I do admit that I would not be able to suppress my curiosity about Kellynch and would want to at least see it, were I the one who would inherit. But, if knowing that a visit would encourage speculation regarding Elizabeth - speculation he had no intention of fulfilling - perhaps it was wisest of him to stay away. After all, he would have Kellynch someday, it's not like he ever intended to spend any time there before it would be his.

I agree that he spoke unguardedly concerning his feelings about the Elliots, and though not politic, or nice, it was probably true. ;-)

And, I see no reason why he should have consulted "the head of the family" about his marriage when that head showed not the slightest interest in him until after Lady Elliot died. There was no real family feeling there, Sir Walter never acted in any avuncular manner toward him, until he suddenly became important to him. Moreover, why consult a man about whom to marry when you know he'll tell you that you should marry his daughter? I wouldn't do it.