Persuasion 200: Part Two of the Wentworth Wedding Breakfast by Jack Caldwell

finalcobblogoMy take-over of Austen Variations concludes today. This breakfast post grew so long, I divided into two parts. A link to Part One from Wednesday may be found HERE.

In case you missed it, the Wentworth Wedding from Tuesday may be found HERE.



“Are you looking forward to your first sea voyage, my dear?” the elder Mrs. Musgrove asked Anne as she freshened up when the breakfast was done.

“Yes. I have not traveled much, but I have always had an inclination to do so.”

Anne ElliotIt was partially the truth. There was much of England Anne longed to see, but she never thought about sailing to faraway places. In her life she had lived only in Somerset and Bath. Except for an occasional visit to London or Lyme she had resided nowhere else. Anne preferred the country over city living, and any place was preferable over despised Bath. Her dreams of marriage usually involved a comfortable house with a bit of land and some wilderness nearby. Anne had never thought of spending the rest of her life as Mistress of Kellynch Hall, though she would have been content to reside there as a spinster.

However, Anne had married a sailor, loved him exceedingly, and the country had need of him. Given the choice of going with Frederick or staying behind, there was no choice, if Anne was to be true to her desires and character.

Mrs. Musgrove frowned, her hand to her heart. “But on a ship, my dear? Will it not be uncomfortable?”

Sophy Croft laughed. “Oh, my dear Mrs. Musgrove, nothing is further from the truth. As you know, I have sailed with my husband, the admiral, many times, on frigate and ship-of-the-line too, and have found nothing so agreeable.”

“My new sister has been so kind as to fill my head with all sorts of advice, so I am quite prepared to be the greatest of voyagers,” said Anne with a smile.

“And to make sure that my lessons have been minded,” Sophy added, “the admiral and I shall journey to Portsmouth in a sennight to see my brother and sister off.”

“La—I am very sure you will never get me on a ship, unless it is to cross the Channel for a tour of Europe!” cried Mary.

Conversation died out as a serious Lady Russell approached the group. “Anne, may I speak to you for a moment?”

“Of course. Ladies, please excuse us.” The two moved to a quiet corner of the small parlor as the other ladies returned to the main room. “Yes, madam?”

Lady Russell was troubled. “Anne, I do not like seeing you leave us so soon. We are just getting used to the idea that you are so happily married,” at this Anne nodded, “and now you are to go to Bermuda, half way around the world from all your friends—”

“Lady Russell,” Anne interrupted, “surely you are not advising me not to go with my husband?”

“O-of course not, my dear,” the older lady stuttered. That was indeed her intention, but Anne’s kind yet firm look informed her godmother that she would not be moved. As much as Lady Russell loved her, she could not be happy with the younger woman’s new-found determination. “You will be missed, and Captain Wentworth too.”

“Thank you,” Anne returned as she hugged her. “I do wish you would have more time with Frederick to get to know him better.”

“Anne, I shall come to love the captain, as long as he honors you as you deserve. I can do nothing less for my darling girl.”


Wentworth and his fellow officers occupied a corner near the door of the hall. Frederick was anxious to leave with Anne.

Harville was of a mind to tease. “So, you take Anne with you to the North American Station? The man famous for having no woman on his ship?”

“You misunderstand me, Harville,” returned Frederick good-naturedly. “I would have no woman aboard ship, if she be not Anne!” The men had a good laugh about that.

“When will Laconia be ready?” asked Harville.

“We sail in three weeks from Portsmouth. That is, if I don’t get a change in orders.” With the news of Napoleon’s escape from Elba, Wentworth’s posting was moved up from six months hence to the end of March.

“You never know, my boy,” offered Admiral Croft. “The Admiralty can be dammed contrary. Too many civilians in the place, I tell you.” The First Lord and most of the Admiralty were not sea officers.

“Have you received an assignment, sir?” asked Benwick of the admiral.

“Me? No, I hoisted down my flag during the peace. My only quarterdeck now will be the library at Kellynch Hall. How about you, Benwick?”

“I received the kindest letter from Lord Keith before he left for Gibraltar, but . . .” Benwick didn’t need to finish. There were far more captains and commanders on shore looking for employment than ships available.

Harville grasped Benwick’s arm. “Look, old man, I’m to London about a civilian job. Why not come with me?”

“Leave the Navy?”

“Benwick,” injected Wentworth, “if you still wish to sail, a merchantman might be your only choice.”

“And not just any tub—an Indiaman!” cried Harville. “Fastest ships afloat! And the pay’s better than in the service.”

