Chapter Thirty Three

It was with a heavy heart Frederick stood on the deck of the Laconia and watched as the carriage carrying Mr and Mrs Musgrove, Mrs Harville and Anne left the harbour and proceeded to carry them back to the inn. Charles and Dick had stayed behind to join the Captain and his men in another few rounds and perhaps some cards. Frederick should be glad of the company but yet he could only think of his betrothed as she vanished from sight.

He was apprehensive about the idea of going back to Kellynch and of facing her family so soon after they became engaged. He felt it was almost history repeating itself. However, this time was different, not only was she now of age and if Anne was to be believed –and Frederick did – she fully intended to marry him this time. Within the next few days. That, perhaps, he found the hardest to believe. He could not quite reckon how he had come so far since he first arrived on Edward's doorstep learning about Anne's possible understanding with another man. He looked over at Charles and not for the first time felt a pang of guilt. He was sure Charles cared deeply for Anne and had matters been different he would have made her a good husband. However matters were different and although he felt bad for Charles, it would not dampen the joy he felt inside at the prospect of himself being Anne's husband.

"You are missing her already."

The voice breaking the silence and his thoughts startled him and looked round to find Harville a step beside him, looking at the path the carriage had just taken.

"Is it so obvious?"

Harville chuckled, "You have been stood with your gaze fixed on her path for the past ten minutes with a look on your face which reads of longing. I have seen that look before, often in the mirror before I have to leave Tilly."

Frederick sighed. "Forgive me Harville. I forget you say goodbye to your wife, while mine shall be with me. I have no right to look so melancholy."

Harville laughed again. "Parted for nearly three years and on the cruellest of terms, I think we can all forgive you for wanting your wife to be with you every second of every day. Tilly understands – as do I- that she cannot travel with me and it makes our time together all the more precious." He turned to Frederick. "And the reunion more sweet." He winked before slapping his friend on the shoulder and directing him back to the other gentlemen.

Charles was trying his best to appear in good spirits and happy for the newly affianced couple. He was genuinely happy for Anne and knew deep down they should not have suited, however he could not help but imagine how things could have been different. If for example, his family had moved to the area two years earlier, would he have already been attached to the lovely Miss Anne before she ever laid eyes on the lucky Navy Commander? He would never know. And he knew better than to torment himself with questions he could never obtain the answers for.

He knew Frederick would take care of Anne, he could see plainly he loved her and that she returned that love, something she would not have done –completely- if she had agreed to marry himself. He felt a sense of anger and pain for the fact that both Miss Anne and his new friend Wentworth had endured two and half years of misery at the hands of others, and he would not add to it. He had shaken Frederick's hand and wished him well and he had meant it. He would not ponder on the 'what could have been's', he would not spend the rest of his life envying the match, no he would look elsewhere, if Anne was to believed, Mary was keen on him and longed to leave home and run her own. Although in his heart she would never live up to Anne, he could grow to love her. She was a pretty thing and would be a good amiable wife. No, he must forget the elder Miss Elliot and set his sights and his heart on Miss Mary becoming the next Mrs Musgrove.

Richard had become bored with the talk of matrimony, no matter how much time he spent in the company of Miss Anne, he still found her to be too quiet and insipid for him. He could not understand why a man as great and powerful as Captain Wentworth would want to shackle himself to such a woman and so soon. Should he not enjoy his new found wealth and enjoy the company of many young ladies before tethering himself to a wife? He would certainly not marry so young. He intended to live life as much as he could. He had not envisioned a life aboard a ship like the Laconia, but if it meant he could be away from his meddlesome family and his Father's tight purse strings, he would be thankful for it. He could earn his own money and live away from home seeing the world and all it offered. He was sure the Captains had embellished the cruelty of life aboard a working ship for his sake. The conditions could not be so bad, had they not endured it themselves for many years? And still, they came back for more. No, he was sure he would get on and it would be the making of him.

The evening finally drew to a close a little after midnight with the brothers Musgrove returning home and the Captain and lieutenants to their quarters. Captain Wentworth had allowed Harville's wife to remain aboard with her husband for the night. He was in such good spirits with his own luck, he could not bear to part them. There were barely any other officers on board, so it would not be a problem. She would be gone first thing in the morning and the look of appreciation on both their faces was enough to push aside any doubts he may have had. Benwick had retired to write a letter to his sweetheart Fanny, telling her all of the news, so it as was Frederick went to his own bed smiling at all his good fortune.

He did not think he would rest so easily, he was still energised by all the events which had taken place and the thought of all those in his near future. There was the ever present niggle at the back of his mind whenever he thought of Kellynch, despite Anne's attempts at calming him, he still would feel a weight had been lifted when that visit was over. He lay in his bed and examined his rooms more closely. In a few days these would be Anne's rooms too and there would have to be some rearranging and improvements made. He would set a couple of fellows the task on the morrow. He smiled to himself thinking of Anne and her glee at all he had accomplished. He had been nervous all the way back from London for no reason. She was as excited at the prospect as he. With Anne smiles on his mind as he closed his eyes, he slipped into a peaceful slumber.

