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Part 1
Posted on 2011-04-19
EXPRESS FROM ELINOR DASHWOOD TO JOHN DASHWOOD
Tuesday, February 7, 1797
Norland Park
Dear Brother John,
I am afraid that the alarm you might have had from receiving this note by express is not unfounded. Our dear father has been taken most seriously ill and the doctor believes he is likely to soon meet his heavenly reward. Papa seems to know this for though he is much of the time in a haze of delirium he is most anxious to see you before the end. Please come as soon as may be, for we know he can have no rest until you're here.
Your sister,
Elinor D.
LETTER FROM MISS HELSTONE TO COLONEL BRANDON
Tuesday, February 7, 1797
Westgate Buildings, Bath
Dear Colonel Brandon,
I am exceedingly sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but so it must be for my father is in no health to write at present and the news can no longer be concealed. I am afraid that your ward Miss Williams has left our lodgings to parts unknown. She gave no warning, left no message or indeed any other indication that would help us trace her whereabouts as, I can assure you, we have most diligently tried to.
The impulse for her actions, however, can be traced. Soon after arriving in Bath, Miss Williams made the acquaintance of a gentleman with whom she was most taken and who showed her marked partiality. The gentleman's full name and origin are not known, for Miss Williams simply called him "my friend." Their behavior to each other was such that a warm attachment was considered to be certain, though it was proven to be one sided. Some three weeks ago he disappeared from our circle, leaving Miss Williams anxious and hoping for his return. Ten days ago she was found in acute distress in her rooms, certain that he had no intention of returning. Her only words, quite clearly spoken were "John has abandoned us."
Certain conclusions, though abhorrent, must be drawn from such a situation. Miss Williams had some little money left, but certainly not enough to provide herself with a respectable situation for long. Whatever reproaches you must now hold against her, I should advise you to come as soon as may be to Bath if you are to have any hope of ever finding her.
I remain, respectfully,
Susanna Helstone
LETTER FROM JOHN DASHWOOD TO FANNY DASHWOOD
Thursday, February 9, 1797
Norland Park
Beloved Fanny,
My father's suffering is over. To my great comfort I was fortunate enough to arrive while he still lived and was able to converse with him to the last, though he was much pained. The girls and their mother are much grieved and the house is immersed in sorrow. I miss you and Harry exceedingly and long for the comfort of your presence.
Yours, always,
John
LETTER FROM SIR JOHN TO MRS DASHWOOD
Thursday, August 3, 1797
Barton Park, Devonshire
Dear cousin Dashwood,
Once more I should like to tell you how sorry I was to hear of your husband's passing last February. Though we met but once, he seemed to me a most excellent man and I know he has been exceedingly missed.
I have heard that you are in search of a new dwelling for your family and I am pleased to offer what I believe to be an excellent solution to your relocation needs. But half a mile from my resident in Barton Park stands a house which also takes the name of the village that can be glimpsed at the nearby hills: Barton Cottage. It was built not many years ago and stands in excellent repair, being ready for immediate possession.
The house has four bedrooms, two garrets, a nice sitting room and a good kitchen. It is already furnished and though the tiled roof is in need of some minor repairs, it is nothing that a few hours work will not mend. The garden is small but well tended, for one of my under gardeners has made it his task to keep it in bloom as much as possible the roses in particular I believe to be always pleasing to the ladies. The view of the valley below and of the hills is most charming, and I should think that though much more modest than what you've been used to, Barton Cottage, at 50 pounds a year, would make a fine home indeed.
It would be very pleasant a thing indeed for myself and Lady Middleton to have you so near us, and I believe that though far from what your girls have known all their lives, the change of air to Devonshire will do them some good. I urge you to come and stay with us at Barton Park with your girls for as long as you like and judge for yourself whether you believe the cottage to be suitable. We are very fond of company and would have the greatest pleasure in hosting you. Until then, I remain,
Your cousin,
Sir John
LETTER FROM MRS DASHWOOD TO SIR JOHN
Saturday, August 5, 1797
Norland Park
Dear Sir John,
I thank you most heartily for your exceedingly friendly letter of the 3rd. Your intelligence was very welcome indeed and I'm very pleased to accept your kind offer to take the lease of the house for at least a year. Barton Cottage seems a very pleasant place and your exceedingly generous terms suit us very well. I believe a change of air at this moment would do us all some good and though we have none of us been to Devonshire I am sure we will be very pleased with it. Indeed, with such kind friends nearby I cannot but believe that we will soon be quite at home.
