Persuasion

The morning begins with a moment of grace. A stranger on the steps—a gentleman in mourning—looks at Anne with unmistakable admiration. The sea air has restored her bloom, and he's struck by her. Wentworth sees it happen, gives Anne a glance of brightness that seems to acknowledge: even I can see Anne Elliot again in this moment. The stranger turns out to be Mr. Elliot, her father's estranged heir, but that matters less than the fact that someone saw Anne as beautiful, and Wentworth noticed. Then everything shatters. On the Cobb, Louisa—determined, firm, refusing to be cautious—insists on being jumped down the stone steps again. "I am determined I will." Wentworth advises against it, but she's already launching herself. She falls. Hits the pavement. Goes limp, lifeless, eyes closed, face like death. Everyone freezes in horror. Mary screams. Henrietta faints. Charles can't move. Wentworth, holding Louisa, is paralyzed with agony: "Is there no one to help me?" Anne takes command. "Go to him. Rub her hands, her temples. Here are salts." When Wentworth can only think of her parents, Anne says: "A surgeon." It rouses him. She suggests Benwick go since he knows the town. Everyone looks to Anne for what to do next. "What is to be done?" Charles asks. Wentworth's eyes turn to her. She decides: carry Louisa to the inn. Wentworth obeys: "Yes, yes, to the inn." He's "comparatively collected, and eager to be doing something" only after Anne gives him direction. The surgeon arrives. Louisa will live, though the injury is severe. Wentworth sits with his face buried in his arms, overwhelmed. Anne must return to Uppercross instead of staying to nurse Louisa because Mary throws a tantrum. But in the carriage, Wentworth asks Anne's advice: should Henrietta wait in the carriage while he breaks the news to the parents? She agrees. He's satisfied. Later Anne thinks: perhaps he's questioning his philosophy of firmness now. "A persuadable temper might sometimes be as much in favor of happiness as a very resolute character." Louisa's determination nearly killed her. Anne's wisdom saved her.