After so much Lady Russell discussion last week, she is barely mentioned in this week's chapters.

Anne made sure that she took her daily walk to Lady Russell's at the time the Crofts were expected at Kellynch. Anne will stay with her for a time before going on to Uppercross, and then will pick her up on her way to Bath after Christmas. She is horrified to find Mrs Clay is to go to Bath, and the insult that is to Anne, for "nobody will want her in Bath." (Elizabeth needs a SUTH here) After Sir Walter & co leaves, she "felt the break-up of the family exceedingly" and made sure she was gone when the Crofts arrived, setting Anne down at Uppercross Cottage. But she didn't stop in to visit Mary, who makes quite a point of it:

"So Lady Russell would not get out. I do not think she has been in this house three times this summer." (ch 5)

What of this? Does this seem to be a slight to Mary? It does seem odd to me, to just drop off Anne at the door and not even go in to say hello. That really struck me.

And this bit puzzled me: "I have been several times in the garden with Mackenzie, trying to understand, and make him understand, which of Elizabeth's plants are for Lady Russell." (ch 5)