Jane Austen Made Me Do It by Laurel Ann Nattress Read Free Book Online Page B

again to inspect the wound. Anne regarded the eyes fringed in black lashes deep in concentration. He seemed to be holding her hand forever. Nevertheless, she was sorry when he finally released it.
    â€œI hope it’s not too painful. I’m sorry, Miss Elliot, I wished you to enjoy today so much.”
    â€œIt does not hurt. In any case, nothing could spoil the pleasure I’m having. I thank you kindly.” Anne felt she’d said too much, and, blushing again, made a move to walk back towards the house.
    At that precise moment, the curate, accompanied by his first guests, Elizabeth and Lady Russell, came bustling in through the gate. Anne turned, immediately hiding her hand behind her back almost as if she imagined they could see the imprints of Lieutenant Wentworth’s fingers upon her own.
    â€œLady Russell, Miss Elliot, here is the delightful Miss Anne and my brother to keep you company. Miss Anne has been working all morning, above and beyond the call of duty, I might add,” said Edward Wentworth.
    â€œI can quite imagine!” Elizabeth cast her eye knowingly over the pair. Their close proximity did not escape her observation. “I don’t doubt that my sister makes herself agreeable at every opportunity. And, she has always been very much at home in the kitchen.”
    The curate moved away to greet the procession of villagers now straggling through the gate, and Anne was grateful for the flurry of activity. Neighbours, friends, and children started to fillthe garden. Maids bearing pitchers of cool ginger beer or orange wine proffered liquid refreshment.
    â€œThank goodness, there are the Musgroves arriving. At least there will be one respectable family I can talk to even if they are only farmers,” Elizabeth declared as she watched the gate. “I cannot imagine what my father will have to say when he witnesses the rabble all making for the tea tent with indecent haste.”
    â€œAnne, you will accompany us to greet the Musgroves.” Lady Russell issued her request as a command. Anne felt her cool reserve, sensing her disapproval of the young lieutenant.
    Anne saw Lieutenant Wentworth watching them both, and saw the look of disgust cross his face before he turned away with the excuse of going to help his brother. She was embarrassed by her sister’s words and Lady Russell’s behaviour. The idea that Lieutenant Wentworth might think she shared similar views and manners distressed Miss Elliot greatly. When she heard that the races were due to commence in five minutes, she excused herself to find a quiet part of the garden where she could hide. She was sure he would never ask her now. Sitting down upon a stone seat, Anne could not bear the idea that he would not seek her help. When she saw him moments later, she could not have been more surprised.
    â€œYou’ve forgotten your promise to me, Miss Elliot,” Lieutenant Wentworth said as he regarded her, his head on one side. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
    Anne felt her cheeks grow warmer. “I did not think.” It was impossible to continue.
    He came to sit by her side. “How is your finger?”
    â€œOh, perfectly mended. It is of no consequence, I thank you.” Anne wanted to say something, to explain her sister’s outburst, and the bad manners of her friend, but how could she possibly justify their behaviour?
    â€œPlease, Miss Elliot,” he said gently, “if you feel well enough, the children are waiting.”
    Anne recalled the gleeful faces of the children, remembered those first feelings of happiness as she and Lieutenant Wentworth had truly taken the first steps to falling in love on that sunny, sparkling day against the backdrop of the green garden, the red-roofed rectory with its barley-twist chimneys, and the golden tower of the church rising above the cheerful scene, framed in her memory like a beautiful painting.
    Summer had run its course blazing in light