perhaps because he connects with Anne and helps rejuvenate her, both physically and spiritually, during her stay at Lyme. I think we're meant to like anyone that Anne approves of, and I agree with her when she says CB will rally again, and believe he should rally again...how quickly is perhaps the question. I will address this issue again after a few more chapters--I am in danger on using evidence from further along in the book!:-)

I like your comparison between CB and Mr. E.! I think the only difference between Mr. Elliot and Captain Benwick was their choice of brides--and the amount of grieving time that everyone seems to expect is based upon that! Mr. E married beneath him, so perhaps he is not expected to grieve very long, whereas everyone who knew Phoebe Harville adored her, and Captain Benwick is expected to adore her for a certain amount of time, whatever that is...