Chapter 13 Summary

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The next day, Charles Musgrove arrives at Uppercross to bring the news to his family that Louisa’s condition is unchanged. The doctor says it is a good sign that her condition has not worsened. Charles also relays the news that Mrs. Harville is taking excellent care of Louisa, watching over her day and night. When Charles returns that night to Lyme to watch over his sister, he takes with him the old nursery maid who had raised the Musgrove children.

On her last day at Uppercross, Anne encourages the remaining members of the Musgrove family to travel to Lyme to be with Louisa. She informs them that their presence might help Louisa recover. While there, they might also help relieve Mrs. Harville. They can wait in Lyme until Louisa feels strong enough to come home. The Musgroves agree and leave for Lyme.

Lady Russell arrives at Uppercross to take Anne back to her home in Kellynch. Anne is a little wary of the conversations she will surely have with Lady Russell. Lady Russell is aware that Captain Wentworth has moved in nearby with his sister, Mrs. Croft. Lady Russell must also know that Wentworth has visited Uppercross and has seen Anne. To her surprise, Lady Russell does not bore into this topic. Instead, she is happy to see the change in Anne’s appearance. Anne looks healthier and happier. The main focus of conversation turns to Louisa’s accident in Lyme and the new home Anne’s father has acquired in Bath. Eventually, news arrives at Kellynch of Louisa’s improvement. Although she continues to suffer from weakness and headaches, the prognosis is good. She will recover.

Conversing on the subject of Captain Wentworth has felt awkward between Anne and Lady Russell. However, once Anne mentions what she supposes to be a strong connection between Louisa and Wentworth, Lady Russell eases at the mention of Wentworth’s name. Outwardly Lady Russell states that she wishes the couple well and that she is happy for them. But inwardly, despite her earlier condemnation of the man, she is angered at the thought of Wentworth’s choosing Louisa over Anne. She does not mention this to Anne.

A few days after their return, Lady Russell and Anne go to Kellynch Hall to visit the Crofts. The Crofts graciously show them around the manor, pointing out small changes they have made to the house. One of those alterations Anne finds humorous. Admiral Croft points out that he had to get rid of all the mirrors he found in the master bedroom. There were so many of them that every time he turned around he found a full reflection of himself, which he found intolerable. He had one of the servants store the mirrors away. The admiral then proclaims that Sir Walter must have been a very fancy dresser for his age.

At the end of the visit, Mrs. Croft announces that they will be going away for a few weeks. This eases Anne’s fear of running into Wentworth. With his sister gone, he most assuredly will not be staying at Kellynch. By the time the Crofts return, Anne and Lady Russell will be in Bath.

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Chapter 12 Summary

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Chapter 14 Summary