The only time that I ever really suffered in body or mind, the only time that I ever fancied myself unwell, or had any ideas of danger, was the winter that I passed by myself at Deal, when the Admiral (Captain Croft then) was in the North Seas. I lived in perpetual fright at that time, and had all manner of imaginary complaints from not knowing what to do with myself, or when I should hear from him next; but as long as we could be together, nothing ever ailed me, and I never met with the smallest inconvenience."

"Ay, to be sure. Yes, indeed, oh yes! I am quite of your opinion, Mrs. Croft," was Mrs. Musgrove's hearty answer. "There is nothing so bad as a separation. I am quite of your opinion. I know what it is, for Mr. Musgrove always attends the assizes, and I am so glad when they are over, and he is safe back again."

I love the way JA contrasts Mrs Musgrove and Mrs Corft in this passage .They are alike in the basics: both love their spouses and hate to be separated. Its just a matter of scale.

When Mrs Croft was in Deal Captain Croft(as he was then) was in the North Seas- which could take him as far away as the farthest reaches of the icy Baltic. Mrs Musgrove hates Mr Musgrove to be away...at Taunton.