Persuasion 200: The Wedding of Captain Frederick Wentworth to Miss Anne Elliot by Jack Caldwell

finalcobblogoI know what you’re thinking. How did Austen Variations’ pet male get the wedding post?

Several years ago, I wrote a sequel to PERSUASION that was posted online under the title THE UNEXPECTED PASSENGER. That story has been taken down and will be revised under the new title PERSUADED TO SAIL. I will publish it someday, but I’ve got CRESCENT CITY coming out this summer, and that’s taking up all my time.

This post, and the two that follow, are taken directly from PERSUADED TO SAIL. So, you’re getting a preview. Some notes:

  • PERSUADED TO SAIL is intended as a companion piece to THE THREE COLONELS, as it takes place during the Hundred Days Crisis. So, I refer to Napoleon’s escape from Elba, and I have Captain Wentworth recalled to service.
  • This offering is in three posts because of its length. Links will be offered at the end of each post.
  • That’s right, for the next three days, I’m taking over Austen Variations! Bruhahaha!


March 10, 1815

Bath church“Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder,” recited the Reverend Edward Wentworth. “Forasmuch as Frederick and Anne have consented together in Holy Wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a Ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be Man and Wife together, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”

The bride and groom gave each other a smile while the service proceeded to Holy Communion. The congregation invited to witness this celebration was modest, about a score in number, so it was but a short time before the couple receded down the aisle. The bride, Anne Elliot Wentworth, was dressed in a lovely light blue gown, while the gentleman, Frederick Wentworth, was dashing in the full-dress uniform of a Post-Captain.

Following, limping on his bad leg and winking at his wife, was Captain Timothy Harville, a half-pay Post-Captain from Lyme. The two had become fast friends sailing together around the world before Harville’s injury. Harville and his wife were overjoyed with Frederick’s happiness and held Anne in high esteem.

Harville walked with Mrs. Smith clutching his arm. As Wentworth predicted, she was able to do her duty as witness for Anne. She was overjoyed to be so honored and was determined to make it down the aisle without the use of her wheel-chair.

Mrs. Smith’s glowing countenance was a stark counterpoint to the jealous anger which graced the face of Miss Elizabeth Elliot. The lady was incensed that Anne had married at all. It was insupportable that her younger sister would do so before the eldest was wed. Society would laugh at them! But her complaints fell on deaf ears. Anne would not relent, Lady Russell opposed her arguments, and Captain Wentworth offended her sensibilities. Her face still burned from the dressing down she received from that man.

Surely, all of Bath was chattering about this degradation. It was an insult to the name of Elliot! The only reason Elizabeth attended this farce was to prevent the gossip from reaching epic proportions.

Deep in her wounded soul, Elizabeth Elliot was despondent. Both her younger sisters had caught husbands and she had not. The Musgroves were nobodies, but Wentworth was a hero to the nation. The thought that Anne might enjoy a level of society far above that which Elizabeth occupied frightened her.

There was nothing to ease her dismay. Abandoned by Mr. William Elliot and betrayed by Mrs. Clay, she had neither beaux nor friend. Time was running out, and unless a man worthy of a baronet’s daughter appeared very soon, Elizabeth would be forever consigned to the spinsters’ shelf.

Within moments, the procession reached the door of the chapel and stepped into the bright March morning. To Wentworth’s eye, Bath had never looked more agreeable. He understood Anne’s desire not to be married from Kellynch Hall. To return to their ancestral estate as guests would be painful for her family. As for Wentworth, all he wanted was Anne—the location was meaningless.

The small group of well-wishers waved as the two climbed into the carriage that was to carry them to the Wedding Breakfast. Captain James Benwick slammed the door and cried, “Drive on!” The carriage got underway in a lurch.

Wentworth busily arranged himself on the seat—a sword could be an awkward business in a small coach—when he glanced over at Anne. Her intense look alarmed her husband.

“Anne, my own, what is amiss? Are you well?” he asked.

“Perfectly well, Frederick, I assure you.”

