A hearty welcome, dearest Janeites, to the Austen 250 Reader Series––our celebratory blog series for the 250th anniversary year––and the second week of our Sense and Sensibility content, in which we shall cover the ninth through eighteenth chapters of the novel. Austen's beloved debut requires no preamble, so let's dive in, shall we?
After the initial shock of moving from Norland Park to Barton Cottage, the Dashwood family becomes pleasantly acclimated to their new life. All three girls are fond of long walks in the countryside and one day Marianne and Margaret go out only to be caught in a downpour. As they dash home, Marianne trips and falls, spraining her ankle. Thankfully, a gentleman out hunting witnesses the accident and as Marianne cannot walk, carries her back to the cottage. Margaret runs on ahead, yet Mrs. Dashwood and Elinor are still quite surprised by Marianne's dramatic entrance. Their nerves are quelled at the man's gentle manners and unselfish heroism. He introduces himself as John Willoughby and says he will call again soon to check on Marianne's healing progress. Soon after, Sir John visits the Dashwoods and hears all about the incident and subsequent rescue. It turns out Sir John knows the young man and that Willoughby lives only a short distance away, at the estate of his wealthy aunt. Sir John compliments Willoughby and slyly encourages Marianne's romantic interest in him.
She had raised herself from the ground, but her foot had been twisted in the fall, and she was scarcely able to stand. The gentleman offered his services; and perceiving that her modesty declined what her situation rendered necessary, took her up in his arms, without further delay, and carried her down the hill. Then passing through the garden, the gate of which had been left open by Margaret, he bore her directly into the house, whither Margaret was just arrived, and quitted not his hold till he had seated her in a chair in the parlour. (Ch. 9)
Marianne and Willoughby make quick work of forming an acquaintance and in no time at all have discussed their taste in music, poetry, and general philosophy. They agree completely in every aspect, both appearing very taken with the other. Willoughby visits nearly every day and Mrs. Dashwood begins to anticipate engagement––and marriage. But all is not well in matters of the heart. Elinor discovers for herself just how much Colonel Brandon cares for her sister and pities him as he must watch Willoughby and Marianne's very open courtship.
Willoughby was a young man of good abilities, quick imagination, lively spirits, and open, affectionate manners. He was exactly formed to engage Marianne's heart; [...] His society became gradually her most exquisite enjoyment. They read, they talked, they sang together; his musical talents were considerable ; and he read with all the sensibility and spirit which Edward had unfortunately wanted. (Ch. 10)
Marianne is positively blinded by happiness and does not heed Elinor's advice to compose herself and not reveal her passionate feelings in public. Marianne is also much too caught up in herself and her relational bliss to notice her sister's unhappiness. Elinor is much more reserved in her feelings, but finds herself continually exhausted by frequent social obligations and her homesickness for Norland. She finds a friend in the quiet, intelligent Colonel Brandon, and attempts to ease his feelings of hopelessness in loving Marianne.
In Colonel Brandon alone, of all her new acquaintance, did Elinor find a person who could, in any degree, claim the respect of abilities, excite the interest of friendship, or give pleasure as a companion. Willoughby was out of the question. Her admiration and regard, even her sisterly regard, was all his own; but he was a lover; his attentions were wholly Marianne's, and a far less agreeable man might have been more generally pleasing. Colonel Brandon, unfortunately for himself, had no such encouragement to think only of Marianne, and in conversing with Elinor he found the greatest consolation for the total indifference of her sister. (Ch. 11)
Soon, Marianne shares with Elinor that Willoughby has gifted her a horse, Queen Mab. Ever-prudent Elinor tries to make her rapturous sister understand all the thought that must go into considering such a gift prior to acceptance. For one thing, there would be the expense of feeding the animal and paying a servant who would have to be hired to care for the horse. But even more pressing is the thought of propriety in regard to such a substantial gift from a man who, while very thoughtful, is still a near-stranger. Marianne does acquiesce to decline, however Willoughby tells her that he will keep Queen Mab until she can.
Margaret spies on Willoughby and Marianne one day and witnesses the former tenderly cut a lock of her sister's hair. This leads her to believe they are engaged. She immediately tells Elinor, who acknowledges that by all accounts that seems like the behavior of those who are engaged, but cannot say for certain. A while later, while the Dashwoods are dining at Barton Park one evening, Mrs. Jenning attempts to learn more about Elinor's romantic preferences. Margaret gives a clue to one man in particular, much to the chagrin of Elinor and Marianne.
"Margaret," said Marianne, with great warmth, "you know that all this is an invention of your own, and that there is no such person in existence."
"Well, then, he is lately dead, Marianne, for I am sure there was such a man once, and his name begins with an F."
Most grateful did Elinor feel to Lady Middleton for observing, at this moment, that "it rained very hard," [...] (Ch. 12)
The next morning the the group has breakfast at Barton Park in preparation for a trip to see the beautiful estate of Colonel Brandon's brother. The post arrives, and Colonel Brandon is called away to London on some unknown but urgent business. He leaves at once and thus the trip to his brother's estate is canceled, with everyone concerned and curious about the details of such a swift departure. Everyone except Marianne and Willoughby, that is, who complain, saying Colonel Brandon simply does not like to enjoy himself. Mrs. Jennings begins to speculate that the letter contained information regarding Miss Williams, Colonel Brandon's ward. But before too much gossip can be stirred up, Sir John, ever the optimist, suggests they all go for a drive around the countryside. Marianne and Willoughby rush to Willoughby's curricle and dash off to Allenham, the nearby estate of the latter's aunt. That evening, Sir John and Lady Middleton throw a ball at Barton Park and Elinor chastises Marianne for her lack of deportment in rashly going off with Willoughby. (Unchaperoned!)
