Expectations: The Transformation of Miss Anne de Bourgh (Pride and Prejudice Continued), Volume 1 Page 4

Chapter Three

  Anne de Bourgh did not sleep easily that night. The rain had stopped, but a stout wind rattled her bedroom windows. More disturbing than the wind, however, was the storm brewing in her mind. She wanted to accept the invitation from the Fairfax sisters. Emily and Frances would be so disappointed if she sent her regrets after promising to be there. She could bundle up against any wind for the mile to Fairfax House. More importantly, she was nearly thirty years old. Why could she not make this decision for herself? …Why did the others treat like a child?

  She looked at her desk, where the letter from Elizabeth lay safely hidden. Her cousin’s encouragement to go out and try new activities echoed in her thoughts. Anne wanted to do so. What had she gained by sitting here, waiting? Nothing. In fact, she had lost a great many things she thought she had: a marriage, time, a future….

  That settled it. She would go.

  If she could convince Mrs. Jenkinson to let her.