“…the Admiral and Mrs. Croft were generally out of doors together, interesting themselves in their new possessions, their grass, and their sheep, and dawdling about in a way not endurable to a third person, or driving out in a gig, lately added to their establishment.” Persuasion, Chapter 9
Sophia Croft gazed about her at the bright blue sky, smiling as the autumn breeze sent down torrents of leaves from the trees. Some fell quickly, while others twirled and drifted slowly to the ground. Many had already turned brown, but others were various shades of yellow, orange, and even red.
Her husband tucked his hand in hers. “What shall we do this morning, Sophie? Is there some new territory we should investigate? Have we seen all the animals and explored all the lanes yet?”
She took in a deep breath. “It is a lovely day. I believe it is even warm enough for a ride in the gig.”
He looked up. “Truly?” He let out a laugh. “After what happened last time?”
She stepped aside and propped her hands on her hips. “You did drive quite recklessly, but at least we did not take a spill.”
As she said this, her brother came from the house. “I am off hunting with Charles Musgrove.” He looked at his sister. “And what are your plans this morning?”
It was the admiral who replied. “We are to take the gig out.”
His sister laughed. “You know how he drives. Pray, take care when you are shooting, for the movement you see might be us instead of a deer.”
He nodded his head. “You know I am very careful.”
Sophia shook her head. “It is not you I am worried about.” She tilted her head in her husband’s direction.
“Oh! I am not so bad a driver!” Admiral Croft said with a feigned pout.
She patted her husband on the shoulder. “Yes, you let my brother continue to think that.” She turned to Frederick. “I wish you success.”
He shrugged. “I am not certain how successful we shall be. Charles wishes to take out a young dog. He thinks he has trained him well enough, but this is his first time out.”
“Well, enjoy yourself anyway, Frederick. We shall see you later.” She smiled and nodded her head. “Run along, now.”
Frederick returned her smile. “Thank you. And please, the two of you be careful!”
Sophia watched her brother depart and then turned back to her husband with a smile. “Frederick is certainly spending a lot of time with the Musgroves.”
“Ah! He certainly has been, and why would he not? Two lovely, sweet ladies to entertain him. You must remember, dear Sophie, that he has been at sea – at war! – for quite some time. Nothing works better than a pretty lady to help a man forget all the adversities he witnessed.”
She shook her head, her brows furrowed. “They are pretty girls – and sweet.”
The admiral let out a huff. “I detect some uncertainty in your voice.”
Sophia took in a deep breath. “They are – neither of them – the type of lady I would expect him to be interested in. I cannot see either of the Musgrove ladies as someone he would wish to take as his wife.”
Admiral Croft put his arms about his wife. “Tell me, dearest Sophie. Was I the type of man you thought you would marry?”
Sophia smiled and cupped his face with her hands. “You are right. I shall not question my brother’s intentions.” She leaned in and kissed her husband. “I own that I am certainly glad I went against my better judgment in agreeing to marry you.”
“Ha! As am I!” Laughing, he said, “And Frederick? You remember when we dined at Uppercross and he had the two young ladies enthralled with his stories?” He shook his head. “They were taking obvious pleasure in his society, and he was undoubtedly flattered by their attention.”
Sophia sighed. “He was certainly enjoying himself.”
“I know not if he is in a fair way towards being in love with either, but if you ask me, the nearness of those girls has had one very positive advantage.”
“And what is that?” Sophia asked tentatively, noticing the mischievous smile on her husband’s face.
“They draw Frederick out of the house much more than I could have anticipated, even if he uses their brother as an excuse for leaving.” He pulled Sophia into a tighter embrace. “Now, he is gone, and we have the morning all to ourselves again. You are not too anxious to set out are you?”
“You certainly are a scheming one, my dear,” she said with a laugh.
“I am an Admiral in the Navy, Sophia.” As he gently guided his wife back into the house, he asked, “Ought not I always be ready to take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself?”
