Willoughby's Cut — Sense and Sensibility

Edward remains a week at Barton though he speaks of leaving with a sigh and seems to enjoy the cottage more each day. Elinor attributes his contradictions to dependence on Mrs. Ferrars, taking comfort from every mark of regard, especially the ring he still wears. At breakfast on his last morning Mrs. Dashwood advises him to choose a profession for purpose and independence. Edward confesses that family nicety left him idle after Oxford, rejected church, army, law, and navy, and that he wishes his sons could be unlike him in every way.

His despondent tone darkens the parting, which Elinor meets with deliberate self-command: she draws, works, and refuses the solitude Marianne would have chosen to feed sorrow. Soon after Edward leaves, Sir John brings unexpected visitors, the Palmers. Mrs. Charlotte Palmer is all smiles and chatter; Mr. Palmer reads a newspaper, contradicts his wife, and inspects the room with bored superiority. Mrs. Jennings reveals Charlotte's pregnancy and their rushed journey from London. Marianne is teased about Allenham; the sisters are pressed to dine at the park tomorrow despite their reluctance. Elinor notes that changed feelings, not changed hosts, make Middleton hospitality feel burdensome. Charlotte's pregnancy fills Mrs. Jennings's table with fresh gossip about London.