And Who Can Be In Doubt Of What Followed

by Alexa Adams

  All graciousness, Mr. Elliot escorted the men into a lavish office, the condition of its interior attesting to the owner's sense of his own consequence, while showing little sign of being used on any regular basis. “To what do I owe this unexpected surprise, gentlemen? If I were engaged to a woman as fine as my cousin, Wentworth, I certainly would not be so quick to leave her unattended.”

  At such provocation, the Captain's umbrage got the better of him. “What is the meaning of this, sir? Why is that I find Mrs. Clay here, when all reports have her attending a sick sister's children?”

  A sardonic smile spread across his mien. “Surely a man of the world, such as yourself, does not require an explanation. Mrs. Clay and I have an arrangement. It is unfortunate that you came upon her here, but she shall soon be installed in her own lodgings. You need not concern yourself with her welfare.”

  “I am astounded that you could undermine the hospitality shown to you at Camden Place in such a manner,” was the determined retort.

  “Come now, Wentworth. You cannot rate the attractions of Camden Place so high! Other than Miss Anne, there is not a member of the family deserving of such consideration. I assure you, I have rescued Mrs. Clay from a most untenable situation.”

  “Do not insinuate that this is an act of gallantry. You have ruined the woman's respectability!”

  “And saved us both from the indignity of Sir Walter making a most unequal marriage. Come now, Captain, surely this is not why you honored me with your presence this morning. I do have engagements to attend, so perhaps you had best present your business.”

  Though his indignation was great, Mr. Elliot's words reminded the Captain of the pressing needs of a far more deserving lady, and he forced himself to focus on his purpose. “I come to represent the interests of Mrs. Smith, another lady whom you have unconscionably wronged.”

  For the first time, Mr. Elliot displayed signs of chagrin. “And may I ask what business it is of yours?”

  “She is the friend of my future wife and has empowered me to act upon her behalf.”

  Mr. Elliot, who had grown rather white at these words, rose from his chair in obvious agitation. He did not know that Anne was still in contact with her old school friend, whom he was well aware resided, at present, in Bath, and he instantly wondered if it was not this outside force that decided his cousin against him. As he mulled over this development, anger at his current situation built. If Smith's widow had indeed turned Anne from him, it was her fault that this other man, an interloper, was now in possession of her affections, while he was straddled with an unwanted mistress for whom he felt little affection. While mere disinterest had prevented him from assisting Mrs. Smith in the past, he now felt a malicious desire to revenge himself upon her, but the Captain’s next words checked such malicious inclinations.

  “Mr. Johnson has advised me that if you are unwilling to act in the role of executor, you may consign the responsibility to another party. I volunteer myself. He already has the necessary papers in order. All you need do is sign your consent and relinquish the will, as well as any accompanying documents, and you will be free from the burden. However, if you do not agree to sign and continue to refuse to act on Mrs. Smtih's behalf, she has legal recourse to remove the task from your hands. I have offered to fund the proceedings, should such an undertaking prove necessary.”

  Mr. Elliot cast upon the Captain a look of such animosity that Frederick was mightily tempted to insure it’s permanent removal with his fist. He rose to his feet and confronted the man, who was several inches shorter than himself.

  Though Mr. Elliot was trained in the art of fisticuffs, discretion told him that he was no match for the battle-hardened sailor. Resuming his smile and his seat, he said simply, “Where do I sign?”

  At this, Mr. Johnson took control of the proceedings, delving into an explanation of the relevant documents with relish, blatantly relieved that the encounter had not turned violent. Captain Wentworth, on the other hand, remained standing, glaring down at the heir of Kellynch with all the silent disgust he could muster. Though Mr. Elliot felt his censure, he never again met his eye until their departure, when the Captain said, “I do not look forward to having to explain Mrs. Clay's situation to your family.”

  For the first time, Mr. Elliot looked somewhat ashamed of himself. He too did not savor the knowledge that Anne's opinion of him would sink so low. His feelings for her were very real: the only emotions of the sort he had ever entertained. However, habit and breeding got the better of him, and he said with a good deal of his usual ease, “Perhaps you will not be obliged to. Bath is a hotbed of gossip. The news may precede you.”

  **********

  Mr. Elliot proved correct, though the mechanism which brought word of Mrs. Clay’s deception to Camden Place was not through the questionable attentions of the Elliots’ acquaintances, but the arrival of Mr. Shepherd, while Captain Wentworth continued in London in order to make arrangements for Anne's settlement.

  “Let me congratulate you on Miss Anne's fortuitous match, Sir Walter. The marriage of a daughter to an eligible gentleman is always a cause for celebration.”

  “Yes, Shepherd, and Captain Wentworth is a very well-looking man, especially for a sailor. He has not been forthcoming on the matter, but I would like you to look into a possible connection with the Strafford family. Though at present unknown, if a connection can be found, it is I who will be instrumental in making the proper introductions. The issue is rather pressing, as it would greatly raise the consequence of Anne's engagement, and I would like to verify the situation as soon as possible.”

