Longwell hesitated for just a moment. He looked at the Captain, who merely shrugged. Frederick knew it to be rottenly perverse on his part, but he took an immodest amount of pleasure in the man's clear confusion. Wentworth suspected this was a moral failing with which he might struggle for a moment or two, but considering the history between him and Longwell, its existence could not be surprising.

It was clear Anne was not going to give up, and Longwell would either announce them, dealing later with the consequences of the interruption, or the young lady would open the doors herself. This would leave Longwell with a double censure to explain to his mistress.

The sitting room was only in half-light from the partially opened curtains. Bearing in mind what he knew, Frederick thought this gave the room a sinister feel. This was not helped by the posture of the pair within.

As they entered, Mr. Elliot was listening intently, perched on the barest front edge of his chair. Lady Russell too was leaned forward, speaking with an uncharacteristic animation. When they realised the door had opened, the tête-à-tête ceased, and both moved back in their seats.

"Miss Anne and Captain Wentworth." Frederick assumed Longwell to be too occupied mustering his excuses for the interruption to snarl his name and rank.

For an instant, all four were silent and did nothing but stare at one another.

Frederick realised he stood immediately next to Anne. He was sure the others could not help but notice as well.

Mr. Elliot was the first to make a gesture of courtesy. He stood and in his haste, his cup of tea rattled delicately and then fell to the floor. The liquid pooled around his right pump. He looked down and then said something angry under his breath. When he shook his foot, he caught the cup and it rolled beneath his chair. 

"Are you early, Cousin, or am I late?" Anne's question seemed to rouse everyone, except Mr. Elliot, who was caught Elliot dabbing at his trouser leg. He looked up at her and produced a smile was insincere as one might expect under such doubtful circumstances.

He was precluded, or perhaps more rightly, rescued from saying anything by Lady Russell. "You are just on time, my dear. Though I was not expecting that you would bring a guest." The woman's gaze was steadily fixed on Wentworth as she spoke.

"I happily found him at Camden Place when I returned from visiting with Mrs. Smith this morning. He came to speak with father—"

Wentworth couldn't help himself and looked surreptitiously at Elliot and then Lady Russell. Both were exceedingly interested, but neither looked as if they pleased to hear this news.

"—and he was kind enough to offer to escort me to Rivers Street. And I was happy to accept." This was a little dagger to the heart of Mr. Elliot. Lady Russell was too well bred to allow more than a momentary lapse in her countenance. "I thought it only just that I should invite him in for tea."

Lady Russell rose and approached them. She kissed Anne's cheek and gave him a nod. "You know that my home is to be treated as your own, my dear. Longwell, fetch two more cups. Come, Anne, sit with me." The woman was sly in greeting her goddaughter with such warmth, practically ignoring him, and then easily drawing Anne from his side. Anne's desire that the two of them should, at some future point, love one another was looking more and more like wishful thinking indeed.

Anne stopped before her cousin and said, "I do hope that doesn't stain. Tea stains can be so sloppy looking."

"Please, Captain, be seated." Lady Russell indicated a chair that could not be farther away from Anne unless it was in another room. He took it, and then looked Anne's way. All her movements as she took a seat on the sofa next to her godmother were studied and exacting. To his joy, she looked his way. Her eyes sparkled, and the smile on her face was positively puckish. This was a look Wentworth had never seen. He anticipated very much seeing how this newfound disposition would play itself out.

"I hope we did not interrupt the two of you discussing anything important," Anne said, looking exquisitely innocent from her cousin to her godmother.

Mr. Elliot was again seated and failing miserably to look unruffled. Wentworth noted Lady Russell's expression was now serenity itself, and the cup of tea she stirred was rock steady in her hand. "We were discussing the concert last Tuesday." Just before she turned to Anne, Wentworth saw her raise a brow in Elliot's direction.

"Yes, we were comparing notes on the last act and how magnificent it was." He drew a bead on Wentworth, and said, "I believe you left just as it was beginning. Which is a pity, sir, but I suppose when one considers you choice of career, such sophisticated musical composition is beyond your … tastes." Elliot looked back to his cup and smiled at Lady Russell.

