the economic and social position of a modern (female) teenager is completely different from Anne's situation. Pouty resistance to adult advice was definitely a luxury few could afford - though probably not unheard of. Marriage was more than a matter of the heart as it had to provide social and financal security and insurance to a young woman. In that respect LR would have neglected her duty towards Anne and her late friend had she not interfered. And Anne had nobody else to turn to for advice, apart from Mr. Elliot's short-comings as a father it's my understanding that in these matters women were considered 'experts' so Anne had only Elizabeth and LR to ask for guidance and we all can see how 'helpful' Elizabeth was (to be fair she was too young).