Dr. Shirley, vicar at Uppercross, is a very useful character and acts almost as a barometer for Henrietta and Charles Hayter's relationship, doesn't he?

Before Wentworth's arrival Henrietta is full of concern about Dr Shirley's health and the hope that he will hire Charles Hayter as his curate. After Hayter returns to find Henrietta besotted with Wentworth, he tries to resurrect the concerns and hopes dependant upon Dr Shirley only to have Henrietta brush him off. She is too busy looking out the window anticipating the Captain's arrival! Poor Charles! Then after the reconciliation there is this most serious discussion with Anne in Lyme about dear Dr. Shirley and wouldn't a removal to the seashore be just the thing for the dear man?