Colonel Brandon's Story — Sense and Sensibility

Marianne announces that Willoughby has given her a horse from Somersetshire and that she accepted without thinking of stables, servants, or expense. Elinor lists the practical obstacles and doubts the propriety of so large a gift from a recent acquaintance. Marianne insists that disposition, not time, creates intimacy, and that she knows Willoughby better than her brother John. Appealing to affection for their mother finally makes Marianne promise to decline. Willoughby visits, hears the refusal, and whispers that Queen Mab remains hers until she has a lasting home.

Elinor, overhearing her Christian name and his tone, concludes they are engaged and wonders why such frank people hide it. Margaret reports Willoughby cutting a lock of Marianne's hair. At the park Mrs. Jennings teases Elinor about a favorite young man; Margaret's hints about someone whose name begins with F alarm her. Colonel Brandon deflects the rain of gossip. A party to Whitwell is arranged for the next day, though Mrs. Dashwood, already ill, stays home on Elinor's advice. Imprudence and intimacy advance together, and every new token of affection strengthens the family's certainty while Elinor's practical objections go unanswered. The horse is refused, but the lock of hair and whispered Christian name leave little doubt.