"Tell me if, when I returned to England, in the year eight, with a few thousand pounds, and was posted into the Laconia, if I had then written to you, would you have answered my letter? Would you, in short, have renewed the engagement then?"

"Would I!" was all her answer; but the accent was decisive enough.

Dear brother,
I hope this finds you well. I am now headed back to England! The knees of the dear old Asp are nearly gone and the pumps are barely able to keep up with all the water she ships an hour, they run day and night now so we are for Plymouth to lay up in ordinary for repairs. We have now lost a third spar and have had to fadge up a foremast. I am nearly ashamed to have her seen, but if I keep only a moderate spread of canvas, we should be well. That will most likely not be a concern as our sails are patch on patch. I feel like a demi-rep brought to meet the king. But the crew is happy. I have already had word that all the captures of the year, up to September, have indeed been condemned and I am certain that the Admiralty is eager to pay us off! Ho! More likely, they hope us carried off by a freak hurricano. I made two dispersals on the spot and am relieved as now there is no worry of my having to pay from my own purse had they gone uncondemned. We are just setting out home, so there is still a chance of more action, though this poor, old dear cannot take further pounding. Please, my curate brother, pray that we are neither becalmed too long nor overtaken by many of the seasonal squalls in our crossing. Now that the civil is done, I come to the most important part of this letter. I am more grateful than I can express that you have consented to help me concerning Anne Elliot. If I had not been such a stubborn, mutton-headed fool, I would have submitted to your advice and kept to the engagement quietly and awaited this very turn in my fortunes. There is no telling if she will accept me again. Edward, I was horribly cruel to her before I left. I could not have done more damage had I used a boarding-axe. The look upon her face when I last left her haunts me still. Over the years, you have preached on endlessly to me of mercy. To be quite honest, I thought I never needed it, but now all I can do is pray fervently for it. If she will not accept me back, I have no desire to ever marry. You have always said that I am too particular and singular in things and I suppose this is one of them. I must have Anne, for no other woman will ever compare. I am enclosing a letter to be given to her. I leave it to your discretion as to how this will be accomplished; I know you will not place her in a dangerous position since you are propriety in person. I am confident that all the rest we have discussed will be carried out in the same decorous manner. Again, thank you my beloved brother.
FW

Miss Anne Elliot
I know it has been some time now since you and I have had the pleasure of meeting. I hope you and your family are in health. I am well and the work of my circuit keeps me very busy so I have little time for illness. As paper and ink are dear, I shall not clatter on. I know that my brother's leave taking was a great hardship to you and perhaps you are still feeling the weight of it. If that be the case, I know that you will find this missal helpful. Pages 78 and 79 will be of the greatest interest.
Mr. Edward Wentworth, Monksford

Dearest Anne,
I hope I can presume still to call you dearest. I know that our last meeting was painful on account of my unbridled tongue. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me? I made sweeping accusations and remarks which I have regretted and lamented these past two years. My heart is still yours if you are willing. The other objections raised against me, my lack of wealth and position are being remedied as I write. Having captured a hulking French frigate, the Great Nation, I estimate its wealth when sold will bring me in excess of two thousand pounds. With this action, I am being elevated to captain, posted to a 38-gun frigate, the Laconia and am in no doubt of more reward to come. Anne, you once considered me worthy of your heart and marriage, please consider these again. I have seen no woman to compare with you and I have learned my own heart in this. I know that this letter is highly improper and overreaching, please forgive my impertinence. Just know that it comes of a great desire for a reconciliation with you. I love you, Anne. My attachment to you has never waned; in ways I feel it more acutely than ever and am hoping it will continue forever. If your sentiments are as before, you need merely return this book to my brother, Mr. Wentworth. As I am newly posted to my ship, it would be against orders for me to come away myself, but he has agreed to apply to your father in my name. If the proposal is accepted, he will escort you to Plymouth and we can be married there; there is an entire port full of captains who would be willing to speak the words over us. Anne, if the proposal is not accepted, you must decide to put me away forever or come to me regardless. I know that would be agonising for you to leave your family, but this must now be settled for all time. Again, I love you and will not rest until I have your reply. FW, Laconia, At sea

