Undressing for the evening, Frederick laid his evening clothes aside to be collected by his valet the following morning and washing his face, retired to bed. Waiting for sleep to come, he reflected with pleasure on his evening at the Musgroves. It had not taken long for Frederick to realise that the senior Musgroves were the very best type of people. The evening had only confirmed this. There were no airs about them; they dined, conversed and entertained themselves with all of the frank pleasure of those who are at peace with their existence and wish the same peace for those around them. It was an acquaintance he was eager to continue.
What he had not expected was to have enjoyed the company of the Musgrove ladies so thoroughly. Showing a little more refinement and greater education than their parents, both were wonderful conversants and displayed their talents admirably throughout the evening. He had been contemplating the idea of marriage since coming ashore, he knew that with his prize money and his naval success he would be considered an eligible match. A pretty smile and general congeniality were all that he expected of the opposite sex but the presence of such company made the idea of marriage all the more enticing. And attraction would certainly not be an obstacle, both Miss Musgrove and Miss Louisa were well developed and appeared to have healthy constitutions.
Quickly banishing the brief picture of those delicate features that had appeared in his minds eye, he recalled the only mar on what had been a fine evening. Mrs Mary Musgrove had clearly inherited the Elliot arrogance, he marvelled at how someone so insipid and self centred had managed to marry into such a family as the Musgroves. Upon their entry, Frederick's heart had briefly stuttered, expecting her to have followed the young couple into the room. He was silent as the remainder of the family exclaimed over their presence and inquired after their little boy.
Charles at least had the self-awareness to look a little embarrassed as he explained that the little boy was being tended to by his Aunt. But he was quickly outdone by the woman at his side who waxed lyrically over how the strength of her feelings as a mother, would have destroyed any peace she had any hope of feeling, if left in the presence of the injured child. Besides, Anne was best suited to nursing and could not be wanted here, so why shouldn't she stay to care for the boy? Unsure of maintaining his composure, Frederick looked around the room and could easily observe the restraint being applied by others. Such a mother, indeed!
After the late arrivals had settled in, dinner had proceeded as expected and eventually livened as those around the table relaxed. Mrs Musgrove senior had asked for a plate of pudding to be sent down for Miss Anne to enjoy. Catching his eye, as he had been seated across from the matron, she leant conspiratorially across the table.
"Never mind me, Captain," she had murmured, sending a glance down the end of the table. "If I know Miss Anne at all, she'll have spent all evening by little Charles' side and not stopped to take any sustenance for herself. And such a small creature as she is, she shouldn't go without. Why if I had half a mind that she'd do as I bid, I'd send down the carriage to bring her here instead but-" and here she half shrugged and gestured down the table, "perhaps it's for the best that we leave her be."
Frederick managed a mumbled assent and was thankfully drawn into conversation with Miss Louisa before he could be expected to respond further. She had begun to discuss the merits of education (having just returned from school herself) and wondered how school upon a ship was conducted. It was hard for him to attend to his pretty counterpart however, as the absence of Miss Anne Elliot churned over in his mind.
Clearly, her character had not changed. She had obviously indulged her selfish sister's desire to go to dinner and stayed behind in the role of glorified servant. The backbone that had been so sorely missed in the moment of their own crisis, was absent still. In a way, this would make his time here easier. Of what notice could the meek Miss Elliot draw from him, whilst the vibrant Miss Musgroves were near. He determined to set Miss Elliot and her ridiculous sister from his mind and focused all of his attention on Miss Louisa. She blushed prettily under his gaze as though his determination had been physically noticeable.
The ladies had sung and played, coffee had been had and Frederick bid his adieu, agreeing to come again. Some hunting had been suggested and he would return on the 'morrow.
Upon a whim, Frederick enquired of the groom who'd brought his horse around as to where the cottage lay and had headed in that direction before he'd allowed himself to think it through. He knew not what he was looking for and told himself that he was simply prolonging the enjoyment of the clear Autumn eve. As he drew near the cottage, a warm orange glow emitted from the low lying windows and he paused long enough to glimpse what lay within.
She was there. He detected the curve of her neck, small dark curls brushing the edge of her dress as they had been want to do all those years ago. He watched as she leaned over the dozing child who must be little Charles, fixing his pillows and kissing his forehead with a mother's care. She leant back in her chair and picking up what appeared to be a child's book, began reading. He abruptly looked away, embarrassed to have intruded on so gentle a moment.
He could not like her, this changed nothing.
Hearing the wheels of the Musgrove's carriage approach was encouragement enough for Frederick to continue on to his sister's home.