I too hadn't read the cancelled chapters before this GR. (So surprising -- I was sure I HAD read them!) When I saw that the cancelled chapters were the origin of that scene in P2, I was disappointed, because I think that scene in P2 doesn't work.

My problem with that it is that, given CW's setup, I don't see how Anne could fail to convey to him that she did not love Mr. E (and instead loved CW). It's just too good an opportunity for her to pass up, even with Lady Russell's interruption. Capable Anne wouldn't be so incompetent as to fail to communicate her feelings on such an occasion. That scene just rings false to me.