Homeward — Sense and Sensibility

Willoughby neither calls nor writes for several days after Elinor has appealed to her mother. Marianne, spiritless and careless of dress, accompanies Lady Middleton to a crowded party where Elinor suddenly sees Willoughby talking with a fashionable young woman. He bows from a distance but will not approach Marianne until caught by her cry of his name. His manner is hurried and cold: he asks after Mrs. Dashwood, mentions a missed visit and card, and barely endures Marianne's touch before escaping back to his companion. Marianne collapses in white-faced agony and begs Elinor to force an explanation at once.

Elinor restrains her until they can leave, and they return home in silence. Alone, Elinor concludes that an engagement of some kind existed and that Willoughby is weary of it, though his embarrassment keeps her from thinking him a deliberate seducer from the first. She dreads the rupture Marianne must soon suffer while reflecting that her own sorrow, though deep, at least allows her mind some support. The crowded-room bow destroys Marianne's last hope that silence meant secrecy rather than rejection. That night Marianne writes Willoughby a letter full of wounded affection, and Elinor fears the reply will be colder than the bow.