Elinor's Burden — Sense and Sensibility

Mrs. Dashwood visits Lady Middleton with Elinor and Margaret, leaving Marianne home expecting Willoughby. They return to find his curricle waiting but Marianne fleeing upstairs in tears. Willoughby, distressed himself, announces that Mrs. Smith has sent him to London on business; he leaves almost immediately and cannot promise a quick return to Devonshire. His embarrassment, forced cheer, and refusal of open hospitality disturb Elinor far more than Mrs. Dashwood, who explains his cold farewell as Mrs. Smith's disapproval of his attachment to Marianne. She is certain they are engaged and offended that Elinor doubts it because no formal words were spoken.

Elinor loves Willoughby and hopes for honorable motives, yet the total silence of both lovers outweighs every sign of affection. She notes that a plain avowal of difficulty would suit his character better than evasive secrecy. Marianne appears at dinner red-eyed and silent, then breaks down at any mention of him. Willoughby's first withdrawal is a turn the family reads as mere external pressure, while Elinor quietly stores an uneasiness that will soon prove justified. Marianne's suffering begins in earnest the moment romance stops performing in public. No letter follows, and Marianne refuses comfort as Barton loses its brightest visitor.