A Very Austen Valentine

by Robin Helm

  A footman leant next to her. “Miss Anne, we need you.”

  Another crisis that only she could solve, no doubt.

  “There is no more ice. And there are loads of people still waiting for ’em.”

  “When the ice is gone, it is gone. No more until winter.” The young man made a face and shrugged. She knew the footman would be displeased to be the bearers of the bad news to the guests, but it was time for everyone to pull their weight, no matter how unpleasant the task.

  “I shall go up with you and see if something of it can be salvaged. She took one last look across the floor and saw the Frederick Wentworth was gone.

  Once the crisis was solved, and another that had concurrently sprung up, Anne thought it was time for her to salvage a bit of fun.

  She took the short way to the main stairs, through a narrow servant’s hallway. It would take her to another a little-used servant’s stairway leading to the guest wing. The maids used it in the mornings, as did Anne whenever she craved complete isolation. It would be deserted tonight and was being kept nearly dark to discourage the curious. It would be the perfect place to pull her thoughts together before re-entering the chaos of the party.

  The hall was darker than anticipated and Anne made a note to send a footman up to refresh the candles.

  In one of many past refurbishments of the Hall, a window was added to the hallway, not for the convenience or safety of the maids and footmen going back and forth in service of the family, but to balance out the exterior view from a small lake by the stables. Any other time, Anne considered the story illustrative of her family’s lack of wisdom. However, in the dim light, the rarely-seen view caught her eye. The sun was a fiery gold sphere lowering into the calm of the lake. The beauty of its twin glittered on the water’s surface. What was a glance at first overwhelmed her for a moment and she uncharacteristically indulged herself, not feeling a jot guilty. The view was exquisite, and she suddenly wished she could remain at the window the rest of the evening, but in doing so she would miss any opportunity to speak with the commander.

  “Glory, but God is being extra generous with his color box tonight.”

  Every fiber of her stiffened. It was him. He was right next to her. He was leaning on the sill and she could feel his arm through her light shawl. Breathe, Anne, breathe. What was he doing in this hallway with her? “He is indeed.” She turned her head to ask whether he was enjoying the evening. His profile against the dark of the receding hallway was lit by some of the dying light. She felt sick, and nervous, and happy all at once. All she could do was turn back to the matchless view.

  “There is a proverb in the West Indies that when two people watch a summer sunset, they are connected for the rest of their lives.”

  If only that could be. “Is that true, Commander?” He didn’t look at her, but his smile broadened.

  “No, but it should be. Sharing a sight like this should be commemorated somehow.”

  Just then, the topmost sliver of the sun seemed to flash as it disappeared into the darkness. He turned and leant against the wall. “It was more than worth the walk to share that with you, Miss Anne.” He did not look away. He awaited a response.

  “Where did you come from?” What sort of question was that? Oh, Annie, you can be such a dolt. “I meant to say …”

  “I didn’t mean to sneak up on you, but I was messing about in the dining room—they are out of ice by the way—and I happen to lean against the secret door.” He pointed across the hall to the small open passage. “I’m too curious for my own good.”

  “The thing squeaks terribly. How did I not hear you?”

  He motioned to the view. “That is enough to stop time, why not the squeak of a small door?”

  How could one argue such a fair point? “Are you enjoying your visit?”

  “To your house in particular, or to Somerset as a whole?”

  “My house of course.” It was a statement boastful enough to be uttered by her sister. Or Sir Walter himself. “I didn’t mean that the way it sounds.”

  “You should. Kellynch Hall is lovely. You did not say anything I would not say about a ship I was proud to command.”

  “Have you danced?” Oh no, he will think I am hinting. Lord, keep my lips sealed the rest of the night.

  “I have not. The music is wonderful—your family’s taste exceeds that of the Pooles—but I have yet to find the right partner.”

  “There are many ladies anxious to dance. Finding one should not be difficult.” Thankfully, her glowing pink cheeks were covered by the darkness of the hallway. Unfortunately, she could not see if he thought she was trying to trap him. Now that the sun was down, there was no reason to remain here and continue in such an awkward situation.

  Instead of leaving her, he remained standing with her, side by side. The door nearest them swung open and both turned to see a serving girl enter. She squeaked nearly like the door. It must have been a shock to see Miss Anne and a gentleman alone, together.

  “I should go back and join my brother.” He did not sound fully committed to the project.

  “Down that way, and to the left. You will hear the sounds of the Ball.”

  “Thank you, Miss Anne, for sharing the sunset with me. Think about that proverb.” He bowed to her and to the maid and left them.

  “My, what a handsome man.”

  “What did you say, Mary?”

  “Nothing, Miss.” The girl disappeared quickly. The girl was right, and now Anne feared there would soon be a bit of gossip making the rounds of the depths of the house. She started to her original destination. Thank heavens they had been quite separate. Or were they?

  She turned to the window and saw nothing but black. If only there was such a legend.

