Persuasion

As Admiral and Mrs. Croft tour Kellynch Hall, Anne walks to Lady Russell’s house to avoid them. When Anne returns, she learns that the Crofts have been approved by Sir Walter as tenants and will soon move in. Lady Russell, “convinced that Anne would not be allowed to be of any use” by her father and sister in Bath (32), arranges to bring Anne to Bath herself after Christmas. For the intervening two months, Anne will stay with her sister Mary at Uppercross, the Musgrove home. Mary, who often believes she is ill and in need of attention, claims to need Anne to occupy her.

Lady Russell is upset that Mrs. Clay is invited to go to Bath with Elizabeth and Sir Walter, fearing that Mrs. Clay will charm Sir Walter into marriage. Anne tries to warn Elizabeth, but Elizabeth is sure that Mrs. Clay’s plainness would never “induce father to make a degrading match” (34). Anne suggests that looks can be ignored if the woman is persuasive and agreeable.

Anne travels to Uppercross Cottage to stay with Mary, her husband Charles, and their two children. Once there, her company assuages much of Mary’s presumed illness and the two set off to the Great House to visit Mary’s Musgrove in-laws. Charles’s younger sisters, Henrietta and Louisa, are present. Mary and Anne are “received with great cordiality” by the Musgroves, who are are “friendly and hospitable, not much educated, and not at all elegant” (39). Anne greatly enjoys the visit, and she and Mary walk with the Musgrove sisters.

Anne reflects on the benefits a change of scenery has had on her emotions and thoughts, and strives to be a worthy member of the Uppercross social circle. Anne and Charles have no awkward feelings about his previous proposal, and Anne’s only complaint about staying at Uppercross is “being treated with too much confidence” (42), as she is often called to mediate small domestic disputes between Charles and Mary. The extended Musgrove family sees each other daily for walks, dinner, and dancing. Anne sometimes plays the piano, but her performances are often overlooked, prompting her to remember when her mother was still alive and Anne “knew the happiness of being listened to” (44).

In keeping with societal rules, Mary and Charles Musgrove visit the Crofts after they move into Kellynch Hall. The Crofts return the favor and come to Uppercross Cottage, where Anne finally meets them. She is relieved to find no indication that Mrs. Croft knows about Anne’s past with Captain Wentworth. The Crofts expect a visit from one of Mrs. Croft’s brothers soon, but they do not specify which. The Musgroves are extremely keen to meet Captain Wentworth, as their deceased son was once a sailor on his ship. Anne prepares herself for the inevitable meeting with Captain Wentworth by concealing her feelings.