Finally there is accord, understanding and recognition for Anne's lonely heart years. The letter is proof she is a good and excellent creature, because he says it, writes it, and it cannot be misconstrued, or later denied/doubted.

And so Anne is. She is fully valued by the Captain. With all the misunderstandings, the Captain now admits were due to mistaken pride and angry feelings, here at once is the relief of clarity and sincerity.

What is admirable about the Captain now, is how he has bowed down to her, metaphorically by the way of the letter, which is such a coup in this novel. It's just perfect and superb, a brilliant, memorable and romantic gesture from a man who knows himself now (Shropshire), through what Anne engages in herself, thought and "meditation" on big things. (In MP the characters who self consult like this win, as shown in this novel, IMHO.)

CH. 23 -

"An interval of meditation, serious and grateful, was the best corrective of everything dangerous in such high-wrought felicity; and she (Anne) went to her room, and grew steadfast and fearless in the thankfulness of her enjoyment."

Anne does not love him less with the years, but more. She also knows his propensity to pride blurred his decision making, and that it wasn't personal that he didn't approach her again earlier. I also love that he does approach her again, and he takes the risk of being rejected again, because he is stronger now. He could have no certainty other than by using romantic stealth, LOL, and in this particular way it's unforgettable for both of them, -- I like his style. His reward is Anne's love and knowing he could marry for love, deeper reasons, and have happiness. It seems to have melted his anger clean away.

CH. 23 -

Excerpt from "The Letter":

"...Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in

F. W."

Bravo, JA.

Even though Anne is a "too good and excellent creature" she laments in the end that the only real friends she herself can bring to the union are Lady Russell and Mrs Smith. So those who truly value her are still not many, but she is valued by those she cares most about.