Tonight, we shall read the next part to “Persuasion”, the last novel fully completed by Jane Austen, and published in 1817. The story concerns Anne Elliot, a twenty-seven year old Englishwoman, whose family moves in order to lower their expenses and reduce their debt, by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife.

In the last episode, Anne Elliott is distressed by the frequent mention of Captain Wentworth, whom she realizes is the same man she once knew years ago. She steels herself for his arrival in the area, aware that she must learn to cope with his presence. The Musgroves, grateful for the care Captain Wentworth showed to their deceased son, are eager to meet him. Anne faces an emotional trial when Captain Wentworth arrives and quickly earns the admiration of the Musgrove family. However, Anne narrowly avoids meeting him due to a child's accident, which consumes her attention.

Despite the child's recovery, Anne remains tense about seeing Wentworth. The Musgroves' praise of him deepens her turmoil, as she navigates her complex feelings and memories. When Anne finally sees Captain Wentworth briefly, she struggles with the realization that their long separation has not lessened her emotional response to him, despite her attempts at rationalizing the passage of time and the changes it brings.

— read by 'V' —

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