Rachel G thanks for the kind words but I have to disagree Lady Russell is immune to considerations of feeling and attachment. I think at worst in pushing Mr. Elliot she is guilty of a lack of perception into her Anne’s tastes. She makes the common mistake of thinking what she finds special, amiable and agreeable is equally so to Anne. Lady Russell does not seem to know Anne prizes “the frank, the open-hearted, the eager character beyond all others” (17) and feels Mr. Elliot has a real possibility of attaching Anne. Lady Russell speaks “of the desirableness of the alliance” (17) but qualifies it by emphasizing preference as the deciding factor: supposing such attachment [as his] to be real and returned” (17). There must be mutual affection, if not, then I do not suppose any amount of prudent, moderate propriety on his part would secure her recommendation. (:D)