Mr. Wentworth,
I was quite surprised to receive your letter and the missal. You were indeed correct in surmising that the things of the past weighed upon me. It was purest joy to me when I opened to pages 78 and 79 and found just the consolation my heart has cried for all this time. I am returning this book as I was bid and am enclosing an answer to the questions posed by the text. Thank you for putting yourself out and exercising such care in this matter, I am anxiously awaiting the time when you and I may see one another face-to-face.
A Elliot

Dearest Frederick,
I cannot find words to tell you of my astonishment when I received your letter. I had some time ago given up on the notion that you could still care even a little about me, much less love me. My heart has never ceased to love you and it has been a sore trial at times. But my poor heart is now rewarded in its constancy to you. I will marry you, though I think it fruitless to hope for my father's approval. The change in your position and fortunes, while a boon to us, will in nowise impress Father. While I know you to be little concerned with anything material that I may bring to a marriage, when his permission is refused, I will come to you completely alone and aside from you and Mr. Wentworth, friendless. If you are not there to greet me, I will have nothing. But I will put my faith in Providence and you. I am sorry to burden you with my fears, but I have no one to bear this with and the joy and the fear are mingling in an alarming way. In just these few hours, I know the words of your letter by heart and already often repeat them to myself when the worries mount. I have had to stop opening the letter itself for fear it will break apart, the creases are overworn and the ink is run. Oh! the relief to write these words that for so long have haunted my heart, but were unspeakable. I love you, Frederick. Leave off your doubting, this matter is now settled for all time.
Anne

Frederick,
The book has been returned. It came this afternoon by a girl from Kellynch. I have a letter here, from Miss Anne that I am forwarding to you. I am able to ascertain from the note sent to me, that you will be happy with the results of our first step. You know that I hesitant in this next part. I will, with all due diligence plead your case, but if he refuses and his reasons are sound, I will not be party to helping Miss Anne to rebel against him. That has always been my chief care concerning the Baronet. He is not a man I can respect in any way except that which all those created in God's image deserve, but to aid in flouting his authority over his daughter cannot be accomplished by me. Please remember that you have agreed to this caveat and do not place blame at my feet if such a thing happens. I have sent a note round to Kellynch today and should hear back later or in the morning. I will continue this after my interview with Sir Walter. I think that in most cases, I may wish you and Anne joy. --------day. I pick this up after giving myself a day to be composed. The interview with the Baronet did not go well. As I recall, two years ago he never outright withheld his permission; he has changed tack and is quite definite this time. He had little to say when he ascertained that I was speaking for you. You will be amused to know that he thought, for a moment or two, I was applying for myself! You may take a bit of comfort in the fact that his words about me and my attainment were less complimentary than those he used about you. I will spare us both and not elaborate on the details; it is sufficient to say that he did not give his consent. But, you need not fear that I have any qualms about escorting Miss Anne to Plymouth for you. Not once did he utter a word of care or concern for the girl. I was mortified for him. It was a short audience, but I know that she is of a sensible mind and is not coming to you out of some caprice and I do not believe that her leaving his unjust authority will make me a judas in the eyes of God. It may be useless to send these letters as they will likely pass you going out in the chops of the channel while you are entering. But if that is not the case, the moment you read this, use some of that prize-money and express me. Our plans will have been made and shall be awaiting your word to commence. Again Frederick, I wish you and Anne great joy.
Edward

Miss Anne,
I do not know whether your father has informed you that I had come to him, in the stead of my brother, and made a proposal of marriage. It was not accepted. I know that Frederick has asked that you come to him no matter what the outcome with your father. I have agreed to escort you to him, and I am, even now arranging for transport and a woman to travel with us. I do not think it wise that we should meet until the time to leave comes. My brother will send me an express the moment his ship docks and we will be away soon after. I will have to meet you elsewhere from Kellynch so you will not be able to bring much in the way of belongings, only what might be carried in an ordinary hand-held bag. I am hoping that when you are discovered gone, that there will be little to tie all of us together, but I fear that is being unduly optimistic. My footprints and, by proxy, those of my brother are all over this freshly turned earth and you must be careful not to divulge anything about where we are to meet Frederick. I do not take you for a fool Miss Elliot, I merely wish to spare us any unexpected pains. I look for my brother to return in less than three weeks. I will send someone for you when the time comes so you must be prepared to leave at any moment. In your note to me, when returning the book, you said that you look forward to the time when we could again meet, face-to-face; I look forward to the time when I may call you my sister. Keep the book, it may be of comfort when your nerves begin to fray, I know I shall be seeking a similar comfort for myself.
Mr. Wentworth

