It is almost jarring to read, in the closing paragraphs of ch 7, the sudden shift to Frederick's point of view in the narration. Up to this point it has been always the narrator or Anne's POV. And it is very revealing, I think.

He was shocked at her appearance: "He had thought her wretchedly altered, and in the first moment of appeal, had spoken as he felt."

He is still angry with her: "He had not forgiven Anne Elliot. She had used him ill, deserted and disappointed him."

However, he has never met anyone as good as she: "He had been most warmly attached to her, and had never seen a woman since whom he thought her equal."

But "Her power with him was gone for ever...It was now his object to marry...any pleasing young woman who came in his way, excepting Anne Elliot." Oh, ho! Does he protest too much?

And the most important qualification for his bride? "'A strong mind, with sweetness of manner,' made the first and the last of the description." Unlike some other young lady of his acquaintance?