Edward's Honor — Sense and Sensibility

As January approaches Mrs. Jennings invites Elinor and Marianne to spend the winter with her near Portman Square. Elinor refuses for both, citing their mother, but Marianne's eager acceptance exposes how desperately she hopes to see Willoughby in London. Elinor sees that Marianne will pursue him regardless of Mrs. Jennings's vulgarity or social cost and stops opposing the plan, referring it to Mrs. Dashwood, who insists both daughters go for pleasure, improvement, and possible reconciliation with John. Elinor objects that Mrs. Jennings's society offers little protection or consequence, but Marianne scorns the scruple.

Elinor resolves to accompany her rather than leave her unchaperoned and notes from Lucy that Edward will not reach town before February, so their visit may end before facing him. She tries weakly to cool her mother's hopes about Edward by professing indifference to his family. Marianne is transported; only Elinor treats the parting as less than eternal. They depart in the first week of January while the Steeles remain at Barton Park until the Middletons leave. The move toward London pairs Marianne's open romantic quest with Elinor's concealed grief, two sisters travelling to the same city for opposite reasons. Two sisters travel to London for opposite reasons, one seeking a lover, one hiding a wound.