Benwick was clearly conflicted. “Well, perhaps. I am occupied at the moment. My wedding’s coming up, you know.”

Harville said very quietly, “Do you want me to mention you?”

Benwick looked at the admiral, who nodded. “That would be kind.”

WentworthWentworth was very uncomfortable with the conversation. Of the men present, only he and Admiral Croft did not need to sail. They had already won their fortunes. Yet, he was the one with a ship, and the admiral had voluntarily retired.

Benwick was in the prime of his life, as good a sailor as any he had met, but he was on the beach. He was a Master and Commander, fit only for a brig or sloop, and there were full Post-Captains without employment. A French sharpshooter had cut short what had promised to be a brilliant career for Harville.

Was Wentworth a better sailor than his friends? Or was it simply luck? If so, what would happen when his luck ran out?

“Frederick.” He turned at Sophy’s call. “I believe Anne is ready.”

Wentworth eagerly took his leave of his friends.


Frederick helped Anne into their rented coach before climbing in himself. They waved out the windows to their family and friends as they pulled away.

Frederick sat back and sighed in relief. “Well, that is over! It is my decided conviction that wedding breakfasts are too long!”

Anne’s musical laughter filled the coach. “Oh, Frederick, do not carry on so! It was a lovely time, it is a beautiful day, and everyone enjoyed themselves.”

“Almost everyone.”

“True. Poor Elizabeth.”

“That shrew does not deserve your pity.” He was scowling.

“Frederick, please! She is my sister, and yours too, now.”

“Then, she ought to act like one.” At Anne’s beseeching look, he relented. “I will try to be merciful, but I cannot abide anyone acting cruelly towards you, and I never shall. But I will be civil, for your sake.”

Anne_and_Wentworth“Thank you, my dear.” Anne placed her hand on Frederick’s arm, which he immediately took and raised to his lips.

“We have several hours before we reach the inn, my love,” he reminded his wife.

“I know. “ She gazed at him from beneath her eyelashes. “Whatever shall we do to pass the time?”

“I will think of something,” Frederick promised as he took her in his arms.

“I shall depend upon it,” she said before his lips claimed hers.


Our tale of Persuasion 200 is not yet over! Tune in March 19 for the next posting.

Meanwhile, can you leave a little love for the author? I won’t bite.

Want to refresh your memory with Jane’s Austen’s original work? Read Persuasion on Austen variations HERE.

26 comments

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    • Sheila L. M. on March 12, 2015 at 12:38 am
    • Reply

    Oh, sigh, I can only imagine how they might employ that time – I am grinning from ear to ear. So glad Lady Russell took the hint and cast no shadows over this happy day. But what do you have in store for Benwick? Are we to read of his wedding and will Frederick pull any strings? I can’t imagine his intended wife would be willing to go with him, as Anne is doing.

    And Sophy is fulfilling what I (and others, I am sure) always thought she would be as a sister to Anne. Only positive thoughts to send her on her way for her first sea voyage.

    Thank you for this lovely episode as I am off to sleep.

    1. Benwick’s on his own, I’m afraid, and must rely on Harville putting in a good word. Wentworth has no influence. Indeed, he and Anne will miss the weddings, as they will be on a ship bound for . . .

      Thought you’d trick me into giving that way, did you?

    • Deborah on March 12, 2015 at 4:18 am
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    Thank you for this sweet episode. So happy to see Anne snuff Lady Russell’s intended interference! As Sheila said Sophy is the sister we thought she would be to Anne with all the positive advice. Hopefully Wentworth doesn’t doubt his luck too much….that could have devastating effects. I wonder what will come up for Benwick? Finally Anne & the captain are married and Alone together. What new adventures lie in store for them? Lovely to read at 4am.

    1. One day, you’ll find out, Deborah.

    • Mari on March 12, 2015 at 8:03 am
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    This was beautifully written. It had romance and hints of adventure to come. I do love action and adventures in my reading and movie choices, so this fit in nicely. I do love it that after Lady Russell had regrets about interfering in Amme’s life previously, she was all set to do it again! Luckily Anne had learned her lesson, even if Lady Russell had not, and firmly settled the matter. I like this ending better than the versions where Frederick buys Kellynch for Anne and we are to assume they lived happily ever after. Not as long as Sir Walter and Mary and Elizabeth are alive, they wouldn’t. They would all have tried to move in and spend the Wentworth’s money for them. This is more in keeping with the characters and our perception of them. It was nice having you these last three days Jack, even if the Packers do kick the Vikings’ butts twice every season!

