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, an Englishwoman whose family moves in order to lower their expenses, by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife. 

In the last episode, Anne navigates Bath’s tightly woven social circuits—frequenting parties and strolling the streets—she continues to hope for a meaningful conversation with Wentworth, while contending with Lady Russell’s lingering disapproval and Mr. Elliot’s calculated charm. When a concert presents itself as a likely opportunity, Anne sets aside a visit to her friend Mrs. Smith in hopes of finally seeing Wentworth again—and possibly learning the truth of his feelings once and for all.

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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, an Englishwoman whose family moves in order to lower their expenses, by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife.

In the last episode, Anne unexpectedly encounters Admiral Croft while walking alone in Bath. She finds him cheerfully absorbed in critiquing a print of a ridiculous-looking boat in a shop window. They walk together, the Admiral talking freely and humorously about mutual acquaintances and life in Bath. Once they reach a quieter street, he shares surprising news: Louisa Musgrove is to marry Captain Benwick—not Captain Wentworth, as everyone had assumed. Anne is stunned but conceals her reaction. She expresses hopes that Captain Wentworth isn’t wounded by the match or by his friend’s involvement. The Admiral reassures her that Wentworth’s letter conveyed no bitterness and that he wishes the couple happiness. Still, Anne senses more complexity beneath the surface.

Shortly afterward, Anne, while waiting out a light rain in a shop with her relatives, unexpectedly sees Captain Wentworth walking down Milsom Street. The shock is overwhelming. She tries to compose herself, only to see him enter the same shop moments later. Their meeting is awkward and emotionally charged. He seems flustered and speaks to her with visible discomfort—very unlike his previously composed manner. They exchange brief, formal conversation, but Anne is left deeply affected by his presence and the unresolved feelings between them.

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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, an Englishwoman whose family moves in order to lower their expenses, by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife.

In the last episode, Anne is stunned to learn of Louisa Musgrove’s sudden engagement to Captain Benwick. The pairing seems unlikely—Louisa being lively and high-spirited, Benwick reserved and mournful—but Anne quickly attributes their attachment to circumstance: close proximity and shared vulnerability. Reflecting on it, Anne concludes their union makes sense and could bring mutual happiness.

Anne also feels an unspoken joy at the idea that Captain Wentworth is now free—though she barely dares to examine those feelings. Meanwhile, Sir Walter and Elizabeth are indifferent to the news, concerned only with social status, and reluctant to associate with the Crofts. Anne, in contrast, finds quiet joy in observing Admiral and Mrs. Croft’s warm, equal companionship. A chance meeting with the Admiral in a print shop reveals his usual charm and humor, further endearing him to Anne.

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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, an Englishwoman whose family moves in order to lower their expenses, by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife.

In the last episode, starting at chapter 17, Anne visits her old school friend, Mrs. Smith, who now lives in modest circumstances due to her husband's debts and death. Despite her hardships, Mrs. Smith is cheerful and spirited. Anne values their renewed friendship, though her family looks down on the connection.

The chapter highlights Anne’s increasing clarity: while Mr. Elliot offers social security and admiration, it is not the kind of love she desires. Her renewed bond with Mrs. Smith also underscores her loyalty and sensitivity to genuine character over status. We will pick up mid-conversation between Lady Russell and Anne. Lady Russell is trying to persuade Anne to consider marrying Mr. Elliot.

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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, an Englishwoman whose family moves in order to lower their expenses, by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife.

In the last episode, concluding chapter 16, Mr. Elliot continues his frequent visits to Camden Place, charming Sir Walter and Elizabeth with his polished manners and apparent desire to reconnect with the family. Lady Russell, once indifferent to him, now views him as a highly suitable match for Anne.

Anne, however, remains cautious. Though she acknowledges Mr. Elliot’s attentiveness and refinement, she is not fully at ease with his motives. His flattery feels calculated, and she senses a lack of emotional sincerity.

She compares his composed charm with the deeper, more genuine feeling she once shared with Captain Wentworth. As Mr. Elliot’s admiration grows more obvious, Anne is left feeling both flattered and wary of his true intentions.

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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, an Englishwoman whose family moves in order to lower their expenses, by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife. 

Anne receives a letter from her sister Elizabeth informing her that Mr. Elliot, their estranged cousin and heir to Kellynch Hall, is in Bath and has been paying regular visits to their father, Sir Walter. His sudden attentiveness is surprising, as he had previously distanced himself from the family. Lady Russell, initially uninterested in Mr. Elliot, is now curious and eager to meet him. Anne, less excited, acknowledges she would rather see him than many others in Bath.

Upon arriving at Camden Place, Anne finds her father and Elizabeth in high spirits, boasting about their grand house and increasing social prominence. They are delighted with Mr. Elliot, who has explained away his past neglect and is now eager to reconcile. 

That evening, Mr. Elliot arrives unexpectedly. His charm and intelligence impress Anne, and the evening passes surprisingly well.

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, an Englishwoman whose family moves in order to lower their expenses, by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife.

We will pick up at the tail end of chapter 14, where we ended last, and where Anne and Lady Russell visit the Musgroves for Christmas. The two have very different opinions on the gathering. Anne finds the chaotic but cozy antics of many young children pleasant and soothing. Lady Russell, on the other hand, finds it overly loud and agitating. Here, we are watching Anne’s inner growth, her evolving relationships, and her growing clarity about her feelings and the people around her.

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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, an Englishwoman whose family moves in order to lower their expenses, by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife.

We will pick up early in Chapter 13, where we left off in the last episode. This chapter is also the start of the second volume, or half, of “Persuasion”. Anne Elliot is reunited with Lady Russell, her confidante and mentor. Lady Russell remains keenly interested in Anne’s prospects and happiness, though her advice in the past led to Anne breaking off her engagement with Captain Wentworth.

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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, an Englishwoman whose family moves in order to lower their expenses, by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife. 

In the last episode, the off-season tourists to the beach town of Lyme are surprised to learn that the mysterious gentleman they passed by was not only a cousin to Anne and Mary Elliot, but was the heir to their family fortune. Later, a tragic accident occurs suddenly after Louisa playfully falls from a ledge, expecting to be caught by Captain Wentworth. The situation is sudden and terrible, and each individual in the group shows their ability (or inability) to handle the emergency with grace. Anne’s steadiness and calm particularly shines. Louisa is alive but unresponsive, and it is decided that she will stay at the Harville’s, in their care, while she recovers.

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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, an Englishwoman whose family moves in order to lower their expenses, by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife.

In the last episode, the off-season tourists to the beach town of Lyme become acquainted with Captain Wentworth’s friends, Captain and Mrs. Harville along with Captain Benwick. At a dinner party, Anne spends the evening chatting about poetry and literature with the melancholic Captain Benwick. The next day, a gentleman stranger seems captivated with Anne’s fine looks, which seemed to have regained their earlier charms amidst the fresh air and change of scene.

In the last chapter, and in the coming episode, there is mention of the “cobb” that tourists visit in Lyme. The cobb is a real-life harbor wall originally constructed in ancient times to act as a breakwater to protect the ships and the town. To this day, no one knows for sure when it was originally constructed, or why it is called the Cobb.

We will pick up within chapter twelve.

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