Without that being my focus, I was really upset with Lady Russell in the first chapter of this week's reading. I really think she is a hypocrite!!

She would not venture more than 'little hints' or 'speak to Anne with half the certainty she felt', but says

"I own that to be able to regard you as the future mistress of Kellynch, the future Lady Elliot, to look forward and see you occupying your dear mother's place, succeeding to all her rights, and all her popularity, as well as to all her virtues, would be the highest possible gratification to me. You are your mother's self in countenance and disposition; and if I might be allowed to fancy you such as she was, in situation, and name, and home, presiding and blessing in the same spot, and only superior to her in being more highly valued! My dearest Anne, it would give me more delight than is often felt at my time of life!"

If this was a 'little hint' and only half certain, what more could she possibly have to say about her views for Anne's prospects??

And even more maddening was the declaration that she is "no match-makef" because she is "much too well aware of the uncertainty of all human events and calculations." I suppose it could be argued both ways--that Captain Wentworth had been too certain of his future prospects, but yet Lady Russell seemed equally certain that they would come to nothing.