You are not the first person to post thatCalt. Wentworth instantly contradicted Capt. Harville's assumption, and I have to wonder: am I the only one who thought that To a degree, [Capt. Wentworth] could contradict [their mutual attachment] instantly; meant that he did NOT?

I came away from the first how many? readings thinking he was shocked at Harville's assumption, but never spoke the truth that would have painted both himself and Louisa into an awkward situation in the society they lived in.

I just assumed he stayed silent, thought about the best course, and then acted as we know he did, without taking anyone into his confidence about his lack of emotions in regards to Louisa -- certainly, no one who knew Louisa and had seen how they acted to one another. Perhaps he confided in his brother...