Chapter 2 Summary

Mr. Shepherd is not willing to ruffle any feathers by suggesting cutbacks himself, so the duty falls to Lady Russell, a woman of integrity. After much consideration, she writes a budget for the Elliot family. While doing so, she does something neither Elizabeth nor Sir Elliot would have done. She consults Anne. Anne is honest. She wants a tighter budget so that the family will be out of debt sooner. Lady Russell comes up with a plan that would clear the Elliots of debt within seven years.

After much discussion, the family decides to relocate to Bath and rent out their home, Kellynch Hall, which is very costly to maintain. Mr. Shepherd will search for a renter. Sir Elliot's only stipulation is that the search must be done quietly. He does not want people to know that he has been forced to let...