Even after giving Mr Elliot the credit for realising Sir Walter had little sense and would be poor company after the first hour or so, and that Elizabeth may have designs on him; it does seem suspicious for Mr Elliot to silently reject by inaction two successive open invitations to visit Kellynch Hall. Also, there is no mention of any message or letter of apology to explain or reason away the abscence. Certainly shyness does not seem an issue. Given that Sir Walter would have made an ostentatious, rather than off-hand, invitation suiting all the dignity of a Baronet, then some formal response was required to meet Sir Walter's exertion.

This chance offered by Sir Walter would have meant a visit to the home of his nearest relations, and to an estate that one day he would inherit. There is no information, just silence, on his motives for not going where every reason would suggest he ought to have been keenly interested.

Then there is the rumour, sufficiently loud to get back to Kellynch Hall, of Mr Elliot's disparagements about his family. No mitigating circumstances are offered by JA and we are left to suppose it is true. It is a hint that Mr Elliot may think very differently to what his cool if well-mannered remarks suggest.

I agree that Elizabeth's hopes were all illusory and he should not be blamed for her disappointment. However, his marrying without any consultation with the head of his family does again seem odd given the rightful interest all of his relations may have in his choice of wife.