Edward's Visit — Sense and Sensibility

Marianne writes to Willoughby at dawn through tears; when his reply arrives Elinor reads the formal letter that returns her letters and lock of hair, denies any engagement of affection, and announces his forthcoming marriage to another woman. Elinor is revolted by its polished cruelty while Marianne breaks into screaming grief. Mrs. Jennings, ignorant of the truth, jokes about wedding clothes until Elinor firmly denies any engagement. Sisters weep together; Marianne insists there was no formal promise though she felt as bound as law could make her, and still refuses to believe Willoughby's heart capable of such change without malignant interference.

Elinor reads Marianne's earlier notes, full of affection and baffled hope after the ball, and grieves their imprudence as much as his treachery. Marianne demands to go home to comfort their mother but must wait for civility to Mrs. Jennings. Willoughby's written dismissal lands like a verdict: no engagement, no fault, only his upcoming marriage announced in polished cruelty. It forces the sisters' first direct comparison of hidden sorrows, when Marianne, in misery, still calls Elinor happy because Edward loves her, and Elinor's quiet answer, that many circumstances forbid her that comfort, lets Marianne begin to see that sensibility performed in public is not the only shape suffering takes.