No, she should get to know Mr. Brightson.

"I hope that you have an enjoyable time settling in here, Mr. Brightson," Rebecca is saying. "Excuse me - I need to speak to my friend Georgiana." Brightson smiles and gives her a little bow as Anne starts slightly. Well, she was just thinking that it would be best if she stayed in any case...

"Do you have much family, sir?" Anne asks, casting about for a new topic of conversation.

"Not a large one, and not so happily large as your own," he says with a little chuckle. "I have an elder brother and a younger sister - she is not yet settled, my brother is quite recently married. I'm happy that I was able to get away from my studies just long enough to see his nuptials before I received this benefice. He lives down on the family estate in Cornwall; my father is passed, my mother rather frail. I plan to visit as often as I can."

"Oh, that's good," Anne says with a smile. "It does one good to see a young man so dedicated to his family."

"But of course," Brightson says with a little laugh. "I'm most affectionate toward them, and besides, I suppose I must make myself a good example for the parishioners, no?" They all laugh.

"Goodness, Mr. Brightson, can we expect you to stay in Highbury the rest of your life?" Peggy asks. "I've just realized I don't know exactly how that...works."

Mr. Brightson clears his throat and shrugs. "Well...perhaps. Certainly for a good long while, in any case. I should not leave unless I were granted a benefice more laden with responsibility, and in that case I would have to assign a curate to tend to my duties here. A practice I've always thought somewhat questionable, so I might instead give up the parish. But such an eventuality is distant, and never certain. Though I admit I'm not without friends within the Church." He smiles. "So my chance of advancement, in the long-term, is I hope quite good."

"I'm glad to hear that for your sake, Mr. Brightson," Anne says with a smile. "Though sorry already to have the prospect of losing you!"

"Ah, don't worry," Brightson says. "It is not a possibility to be thinking of any time soon, that much I know." He smiles warmly at them all. "I'm afraid I should go greet the rest of my new parishioners. But it was a pleasure to meet you all! I hope to see you again soon. Miss Foxhaven - Miss Foxhaven - Miss Foxhaven," he gives them each an individual bow, grinning, leaving Peggy and Anne giggling and even Esther with a smile as he strides off to meet a new family.

"He seems rather lovely!" Peggy exclaims quietly as they get some distance. "He's got...lovely eyes! And so learned."

"Indeed," Anne says with a little smile. "And I think he rather enjoyed your questions, Peggy. You should find time to talk with him again."

"Oh, I don't know what I'd say to him," Peggy says, blushing slightly. "I mean, a Cambridge man..."

"I'm sure you'll think of something, if you want it," Anne says. She gives Peggy's hand a gentle squeeze as they move off and into the room.

In another corner of the parlor, Rebecca finally tracks Alice down. "There you are," she says tartly. "You missed the introduction to our baby-faced new parson. What on earth are you doing over here?"

"Watching the men," Alice says with a little giggle. "They all look so serious in their big black coats - like a flock of crows. It's quite ludicrous."

Rebecca sighs. "I know I wish Anne would think more of such things, but sometimes I worry you think of them too much, Alice," she grumbles. "Come, you're missing all the conversations."

"Ooooh, look!" Alice says suddenly, nudging her sister. "{if Simmons-Alice > 0}It's that handsome Captain Simmons in dress uniform!{else}It's that captain in his dress uniform!{endif} My, isn't that fine..."

"It is, but don't stare; I think he's coming over here," Rebecca mutters, tugging on Alice's arm to make it somewhat less obvious where her sister is looking.

The soberly clad Captain approaches them and gives them both a nod. "{if Simmons-Alice > 0}I'm very pleased to see you again, Miss Foxhaven - and you, Miss Foxhaven. I've thought of you since our last encounter."

"Why Captain! How very kind," Alice says with a little giggle.

{else}I believe I saw you both at the Bellingtons' party, but I didn't get the chance to introduce myself as I'd hoped. Captain Simmons, William Simmons, of the local infantry."

The girls offer him brief curtsies. "I'm Rebecca Foxhaven, and this is my sister, Alice," Rebecca says smoothly. "I'm happy to meet you, albeit under such regrettable circumstances."

"{if Simmons-Peggy > 0}Foxhaven? Ah, I believe I met your sister Peggy at the ball! {endif}Delighted." The Captain smiles at them both.{endif} "I must admit that I find the atmosphere in this parlor rather...claustrophobic. Seeing you two ladies temporarily unescorted, I wondered if you might do me the honor of taking a turn about the parsonage grounds with me?"

Rebecca hesitates. On the one hand, she doesn't find this military man particularly interesting{if Simmons-Alice > 0}, and it seems like his invitation is likely directed most at Alice{endif}. On the other, it might be best not to leave Alice, with her love of uniforms, unescorted with this man...more due to her foolishness than any threat from him.