If we recall, Sir Thomas in Mansfield Park offers to break Maria's engagement, if she should so wish for it, when he realizes that Maria does not truly care for Mr. Rushworth. In a time where divorce was not an option, the extreme measure of breaking an engagement might well be contemplated as better than getting into an unsuitable marriage.

You mention that the engagement could be postponed, kept secret, or discussed until all understood one another. However, I don't see that any of these choices are practical. In my post above (#52160), I give reasons why a long engagement or an elopement would be a bad choice for Anne.

I do agree that LR was biased against CW unfairly in many ways, but then, it is really hard to be absolutely neutral for any human being. Besides, as Nikki N points out (#52181). FW did not exactly help his own cause by being extravagant and spending all his prize money. It would definitely have seemed like empty boasting when he claimed he could be successful.

In pushing for a Bath residence, I agree that LR was not too sensitive towards Anne, but that is balanced by the real affection she has for her and the attention she gives her. Anne would be happy to make a home with LR in the event Mrs. Clay and her father marry.