*~*~*
It was nearly an hour later that the Crofts finally returned outside to take the gig on a tour of the countryside, eager to explore new lanes at a leisurely pace.
Want to refresh your memory with Jane’s Austen’s original work? Read Persuasion on Austen variations HERE.
25 comments
Skip to comment form
What a sweet relationship the Crofts have! It brought a smile to my face. Thank you for this, Kara 🙂
Thanks, Monica! I do like this couple. 🙂
How lovely, Nothing like an older married couple that are still in love. Nice example for Frederick to watch. Maybe (we know he will) get the message that love isn’t about just a pretty face and some smiles but about a true relationship. Sophie’s perception is so much better than either of the men in her life. Not unusual for that to be the way. Anyway, a sweet, sweet chapter. Thank you.
It’s nice that Frederick has strong family affection, and it must have grieved him that Anne chose to remain with hers over being with him. Thanks for your thoughts, Maggie!
I always think of Sophie and the Admiral as being near to mine and my husband’s ages and this sounds like something we would do. Although DH is a much better driver than I. LOL Frederick doesn’t seem too excited to be going hunting with Charles and his puppy. Inner battles take up so much time.
Thanks, Stephanie! It is nice to see an older couple who still love each other! 🙂
That is a sweet and touching interlude for the Crofts! Just wish your ‘chapters’ were longer. It is nice to see how an older couple still enjoy their conjugal relationship.
Thanks, Hollis! I had intended for the segment to be mainly the ride in the gig, but they had other plans. 🙂
A beautiful example of the banter in such a loving relationship. There is a wonderful closeness and affection eminarinf from the couple. It’s nice they are not ‘interfering’ in the captain’s decisions about the Musgrove girls. He needs to find our for himself. He would not take kindly to interference. Thank you for auxha lovely xhaptwe, Kara.
Thanks, Deborah! I enjoy writing about people who really care for each other!
I loved the turn of the gig, so to speak, Kara! A lovely episode-there’s nothing like the love shared by two people who have grown together over many years.
Thanks, Jane! 😉 Glad you enjoyed it!
Love the Crofts! And Mrs Croft is so smart about what her brother’s choice of wife ought not to be. 🙂
I really enjoyed that. It was so sweet.
Thanks, Eileen! I think of the Crofts of intelligent, kind, and most loving! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it.
I like it that the Admiral was glad Wentworth was leaving! Had to laugh there. What a charming and truly lovely couple. Mrs. Croft certainly knows her brother well though. I like knowing that we do too!
I had to laugh at how the Admiral took advantage of Wentworth’s departure! And yes, it is good that Wentworth’s sister knows him well! Thanks, Carole!
Just the way I picture them, Kara! 😉
So glad you approve, Shannon! 🙂
This was very sweet. But the comments and photo have me wondering, how old is this “older” couple? I have forgotten if it was mentioned, the age difference between Frederick and Sophie, and then her husband’s age.
We are not told their exact ages, but as Croft was an Admiral, he would likely have been at least in at his 40s. Obviously, Sophia could be quite a bit younger, but again, we’re not sure. We do know that she was Frederick’s older sister. Thanks, Kathy!
I’m 41 and DH is nearly 45 so that’s how I always picture them (for some reason I have no explanation for) . My youngest sibling is nearly 26 so that’s not too far gone either since I mentally figure darling Frederick is 30ish since Anne is 27.
🙂
What a lovely little glimpse into the Croft’s life, two of my favourite secondary characters…really think they are a lovely couple…glad to see them getting a little love story of their own…
Thanks, Stephanie! We’re not told too much about them, but the little we see them shows them to be likeable and compassionate.
I enjoyed getting to know the Crofts better. They are one of a handful couples who are loving, caring and perfect for each another in Austen’s novels. The only thing lacking in their marriage is having children of their own.
Thanks for writing a beautiful chapter again, Kara.