We should like to take possession of the house directly. I beg you not to worry for our sake I am sure that whatever improvements may be needed can be undertook leisurely once we have settled. If you have no objections, we shall arrange our travel plans as soon as may be.
My kindest regards to yourself, Lady Middleton and the children.
Your grateful cousin,
Louisa Dashwood
LETTER FROM SIR JOHN TO MRS DASHWOOD
Tuesday, August 8, 1797
Barton Park
My dear cousin Dashwood,
How pleased I was to hear that the situation and particulars of Barton Cottage fit so well to your needs! Speak not of gratitude, for I am exceedingly happy to have such pleasant relations settled so near. Be assured that at Barton Park you will always find the warmest of welcomes and that we shall do our best to keep you vastly entertained as soon as propriety allows.
I have seen to it that the house be aired and that any minor repairs are made so it will be ready to receive you whenever you wish to come. Lady Middleton has reminded me that you are sure to have a cargo you wish to accompany you (linen and furniture and anything else of the sort) and that doing so by water is for certain to be much more convenient. As soon as that is resolved, I do not think there are reasons for delay and we can have you and the girls settled as soon as September comes. Do let me know if I can be of use.
I remain until then,
Your cousin,
Sir John
LETTER FROM MRS DASHWOOD TO SIR JOHN
Thursday, August 10, 1797
Norland Park
Dear Sir John,
I must, indeed, thank you, for your kindness and the friendship you have so freely bestowed upon us. It is during these dark moments that our true friends are known to us and I am exceedingly grateful to count you among them.
It seems to me that Lady Middleton's suggestion furnishes us with the best possible solution and accordingly our effects will be sent by water in the course of a day or two. The servants which will accompany us from Norland shall be then dispatched by coach to Barton to prepare for our arrival. We shall arrive at the cottage ourselves on the first or second day of the month.
Yours, &c.,
Louisa Dashwood
ELINOR'S DIARY
Friday, September 3, 1797
Barton Cottage
We arrived at Barton Cottage at last. It is small and as different from our beloved Norland as may be, but we must resign ourselves and brave our new life as well as we can. My pictures now hang on the walls and Marianne's music fills the rooms, but the house still feels foreign to us with its dark and narrow steps. But I must not complain it is a roof over our heads within our now very moderate means and stands far away from those who do not wish us near. We shall learn to live here and be as happy as we can.
Much has been talked already of future improvements to the Cottage. I did not have the heart to say anything, so fatigued and heartbroken were we all, but there are very few things indeed we shall be able to afford when it comes to improvements, however needed or desired they may be.
Sir John came to see us this morning. He seems an earnest and good man and though his manners are not those to suit me best, I am profoundly grateful for the help he has given us. Dear Norland, so beloved to us all, had become a prison rather than a home these last months and despite the pain of leaving so many happy memories behind I am glad we are no longer there.
Marianne talked much of Edward and of the pain I must feel in being separated from him. I have tried to be composed and not show it, but the pain is there nonetheless. Yet while I do miss him, I cannot help but wonder at what has passed between us. These months at Norland he was so kind, so attentive in a moment where I found myself with such dark thoughts, that I could not help esteeming him for it. And yet there is something in his conduct that I cannot account for. Though I have tried to guard my heart and not see his behavior to me as kinder and more affectionate than his behavior to my mother and sisters, his attentions were such that Fanny most certainly noticed them with displeasure and left my mother and sisters with no doubt of an attachment. Too many romantic notions I can ascribe to my own family, but Mrs. John Dashwood's suspicions I have a harder time reconciling. Perhaps she was concerned over nothing, but that she was concerned at all shows at a minimum that she sensed that Edward's behavior towards me was different from his behavior towards Marianne, which was in my eyes as kind and as affectionate one could wish, though might never receive, from a brother.
This then I cannot comprehend. If Edward is attached to me, why then has he said nothing? Prudence, perhaps, has kept him from entering an engagement at a time when he has no financial resources and is wholly dependent on the dictates of his mother, who will not allow him to marry as he may wish. This I can understand, for though I do not believe money to be the foremost consideration when a match is made, marrying without a sufficient competence for support is folly in the extreme. What I cannot understand is that if he knew from the first that he was not at liberty to attach himself to a girl that had neither rank nor fortunate on her side, why would he behave in such a way as to give rise to expectations? I cannot deny that he was most proper at all times and never spoke to me of things which could be constructed as promises, yet I do feel he had a regard for me which he made clear and that he felt himself unable to act upon it. He may not have meant to engage my feelings to such an extent or pain me in any way, but engaged they were and pained now I find that I most unwillingly am.
