I confess to never thinking Anne suffers from low self-esteem or believing she is unworthy of attention or affection. I cannot fault Anne for avoiding and trying to keep her distance from Frederick because his manners towards her are not inviting. This is the reason Anne holds back from Frederick. From his arrival to the long walk Frederick’s manners make it clear he does not desire Anne’s company. As Henry Tilney said of marriage and a country-dance; “in both, man has the advantage of choice, woman only the power of refusal” (NA, 10).

I think Anne declined the Croft’s offer of a ride because “Admiral Croft's gig” (10) is a two-seat vehicle (Jane Info Pages) and she did not want to crowd them. Mrs. Croft’s assurance there “is excellent room for three” is a bit of an exaggeration for she and the admiral had to “squash-up” (P2?) to make room. They “compressed themselves into the smallest possible space to leave her [Anne] a corner” (10). Anne’s decline illustrates a pleasing consideration for others but in my opinion nothing about her self-esteem.