A Very Austen Valentine

by Robin Helm

  The Lovers Unsure

  “I thought she would be a tough one,” he said after Anne told him the things Lady Russell had said in defense of her father’s views. “I kept silent, knowing she would not be on our side. I could feel it.” He offered her a piece of cheese on the tip of his clasp knife. “I did not wish to discourage you.” She smiled and took the cheese but held it and did not eat.

  “But I think I have.”

  His experience with women was limited, and certainly did not include deciphering their silences. “Well, you needn’t worry, I shall find a way to change your father’s mind about us.”

  “Please wait. I have not given up hope that I might still convince my godmother.” A breeze caught her bonnet strings and flipped them into her face as she took a tiny bite of cheese. He reached over and tucked them away. They sat quietly for a time.

  “Neither of them sees any use for me as a person, much less your husband. We might be forced to do something drastic.”

  “How so?”

  “Run away. Elope.”

  “No, that may be romantic to some, but it always brings talk and speculation. Such an action would only confirm my family’s opinion. They are mistaken enough as it stands without making it worse.”

  “I am only giving suggestions. Nothing is set in stone.”

  “Of course not. I just know how they think.”

  His dear Anne had been extraordinarily wrong about bringing her godmother to their view, and she seemed bent on that same course even after a firm rejection. How to say it—”

  “I will let the dust settle. We have time.”

  Any day Frederick expected word that he was being assigned a ship. Once a letter to that effect arrived, he would have to be back in Plymouth, or to whatever port they assigned him, within a few days. Anne did not seem to understand the nature of his commitment. “That may be. Then again, it may not. We in the Navy are known primarily for our tidiness and that time and tide wait for no man. There will come a day that breaks open wide this wall against me, and I shall have to leave straight away.”

  “But that day is not now, Frederick. Give me a chance.”

  It was useless. She did not understand, and he did not have the patience to make her see.

  Frederick scooted closer to her. “Let us enjoy the day, my dear. Let us just enjoy some cheese, some sunshine, and one another’s company.”

  ⸟ﻬ⸞ﻬ⸟

  That evening, without warning, Lady Russell came to Kellynch Hall. It was clear quickly that the arrangement was made purposely without Anne’s hearing of it. They gathered in the sitting room, the French doors open to the garden. All were commenting on the flowers and their beauty when Lady Russell said, “I was reading in the Times this afternoon about a woman, a widow in fact, who was struggling to support herself and her three children.”

  “Is that so, Ma’am. Pray how was she widowed?” Elizabeth asked.

  Anne thought it an odd topic for so lovely a night but said nothing.

  “Her husband was a captain in the Army. He was in Spain a few months ago and he first lost a leg, in an explosion, and then he caught pneumonia and died.”

  Everyone was silent for some time. Lady Russell had an air of concern, while Sir Walter frowned, and glanced about the ceiling. Elizabeth also frowned but seemed to be shocked at the bald cruelty of the story. Anne knew what was at play here and waited.

  “Is this true, Ma’am? I understand her husband no longer lives, but has she no family? No one who will help her?”

  A drink of tea was in order before she continued, but once the cup was empty and replaced on the table, Lady Russell said, “No, no one I am afraid. The Crown makes promises about taking care of the widows of our brave men, but what often happens is that a man becomes injured first, and there are expenses due to the illness or injury. And then,” she paused and glanced at Anne, who looked away. “And then when he perishes, she is left with no money in the bank and a paltry widow’s mite. It is shocking to be sure.”

  “These men are well aware of the arrangement, I dare say. They know when they swear that the life is replete with deprivation. It is the trade they make for the possibility of heroics.” Her father did not say so, but his tone sounded as if he thought the trade an equitable one. Her father and god mother were attending to the tea, but Elizabeth was sitting with her cup between her lap and mouth. Her expression was troubled.

  “And what do you think of our godmother’s story, sister?” Anne asked. She anticipated an answer based as much on Elizabeth’s selfishness as her curiosity. However, she was genuinely interested and so nudged her sister.

  The cup lowered to her lap and she fidgeted for a moment. “I think,” she said slowly, “That this is a tragedy. The family is left adrift, and I think it is a tragedy that the Army has so little compassion for their wounded and dead.” She took a drink and then went to the door for some fresh air.

  Anne watched Elizabeth walk across the room and doing so caught a look between her godmother and father. Both were evidently pleased with Elizabeth’s observations. She doubted that they were so blatant as to instruct her in this, but she was disheartened that they would take advantage of Elizabeth and that they would work her in such an underhanded manner.

  “But you do agree that sometimes a man will make his fortune in the service? The Navy, for instance, is full of these men. Lord Nelson is an example of an apothecary’s son who did exceptionally well.” She too would be blatant.

  The glance between her elders was not even hidden. “No matter what Nelson may have gained in fortune or title, he still lost an arm and was brought home from the Trafalgar in an indelicate state. And perhaps he denied a better man a ship.”

  Elizabeth joined her on the sofa again. “Yes, Anne, as father said, Lord Nelson is a poor example to follow. I would not want anyone connected to this family to have such an abominable ending.” She turned and looked at Anne with such compassion that Anne was confused for a moment.