Perhaps it is unfair to expect so much of him. Perhaps being at Norland constrained his actions or he did not feel at liberty to act on his feelings then, yet expects that his circumstances soon will change. Time will tell if his attachment has persevered or even if we were all mistaken about there being an attachment at all. Try as I may to contain my feelings, I cannot deny that I do hope that all my doubts regarding what has passed between us are unfounded and that Edward will prove to be worthy of the esteem I have bestowed on him.
NOTE FROM LADY MIDDLETON TO MRS DASHWOOD [DELIVERED BY SIR JOHN]
Friday, September 3, 1797
Barton Park
Dear Mrs Dashwood,
I am very pleased to welcome you and your daughters to our neighborhood, as any relation of Sir John's must prove an agreeable addition to our circle. I would like to pay my respects to you as soon as a visit will not present an inconvenience. Please advise Sir John of a suitable day and time.
Yours, &c.,
M. Middleton
NOTE FROM SIR JOHN TO COLONEL BRANDON
Monday, September 4, 1797
Barton Park
My dear Brandon,
As we have learned you are in the neighborhood, Lady Middleton and I beg you to be so kind as to come earlier than planned and dine with us tonight. As you know, my cousin Mrs. Dashwood has recently moved to Barton Cottage and I think she and her daughters could do with the company of such an amiable fellow as yourself. The youngest is very lively, though I think you'll like the oldest two better Ms Elinor looks to be just as sensible as you, while Ms. Marianne apparently is very musical and I know you're vastly fond of a tune yourself. Mrs. J is now with us and is very desirous of your presence, and bids me to tell you the girls are monstrously pretty, so much so that she thinks one of them might entice you to leave your bachelor ways.
I am &c..,
Sir John
LETTER FROM ELINOR DASHWOOD TO JOHN DASHWOOD
Tuesday, September 5, 1797
Barton Cottage
Dear Brother John,
I hope you and your family are all in good health. We are now quite settled at Barton Cottage. It is not a large dwelling, but it is a comfortable one and I am sure we shall soon be quite at home. We are fortunate enough to have very kind neighbors in the figures of Sir John and Lady Middleton, who have made us feel quite welcome.
Mama and the girls send their best wishes to all of you.
Your sister,
Elinor
LETTER FROM COLONEL BRANDON TO HIS SISTER, MRS HAYWORTH
Tuesday, September 5, 1797
Barton Park
My dear Emma,
I hope you, my brother Hayworth and the children are keeping well. At present my health has been quite tolerable, though the old wound can be bothersome at times. The extra heat of the flannel waistcoats does help in the damp days I thank you for having suggested it.
Of Eliza I have had no news these seven months and at times I almost despair. Yet I did not give up on her mother even when things seemed most bleak and I shall most certainly not give up on her child. What pains me the most in all this is not the wrong step that she has taken, but that she does not appear to trust me enough to seek my help. She called herself a burden to me once, and though I did tell her that was not the case, I do not think I managed to convince her.
Sad news there are many, but happier tidings are also to be shared. I am very pleased to tell you that finances at Delaford have reached such a state that I can now afford to make significant improvements to the cottages of the tenants. How much these people have suffered, how desolate their lives were before moderation reigned at Delaford once more! It is a great source of pride to me to see the improvement I have been able to bring to the estate in the last five years and to see that things can be better still.
Before you accuse me of hiding away in my work, I assure you that is not the case. As you must have noticed from this letter's direction, I have come to Devonshire to spend some time with my friends at Barton Park. Yesterday I spent a rather pleasant evening where besides the presence of Sir John and Lady Middleton, I had the pleasure of the company of Mrs. Jennings and of four new additions to the Middleton's neighborly circle: a Mrs. Henry Dashwood, a cousin of Sir John's, lately widowed, and her three daughters, who have all come from Sussex to reside in Barton Cottage. They were very pleasant indeed: the middle daughter, Miss Marianne, is an accomplished musician whose music gave me much pleasure, as I scarcely have the opportunity to listen to it these days. The eldest Miss Dashwood was very amiable and seems like a very sensible young woman we had quite a deal of conversation. She seemed quite composed when Mrs. Jennings teased her about beaux she might have left behind a true accomplishment for any young woman. Her sister, I'm afraid, has not the same composure and seemed to have been offended enough on her behalf.