Edward,
As you are reading this, I have docked and am in the process of closing the books on the Asp. The weather is dirty and am relieved to be in port. Please, lose not a minute bringing Anne to me. I await your arrival anxiously.
FW

Miss Anne,
Tonight, by ten o'clock, make your way to the Misterton-Crewkerne finger-post. There will be a man named Mr. Harriton awaiting you. He will have a dark-lantern and a shepherd's staff. He does tend sheep and can be quite wicked with the thing if need should arise. Mr. Harriton is a gentleman above reproach who is well acquainted with me and my brother. He will escort you to the place I shall await you with the carriage. I am certain that you are not glad of these intrigues any more than I, but things will be concluded soon. Keep heart Miss Anne, Frederick has been in Plymouth for some days; his express was grievously misdirected, but I know he awaits you most anxiously.
Mr. Wentworth

Dearest Father,
I first must say that I love you and my sister, though I am sure that you will think this untrue when I tell you that I am leaving your house. I have decided that my happiness lies away from Kellynch. I will be taken care of and loved where I am going, have no worries there. Perhaps with time, you will find it in your heart to forgive this that I do and some day I may return to visit my family. Good bye, Father. Anne

Lady Russell,
As I write these words to you, I know that you will not understand why I am leaving. You have loved me and guided me all these years after mother died; I do not leave that love easily, but I must. I will write when I am able and please know that I am going to a place where I shall be happy.
Anne

Mr. Wentworth,
Please allow me to introduce myself. At your service is Captain Patrick McGillvary. I have been entrusted by your brother, Captain Frederick Wentworth, to take you aboard the Beechick so that I may apprise you of new circumstances which prevents his greeting you and the lady personally. Frederick has asked me to request that Miss Elliot remain in the carriage until we have spoken. There is a rather important decision to be made, which he leaves freely to your wisdom. He prefers that you are able to make the judgement without undue influence. Mr. Wentworth, haste is a priority as my ship has passed her Statement of Condition and I am under orders to be underway by noon. My coxswain, Mr. Brantley, will bring you out in my barge, then will be sent for Miss Elliot, if that is deemed appropriate.
Captain Patrick McGillvary, in His Majesty's navy

Edward,
Things have gone completely arsy-versy. When we dropped anchour, I began squaring her to be laid in ordinary after sending the express to you. I expected you two days ago. In the meantime, the Asp has sunk in a hellacious squall. No hands were lost, thankfully, but directly after, I was called to the Port-admiral, given my commission for the Laconia and told I was to weight anchour at first light the next morning and proceed to the Western Islands. The work on the Laconia had hared along faster than expected and she passed her survey for the Statement of Condition the first go. Edward, Anne told me in her letter that if I am not there to greet her she would feel that I had abandoned her. You must make her know that I have done no such a thing. I have written her a letter explaining the circumstances, but wish you to deliver it to her and again plead my case. Assure her that I have not left her adrift. Certainly Captain McGillvary told you there is a decision to be made. If you give consent, McGillvary will bring her to me when he joins the convoy here. We can be married aboard the Beechick as soon as she arrives so there is no question of propriety. As Patrick has volunteered to do the honours we must be married aboard his ship. He is obviously a man prepared, keeping Certificates of Marriage lying about. He has purposely idled and delayed his survey for the Statement of Condition so that he might remain in Plymouth until you arrived. The weather being uncertain, I cannot ask you to accompany Anne, though that would be a comfort to her, I know that you are neglecting your circuit very much as it stands now. Captain McGillvary has two women aboard the Beechick one is the wife of his gunner and the other, the Master's sister. If they are trustworthy women and you are of the mind that they would be faithful in watching over Anne, explain to her what I have put forth and send her on. I know this is not what we planned, but it is what we have. I beg you, Edward, consider carefully, Anne's safety is uppermost. If you feel it is best that she stay ashore, I have made arrangements for her at The Crown on -----Street. She will stay there until we are able to be together. The Captain will give you the purse I have left for her. This commission is only three months and then I am to return for new orders. Again Edward, consider carefully, your decision will be well no matter what it may be.
FW

