Mrs Croft, and Captain Wentworth have arrived, Sir,' the servant announced.

AN: Thanks for reading :)