Wentworth had to admire the man, he'd levelled his shot most excellently. Elliot had with few words found fault not only with Frederick's musical acumen, his intelligence, but with his beloved profession as well. Were he still uncertain of his footing with Anne, he might feel the need to thrash the supercilious little man. As things stood, Wentworth revelled in the fact that the poor sod would get his just deserts soon enough.

As he wondered if he should reply to such a slight, Anne did so. "It was not the sophistication of the composition that left the captain cold, but the atmosphere of the entire concert. You see, cousin, we—the captain and I—have at length discussed not only the various compositions, their musicianship and the appropriateness of each piece, but I think we are entirely agreed that the lack of discipline of most Italian music falls far short of the well-organised and disciplined music so cherished by the fine English mind. The Captain, being of a profession which prides itself on order and discipline was understandably put off by such an inharmonious and discordant display."

Lady Russell was clearly confused. William Elliot was clearly put down. As Anne spoke, her cousin's expression had transformed from triumphal glee to glacial stare, punctuated occasionally by a dagger tossed Wentworth's direction.

The tension was broken just a little when Longwell appeared with the extra cups. A maid came as well. All were silent as the poor girl was on her knees to find the cup and finish cleaning up the carpet. When the parade departed the room, Lady Russell sat forward to pour for the gentlemen. Anne did likewise and quickly took hold of the handle of the pot. She said, "Please, allow me, ma'am."

It could not escape the notice of her godmother, or her cousin, that she asked for no instructions as she poured the first cup. She laced it liberally with milk and just a little sugar, then rose and presented it to the captain.

"I think this is just how you take it, sir." Anne tilted her head and smiled.

Frederick accepted the cup with a smile of his own, and thanks. The flush of her cheeks was maddening. He took enormous pleasure in the pair's shocked expressions. Taking a sip, he said, "It is indeed how I like it, Miss Anne. Thank you very much."

When she turned away, she stopped before her cousin. "And Mr. Elliot, how again do you take your tea?"

Frederick nearly dropped his cup when she asked this. Only great control kept him from spitting out the sip he'd just taken. It was worth any of Elliot's pallid insults to watch Anne at work on him. The man's angry flush more than matched hers, and his jaws barely moved as he growled, "Lemon and nothing more."

She returned to the tray and began again to pour. The expression on her face was angelic, and she smiled sweetly as Lady Russell spoke to her about the expected rain. To watch her pour and serve the tea was grace itself. He then realised she was a merciless opponent with the enviable skill of mastering herself under pressure. He suspected that between this, and her intelligence, he would never win were they to go at it. And that was fine with him. Her strength would be necessary for the life he was asking her to live.

Everyone had tea and attended to it quietly until Lady Russell said, "Anne, you spoke of your father earlier. How is he today?"

"He was just here, was he not? He said at breakfast that he would be coming here for a visit."

"Oh, yes. Of course he was. How silly of me to forget." She dabbed at her skirt after spilling a bit of tea. Wentworth suspected Lady Russell to be more interested in knowing what he and the baronet would have to discuss, and this was her clumsy segue to that end. Glancing at Anne, he found a partner in this idea.

"I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Smith. You know Lady Russell, the poor widow who lives in Westgate Buildings."

Again, the clatter of a cup came from Elliot's direction. This time he had managed to set it on the table without incident as he stood. "I am sorry, but I have just realised I have another appointment. I hope you can forgive me for rushing off." Wentworth was glad to see him go, and was interested to see if Anne was finished with him yet.

She was up from her seat. "Oh, please, cousin, can you stay but a few minutes more. I have some very good news I wish to share with my godmother. And since you are here, and are family, I would like you to know it as well."

Obviously, she intended on telling them both then and there. She would not be satisfied to allow her cousin learn about their engagement by reading an announcement in the newspaper. No, telling the man to his face was the only thing that would satisfy his dear, sweet, clever girl. The woman was proving that she could be brutal. He hoped that she would have some mercy on him after they were married.

