Chapter 17 Summary

Anne pays a visit to her old governess, Mrs. Smith, who now lives in Bath. Mrs. Smith, formerly Miss Hamilton, was only a few years older than Anne, but her life has gone very differently in the twelve years since they last saw each other. Mrs. Smith married a wealthy but financially irresponsible man and her husband died, leaving her poor and in bad health.

The next evening, the Elliot family and Lady Russell receive an invitation from Lady Dalrymple, a royal cousin of Sir Elliot. Anne refuses the invitation, since she has plans to visit Mrs. Smith. Her father and Elizabeth disapprove of her going to such a poor area to call on a feeble woman instead of accepting the invitation from Lady Dalrymple.

The next day, Lady Russell tells Anne about the evening at Lady Dalrymple's house. During the gathering, Mr...