Over eight years before the novel opens, Frederick Wentworth travelled to Somerset after being made commander in consequence of the British naval action off St Domingo (1806).

Later, Anne broke off the engagement on the advice of her godmother, Lady Russell, who saw him as an unsuitable choice due to his lack of fortune and connections, as well as his enrollment in a dangerous profession.

Anne's conditions have also changed as her father, a spendthrift baronet, has had to lease his country house, Kellynch Hall, to Admiral and Mrs Croft, and move to Bath to lower his expenses.

There Louisa meets with a serious accident; Anne's immediate help and level-headed behaviour makes Wentworth realise his folly in letting appearances get ahead of his intentional choices.

Safe and independent again, Frederick Wentworth goes to Bath to win Anne back, only to spy a competitor in her cousin, Mr. William Elliot, the inheritor of Kellynch Hall.

At a gathering of the Musgroves in a Bath hotel, he overhears Captain Harville and Anne talk about the relative faithfulness of men and women.

Maintaining the good manners, consideration, and sensitivity of the older type, Wentworth adds the qualities of gallantry, independence, and bravery that come with being a well-respected Naval officer.

He has made his own fortune through hard work and good sense, in direct contrast to Sir Walter who has only wasted the money that came to him through his title.

But in true Austenian fashion, his fine personal qualities are enough to surmount the divide which separates his social position from that of Anne.

In the novel, Captain Wentworth's character develops, eventually overcoming his resentment at being once refused, in order to make another ardent overture to his chosen bride.

Like Admiral Croft, who allows his wife to drive the carriage alongside him and to help him steer, Captain Wentworth will defer to Anne throughout their marriage.

Margaret Wilson sees Wentworth as combining the dynamic character of Austen's earlier diversionary men and the steadfast qualities needed in a husband.

A word, a look, will be enough to decide whether I enter your father's house this evening or never.The letter comes near the end of the novel, leading Anne and Frederick to renew their love.