My Favorite Jane Austen Scene by L.L. Diamond

This year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth—a milestone that invites both celebration and reflection. Two and a half centuries on, Austen’s world continues to captivate. Her characters, her wit, her quietly subversive storytelling still draw readers under her spell, inspiring fervent devotion not only to The Six but also to countless adaptations, modern variations, and literary homages. From bookshelves to film to pilgrimages to the English countryside, Austen’s legacy is as alive as ever. But what is it about her writing that continues to resonate through the ages?

I’ve invited some of my favorite Austen authors, readers, and scholars to share the scenes that sparkle, ache, or haunt long after the final page. Together, we’ll revisit these unforgettable glimpses into Austen’s genius, one cherished moment at a time. One-quarter-way through this series, and I am delighted to welcome popular Austenesque author L.L. Diamond to share why this scene from Chapter 23 in Persuasion is her favorite. —Christina Boyd 

by L.L. Diamond

Through most of Persuasion, the reader can’t help but sympathize with Anne’s position. After all the years she and Captain Wentworth spent apart, she’s still in love with him, but by the rules of propriety, she can’t just run up and confess what’s in her heart. She endures his obvious courtship of Louisa Musgrove and her own perception of his apparent disdain—even resentment—for her until the final chapter. We’re given our first moment of hope in Chapter 23 when Mrs. Musgrove is critical of a long engagement, and the mothers discuss whether such an arrangement is beneficial.

Anne found an unexpected interest here. She felt its application to herself, felt it in a nervous thrill all over her; and at the same moment that her eyes instinctively glanced towards the distant table, Captain Wentworth's pen ceased to move, his head was raised, pausing, listening, and he turned round the next instant to give a look, one quick, conscious look at her.

Chapter 23, Persuasion, C.E. Brock illustration, 1898

Austen’s given us a hint that Wentworth’s listening to the conversations around him, which doesn’t necessarily seem important at the time. As the scene continues, and Anne begins to speak with Captain Harville of his sister and love, we know she’s speaking of her affections for Captain Wentworth. In truth, she’s revealing her feelings “of loving longest, when existence or when hope is gone.” When Harville draws our attention back to Wentworth, the captain is hastily folding a letter—the letter that gives Anne and Austen’s reader hope that this couple will finally find their way back to each other.

Wentworth’s return to ensure Anne is aware of his letter, under the guise of having forgotten his gloves, calls no attention to what he’s doing since he couldn’t write her a letter by propriety. His conscientious method of delivery also demonstrates his care for her. He wouldn’t have Anne’s reputation tarnished if she doesn’t reciprocate his feelings.

Then Austen gives us the contents of Wentworth’s letter.

I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone forever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone, I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes? I had not waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice when they would be lost on others. Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in F. W.

The heartbreak of their years apart, as well as his hope, are clearly stated, not only for Anne but also for the reader. The words are eloquent and heartfelt. Every bit of what he feels is laid out for Anne to grasp or reject. The entire scene unfolds with the culmination of the letter, and it’s brilliant. With the possibility of Wentworth listening, Anne’s confession of her love in such a way is heart-rending, and the reader can’t help but want Wentworth to hear. His letter is what Anne longs for, but it’s also what Austen has made the reader long for as well.

Austen is very critical of persuasion throughout the book, from Henrietta Musgrove’s family and Mary Musgrove’s disapproving view of Henrietta's engagement to Charles Hayter to Mr. Elliot and his persuasion of Mrs. Clay to keep Sir Walter from bearing an heir to Anne’s own ill-fated engagement to Wentworth seven years before the beginning of the novel; yet within her criticisms, Austen created a masterful second chance love story with a love letter that’s endured for 200 years. How many authors can claim the same?

L.L. Diamond, author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

L.L. Diamond is more commonly known as Leslie to her friends, Mom to her three kids, and servant to her three cats. A native of Louisiana, she has been a wanderer for the past 20 years, living in Mississippi, California, Texas, New Mexico, Nebraska, England, and Missouri before settling in Maryland.

One day, Leslie may decide what she wants to do when she grows up but for now, she enjoys writing the stories that live in her head and coaching age group swimming. She has degrees in biology and studio art, certifications to coach swimming in the United States and Britain, and numerous fitness certifications. Leslie is also a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. Her accomplishments include drawing, watercolor, and playing flute and piano, but much like Pride and Prejudice’s Elizabeth Bennet, she is always in need of practice! Connect with L.L. Diamond via her website and social media.