For A Candy Cane A Day on the Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft and Wizardry Forum.
Anne tries her hardest to be polite. She knows that Captain Harville is speaking most earnestly to her, imploring her to spare some kind words for Captain Benwick. And although she responds appropriately and even manages to cast a glance his way, her mind is entirely occupied by the sight of Captain Wentworth and Louisa. The two seem impossibly close, Louisa's hand placed gently on Wentworth's upper arm. Even from a distance, Anne can see the flush on Louisa's cheeks.
Harville must notice that her attention has wavered because he quickly redirects the conversation, suggesting that she speak to Wentworth too.
"Oh." Anne sighs, trying not to sound too wistful. The sea breeze swoops around her, and she reaches up, pushing a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "If only I had the influence.
He laughs. "I'm sure Captain Wentworth finds you most persuasive."
Once upon a time, she might have agreed with him. There was a time when she could have asked Wentworth for the stars, and he would have promised to find a way to give them to her. Now, it is hard enough to get him to even spare a look in her general direction. Still, she makes an agreeable hum.
"Perhaps we should take a walk on the Cobb."
Anne frowns. "In this weather? Won't we be thrown about in the wind?"
"Come." He ignores her concern and instead hooks his arm through hers, leading her across the sand towards Wentworth and Louisa. "Let's collect the happy couple."
They do look happy, Anne thinks. She wonders for a moment if Wentworth had ever looked so happy when looking at her. She's sure he must have. After all, she knows she'd looked even happier gazing at him. It's a memory that makes her heart ache.