Hearing Anne’s sweet voice utter his Christian name sent a jolt of joy through his soul. “I am glad to hear it, but you have the most serious expression! Has something displeased you?”

“Nothing at all. Oh, Frederick, at last!” With that she threw herself into his arms and kissed him senseless.

At first the Captain was shocked into immobility, but a moment later he rallied and returned her passion. Finally the two came up for air.

Anne whispered, “How long must we remain at breakfast, Frederick?”

“Not a moment longer than necessary, my love.”

She sighed and leaned into his shoulder, and Wentworth reflected that marriage promised to be more pleasant than he expected.


 The wedding breakfast begins HERE.

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

30 comments

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    • SandyH on March 10, 2015 at 12:29 am
    • Reply

    Hahaha… “pet male”, I love it!! Wonderful excerpt!

    1. Well, I am. They put up with me, pet my head, give me treats (occasionally), and have me sit in the corner.

  1. Well, the “pet male” did a brilliant job with the wedding scene; I very much enjoyed it…far more than Elizabeth did, LOL! 😉

    Thank you for writing and posting, and I’m looking forward to the next installments!

    Warmly,
    Susanne 🙂

    1. I think someone having a root canal had more fun than Elizabeth Elliot had at Anne’s wedding.

    • Deborah on March 10, 2015 at 5:09 am
    • Reply

    I enjoyed this very much. Exactly how every groom wants their bride to react….’throwing herself in his arms and kissing him senseless’. So glad that Elizabeth got her ‘dressing down’ and that Anne is married and that Mrs. Smith stood up with her. Poor Elizabeth, but she has brought all upon herself. Sour grapes. Looking forward to tomorrow’s post, Jack, and am eagerly anticipating the release of Persuaded to Sail.

    1. Isn’t that how brides are supposed to act? Mine did… oh, I suppose that’s TMI.

      Sorry. Carry on.

    • Mari on March 10, 2015 at 6:39 am
    • Reply

    There is nothing like a male point of view. This was romantic and sweet without being over the top. Just the right touch of romance, leavened with humor. I can’t wait for the next excerpt. This is delightful and I am glad it is being published at a future date because it is a nice alternative to Darcy and Elizabeth. I love them but I needed a break! I have The Three Colonels and I enjoyed it very much, so I will be happy to buy Persuaded To Sail. I did love Elizabeth’s annoyance over Anne’s marriage, and her fear of being a spinster. The way she acts will guarantee that it happens, but she will never understand that she causes her own unhappiness. The woman is so annoying that it’s a pity she never met Wickham before Lydia did. They are both so phony and insufferably pleased with themselves, that they deserve each other!

    1. I comprehend your feelings, Mari, but I think Elizabeth Elliot wouldn’t give someone like George Wickham the time of day. Now John Willoughby, Tom Bertram, or Frederick Tilney? They might be worthy of a baronet’s daughter.

      The question is, would they give her the time of day?

        • junewilliams7 on March 12, 2015 at 10:16 pm
        • Reply

        Wait…. wait… plot bunny! I would love to see you write about Elizabeth Elliot’s three suitors – even if they are only suitors in her mind. Willoughby, Tom Bertram, and Tilney…. plus maybe another suitor who may or may not be the younger Ferrars brother, using a false name. Or throw in Darcy’s cousin, the Viscount. C’mon, Jack — do you want to leave Elizabeth Elliott on the shelf, undisturbed?

    • Maggie Griscom on March 10, 2015 at 7:48 am
    • Reply

    A good job by the “pet-male”. Every group needs one to keep them straight (so says my husband). Elizabeth is a piece of work and it will serve her right to be on the shelf. What man would want her and she doesn’t even have a huge dowery to tempt one. Can’t wait to get on to the wedding breakfast!

