Okay Agnes. Here we go:
Firstly, I have no idea just what was in Frederick's mind at the onset. Has anyone? Anne's options have to be observed at the time of her breaking the engagements as no one could foresee how the futures of either would turn out later. Right then, daughter of a titled genteman from a good family (who hadn't at that time managed to fritter away his wealth.) her options looked quite healthy compared to a somewhat less wealthy member of his majesty's navy. This was Lady Russell's whole argument. In truth, Anne was led by the nose somewhat by others and also not at fault except for accepting the will of others, but parents and a best friend would be a powerful argument Frederick simply didn't match up to expectations for Anne. Frederick's feelings also must be spoken of as at that time. What he reflected on and decided he was to blame for was something for later. Right then he had nothing at all to blame himself for, my contention from the start. He later blamed himself for lost time in trying again, not something he had no control at all over initially. I did make the case earlier that Frederick was hardly the only male with an uncertain future at the onset The country was at war. Mrs Croft had chosen not to remain in calm waters (metaphorically). Was Frederick, do you think, being critical/caustic of Anne in his remarks about ladies aboard ship or generalising...or joking?
Frankly, from her mild character I don't see Anne ever as a sea-going wife and what would have happened had they married is anyone's guess. Despite the story, the title was not Jane Austen's as you probably know. Because of it, persuasion became the book's focus. Never mind, it all turned out right in the end...(-:
