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    Half the Sum of Attraction: A Persuasion Prequel
    Half the Sum of Attraction: A Persuasion Prequel
    Half the Sum of Attraction: A Persuasion Prequel
    Ebook124 pages1 hour

    Half the Sum of Attraction: A Persuasion Prequel

    By Meg Osborne

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    About this ebook

    "Half the sum of attraction, on either side, might have been enough…"

     

    Eight years and a bit before their romantic reunion, Anne Elliot meets Captain Frederick Wentworth for the first time.  Immediately struck by the handsome Commander's easy manner and good humour, she cannot dare to hope he feels the same way about her.

     

    Frederick is home from the sea and staying with his brother, a Curate in Monkton, little expecting he will meet a young woman who will capture his heart and change his life.

     

    This novella is inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, and considers how her two protagonists might have met and fallen in love the first time around…

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMeg Osborne
    Release dateSep 12, 2016
    ISBN9781536571820
    Half the Sum of Attraction: A Persuasion Prequel
    Author

    Meg Osborne

    Meg Osborne is an avid reader, tea drinker and unrepentant history nerd.  She writes sweet historical romance stories and Jane Austen fanfiction, and can usually be found knitting, dreaming up new stories, or adding more books to her tbr list than she'll get through in a lifetime.

    Read more from Meg Osborne

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      Book preview

      Half the Sum of Attraction - Meg Osborne

      Chapter One

      Meetings

      The sun was shining , and Anne Elliot was happy. Or, as happy as it was possible to be as a young woman with neither obligation nor appointment calling her to a timetable. She enjoyed the warmth of the sun on her shoulders as she walked, deliberately choosing the longest possible route back towards Kellynch Hall, with no pressing requirement and no particular desire to hurry home. She had gone barely ten paces down the path when the familiar voice of the Curate from nearby Monkford, Mr. Edward Wentworth, cheerfully accosted her.

      Miss. Anne! How lovely to see your smiling face. I have just paid a visit to poor Mrs. Allen.

      Poor was a perfect descriptor for the ailing Mrs. Allen. Anne knew a little of her history - left bankrupt by the death of her husband, and bereft at the loss of her son (to seek his fortune in the north of England, and unlikely to return) the lady’s years of fancying herself ill had finally taken their toll. Visiting her was rather more a duty than a joy.

      How was she? Anne slowed her pace so that Mr. Wentworth could catch up to her.

      A little better, Edward said. In the course of our conversation she mentioned a certain - and I quote - ‘sweet-tempered young lady' had visited her two days ago with a basket and a book she was recommended to enjoy. His eyes twinkled. A book I have now had explained to me detail for detail, such that I need not try to seek out a copy for myself.

      Anne laughed, well imagining the enthusiasm Mrs. Allen may have felt for The Romance of the Forest would likely not have been shared by any gentleman.

      What way are you walking? He asked, straightening his hat. I would be honoured to escort you.

      I am hardly in need of an escort, Anne began. I know these streets as well as I know my own mind. Besides, I do not wish to distract you from your pastoral duties.

      Edward waved away her comments.

      "My pastoral duties extend to all members of the parish and if I am not mistaken that includes the middle daughter of Sir Walter Elliot of Kellynch Hall. Tell me, how is your father’s health? ‘Tis some weeks since his return from London but I have not much seen him at Church. I hear tell he has been suffering the effects of a summer cold. He studied Anne’s features. I trust you and Miss. Elliot have successfully avoided being likewise stricken?"

      My sister is rarely ill, Anne said, as they began to walk. And as you can see I am quite well enough to continue my usual errands and obligations.

      Ah, and which category does this fall into, I wonder? Mr. Elliot puzzled, a smile tugging at his lips. A walk with a nosy clergyman, is that errand or obligation...

      Neither, of course. Anne smiled, deferentially. It can scarcely be more than a pleasure to chance a quarter-hour with so dear an acquaintance as yourself.

      Acquaintance? Come, come, Miss. Anne, surely by this point we must consider one another at least the slightest of friends.

      Alright, then, Anne conceded. Friends, it is.

      Excellent, then as your friend I consider myself free to share a piece of good news I have recently received. It is not all confirmed as yet, so I trust it will not be broadcast, though it is by no means a secret.

      What is the news? Anne asked. I see it has pleased you and for that I am glad, quite regardless of its detail.

      Mr. Wentworth lowered his voice, adopting an air of intrigue so ridiculously at odds with his usually open and easy manner that Anne struggled not to laugh. Straining to keep her face straight, she bent a little closer to him in order to hear his whispered words.

      "I received a letter this morning from my brother Frederick. I should say, Captain Frederick Wentworth, for as a Commander he is, by courtesy, admitted the title though he has not officially been made yet. He hesitated, then waved his fingers as if dispensing smoke. I do not pretend to understand all the pertinent details surrounding how the Navy promotes its successes, but no doubt I will have them all explained soon enough for my brother the Captain, is poised to visit me, here in Somerset, and then to lodge with me these next few months. Isn’t that good news?"

      Quite wonderful, Anne agreed. Though she had little knowledge of Frederick Wentworth, she could tell from the warm tones that crept into Edward’s voice when he spoke the words my brother Frederick that he cared deeply for him, was proud of his achievement and was looking forward to his return to shore.

      I dare say it is quite some time since you were together if he has been away at sea, Anne observed, as they continued their journey.

      It was two years when last I saw Frederick, and another before that when I last laid eyes on my sister - you have heard me speak of her before?

      Anne nodded that she had.

      Sophia is quite a creature of interest, Edward said, his eyes clouding over. For she lives, at this moment, in Gibraltar. Can you imagine, Anne, the difference between her life and ours? But she is much more widely travelled than either Frederick or myself, though he is destined to outstrip us both.

      I imagine she must be very brave, and far more outgoing than I could ever hope to be.

      Brave, ha! She delights in being the only woman of rank aboard ship. Recall, she is eldest sister to Frederick and myself, and after our parents’ death took on the role of little mother keeping us both in check. He snorted. Which was no mean feat, I assure you. While I am a revered man of the cloth now, and Frederick elevated beyond even that, I assure you, Anne, that as boys we went from one scrape to another and my poor sister had her work cut out keeping us clear of our guardian, my Aunt Foster. He shuddered. Now she was indeed a force to be reckoned with, and I don’t doubt it is from her that Sophia learnt how to strike the fear of God into any man with merely a raise of one eyebrow. He laughed. But, my dear Anne, I have quite dominated the conversation, and look, here, our path is diverting. Which way do you intend to go?

      Anne indicated the path that wound towards Kellynch Hall, and Edward and she slowed to a stop.

      Then here we must part, for I have another two calls to make yet before my morning’s work is done. But let us wait a moment that I may conclude the news I wished to tell you. It is, quite simply this: my brother Frederick is to lodge with me and as a point of interest he will attend Lord Allardyce’s ball this coming week. I would dearly love for him to become acquainted with you, and Miss. Elliot of course, as a point of priority. I know he will likely be roughened after many months at sea in the company of men and so I put a word in advance of your meeting that you might afford him a little grace if his manners are less than delicate. I assure you he is a gentleman at heart, if not in manner. I love him dearly and trust you will dance with him at least once as a favour to me. His eyes darkened momentarily. He may lack the title, wealth and refinement of some who shall be at the ball, but I assure you he is the best of brothers and best of men. I cannot wait to be reacquainted with him and to show him all that Somersetshire has to recommend it.

      Then indeed I would be delighted to dance with him. Anne frowned. For you know I do not always love to dance- but if he is unfamiliar with the rules of society dancing he is unlikely to judge me too much for my hesitancy. She bid Edward goodbye.

      And if your comments are to recommend him, I shall look forward to making his acquaintance. Goodbye, Mr Wentworth. I shall see you this Sunday.

      ANNE SOON REACHED HER home, and had barely stepped over the threshold when there was a flurry of activity in the hallway. Her sister Elizabeth fairly pushed their housekeeper aside in her haste to see who had just arrived.

      Oh. Elizabeth’s face fell. It’s only you, Anne. I thought it might be somebody important.

      Ignoring her sister's comment, Anne removed her hat and pelisse and frowned.

      "And were you expecting somebody important?" She asked.

      Well? Sir Walter’s voice reached them from the sitting room. Who has arrived? Is it Mr. Elliot?

      Elizabeth’s cheeks coloured, and she flounced away from Anne with barely a word of acknowledgement.

      It's only Anne, father, Anne heard as Elizabeth swept into the other room. Sighing, she followed after her sister, greeting their father with a kiss on the cheek.

      Where have you been, Anne? He peered at her carefully. Your face is red, were you out in this heat? Have a care, you know continued exposure to the sunshine will cause freckles and I do despise freckles. He shuddered

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