Captive Hearts: A Persuasion Variation by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Not in Amazon Library, Persuasion - Jane Austen
ISBN: 9781681310633
Goodreads: 60143678
Publisher: Meryton Press
Published: 2022-01-24T05:00:00+00:00

***

At Lady Russell’s insistence, Anne had packed two of her most flattering gowns for the stay at Uppercross Cottage with no expectation of utilising them. In recent years, her father had demanded that she order new dresses from time to time. He complained that she always wore the same limited assortment of drab gowns and bade Lady Russell to accompany her to the dressmaker to ensure she did not obtain similar dull clothing. Now Anne had reason to be grateful for their interference. She had chosen the green silk, both for its luxurious feel against her skin and because Frederick favoured the colour—at least he did eight and a half years ago.

When they passed through the main corridor at Kellynch Hall, her sister made an indiscreet aside to Charles expressing disapproval of the items chosen by Mrs. Croft to replace the statues, vases, and furniture favoured by Father and Elizabeth. Anne kept silent, but she applauded the changes the Crofts had made to both the house and the estate. Under the Crofts’ loving care, the home appeared inviting and comfortable—an improvement over the former glaring display of extravagance.

The Crofts came forward to greet them. A quick glance revealed the others had preceded them. Then a wondrous sight stilled her: Lady Russell stood smiling and talking with Frederick. They must have quelled any remaining awkwardness from the past.

Mrs. Croft stepped and took hold of her hands. The lady’s entire visage gleamed in an unrestrained show of emotion. “Miss Elliot, it is wonderful to see you looking so well after your shocking accident. In fact, I should say you are radiant. I could not be happier that you will soon be my sister. I hope you will call me Sophia from now on, as I already feel a kinship with you.”

The sweet declaration moved her to kiss the dear lady’s cheek. “I am honoured to call you Sophia. Please call me Anne.”

“It will be my pleasure, Anne.” With a final squeeze of her hands, Sophia moved away and allowed the admiral to take her place.

With a twinkle in his eye, Admiral Croft favoured her with a wide grin. “Miss Elliot, in choosing you, my brother-in-law has proven himself to have immense insight. Sophia and I are pleased to welcome you to our family.”

“I thank you, Admiral Croft.” The lump in Anne’s throat hindered her from being more eloquent.

“Now then, since Sophia has you using her given name, it would not do for the two of us to be formal. You may call me John, Croft, or Admiral, as you choose.”

“Oh.” Did she dare call the gentleman John? “I…ah…shall give the choices thought, sir, but please do call me Anne.”

The grey-haired gentleman lifted her hand and kissed it. “Anne, your beauty shines like a beacon tonight. Frederick shall not be able to pull his eyes from you.” With a wink, the admiral left her.

The senior Mr. and Mrs. Musgrove greeted her next and related their horror at hearing of the accident and their subsequent relief to learn of her recovery as well as their felicitations for her engagement.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.