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Clay was making even though she was not quite so sure herself that she had gained such admiration from either the Captain or her cousin, Mr. William Elliot. Her sister Anne put herself forward far too often to talk to those gentlemen, she thought.
    Sir Walter put down his paper upon the chaise longue. “Captain Wentworth is a well-looking man, one whom I would not be ashamed to be seen with anywhere. A degree lower or two than Iwould usually tolerate, but his style is good, and he is less weather beaten than his sister, Mrs. Croft, whom I declare has the complexion to outstrip a mail coach. I daresay the Admiral sees something to esteem in such a square, upright sort, but I like a woman to be less vigorous in her appearance.”
    â€œAt least we have been able to escape their acquaintance here in Bath, Father,” said Elizabeth. “They’ve found their own level amongst those odd-looking sailors, I am glad to say. Thank heaven, for I’m certain our cousin Lady Dalrymple would be embarrassed by such a connection.”
    â€œQuite so!” Sir Walter exclaimed. “Still, it is something of a disappointment, I confess, that the Crofts, as my tenants who have all the advantages of presently residing in our family home, should not have a better appearance. A lady’s complexion should be as pale as porcelain, and as fine.”
    Anne heard this in dismay. “Mrs. Croft is tanned because she has been at sea with her husband. They are devoted to one another, and share their life together like no other couple I know.”
    â€œWell, I should hate to see a daughter of mine succumb to such abuse,” Sir Walter declared, “though perhaps a catch of twenty-five thousand pounds might be well worth going to sea for, wouldn’t you say so, Mrs. Clay?” He paused in order for them to laugh at his joke before returning to his newspaper.
    â€œThough Captain Wentworth may have made his fortune, we must remember ‘new money’ does not allow for the same privileges that we are afforded,” Elizabeth remarked, “or permit society’s doors to open. He must be aware that he will never be fully admitted to the upper echelons. And the Crofts hardly assist him in both manner and mode. Such hideous fashions I never did see in my life. Do, however, send them my best regards, Anne, next time you see them.”
    â€œOh yes, I know what’s due to my tenant,” said Sir Walter.“Say I shall call soon, though I am sure they will not expect more than my card.”
    Anne’s anxiety increased, but she could not help thinking that if her father had not been such a spendthrift, Captain Wentworth’s amiable sister and her worthy husband, Admiral Croft, would not be ensconced at Kellynch Hall and paying them rent. In the circumstances they had been utterly thoughtful and discreet, a fact her father did not even consider.
    Anne promptly turned away to cover her discomfiture. There was a knock at the door; she sat down, her heart in her mouth. When the servant entered she held her breath to hear the announcement she’d been longing for.
    â€œMr. Elliot,” were the words she heard instead, and to her consternation, her cousin came into the room to greet them all cordially and take the seat next to hers. Anne remonstrated with herself, for she considered her behaviour quite ridiculous. She must remain calm. After all, another five minutes or even an hour in the scheme of things would hardly count. She had managed to wait for nearly nine years. If she had to, she could wait another nine!
    â€œI’ve brought that book of poems I was telling you about,” Mr. Elliot said, proffering a leather bound volume. “I have marked one in particular I think you will enjoy.”
    Anne’s spirits sank on reading the love poem, only recalling how much Lady Russell had hoped for a match between herself and Mr. Elliot.
    â€œDo let us have our share in the poem,”