  ⸟ﻬ⸞ﻬ⸟

  Anne’s journey back to the party was interrupted by a myriad of little details that no one else seemed to be fit to reconcile. The short journey from first floor to ground was…take a few steps and solve a problem for Cook by way of one of the kitchen maids. Take a few more and solve a problem for the head footman who can’t keep the footboys awake in the card room. Walk a bit farther and be shown a broken bit of furniture by the housekeeper, and reminded that once the last guest leaves, there is still much in the way of clearing up that must be done. “None of us wants your father in a fit over all the smudges and such.”

  Maybe going to her room for a while would serve her better than hoping to catch another glimpse of Commander Frederick Wentworth.

  That was a ridiculous notion. She pressed on. As she came down the stairs, the orchestra’s lack of enthusiasm told her things were winding down. It was nearly three. It surprised her that so many of both tenants and farmers like the Musgroves and the Pooles were still in attendance. Most of those who labored had left hours earlier. The dancers were subdued as well. There were smiles from the ladies and gentlemen on the floor, but their smiles were tempered with good wine, good food, and many previous dances.

  The crowd in the ball room had thinned considerably. This left Elizabeth sitting with Penelope Shepherd and only one or two of her other friends. If they could be called that. What were the chances that Penelope would give up her seat so that Anne might take it again? She took a place behind Elizabeth and tried to enjoy what was left of the dancing.

  The dance ended, and it was announced that the upcoming would be the last. Just then, Captain Wentworth took a place right before Elizabeth. Her sister would be thrilled with another dance, surely.

  “Commander Wentworth.” She nodded a fraction.

  He did as well. “Miss Elliot.”

  “I am not interested in dancing anymore this evening.” She turned away from him and started speaking to Penelope. Anne had seen Elizabeth rude in many circumstances, but to see her cut a guest directly, in her own home was beyond the pale.

  Before too many gasps from the bystanders, Wentworth said, “Do not concern yourself on my account.”

  Elizabeth paused and turned to him. The other
young ladies watched like a tree full of starlings. Wentworth stepped around an occupied chair. “There is no disappointment on my part for I have not come to ask you, Miss Elliot, but to ask your sister, Miss Anne, to dance the last dance with me.” He bowed and extended his hand to Anne.

  A disapproving murmur chased through the ladies.

  Elizabeth glared first at him and then at her. It was like a dare to accept him. Regardless of her sister, or Lady Russell’s opinion of him, Anne would accept. She took his extended hand and followed him to the floor. It took all her restraint not to look at the reaction to her defiance.

  Later, when she tried to remember it, all that came to mind was the feel of his warm hand through her glove, and his smiling face. That was enough. That along with Elizabeth’s scowl spied occasionally from the dance floor.

  Much to her dismay, the dance was lively and called for a great deal of separation and contact with others. A slow and methodical dance would have suited Anne more. She could not tell about her partner. His smile never wavered as they too often parted and occasionally came back together.

  “Have you thought more on our sunset?” he asked.

  “So it is—”

  He frowned, turned, and moved away.

  “—our sunset,” she said when he returned.

  “Yes, I think we should claim it, not allow it to go to waste.”

  It was such a silly notion, but one that did appeal to her. “I agree, sir. What does it mean, it being our sunset?”

  A particularly lengthy maneuver was accomplished before they came back together. “I would say that when the sun is going down, we raise a glass and drink the health of the other.”

  “Each day?”

  “Why not?”

  “Why not indeed.” Was he teasing? Or was it something else? Would he really think of her every day? So, she asked him.

  “Of course, I will. Will you think of me?”

  The music ended, and the dancers all began to mill around. They stood looking at one another just where they ended in the set. “So, will you?”

  His question. “I will think of you every day, if you wish.” How could they be so trivial about this serious matter?

  “I wish.” He offered her his arm and they came off the floor.

  There was a changed tone in this response. And his expression was still open, but no longer frivolous.

  “It’s a pact; each day we will—”

  “Commander, someone eavesdropping might think such silliness is a proposal of sorts.”

  “They might.” He stopped and turned to her. “Would that be terrible? A proposal, I mean?”

  Was he serious? The set of his mouth said he was thinking about it. “No, it would not.”

  He stood very close. “No, no, it would not.”

  “We are engaged then.”

  “We are. Now the real battle begins.”

  Chapter Seven

  The Lovers Hindered

  The heat was coming up as the sun burned off the clouds. The birds enjoyed the warmth and the insects began to call. Anne took measured steps so that anyone seeing her would not suspect her eagerness. He was standing beneath a large oak just off the road. He saw her and moved to the concealed side. She took a quick look about and stepped off the road to go to him.

  As she came closer, his shaded face came clearer into view. His jaw was tight, and he did not smile. Perhaps he’d got word to return to Plymouth, or worse.

  “How did things go with my father?”

  He said nothing, and that said reams.

  “Not well, I am afraid. I am just now thinking on how I can change his mind about me.”

  “About you? You are just what any rational man would want in a son-in-law.”

  “Not your father. He said the alliance was … not to his liking. For various reasons. What annoys me is that he is focused on the idea that I am looking for money from him. He said he will do nothing for you. As if I am only concerned about that.” He smiled for the first time and chaffed her arm. Then his hand slid to her waist. “It never occurred to me. I am determined to make my own way and a dowry is not part of my plans in any case.” He leant against the tree, pulling her closer. “I must find a way to change his mind. Make him see reason.”