I shall confess to you, dear Emma, that though Miss Marianne's music gave me much pleasure, her presence I could not find as soothing as her sister's. This is no fault of her own she is simply too young and lively, too much like my own Eliza had been one day. I find that it pained me a little, talking to her, and that while such vibrancy once attracted me and inspired me, I now cannot perceived it in the same amiable light when I know what follies it can lead one to. She is very young still but seventeen and will certainly grow and mature. For her sake, I hope her lessons need not be as bitter as those once faced by another such as her.
I shall close now my dear and spare you the expense of another page. Tell my brother Hayworth to expect a letter regarding business matters in a couple of days.
Your affectionate brother,
Christopher B.
ELINOR'S DIARY
Tuesday, September 5, 1797
Barton Cottage
We have been at Barton these three days now and it seems as if an eternity has passed. How is dear, dear Norland missed! No matter the improvements we may make here, Barton Cottage will always seem a sad place in comparison. Meg cried again last night, though I do not believe she knows I overheard her and Marianne cannot stop her list of complaints. Mama does not say as much, but her eyes tell much in turn. They all seem comforted by the idea that we will soon have a visitor in the form of Edward, but I am not as sanguine. I cannot pretend that he would be entirely unwelcome, but I would rather he stayed away if he has not made up his mind regarding me, for I know my family expects a proposal soon. On my own disappointment, I would rather not dwell.
Distractions from our situation, it seems, we shall have in abundance. We were at Barton Park last evening, for Sir John insisted on hosting us as soon as may be. In addition to Lady Middleton and the children, we made the acquaintance of Mrs. Jennings, Lady Middleton's mother and of Colonel Brandon, a friend of Sir John from Dorsetshire.
What a strange party it was! Mrs. Jennings is a merry sort of woman and seems much more likely to have been Sir John's mother than that of his wife. Sir John's friendship with the Colonel I was also hard pressed to explain, for they seemed to me very different Sir John so merry, the Colonel so grave.
Now that she no longer has daughters left to marry herself, Mrs. Jennings seems determined to marry everyone else. Her teasing of beaux I could tolerate very well were it not for Marianne's insistence on displaying whatever comes to her mind on her face. Her indignation on my behalf mortified me more than Mrs. J's behavior ever could.
The evening did have its pleasures, for the Colonel, grave as he was, turned out to be quite good company. Marianne and Meg seem determined to abuse him for being too old he is five-and-thirty or thereabouts but I found his address most gentleman-like and his manners quite agreeable. I would not call him handsome, but he has a pleasant countenance and, most importantly, some very sensible conversation to offer. He also seemed quite immune to Mrs. Jennings's teasing and remarks, for which I was most thankful. I hope he remains for some time, for I cannot believe I shall find anyone else I can talk to in that house.
LETTER FROM MRS JENNINGS TO MRS PALMER
Tuesday, September 5, 1797
Barton Park
My dear Charlotte,
Your news gave me the greatest pleasure! I'm very pleased to see you have regained your usual spirits and now that the baby has quickened you are much more at ease. I know how hard you have taken the loss you suffered earlier in the year, but it is just as I told you the Lord shall be merciful and his kindness shall prevail; I am sure that the unhappy event of this past February shall be supplanted in our memory by our welcome of a young Mr. or Miss Palmer into the world.
Here at Barton things have been at their usual pace, though we've had a very welcome addition to our inner circle as Sir John's cousin, Mrs. Dashwood, the late widow of Henry Dashwood of Norland Park in Sussex, has come with her three daughters to live at Barton Cottage. Though they have not said a word regarding it, I have heard that the heir to the estate, a son from Mr. D's first marriage, quite ran them out of the house, leaving them nearly penniless! If not for Sir John's generosity (for he rents them the Cottage at £50 a year when he could have gotten much more for it), only the Lord knows where they would have ended.
Though they have no dowries, the girls are very pretty things indeed. The youngest is not yet out, but the two eldest are just at the right age for getting beaux and having so successfully dealt with my own daughters, I now find that I have the greatest desire to help others achieve the same results. I shall do my best indeed to have one of the Dashwood girls married before the year is out, for they seem good girls at heart and most deserving of being well settled.
