Mr. William Walter Elliot's Scheme

Exposes Mr. Elliot's calculated plan to win Anne Elliot and prevent Sir Walter from marrying Mrs. Clay, and his eventual exposure.

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The Heir's Return

The Heir's Return A Reconciliation with the Family Mr. William Walter Elliot, the heir presumptive to the Kellynch estate, had previously estranged himself from Sir Walter's family by marrying a woman of inferior birth and by speaking disrespectfully of the Elliots. After his wife's death, he seeks a reconciliation. He begins to call on Sir Walter and Elizabeth in Bath, and is soon on excellent terms with them. A Mysterious Motive Anne is suspicious of Mr. Elliot's sudden change of heart. She cannot understand why he would want to be on good terms with a family he had previously scorned. She suspects that he may be interested in Elizabeth, but there is more to his scheme than meets the eye.

Attentions to Anne

Attentions to Anne A Growing Interest Mr. Elliot begins to pay particular attention to Anne. He seeks her company, compliments her, and seems to find her fascinating. He tells her that he has heard of her from someone who knew her years ago, which intrigues her. Anne is flattered but also wary. Lady Russell's Approval Lady Russell strongly approves of Mr. Elliot as a potential husband for Anne. She believes he would be a suitable match and would restore Anne to her rightful place at Kellynch Hall. Anne, however, feels that there is something calculating about him, and she cannot return his affection.

The Truth Revealed

The Truth Revealed Mrs. Smith's Story Anne's old friend Mrs. Smith reveals the true nature of Mr. Elliot. She shows Anne a letter in which Mr. Elliot expresses contempt for Sir Walter and the family, and she explains that he is a cold, calculating man who ruined her husband. His current attentions to Anne are part of a scheme to prevent Sir Walter from marrying Mrs. Clay, which would endanger his inheritance. Anne's Eyes Opened Anne is horrified by Mr. Elliot's duplicity. She realizes that he is a hypocrite and a fortune hunter. She is grateful that she never trusted him, and she is now free to follow her heart. The revelation confirms her feelings for Captain Wentworth and removes any lingering doubt about Mr. Elliot's character.

The Escape from Bath

The Escape from Bath Mr. Elliot's Departure After Anne's engagement to Captain Wentworth is announced, Mr. Elliot realizes that his plan has failed. He leaves Bath, but he takes Mrs. Clay with him. It becomes clear that he has been playing a double game: cultivating Mrs. Clay to prevent her from marrying Sir Walter, while also pursuing Anne. His scheme collapses, and he retreats to London. Mrs. Clay's Fate Mrs. Clay, who had hoped to become Lady Elliot, is lured away by Mr. Elliot. She becomes his mistress, and the possibility of her marrying Sir Walter is ended. The Elliots are shocked and mortified, but they are also relieved to be rid of her. The episode underscores the dangers of vanity and self-interest.

Winter 1814

February 1815

February 1815

Spring 1815