In chap 17, it was quite natural for Lady R to "let.. pass" Anne's remark that "we should not suit", since Mr Elliot has not even spoken yet, and it would be quite immodest for a young lady to express eagerness. After all, Anne also said that he was "exceedingly agreeable" and that "in many respects I think highly of him". Anne was also momentarily bewitched at the idea of becoming Lady Elliot. But when she thought of Mr Elliot, she felt that she did not really know him, because he was too discreet and too generally agreeable. However, if Mr Elliot was what he seemed to be, and there was no Capt Wentworth available, Mr E would have been a good match and Anne could have accepted him.