Lost in La La Land(23)

It had to be me who went in, looking for the moment I would gain control of the story.

I expected it to be a flash or a second where the Choose Your Own Adventure lost its spark.

As I entered Persuasion again, the story started right where I had left it, the same as a favorite book I had put down.

The world loaded with me smiling at Admiral and Mrs. Croft as I was leaving the Elliot estate after having tea with them and ensuring they had everything they needed.

I paused, lost for one heartbeat before I lifted my hand and waved. “So lovely to have met you both.” I glanced behind them to the captain, offering a slight smile. “And you as well, Captain.”

“The pleasure was all ours.” Mrs. Croft waved, clutching her handkerchief in her other hand. “Do visit again. The invitation is open.”

“I shall. And as I’m just going to Uppercross, I suppose we will see more of each other.”

Captain Wentworth bowed as the carriage left, taking me to Lady Russell’s home to pick up Anne.

She hurried out of the house, all flustered and blotchy but not letting on as to what was wrong. “Sorry for my delay, Jane, dear. I’m finally finished. All our obligations have been met.” Her eyes glossed over ever so slightly as she blushed again. “And were you able to meet with the Crofts?”

“I was. They’re unpacking and settling in nicely.”

“Lovely. I am grateful you could help with that.” She said it so softly I nearly missed it.

As the carriage was one of the open ones, a barouche, it was bouncy and noisy, providing the perfect distraction. We didn’t have to speak which was a nice break. Polite conversation was like modern-day small talk but with thoughtful pauses and intention. It got downright exhausting thinking all the time, especially aloud.

In our silence, my eyes darted about the forest, expecting Jonathan to pop out from behind a tree or bush, but he didn't.

We made it all the way to Uppercross just as my butt was getting sore. Men greeted us as we stopped, helping us down. Several offered me the eyes, the ones that suggested I could take a roll in the hay with them if I so fancied. Never having been a hay-rolling sort of girl, I ignored the men and the slight option of the Choose Your Own Adventure. A romantic tryst with a stable boy had to have been a fantasy for some women, which was why we loaded it. With a fade-to-black ending of course.

“Anne!” Two awkward-looking girls came rushing down to us from a large house. Both had hands out and warm greetings for Anne.

“This is Henrietta and Louisa Musgrove, Charles’ sisters. And this is my dear cousin Jane Dalrymple.”

I curtseyed as they did, just deep enough.

“Dalrymple?” Henrietta’s bright-blue eyes widened.

“Yes, I assume you know of my mother, Lady Dalrymple.”

“Indeed.” Henrietta’s wide eyes glanced at her sister. “A viscountess. We are honored. You must come and meet our mother.”

“Yes, she will be pleased you have both come,” Louisa gushed.

“Of course. We will but please excuse us to see to Mary first. We will be along shortly, I’m sure.” She turned to the small cottage to our right, next to the stables and then to me. “Jane, if you prefer, you are welcome to go up to the big house first.”

“No, I long to see Cousin Mary again.” I grinned, glancing at the girls. They snickered, and we all agreed at the ridiculousness of Mary, silently.

The girls hurried off, running back up to the big house as I followed Anne into the small cottage.

When we got inside I cringed at the smell and disorder of the home. Mary was lying on the couch, sleeping with a plate of half-eaten food on her stomach. She looked a mess.

“Mary, are you quite well?” Anne rushed to her, playing the doting sister.

My eyes drew to the windows as I scanned the courtyard for my dead husband.

But he didn’t come.

“Anne? My God, what are you doing here already? I’m hardly prepared for visitors, I’m unwell, can’t you see?” Mary moaned.

“Shall I make some tea?” Anne asked softly.

“Surely not. Though I haven’t seen them yet, even in my state, we should have tea with the Musgroves.”

“They’ve been by. You were sleeping.” I couldn't help but say it.

“Cousin Jane, what a lovely surprise. I wasn't aware you’d be joining us.”

“Hello, Cousin Mary. I’m sorry you’re not well for my visit.”

Her eyes narrowed. “The rest has revived me. I am quite well enough, I suppose, to go up to the big house.” She handed her dirty plate and cup to Anne who took everything to the table for the maid to clean. Mary just barely got herself up, dramatizing the effort it took.

I disliked her more than in the book. I disliked manipulative people.

When she had her hair repinned and her dress brushed of crumbs, we started the slow walk up, Mary required, to the house. She was lazy on a whole new level. I was surprised she wasn't fatter.

“How are Father and Elizabeth?”

“In Bath with Mrs. Clay, a widow.”

“Mrs. Clay?” Mary’s eyebrow arched. “Elizabeth’s companion or Father’s?” She grinned wickedly.

“You’re awful. Of course Elizabeth’s. She’s not anyone of importance,” Anne mocked her father, not Mrs. Clay. I understood that. But Mary didn't.