My love,
The gods and the Navy have conspired to play havoc with us. I am off to the Western Islands for three months. I know this looks to be your greatest fear come true, but it is not. Edward will tell you the plans that have been made for you. At his discretion, you will either come to me by way of a brother officer or stay there in Plymouth until I return. Unless you chuse to return to Kellynch; I pray that thought never takes a hold. The room and board are arranged, along with what I believe to be a generous sum to see you through. Anne, it was not to be this way. I had never considered that I would be called out so suddenly. Please believe me when I say, had I known, I would have planned much differently. I long to see you, no matter when that can be. I love you and admire your courage in coming away to be with me. You prove me wholly wrong in my notions two years ago of your being weak or timid; you have a strength of mind surpassed only by your sweetness of heart. Anne dearest, this will be an adventure that we remember fondly--some day. I love you.
Frederick

Frederick,
Here is your bride. I met with the ladies of the Beechick and was quite impressed with their character and quality of mind. They both were flattered that they were considered worthy of such a mission. As I watch Miss Anne, she may have trouble with seasickness, be warned. I hope it to be just her nerves working on her. I wish it were possible to be with you on your wedding day, my boy, but I must return the carriage and the lady I engaged to escort us. If there are enquiries in Somerset, I will have to tell what I know, but by then, she will be far gone so I think there will not be much left to say on the part of her family. I wish you happy with all my heart.
Edward

Edward,
Thank you for all you have done for Anne and me. Because of cruel weather all along the coast, it took the Beechick nearly four weeks to rendezvous with us. I was in agony the entire time, not knowing if she had come or no, I was extraordinarily difficult to bear I am certain. Though, Anne and the ladies were able to use their time wisely. As she had only what was in her small case, the ladies each made her a gift of a dress and they had much time to fit them properly. McGillvary's master sailmaker broke into a private store of his own fine cambric to give for delicates. One of the young boys even gave her his best pair of silver buckle shoes. By the time she came to me, she was outfitted quite stylishly. We were married the hour I went aboard the Beechick. I must tell you, after dining with McGillvary, her leaving one ship and coming aboard the other was quite a surprise. She left the Beechick easily by the ladder. Upon arriving back to the Laconia, I found that I had a bosun's chair rigged quite unnecessarily, the accommodation-ladder was out for me on the return and Anne came up as easy as kiss my hand. I was quite proud of my barge-men, they were very discreet. Other than being drenched from the pull between ships, she was wonderful. While she had not been fully seasick, you were right about her nerves. Once the vows were said, it was as if she were a new woman and she has become the marvel of the crew for her fortitude. We have been caught in a nasty blow over the past week and have been bare poles for three days now. My lovely wife has put many of the men to shame for courage, never a tear or sign of fright. I was fortunate, when shifted from the Asp to the Laconia I was able to make up my full complement with as may Asps as I chose and so, many are fellows I have served with for years. All treat Anne with the highest respect and not a whiff of foolishness. I hope you have had no trouble from Kellynch. Anne has a letter prepared to send as soon as the packet comes by early tomorrow. She has taken great pains to remove you from things completely and sets the blame on us. I cannot bear the thought that you would be damaged by your generous care in this matter. It might amuse you to know, that my only difficulty in all of this is keeping myself from acting as a mooncalf before my crew, though my First has told me that many have expressed the notion that it would be understandable. We should be arriving in Plymouth close on the _____, perhaps we could come to you for a day or two. Much will depend on any orders awaiting me there. I must close and take one more turn on the quarterdeck before I retire. Again my brother, thank you for all have done for my wife and I. You continue to take care of me, even in my adult walk. I cannot thank you enough.
Frederick

Brother,
I know that Frederick has written you, to thank you for your kindness, but I must add mine also. Had you not filled the shoes of your brother, I would not be married now and on my way to such happiness. I shall always keep the missal which began all this wonder. It will be my constant reminder that God has His plans and we are, at times used in amazing ways. You once said that you looked forward to the time you could call me sister, such is now the case and I am pleased more than you can ever know to call you my brother. You have helped to make us very happy and for that, we will always be thankful to God and grateful to you.
Your sister, Anne Wentworth

