Persuasion 200: The Crofts Discuss the Lease of Kellynch Hall by Mary Simonsen

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With Anne deliberately absent from the manor house, Admiral and Mrs. Croft had toured Kellynch Hall with Mr. Shepherd, the leasing agent, and Sir Walter. Afterwards, the Crofts discuss their reaction.



For a man who made his living by waging war, Mrs. Croft counted her blessings in that her husband possessed a most amiable disposition. During his time in service, the admiral easily got along with everyone from cabin boy to Lord of the Admiralty, and when not at sea, he did well with landlubbers, most of whom would never step into a boat or climb a ship’s ladder, no less experience the feel of an ocean gust, savor the taste of salt in their mouth, or know the loneliness of a world consisting only of sea and sky.

It also helped that the man was not easily insulted as when Sir Walter declared the admiral to be “the best-looking sailor he had ever met with.” The baronet went so far as to say, that if his own man might have had the arranging of his hair, he “should not be ashamed of being seen with him anywhere.” The remark had bounced off the admiral, but had left a mark on his wife. She knew Sir Walter to be a proud man, but then most members of the aristocracy were, and said as much to her husband.

John Croft dismissed her concerns. “It is true the baronet will never set the Thames on fire, but there seems to be no harm in him” was her husband’s conclusion, and Mrs. Croft concurred.

While being shown the manor house and adjacent buildings by Sir Walter, Mrs. Croft had noted thinning carpets, fading curtains, chipped wood on the dining chair legs, fraying cuffs on the servants’ livery, and an understaffed scullery, all evidence that the Elliots were experiencing serious financial difficulties. Even so, after viewing the apartments of the master of the house and his eldest daughter, Mrs. Croft understood that any tightening had not cinched their belts as there were new window coverings and elegant bed covers in the bedchambers of Sir Walter and Miss Elliot. Furthermore, a handsome carriage was housed in the coach house. She could only imagine the cost of such a conveyance and the expenses associated with the horses that pulled it. Even though the manor house’s glory years were in its past, the estate was beautiful and the grounds lovely, requiring few improvements or alterations. In her mind, the admiral’s wife was already settled at Kellynch.

Sophia Croft’s only concern in signing the lease had been that her husband would grow bored in retirement. From the time he was a mere lad, there had not been a day in his life that did not involve seeing to the business of the Royal Navy. However, that was no longer the case. The admiral was now retired with the money earned from taking prize ships sitting in a bank vault in London ready for his use. Fortunately, with the length of the lease being for just the one year, the Crofts would have ample time to find out if a former officer in His Majesty’s Navy was truly capable of living the life of a country squire.

After returning to their rooms at the inn, Sophia asked her husband if it was his intention to learn how to ride once they were settled at Kellynch.

“Ride? Ride what?”

“A horse, of course. Silly man, what else would you ride?” Sophia asked, laughing. 

“Dearest Sophie, I have often mentioned that you have a fine seat,” he answered, with eyebrows arched and eyes open wide. “With all the time I’ll have on my hands, I see a lot of riding in our future.“

With a twinkle in her eye, Sophia answered, “Shall we practice?”

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19 comments

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    • Deborah on July 24, 2014 at 5:46 am
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    Yes, for a seafaring man a 1 year’s lease is good. Since it is a complete change in life and activity level, try it out. Very similar to Charles Bingey’s Sir Walter’s & Elizabeth’s rooms experience no such deficiencies. The Admiral’s conclusion that “there seems to be no harm in him” is true in that the Baronet has no sense of anything but his vanity and his place in society. I, think, what a boring, dull existence that is.

    I cannot picture the admiral on a horse (that vision made me chuckle).

    Thank you Mary, so nicely written. I liked getting into Mrs. Croft’s head. Looking forward to her thoughts on Anne & Frederick ass the story progresses.

    1. Again, my thanks. I look forward to your comments.

    • Eileen on July 24, 2014 at 9:14 am
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    Mrs Croft is very observant! Love how Sir William’s vanity is demonstrated in his lack of “care” for all parts of the house save his and his favorite daughter’s portion. Did Mrs Croft notice a difference in the appearance of Anne’s room compared to that of her father’s and sister’s? Would a noticeable difference show Anne as more sensible in Mrs Croft’s mind?

      • Deborah on July 24, 2014 at 9:50 am
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      Since Elizabeth conducted the tour, perhaps she didn’t shos Anne’s room.

    1. Good question. She probably would notice the differences.

  1. Oh, Mary, you have a wicked sense of humor! I’m sure Sir Walter would be horrified if he knew how astute the Crofts are – and how they do not feel the slightest bit intimidated by his glorious person.

    1. Thanks, Susan. “You have a wicked sense of humor” is the highest compliment you could pay me.

  2. It’s perhaps just as well that the admiral doesn’t learn to ride a horse. As we know, he has enough difficulty learning to drive a gig! Thanks for this peek into the Crofts’ thoughts, Mary!

    1. Thanks, Shannon.

  3. What fun to read this scene from the perspective of Mrs. Croft! I especially loved that exchanged with her husband at the end, LOL! Very well done, Mary 😉 .

    1. Thanks, Marilyn, and thank you for the FB share and tweet. 🙂

    • Stephanie Carrico on July 24, 2014 at 8:22 pm
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    A twinkle in her eye…that line was perfect..think I would be great friends with the couple..love seeing their personalities fleshed out..can’t wait to see how they treat Frederick..if they will see his regard for Anne before he does

    1. I”m inclined to think that Mrs. Croft will notice, but probably not her husband. Thanks for commenting.

    2. Thanks, everyone, for your comments.

    • Sheila L. M. on July 25, 2014 at 11:57 am
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    ROFL – with last lines – is my mind in the gutter? But then they are married and happily. Oh, Joy.

    Lovely and insightful as to what the rooms might look like and the differences…but sadly, not surprising as we all have this pair’s “number”. Thanks for a laugh – it is always “good medicine.

    1. If I can make someone laugh, it makes my day. Thanks, Sheila.

  4. Same reaction as Sheila. The last part was the most funny lines in this instalment. I loved hearing the Crofts’ honest opinion on Sir Walter. Thanks, Mary.

    • Carole in Canada on July 27, 2014 at 8:46 pm
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    Oh I do love how you have portrayed the Crofts! Their easy manner and sense of humour was delightful! Thank you!

  5. Hilarious ending! Liked Mrs Croft’s reflections and this seemed really true to character with the way they are portrayed in the book, as a devoted and content couple with few airs and graces.

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