Page 104 of Threads that Remain

“I see.” Anne considered his words as they walked for some minutes in silence.

“I will not be destitute, but I could not offer the comfort of Delaford,” said he gently. “Your father has given you a security I cannot equal. If you married a wealthy gentleman in England, you could remain near your family and have everything familiar to you.”

“I know.”

“In the end, I can only offer a small military household, officers’ dinners instead of London assemblies, and a husband who will discuss horses, the state of the roads, and weather far too often.”

“If I were to agree to it, are you asking to court me?”

Matthew hesitated. “I do not expect you to agree, nor do I want a hurried answer. I would like to call on you, and court you, but I do not want my wants to persuade you. Marriage, which would be my intention, is not something to enter into blindly. Not under the best of circumstances. I want to be clear on my position but more importantly I want you to take all the time you need to decide for yourself. That is if you are even interested in entering a courtship with me. If you are not, you have only to say the word and we shall part as friends.”

Anne nodded and they continued to walk in silence. As they were nearing the end of the path, Anne stopped and turned to Matthew. “Thank you for telling me and allowing me to choose. I will certainly give it much thought.”

“For such an important decision it is the least I should do, Miss Brandon.”

Soon they had caught up to Henry and Sarah, waiting at the exit, and conversed with them while waiting for Elinor and Marianne. Matthew said regretfully he could not come to lunch and would have to part ways with them now but had enjoyed the walk.

Anne looked back as they were about to turn the corner and saw that he had not moved and was watching them as they walked away.

She had known, of course, that a soldier’s life was seldom his own, that orders might come without warning and send him to the other side of the world. She had been made aware of much of this information in the preceding weeks, but she now had to admit to herself that she had pushed it to the back of her mind much like one puts away a winter coat. It was still always there but not brought out until necessity demanded it.

But knowing a thing in theory was very different from having it placed before her as a choice. And a choice it was.

After much contemplation that night after she retired, she decided her best option was to ask for advice.

Chapter XLVII.

Thankfully Margaret and Cecilia called the following day, and while they were all talking together in a large group in the drawing-room, Anne returned to her own room and wrote out a clear but concise note before going down to join them for tea.

It was when Margaret and Cecilia went to leave, and Anne walked them to the door, that she slipped her aunt the note, giving her a meaningful look in the process. Margaret understood at once and nodded her head ever so slightly.

At three o’clock a note came for Marianne. The footman was to wait for a reply.

Marianne was in the drawing-room. She read the note, her face taking on a confused look, then read it again. She walked to where Elinor was standing by the window and discreetly handed the note over to her sister. Elinor read it, raised her eyebrows, gave Marianne a slight nod, after which Marianne quickly composed a reply.

According to their usual routine, at four o’clock in the afternoon, Henry asked if anyone would like to join him and Sarah for their daily walk in Hyde Park, knowing one or both of their mothers would volunteer as chaperone.

Elinor, who had recently returned to the drawing-room with Edward in tow, answered, “I believe your father will act as chaperone today, Sarah. He could use the fresh air after being in the library all afternoon.”

“Yes, fresh air,” said Edward rather awkwardly, rubbing his hands together. “And I will have Ned join us. He could use the fresh air as well. Let me just fetch him from his tutor.”

A look passed between Henry and Sarah, but they said nothing.

The four in their group were out the door within a quarter of an hour, in time to arrive at the Park for the Promenade Hour, with Ned stating that his mother was not to worry, he would keep a very steady eye on the couple.

Minutes later Margaret arrived. She walked into the drawing-room and said, “I have returned. Now where is Anne?”

Anne was called down and entered the room with a shy look about her face, while her mother and both aunts sat quietly with all eyes on her.

“You have our attention,” said Marianne purposefully.

Anne drew a deep breath and started nervously, “Firstly, and I mean no offence, Aunt Elinor, but thank you for arranging for Ned to be out of the house.”

“None taken, I assure you, my dear.” Elinor smiled. “Would you not be more comfortable sitting?”

“I would, yes,” Anne replied, taking the empty seat next to her mother on the sofa.

Marianne put her hand atop her daughter’s. “My sweet girl, we are here to help you with whatever you need.”