The Paths Not Taken, Vol. 1: Tales of Austen's Lesser Ladies (Austen Variations) by Natasja Rose

Author:Natasja Rose [Rose, Natasja]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-12-14T05:00:00+00:00

PERSUASION

Anne’s Aspirations

A "What-If" short story, exploring the potential outcome if Anne Elliot hadn't rejected Captain Wentworth in 1806...

For the purposes of the story, I've played a little fast and loose with canon dates for certain events.

Lady Russell had been correct when she warned Anne away from a hasty match with Captain Fredrick Wentworth.

He was young, and handsome, and a rising star in the Navy, to be sure. Yet he had no fortune, no notable family or connections beyond a brother who had the living at Monksford, and a sister married to a Captain Croft, though there were rumours of him soon being promoted to Rear-Admiral. Captain Wentworth’s fortune might yet be made through prize money from captured enemy ships, but his was a profession of great risk, and uncertain reward.

Lady Russell considered it a dreadful waste. After all, Anne was only nineteen, still in the bloom of youth, and would doubtless have many other opportunities at a far more secure future. Sir Walter barely noticed his second daughter unless he or Elizabeth needed someone to handle the less-appealing and more common aspects of managing Kellynch Hall, but deemed the connection far beneath Anne’s status as the daughter of a Baronet. He did not refuse his consent to the match, but neither did he offer his blessing.

Had Anne’s family and godmother been allowed more time to work upon her, perhaps Anne might have been persuaded away from the match. Mild-mannered, obedient and minded to see goodwill in others, even under the most trying of circumstances, Lady Russell’s persuasion may have even convinced her favourite godchild that breaking the engagement was in her best interests. The future was uncertain enough, without making choices toward insecurity.

In another life, perhaps Anne bowed to outside influence and rejected Captain Wentworth. Perhaps the young couple spent years in recrimination and regret, wondering if they would ever see each other again. Perhaps they reunited, or perhaps they married others.

Happily, this is not that life.

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