  “Of course, Sir Walter. I will see to it immediately,” said Mr. Shepherd with a smile, privately allotting the task to the bottom of his priority list. “Now, if I may presume to embark on the subject of the settlement ...”

  “Yes, yes. Of course it is most inconvenient timing. Anne is to have ten thousand, but such a sum cannot possibly be parted with at present, as I have already instructed the Captain.”

  “Indeed, I am very pleased to learn that you have addressed the matter, as, of course, a man of your forethought most certainly would. The question is precisely how much can be spared. The removal to Bath has gone some way to improving your finances – which reminds me, by the by, to mention how very fortuitous it is that this marriage puts Kellynch back in the hands of the family, so to speak – but there is still much to be done. I fear that any sum over two thousand will be nearly impossible to raise at this time.”

  “Then two thousand it will have to be, Shepherd, and the Captain will be very well pleased to get it, I am sure. He is, after all, marrying an Elliot, and whatever his connections may or may not prove to be, it is a great deal more than he could possibly have anticipated. My influence with my tenant, the Admiral, will further advance his career. At the rate the Crown bestows titles these days, I would not be surprised if Wentworth should not one day be a baronet himself. Though I am no supporter of these new creations, if they must be made, they should at least go to those with the proper connections, and you will go a long way before you see a man with Wentworth's natural bearing.”

  It was at this moment that Mr. Shepherd first spared a thought for his daughter, for it was on such occasions that he had come to depend on her talent for flattering his client, though he did not now question her absence. Instead, he provided the awkward assurances required, claiming he enjoyed the rare distinction of being in the presence of such a man quite often himself, before hastily returning the subject to the business at hand. Two thousand pounds was agreed upon, with that same amount to be provided every two years until Anne's settlement was paid in full. Furthermore, Shepherd volunteered to take upon himself the explanation of the arrangement to Captain Wentworth, freeing Sir Walter from the awkwardness of the business, while providing the opportunity to ingratiate himself with a potentially valuable new client.

  Their business concluded, Elizabeth called for tea. Lady Russell, who was spending the day at Camden Pla
ce, asked innocently, “How is your daughter, Mr. Shepherd? We hope her family is mending from its indisposition.”

  Mr. Shepherd looked confused, replying, “The children were perfectly well when I departed for Bath. In fact, I was just about to inquire into Penelope's whereabouts myself, as I bring letters for her from home.”

  “You do not know!” Anne exclaimed. “Mrs. Clay departed several days ago for London, in order to attend her sister's children, who are apparently quite struck down by a bout of the measles. I am sorry to be the bearer of such distressing news,” she concluded, eyeing the lawyer with concern.

  Mr. Shepherd had turned quite white, and, forgetting his carefully honed deference, lowered himself into a seat without first being invited.

  Lady Russell, believing him to be ill, took command of the situation by calling for a restorative. Sir Walter, affronted by this unaccustomed behavior, demanded, “What is all this, Shepherd? What ails you?”

  Somewhat recollecting himself, and a bit revived by Lady Russell's administrations, Mr. Shepherd was able to respond, “Excuse me, Sir Walter, but I know not what to think. Are you certain of your information, Miss Anne? My daughter has departed for London?”

  “Indeed she has,” Elizabeth intervened. “She insisted her sister's children were quite ill, and, despite of the inconvenience to us, departed for town the next morning.”

  “But this is impossible,” declared the distraught father, all concern for his standing with his most important clients forgotten, “for I have no daughter in London. Helen lives in Essex!”

  **********

  That evening, following the awkward departure of Mr. Shepherd (who, upon Anne's advice, directly followed his daughter to London in hopes of tracing her whereabouts), the Elliots gathered around their dinning table, accompanied by only a somewhat smug Lady Russell. After the blow to her understanding delivered by knowledge of Mr. Elliot's perfidy, the correctness of her instincts regarding Mrs. Clay provided a somewhat understandable source of gratification. “I never did trust that woman,” she confided to Elizabeth. “In the future, I hope you will choose friends from more acceptable quarters.”

  Elizabeth, properly indignant at the disgrace attendant upon Mrs. Clay's defection, nevertheless resented the implications of Lady Russell's speech. “That's all very well, ma'am, and I happily acknowledge that I was misled regarding Mrs. Clay's character, but such censure coming from the lady who encourages my sister's visits to Westgate Buildings is rather odd, do you not think?”

  “Mrs. Smith's circumstances are not of her own construction, and I have great hope that Captain Wentworth will return with news of her improving fortunes. Poverty is not a reflection of character, and it is precisely Mrs. Clay's character that has always been subject to question,” retorted Anne, though how much of this sentiment was heeded by Elizabeth, consumed as she was with her own displeasure, and furthermore in the habit of dismissing her sister's comments, is highly questionable. Sir Walter, it is certain, heard not a word, as made evident by his contribution to the conversation.

