Was he deliberately holding Anne's attention. Conversing with her, flattering her, intriguing her, asking for translations in order to discourage that handsome naval officer? (Chap 20 from... Mr Elliot had manoeuvred so well...that the name might never change
Later on he actually interrupts Anne & Frederick at a very brittle point in their exchange by touching her shoulder and begging for another translation. Aaarg!