Anne Elliot and Commander Frederick Wentworth met and fell in love eight years before the story of Persuasion begins. He has asked for her hand and she has accepted. In this scene, he goes to apply to her father to obtain his consent. The events are briefly referenced in Chapter 4.
Anne waited in the drawing room pacing back and forth while occasionally looking out the window. She wrung her hands together and bit her lip; her attention was drawn to the mantel clock as it struck the hour, and two chimes rang out.
“Who are you waiting for again?” Sir Walter was meticulously filing his fingernails.
Anne cleared her throat. “Frederick Wentworth, the commander in the Royal Navy. He would like to speak with you.”
Sir Walter grumbled something and then looked up at his middle daughter. “And just what does Frederick Wentworth want with me?” He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. “The man has no air of fashion and only a tolerable face. Mark my words, in no time it shall become weathered and brown.” Sir Walter shuddered.
Anne smiled to herself. Very softly, she said, “I think him quite handsome.”
“I do not find anything agreeable in him.” Elizabeth, who was sitting in the corner of the room, looked at Anne with a frown. It was apparent she overheard Anne’s comment.
Sir Walter let out a huff of impatience. “I doubt that I shall, either. And I have better things to do with my time than wait for a delinquent sailor.”
“It is just now two o’clock. I am quite certain he will…” Anne stopped as she saw the young man’s fine figure coming up the lane on his horse. The words almost caught in her throat. “He is here, Father.” Her hand went up to her heart, and she could feel its pulsing. She drew in a shaky breath, hoping to appear composed.
“This had better be important,” Sir Walter groaned. He stood up and went to the full-length looking-glass on the west wall. He drew his fingers through his hair, combing some wayward strands off to the side. He turned to look at his profile from the left and then from the right, finally bringing himself back squarely in front.
He let out a satisfied sigh at his reflection.
The butler came to the door and announced, “Captain Frederick Wentworth to see Sir Walter Elliot.”
“Thank you. Send him in.” The older man dismissed the servant with a wave of his hand.
Sir Walter remained standing as Wentworth stepped through the door, removing his hat and ducking his head slightly. Anne’s heart raced as she took in his tall stature and dark brown wavy hair. When he glanced over to her, and their eyes met, her breath caught. It took a great effort for her to walk over to greet him.
“Father, you remember Captain Frederick Wentworth of the Royal Navy?”
“I thought you said he was a commander.”
Anne looked up at Captain Wentworth with an apologetic smile and then turned back to her father. “He is referred to as a captain out of courtesy.”
Wentworth extended his hand. “A confusing tradition of the service, to be sure, my good sir. I am pleased to make your acquaintance again.”
The older gentleman reluctantly took Wentworth’s hand. He released it quickly. “My daughter says you wish to speak with me.”
“Yes, sir. I should like to speak with you alone, if you will allow me some of your time.”
Sir Walter grumbled, looking over at Elizabeth, who eyed the young man suspiciously. Anne looked expectantly at her father, her heart hopeful and soaring.
He addressed his two daughters. “You may go.”
Anne gave Frederick a smile of encouragement as she walked to the door. Elizabeth followed after, taking her arm once they were out of the room, and the door had closed behind them.
“He better not be here asking Father what I think he may be asking Father. He is a nobody, and you certainly cannot be thinking of marrying him!”
Anne slowly turned and faced her sister. “Elizabeth, he is the finest gentleman I have ever met. I can think of no one I would rather spend my life with.” She turned to walk on, but Elizabeth held tightly onto her arm.
“Father will not give his consent. This Wentworth has no connections and certainly no fortune. How can you even think of settling for such a man?”
Anne gently removed her sister’s hand from about her arm. “He may not be someone worthy of your affections, Elizabeth, but he certainly is of mine. As long as I have him by my side, I shall have everything I want.”
“He will likely be all you have, for I believe Father will give him nothing.”
Anne turned and walked away, leaving her sister speechless and quite angry.
*~*~*
Sir Walter returned to his chair, motioning with his hand towards the chair next to him. He eyed the young man from the top of his wavy hair down to his shiny boots. “So you are a commander, are you?”
Wentworth nodded.
Sir Walter tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. “What is the name of your ship?”
Wentworth looked down at the hat he held in his hands, running his fingers along the rim. “I am currently without assignment, sir, but I am quite confident that I shall have a ship directly.”
“Lofty dreams! There are more men waiting for their own ship than there are ships waiting for men!” Sir Walter said with a scornful laugh. He stopped suddenly and narrowed his eyes. “Why are you here, Wentworth?”
Wentworth wondered whether Sir Walter knew he had come to ask for his consent to marry Anne. He was beginning to think it might not be as easy as he had hoped. He sat up erect and drew his shoulders back. Meeting the gentleman’s eyes he said, “I have asked for your daughter’s hand in marriage, and she has accepted. I would like your consent to marry Miss Anne.”