  “If one thing is certain, it is the lesson to be derived from this shocking episode. A clear countenance is a sure reflection of a proper mind. Blemishes, such as freckles, should be held as a warning of deeper impurity,” he said with great satisfaction, eying his own remarkable features in a large mirror, conveniently hung directly across from his seat. “I must say it bodes well for your captain, Anne. Lady Dalrymple continues to remark on his very favorable aspect, but of course we Elliots have always been known for our impeccable taste. When do you expect his return? It would be convenient if he could join us for the concert this week. Since Mr. Elliot's departure, our party includes far too many women. It is unfortunate that Colonel Wallis feels unable to leave his wife, but such devotion is to be expected when one is married to a beautiful woman. Perhaps she will be well enough to attend the wedding ceremony.”

  “Have you thought to invite the Crofts, Father? I think they would make a most welcome addition to our group.”

  “My tenant, the Admiral? I had not thought of it, but yes, I suppose, under present circumstances, it would be appropriate to extend an invitation. I shall consult Lady Dalrymple.”

  “I do so enjoy Mrs. Croft's company, Sir Walter,” said Lady Russell. “Such a practical, good-natured lady is not what one often meets. I shall be very pleased to spend the evening in her company.”

  “It is unfortunate her time at seas has wrecked such havoc on her complexion,” he lamented.

  “I am sure, regardless of their current plans, that they will appreciate the overture.”

  “Of course they will, Anne!” exclaimed an exasperated Elizabeth. “Will you not allow that my Father knows the ways of the world far better than you? The Crofts will be delighted to join us. How can they not be?”

  Anne exchanged a skeptical look with Lady Russell, but said no more.

  It was not a cheerful party that adjourned to the drawing room while Sir Walter enjoyed his after dinner drink. Elizabeth, neither of the other ladies’ preferred companion in the best of times, was very nearly surly in her behavior on this evening. A knock on the door was a welcome distraction from the stilted conversation Lady Russell was taking extraordinary pains to maintain, and it was with great excitement, much surprise, and a good deal of relief that Anne heard Captain Wentworth announced. She stepped forward to greet him with a girlishly enthusiastic step, quite unlike her usual, sedate self, but was quickly checked by the disturbed look in his eyes. He bade the company hello with all due propriety, but his manner was distracted and lacking in the rigid formality he typically adopted when interacting with people for whom he harbored mixed emotions, into which category both Lady Russell and Elizabeth firmly fell. As soon as the formalities were complete, Anne ushered him into a private corner of the room and asked with urgency, “What has happened Frederick? Was Mr. Elliot unwilling to cooperate?”

  “No, Anne. You may rest assured that my mission was successful. I am now empowered to act upon Mrs. Smith's behalf and have already begun inquiries into the reclamation of her property.”

  Anne felt somewhat appeased by this information, but she could not be easy when a serious matter so clearly weighed upon the Captain. “Then what is it that troubles you? You have not been summoned to duty?”

  Frederick managed a small chuckle at this, “No, my dear Anne, you will not see me wear such a troubled expression when mobilized by my superiors, even if such an event should happen so close to our nuptials. Nothing would please me more than to return to sea, assuming you will stay by my side.”

  “I have told you I will.”

  He smiled, “Then we have nothing to fear from the Admiralty.”

  “But clearly something is amiss. Will you not confide in me?”

  “I rather think I ought to speak with your father first. It is a matter of some delicacy.”

  “You had much better rely on me, or Lady Russell, if you will trust her.”

  He shook his heard. “On this particular matter, I think propriety can only be served by my speaking with Sir Walter before relaying my shocking tale to you.”

  Anne turned pale. “Shocking? Oh, Frederick, what on Earth could have happened? If you feel so strongly that my father be the first informed, it must be horrible indeed. I have no doubt whom it concerns. My cousin's behavior can never be … ” she paused mid sentence, her skin loosing even more of its color as several memories intruded, bearing the truth to her mind. “Mrs. Clay!” she declared, looking to Frederick for confirmation. His abashed countenance confirmed her suspicion, and she said no more. They sat in silence, each contemplating how this revelation would be born by the remaining inhabitants of Camden Place, and each watching the clock in hopes of Sir Walter's speedy arrival.

  They did not have to wait long. Sound of a visitor hastened Sir Walter’s appearance in the drawing room, and pleased he was to discover Captain Wentworth, though his obviously travel worn condition caused something of a jolt to the fa
stidious man's sensibilities.

  “Captain Wentworth! You haven't just returned to Bath? Well, I have heard of the impetuosity of lovers, but never before did I imagine to see such evidence of it in my very own drawing room!”

  “Sir Walter, I came directly to Camden Place from London. Forgive my appearance, but I have a matter of some urgency to discuss with you. Might we adjourn to a more private location?”

  “By all means, Wentworth! I have just been enjoying a spectacular brandy, quite old and rare. Will you join me in a glass?”

  “That would be most welcome, Sir Walter. Thank you.”