On the morning the Crofts come to see Kellynch Hall, Anne walks to Lady Russell's and keeps out of the way until it is over, and then she is sorry she missed them. The meeting decides the whole business at once. Each lady was already disposed to agree, and sees only good manners in the other. The Admiral's open good humour influences Sir Walter, who has been flattered into his best behaviour by the report that the Admiral already knows him as a model of good breeding. House, grounds, furniture, terms, and time are all right. The clerks are set to work, with not one preliminary difference to modify. Sir Walter declares the Admiral the best-looking sailor he has ever met, and says that if his own man might have arranged the Admiral's hair, he should not be ashamed of being seen with him anywhere. Driving back through the park, the Admiral tells his wife they would soon come to a deal, in spite of what they heard at Taunton. The Baronet will never set the Thames on fire, but there seems to be no harm in him. The two compliments would have been esteemed about equal. The Crofts are to have possession at Michaelmas. Sir Walter means to be in Bath the month before.
Lady Russell does not want Anne hurried off. She is sure Anne will not be allowed any use, or any importance, in choosing the house, and she would like to take Anne to Bath herself after Christmas. Her own engagements will take her from Kellynch for several weeks, so she cannot give the full invitation. Anne dreads the heat of September in the white glare of Bath, and grieves to give up the autumn in the country, yet she thinks it most right, and therefore least painful, to go with the others. Then Mary gives her a different duty. Mary, often a little unwell and always thinking a great deal of her complaints, requires Anne at Uppercross Cottage for as long as she wants her. "I cannot possibly do without Anne." Elizabeth answers, "Then I am sure Anne had better stay, for nobody will want her in Bath." To be claimed as a good, though in an improper style, is at least better than being rejected as no good at all. Anne is glad to be thought of some use, glad to have a duty marked out, and not sorry that the scene of it is her own country. She will not go to Bath until Lady Russell takes her. The time between will be divided between Uppercross Cottage and Kellynch Lodge.
Lady Russell is almost startled to learn that Mrs Clay is to go to Bath with Sir Walter and Elizabeth, as a valuable assistant in all the business. The affront is sore: Mrs Clay of so much use, Anne of none. Anne is hardened to such affronts, but she feels the imprudence as keenly. In Mrs Clay's absence her father is continually severe on the freckles, the projecting tooth, and the clumsy wrist. Mrs Clay is young, though, and well-looking, and an acute mind with assiduous pleasing manners is more dangerous than looks alone. Anne has little hope of success, but she speaks, so that Elizabeth, who would have more to pity in such a reverse, can never reproach her for giving no warning. Elizabeth is only offended. Mrs Clay never forgets who she is, and their father has kept himself single so long for their sakes. If Mrs Clay were very beautiful, the constant company might be wrong. Poor Mrs Clay, never reckoned tolerably pretty, may stay in perfect safety. Anne answers that there is hardly any personal defect which an agreeable manner might not gradually reconcile one to. Elizabeth thinks very differently. An agreeable manner may set off handsome features, but can never alter plain ones, and Anne has less at stake, so the advice is unnecessary. Anne has done. She is not absolutely hopeless that Elizabeth may yet be made observant.
The last office of the four carriage-horses is to draw Sir Walter, Miss Elliot, and Mrs Clay to Bath. They drive off in very good spirits, Sir Walter prepared with condescending bows for any tenants who might show themselves. Anne walks up at the same time, in a sort of desolate tranquillity, to the Lodge, for the first week. Lady Russell is no better in spirits. She will begin her own absence when she must give Anne up, so as to be out of the way when the Crofts first arrive. They leave together, and Anne is set down at Uppercross Cottage. Mary is alone, which is almost enough to make her unwell, and she is lying on the faded sofa. She has not seen a creature the whole morning, and has never been so ill, though the account she sent on Thursday was a good one. Charles has been out shooting since seven. The little boys were unmanageable. Mr Musgrove spoke through the window without getting off his horse, and not one of the others has been near her. Anne says she always cures Mary when she comes, and that Mary's own letter had said she was perfectly well and in no hurry. Mary asks what Anne can possibly have had to do, then remembers the dinner at the Pooles yesterday, which she attended, crowded into the back seat with Henrietta and Louisa. A little more patience produces nearly a cure. Mary sits upright, beautifies a nosegay, eats her cold meat, and is well enough to propose a walk. They go first to the Great House, so the Musgroves can feel what is due to Anne as Mary's sister. The half hour is chatted away in the old parlour. At the end of it, both Miss Musgroves join the walking party, at Mary's particular invitation.