  The conversation wandered in another direction and Anne rose to leave. She was to the stairs when Lady Russell called. “I would like to apologize to you, Anne. That was very rude of me to bring up a matter so personal to you.”

  Anne turned. “And what would the matter be, Ma’am? The man you described was of the army. I have no connection with any soldiers.”

  “You are not naïve. You know I was making a point about Commander Wentworth and what might happen to him, and to you if you marry. I was trying to be cunning. To plant doubts in your mind. I apologize.”

  The scheme was executed poorly, and her godmother knew it. Maybe now she would stop trying to change Anne’s mind about Frederick. The woman’s sincerity was heartening. Could it be long before Anne was able to count her as an ally?

  “I forgive you.” She took Lady Russell’s hand. “I know that if you get to know him better you will see that he truly loves me and that his prospects are brilliant.”

  The woman’s smile did not waver. “I know you believe that, my dear. And I hope for the best.” She kissed Anne’s cheek and went back to the sitting room.

  The response was bland, but Anne was confident in her love for Frederick and her ability to persuade her family.

  Chapter Nine

  The Lovers Unify

  Anne’s feet hurt as she walked to the grove to meet Frederick. Her eyes burned from lack of sleep. Her shoulders were tight and nearly all her fingers hurt from picking at the skin around the nails. The night had been long, and she knew the day would be no better.

  When she arrived, he was nowhere to be seen. It was an immediate relief, but it only put the inevitable off to be dealt with later. She removed her bonnet and put her mind to watching an ant crawl down a ridge in the bark of the ancient oak tree. Others followed sporadically. How peaceful a life, she thought. No worries about love or the future. As long as they carried their loads and minded their betters, they had a place and were not rejected. She turned to lean against the tree.

  F
rederick was not inferior. To free him was to bless him. To allow him to go his own way, to put all his heart and mind into his service without having to consider her in any way. No, breaking the engagement was for his own good. And if he did not understand that at the moment, he would grow to see as much.

  “How is my girl today?” Frederick was right next to her, their shoulders touching. His smile, wide.

  She started and smiled in return. “I am well.” She looked intently at his chin, hoping he wouldn’t notice.

  “You look tired.”

  “I am. I did not sleep well.” She could think of no banter to ease things.

  Frederick turned to face her full on. “Then you are not well.” He lifted her chin. “Why no sleep?” This forced her to look into his eyes.

  “My mind is too busy.”

  “Planning our life together? Brilliant. It will be a little wait but once you are twenty-one, I will return to take you from here and we shall go our way and be happy.”

  The two-year wait until she reached her majority was something she could do little about. She could keep silent for now. Spend what time they had until he was called back and then…and then break both their hearts in a letter. No, she could not do that. Better to break the engagement now and let him go freely on his way.

  “…I will include some drawings of the places we drop anchor. One day I may learn to paint so that I can remember the colors. That is the trouble with caricatures, the true look of a place is lost in just lines and paper.”

  “Frederick, I have something to tell you.”

  “The picnic at Uppercross? I know, Edward told me this morning. Those people are made of pretty tough stuff to have treated the entire neighborhood to a dinner party a few weeks ago and now a picnic Saturday.”

  “Yes, they must be.”

  “I admire that. Take advantage when you can. Life is too short to wait for others to step up. They may never do it.” He took off his coat and laid it on the ground and urged her to sit. “You cannot depend on others to make you happy. People so rarely mark out a way for themselves and if they do, they give in to idle interference from people who have no fortitude or strength of mind of their own and hate to see it in others.”

  Anne’s heart was beating fast, and she could hear her blood roaring in her ears. Frederick might as well be standing on a dais, expounding to the world. He was right. To give up Frederick would be to give in to the idle interference of her father, her sister, and her godmother. To give in to all the people who should love her best. And to give him up for his own good was nothing but a bald lie she was using to cover her own weakness. Her eyes filled with tears.

  “Annie,” he said, rising to his knees. “What is it, my girl?” He grasped her shoulders and tried to make her look at him.

  She looked into his eyes and said, “I came here to break our engagement.”

  He drew back and released her. “I can’t believe it.”

  “I fully intended to break the engagement and then make you believe it was for your own good.”

  He shook his head. “No, I will not let you go so easily. And certainly not for such a ridiculous idea as that.”

  Now she reached out and took his shoulders. “No, you won’t because I have no intention of breaking our engagement. What you said about idle interference is just what they have been doing.” She told him of the cold looks, the lurid tales of tragedy, and warnings of the inconstancy of sailors.

  “That is why you have been so melancholy. I wish you had told me.” He touched her cheek and chaffed her lower lip with his thumb. “It would break my heart if you told me to go.”

  He brought her closer and kissed her. This was the most natural thing in world. More natural than anything she’d ever felt. She could still hear her own heart but now it pounded for joy. For love. For her future.