The Colonel came last evening and was early enough to join us at dinner. He seemed quite taken with Miss Marianne's music how well she plays! but spent quite some time talking with the eldest Miss Dashwood. What a splendid match that could be! I do hope that Miss D. will able to convince the Colonel to let go of his bachelor ways. It was still too soon, perhaps, when the two of you met, for he was much concerned about Delaford's finances then (and not knowing how that would end I should not have liked to trust him with you), but now that things have improved I think he can well afford to keep a wife in addition to his matched pairs of horses. Still, we cannot repine for what was not to be, for I think you quite well settled with Mr. P. in Cleveland, especially now that such a well desired addition is upon you.
I shall close now, for there is much to do. Sir John is planning a cold chicken party for Friday and your sister is much occupied in the nursery for AnnaMaria has a cold.
Your loving mama,
C. Jennings
NOTE FROM COLONEL BRANDON TO MRS DASHWOOD
Sunday, September 17, 1797
Barton Park
Dear Mrs. Dashwood,
I thank you most heartily for the kind hospitality you extended on yesterday's visit. Miss Dashwood and I, as you might have noticed, had a lengthy discussion on history and I have taken the liberty of sending a book on the subject which I have brought to Barton. I hope she will derive as much enjoyment from it as I did from her intelligent remarks.
Knowing now that you and the young ladies are very fond of books and being aware of certain limitations of the Park, I should like to offer the use of my own library at Delaford, incomplete as it may be, and declare that I would be most happy to have conveyed any books you may desire. There are not many novels I am afraid, but a number of books on music, nature and history and such classics of our literature which I believe to be of general interest. I do hope you will accept my offer, for it would give me much pleasure to see the books in the hands of people who enjoy them.
I am, &c., &c.,
Colonel C. Brandon
ELINOR'S DIARY
Sunday, September 17, 1797
Barton Cottage
We had a rather more pleasant visit yesterday than expected. Sir John, Lady Middleton and Mrs. Jennings came, bringing the Colonel as well. With him at least some sensible conversation was to be had and he seemed to me to-day less grave than before.
Reading the paragraph above I see I have been most unkind with our neighbors and that will not do. Certainly, their conversation is perhaps too limited and when it comes to Sir John and Mrs. Jennings perhaps a bit vulgar, but they have treated us with so much warmth and kindness that I am ashamed to point out their follies instead of their virtues.
And as for follies, I have encountered them in my own family I am afraid that "sensible" is not something I may call my sisters, for they spent the morning exclaiming how old and infirm the Colonel is! Certainly he is not in his first youth, but I would not call old a man of five-and-thirty who still rides every day and is a fair sportsman (at least by Sir John's reckoning and in this particular regard I shall take his word without reservations).
Mrs. Jennings teased him a little when she saw us conversing, but seemed rather disappointed when she learned we were speaking of drainage systems (the Colonel seems an excellent landlord and very keen in improving the lives of his tenants). We then moved on to talk of history and though he was quite surprised to learn that my knowledge of military campaigns was extensive, we had a very pleasant conversation on the subject.
Still, as pleasant as he is, there is something rather odd about him. Marianne sang to us once more, in her usual good form, and I could see that the Colonel delighted in her performance (indeed, his correct appreciation of music is the one virtue Marianne will not deny him). At the same time, however, he seemed rather pained to hear her, as if it brought him bad memories. Sir John has hinted that something rather painful in his past has led him to his solitary lifestyle. I do not know how accurate this representation is (indeed, I would not be surprised if it has been widely romanticized), but I do feel sorry that such a good man has had such a great deal to do with suffering there is too much of it in the world.
We received today a kind note from him along with a book on history I mentioned being sorry to have left behind at Norland and an open invitation to access his library whenever we may wish. It was very kind of him to do so, for I fear Meg's education has been much neglected of late and what we have available to us now is quite insufficient to the task of improving her general understanding.
Meg talks frequently of Norland and all we have left behind and is more often than not supported by Mama and Marianne in her woes. Though I have tried not to let it show, I miss Norland just as fiercely as they do. I miss its woods, its drawing rooms, the bed on which I slept for ten years and the beloved paths I got lost in with my sketchbook. I've had no head for drawing since we've arrived, though I have blamed it on the lack of time. I feel rather ashamed sometimes that I seem to miss the house more than I miss Papa. Yet I know Norland was more than just a house to us all it was our home and the memory of the happy times we had permeated the air while we were there. At Barton Cottage, nothing but the sea breeze seems to hang around us.
