For You Alone (Frederick Wentworth, Captain: Book 2)

by Susan Kaye

  Chapter Sixteen

  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 inordinate amount of pleasure in the man’s clear confusion. Wentworth admitted to himself that this was a moral failing with which he might struggle for a moment or two, but considering their history, 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 the butler with a double censure to explain to his mistress. As they waited for him to announce them, Wentworth’s superior height afforded him a peculiarly interesting view of the room’s occupants. Perched on the front edge of his chair, Mr. Elliot was listening intently to his hostess. Lady Russell, too, was leaning forward, speaking with 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.” For an instant, all four were silent and stared at one another. Mr. Elliot was the first to make a gesture of courtesy. He stood, and in his haste, his cup of tea rattled delicately and fell to the floor. The liquid pooled around his right pump. He looked down and angrily said something 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 broke the silence.

  Elliot was rescued from saying anything by Lady Russell. “You are just on time, my dear, although I did not expect that you would bring a guest.” The woman’s gaze was steadily fixed on Wentworth as she spoke.

  “Happily, I 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. Neither of them looked as if they were pleased to hear this news. “—and he was kind enough to offer to escort me to Rivers Street. I was happy to accept and thought it only just that I should invite him in for tea.”

  Lady Russell was too well bred to allow more than a momentary lapse in her countenance before she 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, enabling her to ignore Frederick and easily draw Anne from his side. That the two of them might, at some future point, learn to love one another was looking more and more like wishful thinking.

  “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. Her eyes sparkled, and the smile on her face was positively puckish. This was a look Wentworth had never seen. He anticipated how this newfound disposition would play itself out.

  “I hope we did not interrupt the two of you discussing anything important,” Anne said, looking innocently from her cousin to her godmother.

  Mr. Elliot was again seated, and Lady Russell’s expression was now serenity itself. 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 selection and how magnificent it was.” He drew a bead on Wentworth and said, “I believe you left just as it was beginning. What a pity, sir, but I suppose those whose whole life has been the Navy have little opportunity for cultural improvement. Such sophisticated musical composition may be beyond their...tastes.” Elliot accepted a new cup from Lady Russell with a smile.

  Wentworth had to admire the man; he’d levelled his shot excellently. Elliot had, with few words, found fault not only with Frederick’s musical acumen and intelligence but with his beloved profession as well. The poor sod would get his just desserts soon enough.

  “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—are entirely agreed that the lack of discipline in most Italian music falls far short of the well-organised and disciplined music so cherished by the fine English mind. Captain Wentworth, being of a profession which prides itself on order and discipline, was understandably dismayed by such an inharmonious and discordant display.”

  Lady Russell looked about her in confusion as William Elliot’s expression changed from smirk to glacial stare. The tension was relieved a little when Longwell appeared with the extra cups and a maid came to finish cleaning up the carpet. When the parade of servants had departed the room, Lady Russell sat forward to pour for the gentlemen. Anne was before her and quickly took hold of the handle of the pot. “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 delightful. 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. It was worth any of Elliot’s pallid insults to watch Anne at work on him. The man’s face flushed angrily. 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. It was then that Frederick realised that, when she chose, Anne could be a merciless opponent with the enviable skill of mastering herself under pressure. Such strength and intelligence would be necessary for the life he was asking her to live.

  Everyone had their tea and attended to it quietly until Lady Russell said, “Anne, it has been some time since your last visit. I am not used to such neglect, my dear. You have been attending to your father, I expect?”

  “I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Smith,” Anne replied, “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 would normally have been glad to see the back of him, but he was more intrigued to see whether Anne was finished with him yet.

  She was instantly 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. Since you are here and are family, I would like you to know it as well.” She would not be satisfied to allow her cousin to learn about their engagement by reading an announcement in the newspaper. She intended on telling them both then and there.

  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 sat a long moment looking at Anne as if she could make no meaning of her words. Finally, she stood and stiffly took Anne in her arms. “I...I wish you well, my dear. I wish you well.”

  Wentworth thought that she must continue to
repeat the phrase if ever she hoped to make the announcement and the sentiment sound genuine. 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. 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 said. “Through all these long years, 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. Lady Russell went to see to his departure. Anne came to Frederick and slid her hand into his. Her eyes shone and her smile comforted his angry heart.

  “Frederick, 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.

  Lady Russell re-entered the room and, taking her seat, poured out the wine. “You said your father has no objections to this marriage going forward?”

  He could feel Anne stiffen by his side. Her cheeks were red. He released her hand, and she turned and faced Lady Russell. “Yes, why should he? I am of age, and there are none of the impediments of the past to stop us.”

  Lady Russell’s expression was strained as she passed around the wine. Raising her glass to them, she spoke with a sincerity he could bless. “Then may my goddaughter find the happiness she deserves.”

  They raised their glasses to complete the toast. Anne turned to him. Her smile made him forget the hostility he had 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 to escort them to the door.

  ~~~~~~~&~~~~~~~

  Again, the cool air was refreshing as they walked. Anne revisited Lady Russell’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 her favourite, and to have her 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 very quiet, my dear.” Wentworth chaffed the top of her gloved hand on his arm. “I think it has all gone rather well.”

  “You have been in battles in which you have risked 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 asking for it, mind you. 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 true impediments. To be fair, it actually was very simple. It was her desire for something unidentifiable that drove her discontent. He guided her to a stairway, out of the flow of the others on the pavement. “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. Elizabeth...well, Elizabeth is going to sulk for a long time, I think. We need not discuss Lady Russell. We have yet for anyone to 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. “First of all, I don’t see you as petty and ridiculous. Besides, if we compare this sour mood of yours with my pettiness of the past autumn, I think you will be seen as the more adult of us.”

  “I still don’t care to allow myself such a luxury.”

  He took her arm and they moved back into the stream of people. “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 Frederick. “You knew.”

  “Knew what?”

  “You knew 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, daring him to deny it.

  “I hoped there would be smiles and wishes of joy, but I had no idea of them lining up the servants and breaking out good wine and cake.” The Admiral had gone above and beyond anything Frederick might have hoped for the announcement. His own 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, from Kellynch, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, Miss.”

  She smiled in full recognition. “How is your mother?”

  “Very well, thank you. I shall write her and let her know things are once more 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; Harkness had a thankless chore.

  “What do you think he meant by ‘once more on course’?”

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

  She thought for a moment. “I would not 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 of growing regret.

  “We
ll 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, but he did not release 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 be married as soon as it can be arranged.” He moved closer. “I shall obtain a license so we might do away with the banns. All we 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 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. 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.