Oh I love your post, BarbaraB. You've said everything I feel about LR far better than I ever could.

"Having her at Kellynch in her mother’s place attained by marriage to Mr. Elliot, “would be the highest possible gratification to me”. and “it would give me more delight than is often felt at my time of life!" (17) Anne’s statement that they would not be suited is ignored."

Could Lady Rusell be unconsciously trying to recreate Lady Elliot in Anne? In Chapter 1, LR loves all three daughters, "...but it was only in Anne that she could fancy the mother to revive again." That was what struck me: reviving Lady Elliot. As in, Lady Russell's friendship with her. She misses her friend and feels the best way to fill that void is with Anne.

LR is impressed with the image Mr. Elliot presents. On the surface, he's a perfect match for Anne. Also, in marrying Mr. Elliot, Anne would become the mistress of Kellynch, something that LR is very eager for. I can't help but think that LR is channeling her personal desires through Anne: to recreate her friendship with the late Elizabeth Stevensen in the form of her daughter.

I do think her advice back in '06 was sensible and prudent. And I think, if he was what he seemed to be (and there was no Captain Wentworth), Mr. Elliot would be a good match for Anne. So LR's actions are out of love and true concern for Anne's future. Sadly, she is missing the most important factor in all this: Anne's feelings. But I don't think it's through deliberate malice.