Lost in La La Land(24)

“No, of course not. A baronet cannot allow for such company,” Mary sneered, sounding like all the Elliots, except Anne. “I suppose I will have to visit them, I should really take the waters for my health.” She popped something into her mouth and began chewing. I hadn’t even noticed she brought food for the short walk.

When we got to the big house it was chaos: dogs barking and Mary’s boys running around, hopped up on sugary treats, and everyone was gushing over Anne.

Mary stood in the corner, getting sicker and sicker as the seconds went on. I realized how much it must bother her to always play second fiddle, even with her own husband, Charles. He rushed to Anne, hugging her and kissing her on the cheek, lingering just a second too long.

No one paid Mary that kind of attention.

As they all spoke quickly and laughed loudly, I took my chance to gaze around the manor, searching for a pair of dark-blue eyes and lips I could still feel pressed against my own.

But Jonathan was nowhere to be found.

At tea, news came of dinner. The Crofts would be attending, as would the eligible Captain Wentworth. Anne paled at the news, appearing more uncomfortable than I had ever seen her. The Musgrove girls and Mary squealed in excitement as I sat in a corner having tea with Mrs. Musgrove, a kind and gentle woman.

“And as the cottage is so small, we were hoping you would be comfortable enough to stay here in the big house.” Mrs. Musgrove spoke to me softly, obviously trying not to slight Mary in any way.

“I would be delighted.”

“We have a lovely guest room and I’ve instructed the maids. They will ensure you won’t need for a thing.”

“Please, don't go to any trouble on my behalf. I am honored to stay with you.” I gently placed a hand on hers, truly grateful. Besides the daughters trying to put on airs, something I assumed they did to annoy Mary, the Musgroves were lovely people.

After tea, we readied for dinner at the big house. Mary and Anne went to the cottage to ready. It took hours to get cleaned and dressed and have hair done.

As the sun went down, screams poured across the large yard between the house and cottage. I watched out the window, as torches were hurried over to the cottage. Of course, I knew the part of the book we were at. Young Charles, Mary’s son, would have fallen from the tree, dislocating his shoulder.

Anne would stay with him, not seeing Captain Wentworth.

The rest of us would dine with the captain and his sister.

I felt bad for Anne, knowing she longed to see Wentworth, the same way I longed to see Jonathan. And Wentworth definitely wanted to see her.

At least he and I would forgive each other and tolerate the poor behavior and elusive stares filled with secrets that we inflicted on everyone else.

When my ladies were done with me I looked like a perfect Jane Austen character. My pale blue dress with a wide neckline and string of pearls reminded me of Emma. I suspected we had gotten the costume design from that movie.

I left the room, anxious to see the Crofts and the captain again, but also curious as to why I hadn’t seen Jonathan yet. He hadn’t even tried to come to me, or I hadn’t conjured him the way I imagined I might have.

The dining hall was decorated for the dinner party with dishes of appetizers lining the buffets. I stood with my back to the fire, warming myself against the draftiness of the large manor home.

“Miss Dalrymple, you look lovely.” Mr. Musgrove entered the room with a soft bow.

I curtseyed and smiled. “Thank you, sir. As do you.”

“What, this old thing?” he joked, waiting for the laugh I tried not to let sound forced. “Can I interest you in some of my mulled wine? It’s an old family recipe. Some say it’s the best they've ever had.”

“That would be lovely. Thank you.”

I adored the dance that was civility but also the language of the time that we used. We didn’t have it perfect, we didn’t steal any of Austen’s lines, but we tried to come as close as we could without confusing our modern patrons. The level of comprehension had decreased over the years. As technology got smarter, people relied on it more. It did our thinking for us. Common speak in 2026 wouldn't have been understood by people of Austen’s time. Unfortunately, they were smarter even though we knew more. It was proof that knowledge was not intelligence.

“I won’t be but a moment.” He hurried away, fetching someone to get me a drink.

As he left the room, Captain Wentworth entered. His bright-blue eyes landed on mine, forcing a smile from my lips and then his. “Miss Dalrymple, how lovely to see you again.”

“Captain, please, call me Jane.”

“If you’ll call me Frederick.” He bowed, as he got closer.

“I haven’t earned my title except by being born, but you however have. I will address you as Captain, and you will address me as Jane. Please.” I was firm and kind. I didn’t want him getting the wrong impression. I was here for Jonathan—no, scientific research. And Jonathan. And the captain and Anne had to end up together.

“As you wish.” His eyes twinkled with delight, not lacking the haunting expression they held earlier, but doing a better job at attempting to mask it.

“As you wish” was my favorite line from The Princess Bride. Wentworth saying it was swoon-worthy.

“Are you enjoying your time in the country?” I asked politely.