The carriages were then ordered; Willoughby's was first, and Marianne never looked happier than when she got into it. He drove through the park very fast, and they were soon out of sight; and nothing more of them was seen till their return, which did not happen till after the return of all the rest. They both seemed delighted with their drive; but said only in general terms that they had kept in the lanes, while the others went on the downs. (Ch. 13)
Over the next few days, Mrs. Jennings continues to wonder about the exact details of Colonel Brandon's pressing missive and the young lovers continue their flirtation. The other members of the Dashwood family, while hopeful, do not know if the two are yet engaged.
Nothing could be more expressive of attachment to them all than Willoughby's behaviour. To Marianne it had all the distinguishing tenderness which a lover's heart could give, and to the rest of the family it was the affectionate attention of a son and a brother. The cottage seemed to be considered and loved by him as his home; many more of his hours were spent there than at Allenham [...] on Mrs. Dashwood's happening to mention her design of improving the cottage in the spring, he warmly opposed every alteration of a place which affection had established as perfect with him. (Ch. 14)
Out of the blue one day, Willoughby requests a private audience with Marianne. Believing an engagement is imminent, Mrs. Dashwood, Elinor, and Margaret pay a call to Barton Park to give Willoughby space. Upon their return, they are surprised to be met by a distraught Marianne. Willoughby tells the questioning Dashwoods that he must go to London for business with no prospect of returning. He leaves quickly, which makes Elinor suspicious, yet Mrs. Dashwood tries to think of an excuse. She decides that Willoughby's well-to-do aunt must have been displeased with his potential union with Marianne–a girl of no fortune– and withdrawn her support. Marianne is in an overwhelming melancholic stupor for days.
This violent oppression of spirits continued the whole evening. She was without any power, because she was without any desire, of command over herself. The slightest mention of anything relative to Willoughby overpowered her in an instant; and though her family were most anxiously attentive to her comfort, it was impossible for them, if they spoke at all, to keep clear of every subject which her feelings connected with him. (Ch. 15)
When there is no news from Willoughby, Elinor beseeches her mother to confirm with Marianne if she and Willoughby were ever engaged. Mrs. Dashwood believes that will infringe upon the trust she and her daughter share and refuses to bring up the matter. Later, while out walking, Elinor and Marianne see a man on horseback approaching. Marianne believes him to be Willoughby, at first, but it turns out to be Edward. A change seems to have come over Edward since their last meeting, being more reserved and on edge. His changed disposition is a surprise to everyone; while it hurts Elinor, she hides her pain well.
To Marianne, indeed, the meeting between Edward and her sister was but a continuation of that unaccountable coldness which she had observed at Norland in their mutual behaviour. On Edward's side, more particularly, there was a deficiency of all that a lover ought to look and say on such an occasion. He was confused, seemed scarcely sensible of pleasure in seeing them, looked neither rapturous nor gay, said little but what was forced from him by questions, and distinguished Elinor by no mark of affection. (Ch. 16)
Eventually, in conversation, Edward becomes more like his old self. The family discusses his mother's grand plans for his future, his personal, quiet hopes for the future, and the unique character of each individual in turn.
"My judgment," [Edward] returned, "is all on your side of the question; but I am afraid my practice is much more on your sister's. I never wish to offend, but I am so foolishly shy that I often seem negligent, when I am only kept back by my natural awkwardness. I have frequently thought that I must have been intended by nature to be fond of low company, I am so little at my ease among strangers of gentility!" (Ch. 17)
Elinor internalizes Edward's slightly uncomfortable countenance, but Marianne attempts to keep the mood light. She inquires after a ring Edward wears–which contains a lock of hair–asking if the hair belonged to Fanny. This inquiry rattles Edward slightly, but he eventually agrees. Later that day, Sir John and Mrs. Jennings drop by for a visit and meet Edward. They are quite jubilant to discover his last name is Ferrars... could he be the mysterious Mr. "F"? The two co-conspirators then invite everyone to a ball that evening at Barton Park. Marianne is disheartened by the fact that Willoughby will not be in attendance, exclaiming thus aloud. Edward, who does not know Willoughby, must be swiftly brought up to speed.
With the assistance of his mother-in-law, Sir John was not long in discovering that the name of Ferrars began with an F. And this prepared a future mine of raillery against the devoted Elinor, which nothing but the newness of their acquaintance with Edward could have prevented from being immediately sprung. But, as it was, she only learned, from some very significant looks, how far their penetration, founded on Margaret's instructions, extended. (Ch. 18)
While I would love to continue dear Jane's delightful tale, this week's selection of Sense and Sensibility must now come to a close. Do stay tuned for the next installment of Chapters 19-26, released next Tuesday, January 28. A helpful week-by-week reading guide can be found here. And should you feel inclined, please share your thoughts in the comments below. I would love to hear anything and everything, dear readers!
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