  Anne found herself leaning against his chest. His right arm circled her waist and held her hand. If anyone found them, there would be such a scandal. The feeling of his fingers intertwined with hers made such a possibility real, but hazy and distant at best. The only thing that mattered was this moment. The shade of the tree cool, the grass scent fresh in the breeze, and occasional confused cricket chirping in a tuft of grass nearby. This should be their lives all the time.

  “What did they say about me?” His voice was low and his speech a little slow. He too was enjoying the time together. “What did they say that almost won you over?”

  “Let us not go into it. I don’t wish you to be angry.”

  “Then let me guess.” He squeezed her hand. “You father was terribly concerned about the money and made it clear there was no help for us in that regard. So, I guess they pointed out that I would pack you off to some tiny, filthy boarding house, give you a baby a year, and then go out into the world, drinking and womanizing to my heart’s content.” He spoke with a playfulness that she suspected covered an intense bitterness. It was his way.

  “Mmm,” was all she said. He would understand if she denied it, but he would also know she was lying.

  “It’s not true, you know,” he whispered. His breath on her neck was warm and gave her chills.

  “I can have all that now, without hurting a soul. And all I want is you.” They moved about, and she wound up leaning against his leg, face him. He still held her hand. “I have had my wild time. I am not a fellow without sin, but I have seen how carelessness and inconstancy destroy men. And their careers. I want to be rich, make no mistake—”

  “So, you can clothe me in silks and diamonds?”

  He smiled and furrowed his brow. “If that’s what you want.” He leaned close. “But I see a woman who wants more interesting and precious things.”

  He was more serious than he’d ever been. He was seeing more of her than she was comfortable with.

  “I think there will be days you want the diamonds and silks, but I think other days you will want books, and to meet interesting people. Maybe you will want to come with me to Minorca and eat octopus in a café overlooking the port.”

  Her breath caught in her throat and her eyes had barely time to sting before tears flowed.

  “Why the tears?” He was alarmed.

  She took the handkerchief he offered. “I never knew I wanted any of that until now. Until you offered it to me.”

  In a single, smooth motion she was in his arms, partially lying in his lap. “Then you shall have it, Annie girl. It will all be yours.” He kissed her gently and deeply. She knew this was an unbreakable seal of that sweet, sweet promise.

  Chapter Ten

  The Lovers Write

  It was not long before Frederick received his orders. The brothers were just getting around one morning, after a late night of talking, when there was a knock at the door. Frederick was pulling on his trousers so ducked behind it in case a kitchen maid had been sent on an early morning delivery of cheese or butter. The knocking was more adamant than a girl would render, though it might be a neighbor looking for help from the curate. Edward opened it there stood a red-coated Marine. “Is a Commander Frederick Wentworth here?”

  “Yes, I am,” he said, rounding the door.

  “Orders, sir.” He presented him with a waterproof packet, the address sloppy and smudged ink. It was fat with promise.

  “There you are, brother. The answer to all your wishes.” Frederick swore that Edward was disappointed. He did not wait for the packet to be opened but went to start their breakfast.

  The wax seal was black and thick. It would be the seal of the Admiral of the Port of Plymouth. The wax cracked with an audible snap when he pulled the fabric flap open.

  The orders were for the sloop, Asp. He knew her by name. She was one of only a few of the heavy squared-rigged ships left in service. There were far newer ships, but Asp was constructed when shipwrights were generous with good wood and their talent. A story or two of her cudgeled his memory and he knew she had heart. She would be a solid beginning for him as a captain and teach him everything he needed to m
ake a successful career, and an immense fortune. As he read the orders again, he realized that they made him nearly as happy as Anne’s acceptance of his proposal. What sort of a lover was he if this news was almost equal to the other? He would certainly never tell Anne, or his brother. This was a secret he would take to his grave.

  “Tea is ready.” The smell of ham mingled with it. “The eggs are nearly. So, when do you and the Victory sail?” The dishes and silver clattered as Edward set them around. He smiled and turned back to the fire.

  This homely ritual would soon be finished. He would leave his brother and go on with his life. Edward would stay behind. It hurt Frederick for a moment. They had grown closer than he’d expected, but it was good for he needed his brother to help with their plan.

  “Here, read them.” The thick paper filled with blotted writing was out of place among their breakfast.

  “This is the first time I’ve seen your name and rank written out. It does look well.” He looked up at Frederick and smiled. “Asp. Do you know her?”

  The ham was chewy and the tea weak, but everything tasted particularly good. “Yeah, she’s older, three-masted. I believe she has fourteen guns. A good size for chasing down prize.”

  “But not so big that you challenge the rated ships too much.”

  Frederick took the orders and folded them. “I dread telling Annie.”

  “She had to know it was coming. Every day was borrowed since you proposed.”

  His fork clattered to the empty plate. “True.” He leant back and stared at the fire.

  “So, have you figured out how to work this arrangement? You can’t go two years without any contact.”

  “I hear some say they have done it.”

  “That’s rather bleak.”

  “I didn’t say I wanted to do it that way.” He unfolded the orders again for another look. “It is impossible for us to write openly.”

  “Of course.” He took the plates and forks to the basin.

  “Of course, so we will need a sympathetic party to help us.”