He was awake bright and early the next morning already dressed when the man acting as his valet arrived for duty, Frederick dismissed him with a few errands instead. Carter arrived shortly after with Nancy in tow. Her eyes bulging at the sight of the ship and after Carter had made it clear to a few of the ship men she was his sister, Frederick let her look around the quarters that would belong to he and Anne, and then the room next to it which would be hers. She seemed very pleased and grateful for the chance and expressed a delight at serving the young lady who had been so kind to her. She also congratulated the Captain on his recent engagement. He then suggested that Nancy accompany him to the Inn so she could assist Anne that morning and journey with them to Kellynch to help with her packing. She was keen to go wherever she was needed and Frederick thought again how he was pleased with the appointment.

They arrived at the Inn early and were not surprised to learn all their party were still abed. Nancy immediately went up to see to her lady, while Frederick was forced to await everyone's arrival in the breakfast rooms. Before long, Charles and his father appeared. Richard, he learned, was still asleep though they had let him know he should rise soon. It had been decided between Charles and his father, the younger Musgrove would stay behind with his brother to ensure he attended the signing of his contract which would join him to the Kings Navy for the foreseeable future. Mr and Mrs Musgrove would share the carriage with Nancy and Anne, with Frederick once more on horseback. Although he did not relish a long ride back, he imagined with his new found purpose the journey would not seem so long.

Only a few minutes later Anne appeared; looking lovelier than he had ever seen her. Apparently being engaged suited her and he couldn't help feel a little pride for the change he had brought about her. Nancy was behind her carrying her bags although Anne constantly turned to offer to help the young girl. Eager to prove his worth as her betrothed, the Captain surged forward taking the bags from the grateful Nancy and smiling at the ladies as he carried them down the stairs.

He was pleased to find Anne ready to leave. He had hoped to be away as soon as possible, so that they could have some time together once they reached Kellynch before their ill-fated meeting with the Baronet. Anne smiled at his chivalrous attempt and he remembered how the results would be worth the trouble of seeing the pompous Sir Walter once again. In truth it was not Sir Walter he feared for he could do nothing to prevent their union. Anne was of age and he of means. No it was the icy Lady Russel he knew would cause problems. He very much doubted they would get away with a congratulations from her. She was sure to oppose to the match and be sure to tell Anne as such. She would try her best to persuade Anne to turn away from him once more and he hoped with all his heart and soul Anne would keep her word –and her recent bravado- and tell her she was not so persuaded this time.

He noticed Anne eyeing him with concern and surmised his face must be displaying his distaste at seeing the God Mother of the woman he loved once more. He attempted a smile but Anne only frowned more. She knew something was wrong. Already she knew him better than all others. He would not be able to keep anything from her in their marriage and he never planned to. He walked towards her eager to put her mind at rest when Mrs Musgrove and Richard finally appeared.

After a somewhat subdued breakfast – a few members of the party still recovering from the celebrations the night before- the party said their good byes and went their separate ways. Nancy followed Mr and Mrs Musgrove into the carriage complimenting them on their choice of vehicle much to the delight of the couple. Anne delayed as long as possible wanting to speak to her intended alone. They had barely exchanged words over breakfast and she knew she must clear the air before they began their journey. Something had irked her fiance and had him looking troublesome and although she could guess what it was, she would much rather hear it from his own lips.

Frederick was preparing his horse in the nearby stables when she found him. "Captain?" she called out, anxious there may be other people in the stable, however when no one answered she took a deep breath. "Frederick?"

He rounded the corner a smile on his face that said he had been waiting for her to address him as such, she contained the urge to roll her eyes at his teasing. "Yes Anne, is there something I can assist you with?"

"I would like to know what had you looking quite so stern this morning, the first morning after we have learned we are to be married in just a few days."

He lowered his gaze ashamed that he had looked so sorrowful when he had every reason to be ecstatically happy.

"You were thinking of them again were you not? My relatives? Despite my assurances I no longer care for their opinions, and this is only a matter of informing them of our decision to marry and to invite them to the wedding should they wish to see our union."

He shook his head chucking lightly. "You speak like it will be easy, our going back there, when we both know at least one of your friends will be aggrieved at our decision and will attempt to thwart our union."

Anne blushed. "I stand by what I told you last night, Frederick, I want to be your wife more than anything else in this world, I will not let anyone thwart anything. If they cannot accept it, then I will turn my back on those who seek to destroy our happiness."

"Anne-"

"No, I will not be persuaded." She had tears in her eyes and Frederick knew she meant every world. While once she had cried because of the actions others had forced her into, this time she cried out of love for him and a wish for them to be together.

He went to her without pause. Enveloping her in his arms. "I did not think it was possible Miss Elliot, but I do believe I have just fallen even more in love with you." She coloured deeply and he thought her very pretty. "With such brave words from my beautiful wife to be, I can no longer prevent the smile from my lips. Rest assured Anne you will not catch me sorrowful again." He leaned in to kiss her when someone cleared their throat behind them. He turned to find Nancy in the doorway purposely looking anywhere but at them. "What is it Nancy?"

"If you please Sir, the Lady and Mister are wanting to know if you are ready to leave, and where Miss Anne has gotten too." At the last part she smile widely.

Frederick matched her grin with one of his own and turned back to Anne. "It seems I have found something to frown at; Mr and Mrs Musgrove's impeccable timing."

Anne giggled, stepping around him. "I am here Nancy." She turned back to Frederick who was untying this horse. "I wish you could travel with us in the carriage."

"I will be best served outside keeping watch on its precious cargo." He brought her hand to his lips bestowing a kiss. "Till Exeter."

She smiled and with a turn of her heel followed after Nancy.