A Second Chance in Somerset by Meg Osborne

Author:Meg Osborne
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Persuasion, Anne Elliot, Captain Wentworth, Jane Austen Fan Fiction, Persuasion Variations and Retellings
Publisher: Meg Osborne
Published: 2022-06-13T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

“I am quite surprised we have never ridden this way before!” Charles Musgrove declared, tugging lightly on the reins to make the barouche bounce, to the delight of young Charles and Walter, who both squealed happily and clung to their parents, pleading with Papa to go faster.

“We certainly shall not go any faster!” Mary told the boys irritably. “And risk being turned out of the carriage altogether? Charles, take care! Look, there is a tree!”

“It is all the way over there, Mary! I see it well enough but it certainly poses us no risk.”

Charles loved his wife but he did not love her moods. They proceeded at a more careful pace and silence descended on the small buggy that held his family crowded but not uncomfortably so.

Charles allowed his thoughts to wander, recounting his day’s activities and thinking it quite a beneficial morning. I might do nothing but lie about all afternoon and still count the day a productive success, he thought, smiling as he envisioned stretching out on a settee near the fire and having a well-deserved doze. I called at Winthrop to encourage my cousins the Hayters to join us on Thursday, particularly Charles, who is always eager for any chance to see Henrietta again. He did not seem so pleased to hear of Mr Robinson’s coming, but that is no disaster. I am sure two clergymen can survive an evening together without coming to blows! This thought amused him and he chuckled aloud.

“What is so funny?” Mary asked, wriggling uncomfortably. “Can’t you move over at all? Look, I am cramped here in less than half of the space and both of the boys who never will sit still. Walter! Do stop wriggling.”

Keeping a tight hand on the reins, Charles managed to manoeuvre his younger son onto his lap and pressed himself painfully into the side of the buggy, giving his wife all the room she could desire.

“I am pleased to see Kellynch is being so well taken care of,” Mary remarked, after a quiet moment. “Mrs Croft seems the very woman to ensure a sensible, proper tenancy. I should not be at all surprised to discover she has some links to nobility. I see it in the way she carries herself.”

“Her husband doesn’t!” Charles said, cheerfully. “He has earned his reputation and amassed quite a fortune all by his skill and hard work. I think I like him all the more for that.”

“Yes.” Mary sounded uncertain. “Well, I am pleased to have them as neighbours, in any case. They seem so agreeable and they did so enjoy spending time with the boys.”

Young Charles piped up at this, telling all that the admiral had shown them and the many adventures they had planned to have over the summer. Or at least, he would have, if his mother had not continued to speak over him until he abandoned the attempt.

“I shall be pleased to see them on Thursday and Captain Wentworth too. I think him a charming addition to our circle.

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