From Sir Walter’s reaction, Wentworth had to surmise the gentleman had not been expecting it.
He practically jumped out of his chair with his jaw hanging open. His eyes were wide and wild. “You wish to marry… Anne?” he asked incredulously, shaking his head. “Are you quite certain?”
Wentworth slowly nodded his head. “I have never been more certain about anything, sir. She is one of the loveliest, finest young ladies of my acquaintance, and I love her very much.”
“Love her? Love Anne?” Sir Walter rose to his feet and marched towards the centre of the room, his hands clasped behind his back. “This is inconceivable!”
Wentworth turned slightly in his chair to face him. “And why is that, sir? Do you object to her marrying someone serving in the Royal Navy? Do you not feel I am well-suited to her? Do you suspect I will not be able to provide for her?”
Sir Walter stopped and shook his head, looking down. “Anne is… she can be of no interest to you. Some may call her pretty, I own. But her eyes are so dark, her height trifling.” His eyes narrowed. “I have never indulged much hope in reading her name as married in the Baronetage.” He shook his head. “She is, after all, just Anne! Who would want Anne?” His hands flew about in the air.
Wentworth drew in a deep breath and stood, pulling himself erect, to curb his anger and hopefully to persuade Sir Walter by his deportment. “Do you have any other objections to my marrying your daughter other than your being surprised at my wishing to marry her?”
Sir Walter rubbed his jaw. “I would have you know she cares little for society.”
“Neither do I care for society. But I believe your daughter is a wonderful woman. She is beautiful, sweet, witty, generous, and quite intelligent.” Wentworth walked up to Sir Walter. He was several inches taller, forcing the older man to look up at him. “And as I said before, I love her, and she loves me.”
Sir Walter let out a huff. “What does she know about love? She meets a gentleman, and suddenly she is an expert.” He shook his head and rubbed his chin as he walked away from Wentworth to stand in front of the looking-glass.
The older gentleman eyed his reflection a few moments before turning back to Wentworth. “Do you realize what an esteemed family the Elliots are?”
“I fully comprehend your consequence, sir.”
Sir Walter nodded, a satisfied grin on his face. “Yes, I would expect that.” His smile disappeared as his brows lowered. He waved a hand through the air. “But who are the Wentworths?”
“I come from a good family, sir. We are neither titled nor of the upper consequence as are the Elliots, but the Wentworths are respectable. My brother is the clergyman at Monkford, as you know.”
Sir Walter tossed his head back and forth. “A clergyman… a commander without his own ship… these are all nothing to me.”
“My sister is married to an admiral, who does have his own ship.”
The older gentleman shrugged his shoulders as if that held little interest to him, as well.
Wentworth’s hands tightened into fists. Sir Walter’s words about Wentworth’s family did not bother him as much as the disparaging words spoken about Anne. They drove him to desperately want to take Anne away and shower her with the love and affection she so deserved. Hearing her father speak of his beloved in this manner was almost too much.
Wentworth suddenly had an idea. “Sir Walter, I know it is critically important for a man of your superior station to ensure that his daughter marry well, especially when the daughter is so admired in society for her beauty, her many accomplishments, and her excellent family connections.”
Sir Walter smiled in agreement. “I see that you understand. Elizabeth is highly admired by the ton.”
Wentworth’s jaw tensed. “While I certainly intend to distinguish myself in my career, if you give your consent to my marrying Miss Anne, you would be able to more readily lavish on Miss Elliot all she is due.”
Sir Walter took in a deep, slow breath. He looked intently at his fingernails. “I suppose you are correct. I truly cannot imagine anyone of importance who would want to take Anne for his wife.”
“I respectfully ask that you allow me to do that, sir. I promise that I will love her and care for her and provide for her. You need not be concerned for her welfare.”
Sir Walter impatiently tapped his foot on the floor, and a scowl seemed etched upon his face. He let out a gruff breath and rested his jaw on his fisted hand. He was silent for what was to Wentworth an eternity, seemingly weighing every consideration. “Anne is of great use to me,” he finally said. “I wonder that I will be able to get along without her.”
Now it was Wentworth’s turn to frown, for he knew Anne was all but ignored in her family. “I am quite certain you shall find a way to manage, Sir Walter. You are intelligent and resourceful, I believe. Think of all that you shall be able to do for your eldest daughter and her prospects for marriage.” He practically held his breath as he awaited Sir Walter’s response.
The older man was silent again. He did not move, save for the slow nodding of his head. Finally, “Yes, I must do all I can for Elizabeth. She is so deserving of only the most illustrious husband. She must have only the finest dresses, and while in London, she must be seen in all the right places.”
“Of course, she must.”
He had a faraway look in his eyes and tapped the arm of the chair. “But Anne?” He shook his head gravely. “This would be a most degrading alliance even for her. How can I allow my daughter to marry a mere sailor?”
