Volume 2, Chapter 1 / 13

Synopsis of Volume 2, Chapter 1 / 13

Anne has only two days left of her time at Uppercross keeping Mr. and Mrs. Musgrove company. They are all happy to hear from Charles Hayter that Louisa's condition is stable and that she is being very well looked after by Mrs. Harville. Nevertheless, Sarah (the nursery maid) is sent to help care for her. Anne persuades the Musgroves to go to Lyme to be with Louisa. She spends the rest of her time helping them pack. After their departure, Anne contemplates the poignancy of leaving Uppercross, which is heightened by the likelihood that Louisa will return with Captain Wentworth by her side.

Anne arrives at Kellynch. She realises that the things that bothered her there have been eclipsed by her concerns at Uppercross, and is surprised to find her thoughts are still biased in that direction. Lady Russell initiates a visit to the Crofts. Contrary to Lady Russell's assumptions, Anne does not dread the visit. As they discuss Louisa's fall at Lyme, Lady Russell and Mrs. Croft conclude that the accident was the regrettable result of foolhardiness.

Anne declines Admiral Croft's tour of Kellynch Hall. He describes the few changes they have made, but emphasises their overall satisfaction with their new home. The Crofts announce that they are going away for a while. Anne is relieved that she won't have to worry about running into Captain Wentworth.

Commentary on Volume 2, Chapter 1 / 13

comprehending Comprising

she had the satisfaction of knowing herself extremely useful there Our impression of Anne's need to be useful is reinforced at the outset of this second half of the novel.

Mrs. Harville's exertions as a nurse Mrs. Harville's kindness to Louisa extends our initial impression of the Harvilles' (and thus the Navy's) hospitality.

Crewkherne Crewkerne is a town in Somerset, about thirteen miles from Lyme Regis.

blains Swellings or sores on the skin.

Camden-place Now Camden Place, one of the finest streets in Bath from the exterior, but less well-constructed on the interior, due to the sudden curtailment of the building project.

internally, her heart revelled in angry pleasure, in pleased contempt That Lady Russell's outward composure is not aligned with her inward negative and mean-spirited reaction gives us a poor impression of her integrity.

plaister This spelling of plaster was common in Jane Austen's day.

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