Father,
I hope this letter finds you and my sister well. I am writing you from the H.M.S. Laconia. I left your house and was taken to Plymouth where I was brought to this ship and have married Captain Frederick Wentworth. I know that you refused his proposal and I know that you do not approve of the match. I am sorry for that, but hope that one day you will come to accept this. Captain Wentworth is a good man and has proven this many times in his profession. I am well and will be back on shore in some months so do not worry about me. I will write again when we come to port. Again, I am sorry if I have caused you any distress.
Your daughter, Mrs Frederick Wentworth

Lady Russell,
If you have not yet been told by my father, I have married Frederick Wentworth and am with him as I write. Two years ago when you persuaded me that our engagement was unsupportable and that it did not deserve to end in a marriage, I submitted to you and your judgement, and while I do not regret having done so, his circumstances are much improved and I know that I have done what is right in coming to him. Everything was accomplished with the most prodigious care and we were married as soon as he came onboard the ship on which I sailed from Plymouth. The weather has proven formidable and I have seen my husband in some of the worst of conditions and I cannot help but be thankful I am with him, I should never have known what a great man he was if I had not accompanied him.* His care of the ship and his crew lead me to know that he will care for me with no less zeal. Ma'am, you have always guided me with love and care, now have faith that those lessons are being used well.
Your loving friend, Anne Wentworth

Dear Sophia,
I hope this finds you both well and happy. In my last letter I told you that our brother had married. I have just received my first letter from Frederick and Anne. I will give you the details that I neglected in the last. The marriage was very quickly accomplished, but as many things, there was quite a lot of planning involved. Two years ago, when Frederick had come to live with me, before he posted into the Asp, he had met a lovely girl here in Somerset. They fell in love and were engaged quickly but there was family interference which divided them. He had never forgotten her and upon receiving a promotion after bringing in the Great Nation (I have enclosed an article along with a rendering sent by a friend), he wrote and was accepted again by her. I applied to her father in Frederick's name and the man refused consent but, she is of majority and so I had little regret helping her to go to our brother. The girl's father is a Baronet and to his way of thinking, is quite the most charming person he has ever met. The man is conceit personified and has no regard for his daughter. After some machinations, she and I arrived in Plymouth looking to find Frederick waiting, but instead found him sent to the Western Islands unexpectedly. I must say that this woman has brought out the best in him, he had all possibilities thought out. After meeting those he confided in, I determined that it would be best for her to travel with Captain McGillvary and let her be taken to our brother. They were married the day she arrived. Having just received their first letter and being assured of their happiness, I am glad I was of use to them. I think that you will both like our new sister. She is young but she seems to bring out his best. The happy couple will be landing in Plymouth in just a few days, Frederick will be given new orders and so there is no new address to give you as yet. After coming back home to return the carriage and a kind widow of the church who came with us, I waited to see if the bailiffs would come for me because of my part in helping Miss Elliot to Frederick. Now that the weeks have passed, I have begun to hear the market gossip concerning the girl's family and their sentiments on the daughter marrying so suddenly and so far from home. I was shocked to first hear that the Baronet did not even miss his daughter for two days! She is a quiet girl, but for all love there is a limit! Then, after another day or two came the story that the girl had married a naval officer that was very well thought of by Sir Walter and that he was quite looking forward to welcoming them to the ancestral home. It is also being told that the gentleman in question is in the way of an imminent promotion to Admiral. I suppose if you consider the last quarter of the captain's list Îimminent' that is not an untruth. What I have particularly noticed is the absence of Frederick's name. I cannot help but wonder if the Baronet is afraid that too many people will know the Captain to be my brother and therefore I would become an unwelcome acquaintance. Perhaps then I would be invited to dine now and again. Ha, ha. As I said before, I think that the two of you will like our new sister and will see the good she brings out in Frederick. I am very glad that he put himself aside and renewed his addresses to her, I would have hated to see what his life might have been had he not. I love you sister and brother. Take care in all that heat.
Your loving brother,
Edward

*This is a quote of Mrs. Mary Chipman Lawrence said of her husband, Samuel Lawrence. He was the captain of a whaler and his wife accompanied him.

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