Elliot knew whatever Anne had to say would not be good for him, and as he returned to his seat, said, "I suppose I can stay a moment or two longer."

"And what news would this be, my dear?" Lady Russell asked. She took Anne's hand and brought her back to the sofa.

"Captain Wentworth has asked me to marry him and I have accepted. He has spoken to father this very morning and he has given us his blessing. The announcement will be published as soon as possible." 

Lady Russell stood and took Anne in her arms like an automaton. "I wish you well, my dear. I wish you well."

Wentworth thought she must continue to repeat the phrase in hopes of making the announcement, and the sentiment, genuine. She was saying all the proper things, but there was little feeling in her voice and almost no expression on her face. Poor Mr. Elliot looked as though something unpleasant had burst in his hands and he was not sure how to rid himself of it. But, to his credit, the man did master himself enough to come to Wentworth, shake his hand and congratulate him. "Welcome to the family, sir," was all he managed to say. He then left Wentworth to speak to Anne.

Lady Russell covered her shock by calling for more tea. When Longwell appeared she ordered that some wine should be brought as well. "We must toast to your happiness, Anne." She still could not bring herself to address the captain.

The woman's cool, perfunctory sanction stung his pride. The least she could do, for Anne's sake, was act the part of a joyful friend. "I never stopped loving her." He did not think he should have to convince her of his sincerity, but if that was what she required of him, he would do it for Anne.

Lady Russell turned. "Never stopped loving her? Never once at Uppercross? Never once at Lyme perhaps?"

So, this was how it would be with them. "I said I never stopped loving her, I never said I haven't acted stupidly in all this time."

"It is a good sign that you can admit that, sir."

Longwell arrived with the libations. William Elliot repeated his need to be off and Lady Russell went to see to his departure.

Anne came to Frederick, and slid her hand into his. "Well? What did she say?" Her eyes shined and her smile comforted his angry heart.

"She likes the fact my praises of you are so effusive."

"Good. I look forward to the day when the three of us will sit together, perfectly happy in one another's company."

Her eager, hopeful expression touched him. He would work as hard as was necessary to care for Lady Russell. He would put aside whatever hostility she might lob his way, and dig as deeply into his own soul to find affection for Annie's benefit. There was nothing he could say, so he raised her hand to his lips and kissed it.

"You said your father has no objections to this marriage going forward." Lady Russell re-entered the room and took her seat. She poured a cup of tea.

He could feel Anne stiffen by his side. Her cheeks were red. He released her hand, thinking being caught by her godmother embarrassed her. Anne turned and faced Lady Russell.

"Yes, why should he not? I am of age, and there are none of the impediments of the past to stop us."

Lady Russell's expression was strained. She passed around the wine. "May my goddaughter find the happiness she deserves."

The wine was a good vintage, though she was not pleased with the announcement, she did not stint. Anne turned to him and her smile made him forget the hostility he both felt and received.

"I think we should be off, Ma'am." Anne bid her godmother farewell.

Lady Russell said, "Yes, Captain, please see my goddaughter home."

"I will see her wherever she wishes, ma'am."

"Yes, you have that right now, don't you?" She summoned Longwell and instructed him to take them to the door.

Again, the cool air was refreshing as they walked. Anne revisited Amanda's responses over and over in her mind. Why was she surprised her godmother would not be happy for her? She knew full well Mr. Elliot was a favourite, and to have Amanda's plans upset by Anne's acceptance of Frederick's proposal was to invite the dismal response. The saddest thought came when she wondered if her godmother's opinions of Mr. Elliot and Frederick Wentworth would even change if she were told about the former's behaviour concerning her family and Mr. Smith.

"You are awfully quiet, my dear." He chaffed the top of her gloved hand on his arm. She wished desperately that it were warm and that she could remove the layers of leather separating their hands.

She took a deep breath. "I was just thinking about the morning."

"I think it has all gone rather well."

"You have been in battles, risking life and limb. I suppose anything not putting you directly in physical danger you consider going well." She glanced at him. His expression was troubled.

