“I kept my letter open, that I might send you word how Louisa bore her journey, and now I am extremely glad I did, having a great deal to add.  In the first place, I had a note from Mrs Croft yesterday, offering to convey anything to you; a very kind, friendly note indeed, addressed to me, just as it ought; I shall therefore be able to make my letter as long as I like.  The Admiral does not seem very ill, and I sincerely hope Bath will do him all the good he wants.  I shall be truly glad to have them back again.  Our neighbourhood cannot spare such a pleasant family.  But now for Louisa.  I have something to communicate that will astonish you not a little.  She and the Harvilles came on Tuesday very safely, and in the evening we went to ask her how she did, when we were rather surprised not to find Captain Benwick of the party, for he had been invited as well as the Harvilles; and what do you think was the reason?  Neither more nor less than his being in love with Louisa, and not choosing to venture to Uppercross till he had had an answer from Mr Musgrove; for it was all settled between him and her before she came away, and he had written to her father by Captain Harville.  True, upon my honour!  Are not you astonished?  I shall be surprised at least if you ever received a hint of it, for I never did.  Mrs Musgrove protests solemnly that she knew nothing of the matter.  We are all very well pleased, however, for though it is not equal to her marrying Captain Wentworth, it is infinitely better than Charles Hayter; and Mr Musgrove has written his consent, and Captain Benwick is expected to-day.  Mrs Harville says her husband feels a good deal on his poor sister’s account; but, however, Louisa is a great favourite with both.  Indeed, Mrs Harville and I quite agree that we love her the better for having nursed her.  Charles wonders what Captain Wentworth will say; but if you remember, I never thought him attached to Louisa; I never could see anything of it.  And this is the end, you see, of Captain Benwick’s being supposed to be an admirer of yours.  How Charles could take such a thing into his head was always incomprehensible to me.  I hope he will be more agreeable now.  Certainly not a great match for Louisa Musgrove, but a million times better than marrying among the Hayters.”

Mary need not have feared her sister’s being in any degree prepared for the news.  She had never in her life been more astonished.  Captain Benwick and Louisa Musgrove!  It was almost too wonderful for belief, and it was with the greatest effort that she could remain in the room, preserve an air of calmness, and answer the common questions of the moment.  Happily for her, they were not many.  Sir Walter wanted to know whether the Crofts travelled with four horses, and whether they were likely to be situated in such a part of Bath as it might suit Miss Elliot and himself to visit in; but had little curiosity beyond.

“How is Mary?” said Elizabeth; and without waiting for an answer, “And pray what brings the Crofts to Bath?”