Persuade

Reunion

The whole walk home Anne was silent as Jane prattled on about the dinner tonight. "It will be so nice to dine with such distinguished guests" said Jane as she wrapped her shawl around herself. Thor just nodded barely listening to his wife as she chatted on he then spoke. "Anne are you well you look rather pale?" asked Thor with much concern. Anne was pulled her thoughts "I am fine brother I am just a bit tired is all I will rest before dinner tonight and I will be well I promise" she replied. Jane huffed at this "Anne is never ill not like I and my poor nerves" whined Jane. Thor just sighed and just walked along faster back to the house.

In truth the Anne was not fine all the emotions of regret and disappointment came flooding back to her. Her heart was beating rapidly and she was fighting back the tears. Anne was told by Lady Hill her heart would move on and she would find a good match. But this never happened her heart held on so tightly to Barton that she was certain it would only do so when it stopped beating. As for a match offers had came but no man could compare to Barton none had stirred her heart and soul like he did. So ten years later she was heartbroken and alone. While Barton had risen quickly in the ranks and within two years he was the Captain of his own ship The Hawkeye and he has won many a battles against England's enemies he was a celebrated war hero. She would have to see him again tonight she just didn't know how her heart would take it.

A few hours later Anne was getting ready for dinner when there was yelling coming from downstairs. Anne quickly stood up and ran downstairs to see Thor carrying in young Erick in who was screaming and holding his arm. Anne ran to them to see what happened "Brother what happened?" asked Anne as she looked at Erick. Thor just shook his head "Erick was trying to carry my hammer but couldn't lift it then tripped and landed on his arm I think it's broken" answered Thor. Anne turn to a housemaid "Mary go tell Henry to fetch the Doctor" said Anne firmly. The maid nodded and ran out the door. Anne then directed Thor to lay Erick down on the lounge. Jane came in and started to whine "Oh my son my poor son and he's going to die" she wailed. This made Erick cry harder "I don't want to die" cried the little boy. Anne just sighed "Stop it right now Jane you're scaring Erick and he isn't going to die" she snapped. Anne then comforted little Erick promising he wont die. While Jane just carried on about her poor nerves.

The doctor came and went thankfully Erick only had a dislocated shoulder nothing was broken. Thor looked at his son "Jane I will send my family and the Banners and the Captain your regrets" he said. Jane who had been crying suddenly looked up with a look of confusion. "What are you talking about I am going to dinner tonight why should I miss out on this?" snapped Jane. Thor looked uncomfortable "I just thought you would want to stay with our son is all" replied Thor. Jane shook her head "I cannot miss out on this dinner as someone of the highest rank I should be there to greet our guests I never get to go out my poor nerves will never will handle it" yelled Jane. Thor sighed "I have to be there to Jane but someone needs to stay with Erick" he replied. Jane was about to respond when Anne spoke up "Brother I will stay with him and you can go to dinner" she said in a quiet tone. Thor smiled at her "Thank you sister" he said thankfully. Anne sat at the window opened as she heard the laughter and chatter wishing with all her heart that she could be part of it.

The next morning Anne listened intently Jane talk about the dinner how charming Captain Barton was and how he would make such a good match for one of the girls. "He would make such a good match for Wanda I am most certain" hummed Jane. Anne shook her head "Jane, Wanda is already engaged to Mr. Vision" said Anne. Jane scoffed "That is not set in stone Wanda should be marrying someone better someone of equal status" snapped Jane. Anne rolled her eyes "Mr. Vision is a good man and cares for Wanda, Jane marrying a man of status doesn't guarantee happiness believe me I rather have a good man who loves me and then a man of fortune and status who doesn't" said Anne sadly.  Jane shook her head "What would you know of love sister" snapped Jane. Anne closed her eyes  "Sister I know more than you know" replied Anne firmly. Jane opened her mouth to respond but was cut off but by Laura and Wanda bursting through the door.