Never had Anne had so many seeking her ear and her counsel. But as much as things were different, many things remained unchanged. ANNE PULLED HER SHAWL around her shoulders more tightly and slipped outside, the sun still so low on the horizon, only the servants were about. A fresh breeze teased, begging her to come out and partake of the morning, a far more appealing invitation than Mary’s snores filtering from her open window. The … Continue reading →
There are a thousand things to be done to prepare to leave Kellynch and all of them seem to fall upon Anne. ANNE TRUDGED UP THE steps, a heavy ledger tucked under her arm. Portraits, she was cataloguing portraits today. Just one more in an unending stream of tasks Elizabeth saw fit to assign her. Count the silver, record the books, and oversee the packing of Mother’s china and crystal. Oh, yes, the condition of … Continue reading →
Will Lady Russell ever be able to have a conversation with Anne that is not painful and difficult? LADY RUSSELL SIPPED HER tea but Anne merely stared at hers. Something was on Anne’s mind—something more than the family’s impending change in circumstances, something very troubling. Perhaps she should mind her own business. That was an appealing thought. But if she did not ask, she knew there was no one else who would take an interest … Continue reading →
The Elliots are in trouble and Lady Russell wants to help. WHY WAS SHE FOREVER having these difficult discussions with Anne? A godmother should anticipate her duties, enjoy pleasant intimacies with her goddaughter. Recently those moments seemed fewer and farther between, overshadowed by difficult and challenging issues that should have been a mother’s realm. But with no Lady Elliot, who else was there to manage such unpleasant burdens? Only for the love of her … Continue reading →
All the news of Wentworth’s exploits has got Anne thinking… Anne lay the newspaper aside and maneuvered in the window bench until the sunbeam caressed her face. Such exploits, such bravery. Though there was not a soul with whom she could share it, had anyone asked, she would happily declare her pride in ‘her’ Captain Wentworth. The Asp and the Laconia—he had acquitted himself well indeed, far and away beyond anyone’s expectations. Her secret luxury, reveling … Continue reading →
