I've never really been able to understand Mrs. Smith and all that she does. I can understand her hesitating to divulge her knowledge if she thinks Anne & WWE are already engaged, but she only suspects a marriage will happen in the future at this point. Also, she has written proof. If all she had was hearsay I could see why she would hesitate, but with the written proof I don't understand why she doesn't tell all.

The main part I have a problem with, though, is how she pleads his case: Let me plead for my -- present friend I cannot call him, but for my former friend. Where can you look for a more suitable match? Where could you expect a more gentlemanlike, agreeable man? Let me recommend Mr. Elliot. I am sure you hear nothing but good of him from Colonel Wallis; and who can know him better than Colonel Wallis? Chap 21.
This is the part that's unforgiveable to me. Mrs. Smith is worse than Lady Russell here. In the end Mrs. Smith does tell everything, which I think is why Anne remains friends with her, but I still think her recommending WWE to Anne is terrible.