Sense and Sensibility

After finding Mrs. Ferrars so disagreeable, Elinor is almost glad that Lucy will be the one to deal with such a mother-in-law. Lucy, however, is gleeful at the contrast between Mrs. Ferrars’ and Fanny’s attentions to her and their slight of Elinor. She ignores the fact that such compliments “seemed only paid her because she was NOT ELINOR” rather than because they really liked her (269).

Lucy visits Elinor the next day to brag of her success with Mrs. Ferrars and Fanny. When Elinor points out that their preference for Lucy is based on their ignorance of her engagement, Lucy is defensive and brags that she looks forward to seeing much of Edward in Harley Street. Edward makes a surprise visit and is stunned to find them together. While Edward recovers a little under Elinor’s social graces, it is difficult for him as “his heart had not the indifference of Lucy’s, nor could his conscience have quite the ease of Elinor’s” (272). Elinor loiters a few minutes on the stair landing before calling Marianne so that Lucy and Edward can have time alone.

Marianne greets Edward warmly, even telling him that his presence can make up for her terrible time in London.