In Persuasion, Jane Austen does not tell us how Admiral and Mrs. Croft reacted to the engagement of Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot. However, since the story makes clear how much they think of Anne, I am certain they were very well pleased with this news.
Sophie Croft watched the door to the sitting room close as her brother, Frederick, and Miss Anne Elliot exited. The minute she heard the door latch click shut, she turned to her husband with a wide-eyed look.
“Well, that is certainly an unexpected turn of events, my dear,” said the admiral in response to her unspoken question. “Quite a surprise but certainly a welcome one.”
Sophie smiled. “I could not be happier about this. Louisa Musgrove is a lovely young lady but hardly what I had envisioned for Frederick. But Anne – she is something special. I cannot imagine anyone more perfectly suited to my brother.”
“I have always liked Anne. Sensible girl. She will make an excellent wife. Sometimes it is difficult to believe Anne could possibly be Sir Walter’s daughter,” he said thoughtfully.
“Or sister to Miss Elliot or Mrs. Musgrove.” Sophie quirked a smile.
“Do you suppose Anne takes after her mother?” he asked.
“That must be it. Rarely do you meet a young lady who so graciously combines good sense, kindness, and beauty.”
“She reminds me of someone else I know.” The admiral’s eyes twinkled with mischief.
“Oh, my dear, you do go on.”
He started to rise to go sit beside his wife, but she motioned for him to stay seated.
“Your leg is ailing. I will come to you.” Crossing the room, she joined him on the sofa.
When she was settled, he took her hand in his. “My darling girl, I remember when we first met. From the first moment I saw you, I knew there was no one else in the world for me.”
Sophie blushed. “Do not tell me Frederick’s engagement has made you sentimental.”
“Not sentimental exactly,” he replied.
“Thoughtful then?” she suggested.
Putting his hand on her chin, he turned her face towards him. “Even after all these years, I still think I am the luckiest man alive to be spending my life with you. Call it sentimental, thoughtful, whatever you wish.” He shrugged his shoulders then kissed her gently on the lips and on the forehead before he pulled back to look into her eyes.
After a moment, Sophie leaned against her husband and sighed contentedly. “I am somewhat surprised the wedding will be so soon. Just ten days away!”
“I suppose Frederick is concerned about the tensions on the continent. He could be called back to sea.”
“I pray that does not happen.” Then something occurred to her. “Surely, you would not be called back, too.”
“I do not think so. Not with this gouty leg, but you know as well as I that if I am summoned, I must go.”
“Then let us make the most of our time together,” she said, snuggling closer against him.
He nuzzled her hair affectionately and kissed the top of her head. “As we always do, my dear. As we always do.”
Want to refresh your memory with Jane’s Austen’s original work? Read Persuasion on Austen variations HERE.
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Aww, so sweet. It is nice to have a scene about the Crofts. Thank you.
Thanks. I love the Crofts and thought it would be fun to have a scene focusing on them.
What a delightful and beautifully written episode-the Crofts, lovely as ever! I really loved this, Susan.
Thank you, Jane. I really enjoyed creating this conversation for the Crofts. I find them quite fascinating.
What a sweet missing scene. I always felt they were a couple in love and so well suited to each other. They seem a bit surprised at the suddenness of it all, but are truly happy for Anne : Wentworth. I wonder if Sophie will ever find out that Wentworth had offered for Anne before. Thank you for such a sweet read this morning.
I debated about whether or not to include that Wentworth and Anne would tell them about the prior engagement. My instinct was “yes” but decided either Anne or Frederick would tell Sophie separately later. It didn’t seem to fit here.
OOHH! I also think you have gotten this JUST RIGHT, Susan! I too love the Crofts and like to think of them and Anne and Fredrick together a lot enjoying each other! Thank you for this sweet little episode.
Thanks, Carol. I’ve been working on this in my head for weeks and finally got it on paper.
Such a touching scene and perfectly conveyed not only their happiness for Wentworth and Anne, but their own happiness together all these years. It just gave me such a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. Thank you!
With all this cold weather across the continent, I’m glad to start your day with something that warmed you.
A sweet chapter–I very much enjoyed it! 🙂
Thank you!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Thanks for taking a minute to comment. It means a lot when someone appreciates the scene.
I have to say my eyes got moist in reading this. I can think of no one or any other couple, much less relative, who would be as happy for ODC. I am sure they will spend much time together and, if Anne and Frederick have children, become excellent godparents for such. This was perfect – especially in the hint of how well they spend their free time together…LOL As it should be.
Thank you for warm happy thoughts with our frozen rain and snow outdoors here in PA.
It’s fun to imagine they are a very loving couple as it is hinted they spend so much time together. It’s a natural idea that the Crofts would be godparents. I suspect all of Anne and Frederick’s children will be very spoiled by their aunt and uncle.
I guess I shouldn’t mention it’s sunny and in the upper 50s today in Seattle. Hope you stay warm.
My oldest (and a daughter) lives in Seattle so I do know how it is out there. Plus Joy Dawn King mentioned to me a few weeks ago about the daffodils blooming at her house! We are expecting more snow today into tomorrow. Reading a book on Meredith’s list – so I am happy and content.
Lovely! Such a loving couple – they spread their joy everywhere. I think Anne and Frederick will be a lot like them after a lifetime together…
Anne and Frederick certainly have a better role model than Sir Walter! Thank goodness!
I love the Crofts! Thanks for the sweet story, Susan!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks, Kara.
I’ll add my appreciation for this really sweet scene. It’s nice that Anne and Frederick will have some family members that are caring and supportive, and who are also good role models for a happily married couple. Thank you!
Thanks for taking time to comment. I really appreciate hearing you liked the scene.