After the Letter - A Persuasion Variation

Part 3

"It is quite a pretty dress, I do admire the cut, but I did try to tell her that green is such a harsh colour on a complexion as ghostly pale as Anne's." Mary sniffed.

"I think it suits her tremendously." Frederick's eyes flashed with irritation at Mary's thoughtless criticism, but he refused to be drawn on an issue so nonsensical as dress. Pausing a moment, he seemed to recollect his surroundings, and let out a sound that might have passed for a laugh.

"Of course, I am just a man, and have limited expertise in the intricacies of women's fashion. Anne, come and say hello to my sister, I know she is eager to speak with you before the evening's festivities commence." Anne could tell from the way he choked out the word "festivities" that despite Frederick's compliance in attending Lady Russell's soiree, his low opinion of the evening that stretched ahead of them remained unchanged. He was here to please her, and it ought to have pleased her, but she couldn't help but feel the weight of anxiety press in upon her that still she would be forced to split her attentions between the family and friends she was loyal to, and the friends and soon-to-be-family she would far more happily have spent her time with.

"Oh, well I should like to greet Mrs. Croft as well," Mary said. "And as I was just saying to Anne, it is far too warm in this corner near the fireplace. I see the Admiral is standing by an open window, let us join them."

She strode purposefully towards the poor unsuspecting Admiral, allowing Frederick and Anne a moment to exchange amused glances behind her rapidly-retreating back.

"I see things remain unchanged in the Musgrove household?" He murmured.

"Mary is a little tired of so many discussions revolving around weddings," Anne said. "She cannot wait for Louisa's and Henrietta's to be over, so that everything can get back to normal."

"Of course." Frederick cleared his throat as they reached his sister's orbit. "Sophie! Here we are."

"Anne, dear, you look beautiful." Mrs. Croft pulled her close for an embrace, and Anne felt all the warmth of a connection with Frederick's sister that was lacking with either of her own. She glanced, guiltily, at Mary, but noticed her sister was staring curiously out of the window and decided to take advantage of the time to speak to Admiral and Mrs. Croft unmolested.

"And I believe congratulations are in order." The Admiral was saying, with a warm smile. He shook Frederick's hand heartily, and then turned to clasp Anne's in his rough fingers. "I told Fred he couldn't make a better choice, though I s'pose he knows it." He nodded, smiling. "Sophie and I really couldn't be happier."

"Nor I." Frederick said.

"Nor I!" Anne laughed, and the four beamed at each other.

"Have you decided on a date yet?" Admiral Croft asked. "I know you'll not be wanting a long engagement, after what happened last time -" His wife elbowed him, not entirely successfully silencing his comment.

"Of course, things are very different now," He continued, his eyes twinkling at the young couple. "And it is the season for weddings, is it not, Musgrove?" He waved over Anne's head to where Charles was trying, patiently, to turn his father and Sir Elliot onto a topic of greater interest to himself.

"Here's Mr. Elliott coming down the street!" Mary remarked. She turned to Anne. "I am certain that's his carriage. Did you know he was to attend this evening?"

Anne was so shocked she didn't know quite what to say, and when she did find her voice it faltered.

"I'm sure you're mistaken, Mary -"

"You always believe me mistaken when it comes to recognising people, Anne, but I tell you I have a clear view out to the street and I am convinced that is Mr. Elliot. Did Lady Russell tell you he was joining us this evening?"

"I -" Anne glanced up at Frederick, whose looked away from her before she could meet his gaze. If Lady Russell made him uncomfortable, then Mr. William Elliot would make the evening nigh on unbearable. "No, she never mentioned him joining us," She finished, lamely. "In fact, I am surprised he is still in Bath, now that -"

"Why would he leave?" Mary asked. "Honestly, Anne, you do realise that there are a great many people of wealth and importance here in Bath, and it is the place to be at the moment? I'm quite sure Mr. Elliot is keen to continue strengthening his connections with our family. In fact, I think I shall go and introduce myself. I haven't seen him since that day we met at Lyme, do you remember?" And, without waiting for a response, Mary excused herself and made her way towards her husband, and thence to the entrance door as it swung open to admit the familiar figure of Mr. William Elliot.

Anne swallowed, and stepped a little closer to the window. If Lady Russell had invited Mr. Elliot - and surely she must have, or else why would he be here? - it was a cruel trick not to mention it to Anne, nor to prepare her in some way. She hadn't seen him since she had learned the truth of his unwarranted interest in her, and she was sure news of her and Frederick's attachment would come as a shock to him.

She glanced up at Frederick, and noticed he and Sophie sharing a silent communication that she longed to be included in, but when Frederick noticed her attention, he smiled, rather thinly, at her. "I suppose you, too, would like to greet your cousin?" He said, offering her his arm. "Come, we ought to speak to your father and sister as well." He voice lightened in tone and humour. "I confess when I saw you the thought of talking to anybody else quite slipped my mind."

Anne relaxed a little, as she saw that Frederick was clearly not worried by Mr. Elliot's reappearance. And no more he should be. She reminded herself. Mr. Elliot is nothing but an acquaintance to me. But as they drew close, her eyes sought out Lady Russell's and she couldn't help but wonder if her friend had a grander scheme at play this evening.