"Your father has given his permission, not that I was actually asking for it, mind you. And Lady Russell has been told. Whatever her response, we have cleared the major impediments and, I feel, are free to enjoy ourselves."

It was all so simple to Frederick. He saw none of the impediments. To be fair, it was actually very simple. It was only her desire for something unidentifiable driving her discontent. He guided her next to a stairway, out of the flow of the others on the sidewalk. "What would make you happy?" His tone and expression were serious.

Just having him ask the question gave a lift to her spirits. "Father is indifferent at best about it all. Elizabeth, well, Elizabeth is going to sulk for a long time, I think. And we need not discuss Amanda. We have yet to have anyone wish us joy."

He smiled. "It would be a nice touch, but I think I feel joy enough for both of us. It may not be the same, but it is how I feel." He looked about and she thought he might try to kiss her. Instead, he touched her cheek.

"I know. This makes me sound petty and ridiculous. I'm sorry to make you see my sour mood. I should not put you through this."

Frederick smiled, and then laughed. "Firstly, I don't see you as petty and ridiculous. Besides, if we compare this sour mood of yours with my pettiness of the past fall, I think you will be seen as the more adult of us two."

"I still don't care to allow myself such a luxury."

He took her arm and the moved back into the stream of the sidewalk. "We shall go to Gay Street and tell my sister and brother-in-law our happy news. I am sure you will get a smile or two from them."

The last of the housemaids dropped a perfect curtsey before Anne and wished the couple joy.

Anne thanked her and turned to him. "You knew."

"Knew what?"

"That your family would welcome our news in this way. That is why you were so offhand about my pettiness." She raised a brow at Frederick.

"I hoped there would be smiles and wishes of joy, but I had no idea of them lining up the servants and breaking out a good wine and cake." The Admiral had gone above and beyond anything Frederick might have hoped for the announcement. His thanks would be profuse, but he was sure that Anne's smiling face and unbridled laughter would make them know what a wonderful gift they had given the new couple.

If only my own people cared so much." Anne glanced away. Frederick was about to speak when Harkness approached.

"Miss Anne, I wish you joy of your coming marriage." He made an excellent leg to her.

Anne looked at the man closely. "Harkness, isn't it?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

She smiled in full recognition. "How is your mother?"

"Very well, thank you. I shall write her and let her know things are again on course. Again, congratulations." He nodded to the captain and left them.

"What is he doing here?" She accepted a little more wine.

"The poor man is my valet." He smiled; the man had a thankless chore.

"What do you think he meant by 'again on course?'"

"I'm not certain, but he made a cryptic comment when I was staying at Kellynch Hall. Might the servants have known of about us in '06?"

She thought for a moment. "I wouldn't have thought it lasted long enough to be noticed. But, there is no keeping anything secret from them. No matter how hard one tries."

He led her to the sofa. "True enough. There are no secrets aboard ships either. That being the case, I would say we have had many wishing us well for quite some time."

The servants were dismissed and Sophia and the Admiral made a show of excusing themselves. He was grateful they understood his desire to be alone with Anne.

She leant back and closed her eyes. "This is so pleasant."

He took her hand. She snatched it back, and sat staring at him. "I am so sorry, Frederick. I-I am not accustomed to anyone taking my hand, or touching me like that." Her expression was a mix of shock and regret.

"Well then," he took her hand again, "I shall have to hold your hand constantly so that you will grow accustomed to it." He leant close. "I intend to touch you as much as possible." He raised her hand to his lips.

They sat back, him not releasing her. "I had forgotten how devoted you are. You never were shy about telling me how you felt."

"Shall I tell you how I feel this moment?" He touched her cheek.

"Please do." She pressed against his fingers.

"I want to get married as soon as it can be arranged." He hitched closer. "I shall obtain a license so we might do away with the banns. All we would need do is find a day when the church is free." He stroked her hair.

She put her hand over his. "But, Frederick, there are preparations. Having a dress made will take time—"

"You can have all the dresses made you wish after we are married. This second time around, I don't want to waste a moment." He pulled her close.