  As much as Anne had confidence that Frederick could do this, she knew the task should fall to her. And said as much. “I understand my father’s pride, and will be able to maneuver around it, I assure you. And if he proves more difficult than I anticipate, I shall enlist the help of Lady Russell. She knows first-hand what he can be like and I am sure she will know some tricks as well.”

  A bird chattered above them, and his fingers softly worked the thin cotton of her dress. He was staring off above her. Unexpectedly, he pushed to standing and took her in his arms. She looked about and realized how secluded the spot.

  “I have all the faith in the world that you could bring a reasonable person around to your opinion, but, Annie, your father is … particular. He has no respect for anyone not of his own kind. And I have little faith that your godmother is any different. I mean no disrespect to you, but I doubt they will ever see your side.”

  His face was not made for sadness. The emotion did not suit him. In all the weeks they had been in one another’s company, he was always smiling. Or at least positive. His sudden negativity would infect them both if she did not find a way to counter it.

  “I have every confidence that things are not so bad. And even if they both are against it now, I will make them see sense. Lady Russell, especially. She will be a great ally and do all she can to change my father’s mind. Count on it.” She primped and prodded his neckcloth. “You will see. I can be very persuasive when I put my mind to it.”

  Frederick smiled and kissed her forehead. “From your lips to God’s ears, darling. From your lips.”

  ⸟ﻬ⸞ﻬ⸟

  Later, Anne planned as she walked to the Lodge to first gently probe Lady Russell as to what she knew of the engagement. It was certain she would know something, but how much was the key. When she understood how much in love with Frederick she was, her natural sympathy with Anne would make her a supporter. While she might agree with her father’s declaration of doing nothing financially for them, she was anxious to see Anne happy. There might be some hesitation when it came to her marrying before her older sister, but that too could be smoothed over. Somehow.

  Lady Russell was happy to welcome her. “Longwell bring another cup. And some of the cake Miss Anne likes.” To Anne, she said, “I am glad you came to see me. There is much to discuss.”

  In just a few sentences, it was clear quickly that her godmother knew every detail of the baronet’s exchange with Frederick. “I am in full agreement with Sir Walter. The young man is overbearing and arrogant. This alliance would be deplored by all sensible people.”

  It was suddenly chilly. Anne straightened, pressing herself into the fine blue brocade of the sofa. She would have been no less shocked had Lady Russell slapped her face. As she continued her accusations, Anne sipped her tea, hoping it would calm her nausea.

  “You should have known better, Anne. Elizabeth’s behavior in this should have been your guide.” She rose and went to the fireplace.

  This thought intrigued her. “Why, Ma’am? Because she ridiculed him almost immediately upon meeting him? Are you not always saying that she needs to give a little grace when it comes to meeting people? Particularly men. And that if she does not, she will never marry?”

  It was important to move a china swan on the mantle rather than answer. In a moment the swan was situated, and Lady Russell could continue. “Elizabeth is perhaps too certain for her own good. However, when Commander Wentworth tried his charms on her that first night at the Poole’s, she saw him for what he is.”

  “And that would be?”

  “Low, grasping, on the prowl for anything to give him the advantage. She saw through it immediately and yes, she put him in his place. Any woman with manners would have done the
same.”

  Anne was on her feet without thinking. She placed the half-full cup of tea on the tray and laid the napkin, properly messy, next to it. She could see that Lady Russell was horrified by her own slip of the tongue. Her fingers clasped and unclasped as she searched her mind for a way to mitigate the observation.

  “I believe Frederick to be a very acceptable and proper suitor,” Anne said, taking her reticule from the seat. “I shall go now as I obviously do not have the manners of a gently bred woman.” How she maneuvered through the furniture to the front hall, she didn’t know. It was the first time she had taken the handle of the Lodge door in her own hand to open it. Longwell made it in time to close it.

  Later Anne didn’t remember much about the walk home, other than the realization that she had no one on whom she could depend. Except Frederick.

  ⸟ﻬ⸞ﻬ⸟

  Anne arrived home and immediately proceeded to her room. On meeting Elizabeth in her hallway, she stopped. Should she say anything to her sister? Elizabeth knew nothing of the engagement as yet. Or did she? Regardless, it would not be her fault that Lady Russell had such a scorching opinion of the man she loved. Anne was about to speak, when Elizabeth asked where she had been.

  “I was with our godmother.” Then and there Anne decided there was no sense going into detail. Her sister had no interest in pursuing the matter and so shrugged then went on her way.

  No one in the house would care that every hope for Anne’s happy future had just been smashed. She claimed a headache when called to tea and stayed in her room that whole night.

  ⸟ﻬ⸞ﻬ⸟

  There had been no sleep for her that night, only the occasional doze between fits of tears. Her maid chattered away as she dressed and when the girl left, Anne was relieved. The quiet gave her time to think about her meeting with Frederick. He had told her the interaction with Lady Russell would be unsuccessful. She hoped he would be kind enough not to crow over her failure.

  Chapter Eight