Wentworth grit his teeth to prevent him from severely rebuking the man’s assertion that he was a mere sailor. He would not waste his time. Through a clenched jaw, he said, “You will not be required to spend even one more shilling on Miss Anne. I shall provide for her completely.”
Sir Walter lifted his brows and leaned forward in his chair. “I doubt you shall be able to provide for Anne in the manner she is used to. I hope you comprehend that I shall give her nothing if she marries you.”
Wentworth felt his chest constrict with anger. He remained silent and took out his fury in the tight fisting of his hands. “Sir, your consent is all I ask for.”
Sir Walter gave a slight shake of his head, as if coming out of a daze. He pinched his brows together, his eyes becoming narrow slits. “Consent?”
Wentworth’s patience was growing thin, but he steeled himself to remain calm. “Yes, sir. I would be most…”
“Who else would ever be interested in her?” He shook his head and let out a gruff laugh. “No esteemed gentleman in all of my acquaintance would ever want her.” He waved his hand towards the door. “Go marry her, if that is what you want to do!” He grumbled something under his breath about young people.
Wentworth remained motionless to allow his anger to cool. This was not what he had hoped for, but at least Sir Walter had not withheld his consent. All he wished now was to leave this man’s company and go to his dearest Anne. He gave an abrupt bow, turned, and walked out of the room.
I hope you enjoyed this segment, as unpleasant as some of it was to our dear Wentworth. I would love to hear your comments!
Related articles
36 comments
Skip to comment form
Nice job, Kara! Your rendition of the snooty, vain, ungracious Sir Walter was spot on. Captain Wentworth showed admirable restraint not busting the man in the chops for the way he insulted Anne.
Thanks, Shannon, and I appreciate your input in this segment!
I am not sure ‘enjoyed’ is the right word, as you suggest! However, it was a great scene and gels perfectly with what we know from the book whereby consent was grudgingly given with it made clear nothing would be done for the couple!
You have captured Sir Walter in all his vain shallowness perfectly!
Poor Wentworth, having to listen to Sir Walter’s dissing of his beloved Anne! I even found my own throat tightening whilst reading!!
And Anne, bless her – she has no idea how tough the next few days will be! 🙁
Thank you for a beautifully written scene, Kara!
Thanks, Cassandra! No, I don’t think enjoyed is quite the right word. 🙂 Sir Walter is so irritatingly vain!
How humiliating for dear Wentworth and how insulting to Anne!! I’ve always disliked Sir Walter but this clinches it for me.
Great scene, Kara!!
Thanks, Monica! Sir Walter sure made me angry as I wrote this! 🙂
I’m on Wentworth’s side and I feel sorry for him. But Wentworth is intelligent and know how to get what he wants though he has to hear Sir Walter’s disparaging remarks and dismal marriage prospect about Anne. If only Anne were more courageous and listen to her heart instead of agreeing to what her godmother has to say, then they wouldn’t have to endure many years of separation.
So true, Luthien, but then we wouldn’t have the great story of Persuasion. At least we know they’ll eventually get back together. 🙂
This does fit perfectly with what we know and surmise of Sir Walter. I honestly can’t imagine a better rendition of this scene. Anne was the toss away daughter, and even in talking of her, he treated her with contempt. She was always dutiful and tried to do the right thing by everyone, which is what will lead her to withdrawing her consent to poor Frederick. In trying to do the right thing, she will do the wrong thing. What a pity she had none of the selfishness of her father or sisters! She thought more of others than of herself, but in this case, she tried to please the wrong people. Even worse I can imagine her father and snotty sister laughing behind her back at the sacrifice. Now I really will hate Lady Russell more than ever!
Thanks, Mari! Anne was so selfless – it’s amazing how she was so different from her father and sisters. I think she took after her mother, and then had Lady Russell’s advice to guide her. Of course that advice will not only be for Anne’s pure interests.
As a teacher and parent I find that what the experts say is true: half is genetics and half is environment. I find (as do others) that my children’s personalities were evident from very young. So Anne does reflect the influence of Lady Russell and her mother but she was also blessed with this personality.
True! And we can be grateful all that negativity did not alter her for the worse!
Wonderful excerpt. Sir Walter is, as Cassandra said vain & shallow as well as so self-centered. And how he does nothing but disparage Anne, whom he truly does not appreciate. Awful. Glad Wentworth held his temper. I am wondering what Lady Russell says to convince Anne not to marry him. Can’t say I am eagerly looking forward to the next but do want to see how you authors make the next part happen. Sir Walter aggravated, but he was supposed to. I dislike him more than before. Thank you for a wonderfully written chapter.