Anne rested against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. "How can I refuse you?"

"You can't." He stroked her hair and occasionally kissed her temple.

"Then I shan't."

A loud click roused them both. They looked towards the door, but it was closed. "I think we've been caught," he said.

Anne began to sit up, but he wouldn't allow it. She said nothing and settled back against him.

They sat quietly for quite some time, enjoying the warmth of the fire and one another's arms. Frederick finally said, "When we are married, we'll not have to worry about spies."

"No, we shall be spared that. But, the household will still know how happy we are."

This was a comforting thought after such a turbulent day.

The next day, most of the sharper feelings had succumbed to careful thought and a night's rest. And though every couple in Bath considering marriage had gotten to the church first, they were able to arrange a day within a fortnight. It did not completely suit the captain, but as he was in no position to change things, he too succumbed to some careful thought and a good night's rest.

Frederick's second full day as an engaged man was turning out to be quite profitable. A letter from his prize agent arrived in the morning post notifying him that the amount of 500 pounds was being deposited in his account. It seemed that his first capture of the spring season had carried more than just a hold full of rice. When the wrights began their inspection to determine her value, she yielded a box of jewels secreted into the flooring of the captain's cabin.

No one claimed the jewels, and though somewhere a woman was without her baubles, Captain Wentworth was now a bit richer than expected. As he returned from a short walk, he decided as jewels had enriched him, jewels Anne must have. What sort of jewellery, he was unsure, but he was confident that given an opportunity, Admiral McGillvary could advise him on that score.  The footman began to speak as he relieved the captain of his outer garments, but was interrupted by his sister.

"There you are, Frederick." Sophia glanced back into the sitting room and then came to him. "Lady Russell arrived about half and hour ago. She was quite agitated, but I gave her some tea and we began to discuss her favourite subject, and she is very much better now."

When he had spoken to Anne the previous evening, she mentioned speaking to her godmother and was pleased to say things were much better between them. For himself, he was little concerned, but Anne needed Lady Russell's support. The woman's presence at Gay Street made him wonder if that truce still held, or was the woman come to discuss her favourite subject of the captain's gross inferiorities. He asked just what was Lady Russell's favourite subject.

"Why, Anne of course." She patted his arm. "I'm sorry I've no Marine to post outside the door, Captain, but if you have trouble, call for a footman." She left him in the hallway.

He had expected if he faced the old dragon alone again, it would be in her own den. Her appearance in his home caught him off guard and was unsettling to a man who liked to have a firm battle plan. Prepared or not, it was time to face her. He entered to find her pouring him tea.

"Your sister has me quite at home, Captain. Milk with a little sugar, I believe."

"Yes, thank you." He took the cup to his favourite chair and marvelled that she had remembered. "And what may I do for you, Lady Russell?"

"I have had two visits this morning which have left me extremely cross, sir."

If the woman was already cross, he calculated what the chance might be that he was the reason. "I am sorry to hear this, Ma'am," was all he could think to say.

"The first visit was from Anne. She did tell you we spoke about your last visit, and that she and I have set things right."

"Yes, Ma'am, she did last night."

"Good, perhaps knowing that will help remove the worried, suspicious look from your face."

He smiled at being caught and took a drink.

"Anne came to me this morning and said she and her father had talked about the wedding. That the plans for his part are very easy and simple and that she is happy about them."

"What she and I discussed was very simple. We wish to be married quickly and that precludes anything too lavish."

"I understand that, sir. Military men are generally in a rush. And if that is truly what Anne wishes, I shall say no more about the matter. But, Anne will deprive herself of anything she considers unimportant. Anything you feel is unimportant."

He immediately thought of Anne's declaration that having a dress made would take time. A dress was evidently important to her, but if Lady Russell were right, his putting it aside made it unimportant in her eyes.

She continued. "The second was from Sir Walter. He was quite provoked about the way you went about proposing." The mention of the baronet, and their meeting left him cold. It must have shown on his face for she said, "He feels you have taken advantage of him."

