It was not often that the three Wentworth siblings were able to gather in one place. For many years it was due to the Admiral and Mrs. Croft and/or Captain Wentworth (and eventually Captain and Mrs. Wentworth) sailing in different parts of the world. Other times Edward Wentworth's parish required his constant guidance. But, this year the fates shined on the Wentworth clan and they were able to gather at the Croft’s home, also Anne Wentworth's childhood home, for the Admiral’s sixtieth birthday.
The Crofts had resided at Kellynch Hall for well over a decade and a half, slowly making it into a home more suited to their lifestyle. Gone into storage was most of the ornate, ostentatious furniture, replaced by comfortable, practical pieces. They knew that one day, when the current Lord Elliott passed and his heir assumed the position, they would need to move on from the home. But at the moment Lord Walter Elliott enjoyed remarkably good health for someone of his years and disposition, and he was quite happily enjoying society in Bath.
Sophie Wentworth, Anne and Frederick's only child, was beyond excited for the trip to Kellynch. Living on a ship had its advantages, but the opportunity to visit her mother's childhood home for an extended period, AND sleep in her mother's childhood bed chamber was something she had looked forward to for months. She had pestered Anne for details about every aspect of growing up at Kellynch, Anne tried to satisfy her curiosity telling her about her favorite rooms in the Hall as well as her favorite paths to walk and nooks and crannies to hide when all she wanted to do was read. What Anne did not reveal was how lonely Kellynch had become after her mother died and her father and sister became obsessed with their place in society.
Admiral Croft's birthday celebration was a rousing success. Family, friends and many former colleagues gathered to fete and tease the Admiral. The celebration went well into the evening with many current and former men of the Navy sharing stories of the exploits of the Admiral from his days as a young midshipman and commander on the high seas.
Anne and Frederick ensured that Sophie retired to her room long before the stories became too bawdy, promising to show her their favorite spots around the grounds the following morning. She spent several hours in her bedchamber sitting on the window seat reading, imagining her mother had done the same thing when she was her age.
The following morning, Sophie sat in the breakfast room alone when her mother wandered in.
“Darling, I am so sorry to have left you alone so long,” she apologized.
Sophie smiled at her “do not be concerned Mama, the cook made sure I was properly fed and even made me hot chocolate. Where is Papa?”
Anne smiled “your father indulged in too much reminiscing with the Admiral’s former shipmates, and he will need a few more hours of sleep. What shall we do until he is ready for our walk?”
Sophie thought for a moment then shyly asked “do you think Aunt Sophia would mind if we went into the attics and looked at some of your family's things?”
“I am sure she would not, but why would you want to do that?”
Sophie flushed “Cousin Charles talked about how different the house was decorated when he was younger and you still lived here, and I was curious.”
Looking around, Anne laughed “it is definitely different. To be honest I wish it had looked more like this when I was your age. You will need to change into something less fine, I am sure it is very dusty up there.”
Thirty minutes later they met at the base of the attic stairs, Sophie had changed into her oldest gown and a pinner apron she borrowed from her chamber maid. Anne too, had changed gowns and carried a lit candlestick, and two pairs of gardening gloves.
Handing a pair to Sophie, she commented “You never know how dirty it will be, and I would rather be overprepared than not at all.” Sophie giggled and donned the gloves.
Opening the door to the front attic Sophie was amazed at the amount of items that filled the room. Anne looked around, and noticed a substantial amount of large framed looking glasses stacked against the wall, and puffed out a small chuckle.
Anne nodded her head towards the stack “your Grandfather would be horrified to see these up here. He decorated every room in the Hall with one.”
Sophie wrinkled her nose in confusion “why would you need one in every room? Is not one in your bed chamber enough?”
“Why indeed.” Anne replied cryptically.
Anne and Sophie picked their way through the large collection, which contained furniture and personal items from several generations of Elliotts, Anne telling stories about different pieces and the ancestors who owned them. Until they came upon a delicately carved vanity.
“oh” Anne exclaimed with emotion, “that was my mother's. Father must have put it up here after she died.”
Sophie looked at it curiously, it was a lovely painted piece, with a small tri-hinged looking glass on top. “It is beautiful.” She breathed out.
Anne had a faraway look in her eyes, and replied “I remember sitting on the bed in her chamber watching the maid dress mama's hair while she sat looking at her reflection. She had lovely thick hair, as you do Sophie, and it would take many, many pins to keep it in place. The best part was when she decided which tiara she would wear; sometimes she even asked me for my opinion on which one suited her gown. Once the maid secured it on top of her head, Mama would turn to me and ask if she looked ready for battle. I never knew what she meant by that as a child, but I do now.” Anne smiled, “sometimes a ballroom can be like a battlefield, but you don't know who your allies or enemies are until much later."
Shaking her head, as if to shake the cobwebs out, Anne clapped her hands together, raising a cloud of dust, and said “Well, what do you think Sophie, has your dear papa finally gotten out of bed yet? I think I am ready for some fresh air.”
Sophie jumped up from the vanity chair and held out her hand for Anne to take. “Yes, I believe it is time for you and Papa to show me where you fell in love. But may I tell you a secret first?" Anne nodded “If I lived at Kellynch, this” she nodded to the vanity, “would be the only looking glass I would ever want in the house.”
Taking her hand, Anne replied “I agree.”
