Louisa Musgrove is the daughter of Charles Musgrove, Esq, of Uppercross, and his wife. She is the younger[1] of their two grown-up daughters, and she is close to her older sister Henrietta. She has at least three brothers: Charles, the eldest and heir to the estate; Richard, a sailor who died two years ago; and Harry, the Musgroves' youngest.
Biography[]
Meeting Captain Wentworth[]
Both sisters were awestruck of Captain Wentworth and both fancied themselves in love with him. They were delighted to hear of his exploits as a naval captain as well as the lifestyle of a sailor while at sea[2]. After a while, Louisa arose as the object of Captain Wentworth's suit, as Henrietta was attached to Charles Hayter, their first cousin. Captain Wentworth was struck on how lovely Louisa was. Louisa also disliked her sister-in-law and wished that Charles had managed to marry Anne . Wentworth was shocked to hear that Musgrove had pursued Anne at first, and that she had turned him down.
Travels to Lyme & Injury[]
Captain Wentworth had a few acquaintances in Lyme, Captain and Mrs. Harville; as well as Captain Benwick[3]. While jumping with the aid of Wentworth, Louisa hit her head and suffered a debilitating concussion[4]. She was tended to by Mrs. Harville and Mary Musgrove, although the latter didn't really help much. Wentworth left soon after Louisa was out of danger as he did not want to marry her.
New love[]
Louisa must have lost interest in Wentworth when James Benwick showed an interest in her and they fell in love. They were affianced by the end of the novel and it is assumed they were married.
Character Traits[]
Louisa and her sister are fashionable and educated young ladies, unlike their parents. They attended finishing school in Exeter, where they learned their accomplishments. They are very lively and happy young women. Their manners are pleasant, and they were very pretty. Anne Elliot thought them some of the happiest creatures of her acquaintance, but realized she would not give up her elegant and cultivated mind for their vitality[5].