Wentworth nearly came out of the chair, but merely leant forward, put the cup down and folded his hands. "And did he explain how I have done such a thing, Ma'am?"

"He said you were making demands of him, concerning the dowry, which he cannot possibly meet."

"Please be assured, Ma'am, my concerns about the settlement are completely just, but nothing Sir Walter should feel pressed about." The statement was cryptic, even to his own ears. Before she could speak further, he said, "Is there any other way in which I might help you?"

Lady Russell's expression hardened and colour came into her cheeks. "He also has told about his version of the plans for the wedding."

The plans Wentworth and Anne discussed were quite simple, quite straightforward. There was nothing about them, which would justify interference by the Baronet. The Captain asked her to explain.

"He feels there is no need for an engagement party, and that a modest breakfast after the wedding is all he can manage." Her movements and expression indicated the plans were not to her liking at all.

"I am not very familiar with the wedding customs of Bath, perhaps you can help me understand why this is not sufficient."

"Weddings are not nearly the generous events they have been in the recent past, Captain. But, a young woman of Anne's rank, the daughter of a baronet, even now, should have at the very least a dress especially made for the occasion. It should be nothing too grand, something that may be worn again at a later time. A young bride should also have some household furnishings to take into her new home—linens and tableware particularly." She stopped, obviously hesitant to continue.

Wentworth was completely unprepared to speak about dresses or tableware, but he understood being prepared with the materials one needed to make a successful campaign. He was about to make this point when Lady Russell continued. "As a part of her trousseau, she should also have new clothes." Again she hesitated, but carried on quickly. "Anne took it upon herself to economise for quite some time. I know she had no new things for several seasons. In the past, when Elizabeth and Sir Walter return from town, she was given a small gift." The furrow in her brow deepened. "That was one area of economy they could agree upon and the gift was done away with this year. I fear Anne needs everything new … from the ground up, if you will pardon my frankness, sir."

He did understand her, and was appalled the baronet could behave in such a contemptible manner. Wentworth did not care one whit for the mortification the man brought on himself, but to think he could treat his daughter in such a shabby manner angered him. But, sadly, still, killing the man was not the answer—

"I told him I had a certain amount of money set aside for each of the girls. I gave Mary hers when she wed Charles Musgrove, and I told him that if he could see his way to match that amount, I would see that Anne had everything she needed. He said he could not see his way to do anymore than he had already stated. Then, I said, I would see to everything. He left soon after. When I spoke, I did so in haste I now find. I will not be completely in funds again until after the midsummer."

He was astounded that she was so forthcoming with what passed between her and the baronet. Not to mention what she revealed about her own affairs. Of course, she needed his help. She needed his money to put the situation to rights. Still—

"I was thinking, Captain, that you would not mind using a small part of the settlement money to see that Anne, and your own home, will be well-furnished."

This presented Frederick with a quandary. To tell her there was no settlement money forthcoming would further sink the Baronet in her eyes. Which was not really much of a consideration to him, but he did not wish to be the cause of more animosity on the lady's part. These sorts of plots always come to light and if Anne ever got wind that he made trouble for her father; it would be Frederick that was sunk. He could go along with the plan and give the money. All would be well, aside from the baronet getting away with a great injustice.

But why should he, the old skinflint? It had been scrupulous honesty which had boosted his own fortunes that very day, he decided to make truth his friend and told Lady Russell what had upset the Baronet about his proposal.

"There is no settlement money."

"Not enough you mean." She sighed deeply. "Please do not tell me all the talk of your fortune is piffle and that you need the money for the two of you to live on." Lady Russell held her breath. 

Well, it was almost a comfort to know he was still in the familiar territory of Lady Russell's suspicions. "No, I mean there is no money." He described briefly Sir Walter's ramble belittling old-fashioned practices and such. Next, he was careful to point up how the man freely admitted his own father-in-law had seen to his duty and promptly paid the dowry. Though he was certain she would miss the irony of it, he told her how the baronet numbered them both as men of the world. To his surprise she was not completely obtuse and smiled at this. "While Anne is not yet my wife, I see the settlement money as Lady Elliot's last gift to her daughter. It would be morally wrong for the Baronet to betray them both by withholding it."

