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sent. But he needn’t have worried. Her eyes had spoken the sentiments she could not immediately express. Anne Elliot had taken his arm, and he’d sheltered her from the rain with his umbrella.
    From his viewpoint past the railings on the other side of Queen Square, Gay Street effortlessly progressed up its steep incline, elegant façades on either side ascending to the Circus much as he and Anne had advanced before turning off to find the relativequiet of the Gravel Walk. Heedless of the sauntering politicians, bustling housekeepers, and flirting girls around them, they had confessed all their hidden, secret feelings, buried for so long.
    â€œShe loves me, as I love her,” he said out loud to confirm the truth to himself. He wanted to open the window and shout it out to the muffin man below.
“Anne Elliot never stopped loving me from the day we parted. Oh, that my stubborn pride had not prevented me from seeking her out sooner. I’ve wasted almost nine precious years when we could have been together! I admit; I felt very differently all those years ago when she rejected me. I held her in contempt then, although sweet Anne, I now believe, was perfectly justified in withdrawing from our engagement. I was proud, made to feel that I was not good enough for a baronet’s daughter, and the truth of it stung me to my very soul. But there is little point in grieving over the past; I must look to the future with the girl I love most in the world by my side. My only fear, nay dread, concerns the interview I am to have with her father this morning. Not that his consent really matters. Anne will not be persuaded against her wishes this time, not like the first time. We are older, and, I hope, much wiser, both secure in the knowledge that our love is ever true and constant. But, this will not do, I have an appointment with Sir Walter, and I must not be late!”
    In the most imposing house on Camden Place, Captain Wentworth’s beloved Anne Elliot was looking out anxiously through the window in the drawing room, though she tried to give an air of calm. Her thoughts and ideas ran on similar lines to the gentleman whose attendance she expected. Half elation, half dejection, her mind veered from the images of yesterday, which had her spirits dancing in private rapture to the imagined scene of what was about to take place. That is, if he kept his promise and came. She could not help but smile at her own fleeting misgivings, because if she truly examined her heart, of one thing she was certain. He would come. Captain Wentworth would ask for herhand. Anne did not think he would be refused, but she knew that her father and the rest of her family would be shocked by their news.
    Anne heard snatches of her sister Elizabeth’s conversation with her friend Mrs. Clay, as they discussed the previous evening’s party, taking delight in discussing the faults and shortcomings of the guests present. Sir Walter attended to his newspaper, occasionally interjecting with news of some entertainment to be given at the Assembly Rooms. Anne’s attention was suddenly caught at the sound of his dear name.
    â€œI think Captain Wentworth improves on acquaintance, do not you, Miss Elliot?” enquired Mrs. Clay.
    â€œIndeed, Penelope. One would never mistake him for a lowly sailor now. He is certainly a gentleman by his appearance; what a difference money can make.”
    â€œAnd in agreeable manners and conversation, he is altogether a perfect companion,” replied Mrs. Clay.
    Elizabeth studied her friend intently. “I was not aware that you spoke to Captain Wentworth last night.”
    â€œI did not, but I saw you engaged in conversation with him several times. Indeed, Miss Elliot, it seemed to me as if he were particularly seeking you out. It quite put your cousin’s nose out of joint. Elizabeth is gathering admirers by the dozens, is she not, Sir Walter?”
    Elizabeth smirked at the hints Mrs.