Volume I Chapter 9

Summary
Captain Wentworth moves into Kellynch for an extended visit. He travels to Uppercross regularly. Charles Hayter, the Musgrove's cousin and Henrietta's suitor returns. He is unhappy to discover that his cousin's attentions have shifted to Captain Wentworth. Mary, however, approves of this because she consideres the Hayter family inferior to the Musgroves. Captain Wentworth, Anne, and Charles Hayter have an awkward encounter in the cottage while waiting for the rest of the party to join them. The young boys placed in Anne's care misbehave and Anne and Charles are unable to control them. Captain Wentworth helps Anne with the little boy and Anne is stunned at the kind gesture and her reaction to it.

Analysis
The most significant event in this chapter is Captain Wentworth's rescue of Anne from the unruly Walter. The situation resembled the life the they could have had if Anne had not broken their engagement. Although, Anne could not handle the child, Cpt. Wentworth has the paternal instict to intervene and be the hero. This explains the significance Anne places on the small gesture (74). Anne and Cpt. Wentworth's complicated relationship is highlighted by this awkward scene. Neither party knows what to say to the other. This scene also shows how much Hayter resents Cpt. Wentworth. "It was evident that Charles Hayter was not well inclined towards Captain Wentworth"(75). He is jealous of Cpt. Wentwort and his inability to control a situation that he couldnt saying after, "you ought to have minded me Walter"(75). His failure adds to his feeling of inferiority to and jealousy towards Cpt. Wentworth.