    1. Your husband is a wise man, Maggie.

    • Jennifer Redlarczyk on March 10, 2015 at 8:41 am
    • Reply

    Looking forward to this one as I read the Three Colonels and would like to see more of the Wentworths as I never read the Unexpected Passenger. Hope all goes well for your summer publication of Crescent City. ~Jen Red~

    1. Thank you, Jennifer. You can prepare for CRESCENT CITY by picking up THE PLAINS OF CHALMETTE (shameless plug).

    • Hollis on March 10, 2015 at 10:26 am
    • Reply

    Captain Wentworth may have a handful with his new wife!!! I have enjoyed all of your books Jack, especially the three Colonels. Caroline Bingley actually became an actual human with your deft touch. I enjoy having a male point of view of Austen’s work.

    1. You’ve said it, Hollis. I know y’all are gonna hate me, because PERSUADED TO SAIL will take some time before it’s ready to be published. But I’ll leave y’all with this. What Anne Elliot Wentworth doesn’t know is she married two men. She loves and understands Frederick Wentworth. But aboard ship, he is also Captain Wentworth, and that’s a different matter, especially with the French Navy looking for him!

    • Kathy L Berlin on March 10, 2015 at 10:42 am
    • Reply

    “Pet Male”? Hardly. You are a great JAFF writer and I love your work. This is a great post and I look forward to the wedding breakfast. Pet male, indeed, (A Lady Catherine-like snort)

    1. Aw, Kathy! You’ll turn my head!

    • Sheila L. M. on March 10, 2015 at 10:56 am
    • Reply

    I am sure all of us got a smile, if not laugh, in reading your self-appointed title of “pet male”. Loved your handling of this event. And loved reading of Anne’s reaction in the carriage. Looking forward to the additional posts. Thank you.

    PS: Elizabeth isn’t worth the ink.

    1. As many of you know, I reformed Caroline Bingley. But Elizabeth Elliot is too much, even for me!

  2. I can hear it now: “A couple more times around the block, James.” Methinks the bride and groom may arrive a little late and a little disheveled to the the wedding breakfast. 😉

      • Hollis on March 10, 2015 at 12:29 pm
      • Reply

      And it will be at the instigation of Ann!

  3. Shannon and Hollis, wow what a post! I could just picture it. Jack, loved the post. Cannot wait until tomorrow for the wedding post. I have read The Three Generals and cannot wait for your next post.

    For all of the writers, will there be another group book? I bought the version for P and P that you all coauthored.

    1. Patty – Since Persuasion200 is about to wrap up, we’ve been discussing what group writing project to embark on next. There WILL be one, but exactly what isn’t decided yet. Lots of creative ideas are being tossed about, though, so stay tuned for an announcement soon!

      1. Did you all write any other group projects prior to the Pride and Prejudice book?

    • Julie on March 10, 2015 at 5:01 pm
    • Reply

    Oh, so satisfying! Frederick and Anne, husband and wife! Despite all the hurdles, they made it! Love to see Elizabeth squirming, though I do think she is this way because she was carefully taught by her oh-so-wise (NOT!) father! The Baronet will have a lot to answer for at the pearly gates, methinks! Great wedding scene – thanks so much.

    1. Sir Walter is a dunderhead. He’s more funny than foul. Elizabeth is just a pure witch.

    • Stephanie Mudd Carrico on March 10, 2015 at 7:58 pm
    • Reply

    What a wonderful chapter, always enjoy your work Mr. Caldwell. Sweet, romantic scene with a touch of humor.

    1. That’s me — sweet & funny!

    • Megan on March 11, 2015 at 12:21 am
    • Reply

    Wonderful chapter Jack! And I loved The Three Colonels and Persuasion is my second favorite (to Pride and Prejudice) so I’m super excited to read Persuaded to Sail whenever you get the time to complete it! Love the humor in this especially Elizabeth and her sour attitude. She’s already been surpassed by Mary so I find it humorous that she’s so put out that Anne is marrying. Might be fun to do a spin off following Elizabeth…

    Thanks for sharing and I look forward to reading the upcoming wedding breakfast 🙂

    1. Breakfast is served! Go on over and see!

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

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

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