Lady Russell looked away. The sadness in her eyes was acute. The woman might be a thorn in his side, but she did care for Anne.

"Poor Elizabeth. She would hang her head were she to know this sad business."

"I dare say Miss Elliot was not touched in the least at the news of my engaging her sister. I doubt any worries with the wedding plans will make much difference to her."

She looked at him, smiling faintly. "Not Elizabeth, Anne's sister, but Elizabeth, Lady Elliot and my dearest friend." She poured more tea. It was clear by her deliberate movements she was ordering her thoughts. He rose to accept his cup. "I will give you a bit of Elliot history.

The girls' mother was as beautiful as the baronet is handsome. Some would say more so. Even her daughter, Elizabeth lacks a certain something my friend possessed. Though, Anne is every bit as intelligent as her mother. They made an exquisite couple. The wedding was lavish by the standards of her people, and then he took her away to be the mistress of his lovely, large estate in Somerset." She told how she came to follow her friend, and to be installed in Kellynch Lodge. "My husband was an officer in the Army and was away most of our marriage. He was glad to have me taken care of so that I was not of much concern for him."

When she said she was only a slight concern to her husband, her expression changed little. Wentworth could not say whether her look betrayed hardness to the relegation, or a cleverly hidden pain. 

"It did not take long for her to realise the Baronet, while handsome, had no head for business or understood what it took to manage a household or even the estate. His father had passed away only a year before and everything was still functioning under the old man's guidance. It was clear that her husband, if not checked, would make a ruin of everything. So, Elizabeth began learning how to economise, and to manage her husband."

As she spoke, Wentworth came to admire Lady Elliot by way of Lady Russell's narrative. The picture from the upper sitting room at Kellynch was very much on his mind. It presented her as a young, fresh, intelligent woman who would soon be shackled to a fool. Like many before her, for the sake of her children, she developed the skills necessary to deal quite well with the folly.

"I don't know if Anne has told you, but there was a son born to them just two years after her. Certainly, they needed the son to mitigate the effects of the entail. But he was stillborn. It broke her heart. She felt like a failure, and I am ashamed to say, he did nothing to lessen those feelings. The pregnancy was difficult as well, and so when Mary was born two years later, Elizabeth's health was irreparably damaged. She worked hard to raise her girls."

Lady Russell stopped and looked off. He could feel the loneliness of the woman, lamenting her friend's circumstances, no doubt missing her friend's company as well. Had anyone told Frederick in the years following his break up with Anne that one day he would be privy to Lady Russell's most heartfelt confession, he would have laughed. And plotted a way to use it to hurt her twice as much as he'd been done. But now, sitting in his sister's house, hearing and seeing the affects of this sad tale, he pitied her. And pitied Anne for being unavoidably left to the mercy of her stupid father.

"Cozening and coddling the Baronet took a great deal of creativity and energy. I was with her at the end. The only things she regretted leaving was the girls. To be done with the rest was a relief." Again she was silent for a time.

"With all the restraints gone, he did as he pleased. Elizabeth, though far too young and ignorant, became his hostess and housekeeper. Anne was sent to school, which she despised. Mary was left to a parade of nursery maids completely ill-suited to care for her. And it shows to this day."

He had never seen Lady Russell sit in such a way as to touch the back of a chair. That was changed now. It was clear her recollections weighed her down to the point she could barely sit upright. It was time to call an end to the hurtful memoir.

"Ma'am, I must say, Anne is blessed to have you in her life." He was not certain whether he or Lady Russell was more surprised to hear these words.

"I am sure you have never thought that before." She cocked her head and smiled.

"No, you are quite right in that. It is an entirely new thought for me." He cleared his throat and shifted in his seat. "In regards to Anne, the time is short and I, unfortunately cannot be seen paying for her dresses and such, but you can. And, you can use your powers of persuasion to see that she chooses what gives her pleasure, not merely what would be prudent and serviceable."

&n