Thanks, Deborah! And tomorrow we’ll get a glimpse into Wentworth’s conversation with Anne immediately following. Stay tuned for that! 🙂
Wentworth’s suggestion of taking Anne off of Sir Walter’s hands so that Sir W could concentrate on Elizabeth was a great strategy. Well done, Captain, and well done, Kara Louise!
Thanks, Leslie! Wentworth knew how to appeal to what was important to Sir Walter. Obviously Anne was nothing to him.
Thanks for explaining about why Wentworth is sometimes referred to as Commander and sometimes as Captain. I loved how patient Wentworth was with Sir Walter and how he built his arguments for gaining her father’s consent. I saw you couldn’t resist making a reference to Sir Walter and the mirror. LOL!
Thanks, Susan! I think Sir Walter cannot go ten minutes without looking at his reflection! I think it bolsters him up! My guess is that he uses all these external things to make up for how he feels about himself on the inside.
Pompous ASS = Sir Walter
Two comments:
1.) So glad that we have natural consequence – Elizabeth NEVER earns an offer!!!!
2.) So heart breaking to hear how Wentworth fought for Anne and knowing what is to come to happen – no wonder he is still bitter 8 years later.
Sheila, I think Elizabeth and Sir Walter deserve what they got (each other’s company and nothing more!) Despite Wentworth’s bitterness, we can be grateful (in the end) love wins! Thanks for your comments!
ARGH!!!! I’m sure Wentworth would have liked to have Sir Walter walk the plank!! What a popinjay! Well done Louisa! To hold his tongue and not defend his Anne but use it instead to manipulate Sir Walter was brilliant! I honestly feel that Sir Walter and Elizabeth do not want to lose Anne as she looks to their comforts!
Thanks, Carole! Yes, walking the plank would be good for Sir Walter. Maybe he and Elizabeth! 🙂
Grrr…… if only our dear couple had gotten married without Lady Russell’s interference! (pushes LR towards a steep slippery staircase….)
Good response, June! Grrrr! Unfortunately, we know what’s coming!
I loved this Kara-every aspect covered-the conversation between Wentworth and Sir Walter rang so true-fantastic reading!
Thanks, Jane! I did have some great input from Shannon and Jack!
I agree with the above comments about Captain Wentworth’s restraint in not hitting Sir Walter. I wanted to smack the pompous old fool! Love your comment about Sir Walter being “irritatingly vain” – very apt description! One non-pompous truism from Sir Walter though – his remark that Anne is of great use to him and not being able to do without her – Anne quietly runs the household behind the scenes. Doesn’t make up for his being such an unfeeling creep to the most worthy of his three daughters
I think we can all virtually ‘smack’ Sir Walter for a lot of things! Too bad Wentworth couldn’t snatch Anne away from him when he wanted to! Thanks, Megan!
Oh how angry that man made me, what a pompous, conceited jerk. Poor Anne to have lived with him and Elizabeth, a shy sensitive girl wouldn’t stand a chance, no wonder she has such low self-esteem, and is so easily persuaded.
Wentworth won a little more of my heart. He handled Sir Walter well, wish he could have had a chance to talk to Lady Russell first, he may have won her over or at least out maneuver ed her too.
That’s an interesting thought to ponder, Stephanie, how Wentworth would have handled Lady Russell. Would she have seen the excellent man he was for Anne? She may have met him already, so it wouldn’t have made a difference, but it would be interesting to conjecture how that would have gone. Thanks!
So well written because we all hate Sir Walter even more than we did before we read this! And Sir Walter is a strong contender winning the “most-irritating-parent in an Austen novel” award. Definitely in a neck-and-neck competition with the likes of Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennet. I seem to recall Mrs. Norris being a real pain as well but it’s been a while since I read Mansfield Park.
Maybe we could run a ‘contest’ to see what people think. Sir Walter would not only be irritating, but cruel, selfish, unkind, foolish, reckless, etc. I could go on! Thanks, Kathy!
I am very late getting to read this as life has entered a rather busy phase for the next few weeks. Here are some of the thoughts that passed through my head as I read your lovely chapter.
I almost expect Sir Walter to start chanting “Mirror, mirror on the wall…” at some point. 🙂 Would it not be fun to stick him in a house of mirrors that distorted his reflection in a different way each time he turned about. It would be most discomfiting for him. 🙂
I cannot read the word “inconceivable” without it sounding like that annoying little bald guy in The Princess Bride. 🙂 Funny how it is once again being spouted by an annoying little man.
No wonder Captain Wentworth was so distinguished in his career. How clever to get Sir Walter to give his consent by exploiting his desires for his “more worthy” daughter–quite a good strategy.
Your comment about “inconceivable” bought a laugh. I agree with how it reminds me of “that little bald guy” – the one who is suppose to be so smart.
Brought a laugh not bought
Glad you enjoyed it, Eileen! I do perceive Wentworth as clever; too bad he was not clever enough to persuade Anne to change her mind. It will be interesting to read that chapter!