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.