I can see why it is so important for Anne to remain in good stead with her, since she believes she will not marry and end up making her home with her eventually. Which makes me doubly proud of Anne that she sticks to her guns and refuses Charles Musgrove and insists that she and Mr. Elliot wouldn't suit. I'm also glad that she and Lady russell do not split over Anne's marraige. She really does love Anne and want the best for her. She is a a poor judge of character, but she is the closest thing to a parent Anne has in the world. And how different is lady Russell from a real parent? No one is perfect and we don't set aside our imperfections when we take on that role.

I like that Lady Russell is well-read and has many friends and activities in Bath. It is a picture of widowhood that is not depressing or pathetic and one can see how Anne thinks that if she has to be a spinster, to live like Lady Russell would not be the worst thing in the world.

I just can't fathom how with LR's obvious intelligence and taste that she pusts up SW and Elizbeth.