ππππ πΈπππΎππ (thornback) wrote in sanditon,
What else was there to be done, for what else could be his response? The captain was too good a man not to interfere now on her behalf. Anne, who had forbade herself for making any wishes that had to do with Captain Wentworthβoutside of the very honorable wish that he should find happinessβnow found herself wishing she should be sent the right words to excuse him from any act of gallantry.
But it was not to be granted, for surely no well-bred woman who made use of the English language had ever needed to formulate such an escape. "Yes, thank you," she said quickly, hoping to ease his worrying. Then: "If I could make use of your arm only as far as the hotel, I won't trouble you further."
Anne's cheeks burned with shame at having to ask that much. Eight years ago, it had been rare indeed to not find them contriving some excuse for her to be on his armβnow she behaved as if she had never known a man to be in possession of arms to offer.
It will be over soon, she encouraged herself. She might offer the same reassurance aloud to poor Captain Wentworth!