What If … Sophia knew?

The rest was all tranquillity; till, just as they were moving, she heard the Admiral say to Mary-"We are expecting a brother of Mrs Croft's here soon; I dare say you know him by name."

Anne suddenly found her lap most interesting and her gaze fell to it repeatedly. She felt sure, should she open her mouth, she would find herself spilling the truth to everyone. The more she concentrated on controlling her actions and concealing the facts, the more she felt their eyes on her, waiting for her to fall apart.

"Why Miss Anne, you looked quite peeked, pray would you take a turn about the gardens with me? The fresh air may serve you well." Mrs Croft smiled kindly and Anne felt powerless to resist.

"Well I … that is… yes, of course." She stood shakily and followed, leaving Mary most displeased at the prospect of entertaining The Admiral and her boys alone.

Anne followed Mrs Croft down a winding path until they were free of the house and its inhabitants. Mrs Croft then surprised her by taking her arm in hers, just as old friends would, and leaning in to her, as if not wanting to be overheard. "I suspect Miss Anne, you are more concerned with my younger brother Frederick's news, rather than that of Edwards, as I believe it was you whose company he was in most when he was here last." Anne was glad to be leaning on the other woman as she felt a wave of heat overcome her and her legs begin to buckle. Mrs Croft oblivious, continued, "Or I am I wrong in suspecting the two of you were … involved."

Anne stopped and looked around her wildly for anyone or anything to save her from this interrogation. "I wasn't aware ... no one … you were abroad at the time." She stuttered in response. "I remember. I believe Fre-Captain Wentworth to have shared our secret with none but his brother at the time."

Mrs Croft smiled again and took Anne's hand, placing it back on her arm and moved them on. "Yes I confess it was our dear brother whom first drew my attention to the possibility." She said apologetically. "I had no notion such an attachment had existed." She exclaimed. "Edward was most concerned our dear Frederick maybe distressed at us living here and I would not rest until I knew all the particulars surrounding why."

Anne's eyes widened and she frowned. The woman had obviously brought her out here to scold her for causing her brother such heartbreak – quite rightly so. "Mrs Croft, you must allow me to apologise, if I had known he would be returning for certain, and I had the means to, I would have quit this place at once." She assured her. "I should not like to impose on anyone's feelings or cause them distress. I should not wish my presence to cause the Captain to feel uncomfortable. When the Captain and I-"

"I should stop you there my dear," Mrs Croft interrupted holding up her other hand, "although I know of your engagement, I do not know any of the specifics around its ending. I was not even privy to you name. Edward would not divulge such information without Frederick's permission." Anne opened her mouth to ask how then did she know she was the lady, when she continued. "Now it is my turn to apologise, for I am afraid I would not let the matter settle until I at least knew the young lady's name. I re-read several letters sent by both of my brothers at the time and discovered a 'Miss Elliot of Kellynch' mentioned several times. The rest, I confess, was pure guess work." she shrugged.

Anne coloured, first at the fact they had been found out and second that Frederick had mentioned her in his letters. It was silly she knew, to be pleased by such information, but she was. Anne took a deep breath in letting it out slowly, knowing it was a waste of time denying something Mrs Croft already knew to be true, besides, Anne knew in her heart her face must already be betraying her. For the very mention of him and their time together, caused her such pain and regret, she was sure it would be plain for anyone to see. "Well done Mrs Croft for you are quite the detective." She admitted sadly. "You are correct. It was I. Your brother and I-" She looked away into the distance trying hard to fight the memories forcing their way to the surface, and fell silent.

Mrs Croft felt awkward at causing the lovely Miss Anne pain, she could tell she felt it. Even though she did not know all the details, she did know it could not have ended well. After all, they were not together, yet neither had ever married, despite -she was sure- receiving offers, and the fact neither seemed willing to put aside their past and become re-acquainted. Frederick had made a point of assuring his sister he minded not, them living there and that he had no reason not to return to the area. Anne herself had not brought their connection to anyone's attention.

Sensing Mrs Croft's guilt, Anne smiled. "I forgive you for your curiosity, for I believe I would have been the same if it had been one of my sisters." She smiled half-heartedly and then said seriously, "I would ask in return, that you please do not share any of this with the others in our party. Almost everyone here is unaware of our understanding, however fleeting, and I –and most likely your brother- would prefer it to stay that way." Anne pleaded with Mrs Croft who only frowned and nodded her reluctant agreement, before both ladies returned to the house.