Barton Cottage — Sense and Sensibility

The sisters' disagreement over Edward sharpens while they are still living at Norland. Marianne doubts his taste for drawing; Elinor defends his judgment and admits, under pressure, that she esteems and likes him far more than her calm language suggests. She still refuses to call the attachment secure, citing Edward's dependence on a difficult mother and the need for fortune or rank in any marriage she could prudently make. Marianne and Mrs. Dashwood have been hoping too fast; Elinor's caution brings them back to reality. The scene turns when Fanny insults Mrs. Dashwood with warnings about women who try to draw Edward in, given Mrs. Ferrars's ambition for both sons.

Mrs. Dashwood answers with open contempt and resolves to leave at once rather than expose Elinor to another week of insinuation. Salvation arrives by post: Sir John Middleton, a Devonshire relation, offers Barton Cottage on easy terms and invites the family to inspect it. Distance from Norland, once unthinkable, now feels like relief. Mrs. Dashwood accepts immediately. Elinor, though sorry to leave Edward's neighbourhood, recognizes the prudence of removing from Fanny's power and the impossibility of dignified life under her brother's roof. Barton promises modest independence and a fresh start the women desperately need.