    1. A leopard doesn’t change her spots, and neither does Lady Russell. At least she means well. But Anne will live her own life, by her darling Frederick’s side, no matter what dangers await them!

    • Maggie Griscom on March 12, 2015 at 8:08 am
    • Reply

    Lady Russel is at it again. So glad Anne won’t be persuaded this time. Going to Bermuda doesn’t sound bad to me especially on a ship. I know it was different then. Thanks to the “pet-mail” for the early morning read. I started the day well now let’s see what happens.

    1. Let’s say they are supposed to go to Bermuda. We’ll see if they actually get there.

    • Evie Cotton on March 12, 2015 at 8:51 am
    • Reply

    I hope you come back soon Jack! I know you just released a new book and are busy with the others but do you have anything “Snowbound”esque in the works for us?

    1. Nothing on the Snowbound front, but Abigail’s new work sounds like something up that alley. BTW, isn’t that supposed to be finished by now? (Hint, hint, my friend!)

    • Megan on March 12, 2015 at 8:59 am
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    Lovely chapter Jack! Love Anne and her “newfound determination” and I chuckled at the fact of Lasy Russell not enjoying it! Frederick being a little introspective before departing is interesting (looking forward to your Persuaded to Sail and seeing some of Anne and Frederick’s adventures on the high seas). And I’m sure the time will fly by for Anne and Frederick. Thanks for sharing!

    1. All warriors better be introspective. It might be the only thing that keeps them alive.

    • Linda Clark on March 12, 2015 at 10:18 am
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    I have thoroughly enjoyed all three chapters in this wedding/wedding breakfast ‘series’, Jack. I doubt i can add more to the comments others have given…Lady Russell’s (dare I say prejudice) opinion of the Captain, the outrageous conduct of the Baronet and Elizabeth, the hopefulness of Harville, the frustration of Benwick, the constancy and goodness of Sophy, etc., etc. All the makes of a good story. Yesterday I ordered (thank you Amazon) a copy of “The Three Colonels”… how long will we have to wait for “Persuaded to Sail”?
    “Persuasion” has long been my favorite of Jane’s works yet most writers lean towards P&P for their variations. A big, big thanks to you for not overlooking the story of Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth.

  1. I’m tied up for the rest of 2015 with THE PLAINS OF CHALMETTE and the three volumes of CRESCENT CITY, so I can’t give y’all a firm date. But PERSUADED TO SAIL will be published, I promise you that. I think it’s some of my best work

      • Linda Clark on March 12, 2015 at 4:10 pm
      • Reply

      I’ll do my best to be patient…. 🙂 …. but I, like all of your readers, will be anxious for the publication of ‘Persuaded to Sail’. …and I’m especially anxious when you say you think it’s some of your best work. It MUST be great!

      1. Well, it’s a mixture of Austen and O’Brian, with a dash of Forester thrown in!

  2. Wonderful chapter! I quite enjoyed seeing Lady Russell quail a bit before a kind but firm Anne who will not yield to the persuasion of others if it goes against her happiness.

    I’m with Frederick when it comes to Elizabeth…and all of Anne’s family. They have always been a thoughtless bunch at best and cruel at worst. Anne will do much better with her new sister and brother. 🙂

    Thank you for a delightful wedding breakfast! I think I enjoyed it much more than Frederick did, LOL! 😉

    Warmly,
    Susanne 🙂

    1. Frederick’s reward came later. My link above shows the aftermath.

    • Kathy Berlin on March 12, 2015 at 12:45 pm
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    Another lovely moment. Thanks, Jack.

    1. Thank you, Kathy.

  3. Enjoyed this. You have me intrigued as to what will happen next. Very much looking forward to next post.

    1. Good stuff coming!

  4. Nicely done, Jack. Thanks for a lovely addition to the story.

    1. Thanks, Susan!

    • Melanie on March 12, 2015 at 8:15 pm
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    Anne married and starting a new life with her long time love, thank you for bring us the beginning of her new adventure. Wentworth is just the man for Anne, he will walk in front of her and protect her from harm. Beside her as her partner and behind her to catch her if she should stumble and fall. We have all benefited from having him in our lives.

    • Melanie on March 12, 2015 at 8:25 pm
    • Reply

    When is you persuaded to sail coming out? Also do you know anything about ” Alone with Mr. Darcy” and a date for that one… if you keep writing it Jack we will keep reading it. Thank you so much for your words that transport us in time so we are right there with Anne and the Captain as well as the rest of the new “family”.

  1. […] breakfast continues HERE in Part Two. You can leave comments here today, though, if you […]

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