I find that despite my best efforts, these melancholy thoughts will not go away and I try very hard not to show them. Marianne has censured me in a veiled way for being too composed and not wasting away from the distance that separates me from Edward and the fact that we've had no news of him. I cannot deny that I miss his presence and conversation and the uplifting effect he had on us all. And yet more and more I feel as if his attentions to me were very marked indeed and thus I cannot comprehend his subsequent actions or lack thereof. I've had little experience with suitors or even with being in the company eligible gentleman, but when I contrast his conduct, for instance, with that of the Colonel, I do feel that while Edward did not cross any lines of propriety or make any promises to me, his feelings were clear. I cannot think indeed I have not contemplated it and it would have shamed me to have done so that he meant to make me fall in love with him for sport, as many a so-called gentleman do. It is not in his nature at all to act in such a way and as I think more on the subject I begin to think that he had no notion of making me fall in love with him at all. But I cannot help but believe that that whatever his pain may be on not being at liberty to act on his feelings, he did not consider the pain it would cause me if I was unable to act upon mine and this thought troubles me exceedingly.
ELINOR'S DIARY
Wednesday, 20 September, 1797
Barton Cottage
Marianne has had a bad fall and twisted her ankle, but is very happy indeed about it, for she was rescued by a handsome stranger that seemed to come out of one of her beloved novels.
John Willoughby is the name of "Marianne's preserver" (in Margaret's own words), owner of Combe Magna in Somersetshire and heir to Allenhan Court which stands so near us. From what little we have seen of him in the short moments he was with us he seemed a pleasant, good humored and respectable gentleman. Marianne is in raptures and looks forward to his visit tomorrow, for he has promised to call to see how she gets on.
Sir John stopped by and seems to believe Mr. Willoughby a congenial man. "No bolder rider in the County" were his words but that did not suffice for Marianne. She needs to know what his manners are at closer acquaintance, if there is passion and romance hidden in his soul. I'm rather afraid Mr. Willoughby will face a barrage of questions on the morrow regarding his feelings on nature, music, Cowper and Scott. For both their sakes, I hope he passes Marianne's test.
ELINOR'S DIARY
Wednesday, September 27, 1797
Barton Cottage
It has been a week since Mr. Willoughby was introduced to us and the change that has come upon the house is remarkable. Where once stood a forlorn household can now a happy home be found, for Willoughby has captivated us all.
Marianne is a changed creature. I have never seen her so happy or so well pleased, so disposed to think the best of someone. Willoughby has no faults indeed, to suggest such a possibility would be akin to blasphemy.
I confess that I like Willoughby as well: his manners are pleasant and he seems to bring with him gaiety whenever he goes. I've yet to hear him speak of more serious subjects, but I blame that more on the fact that Marianne would rather speak of the melancholic beauty of autumn leaves than the wield autumn harvests. I'm also rather grateful to him for selfish reasons. Ever since he appeared, there has been no talk of Edward Ferrars. My mother and sisters are all too engrossed in Marianne's heart to wonder about mine.
The Colonel stopped by earlier in the week to see how Marianne fared, though he did not get much attention from her. He seemed unperturbed by her actions, bordering on incivility as they were (I scolded her for it, but she seemed unconcerned she seems to think he does not care much for her). It fell to me to keep him company and I do not repine, for it was as usual a pleasant task. Though I cannot deny that Mrs. Jennings and Sir John are very kind and welcoming, their usual topics of discourse are not of interest to me. This is not the case with the Colonel.
I returned his book and we had an interesting conversation on Thucydides. He seemed to be completely past his surprise at my literary tastes and value my opinion on the book; we ended up discoursing on the merits of war. He kindly drew up a list of books in his library that he believed would be of interest to me and has apologized, quite needlessly, for the scarcity of the titles available at Delaford. Though he did not go into details, it seems that his late older brother (from whom he inherited the estate, which was then falling apart and consumed by debt according to Sir John and Mrs. J) had sold a great many books including the most valuable in the collection. The Colonel has been striving to build the collection up again and seemed pleased when I offered some suggestions of my own.
I must close, for Mama calls.
LETTER FROM EDWARD FERRARS TO MRS DASHWOOD
Monday, October 16, 1797
Norland Park
Dear Mrs Dashwood,
I hope you and the girls have been keeping in good health and that the change of air to a place as far as Devonshire has proved beneficial to you all and rallied your spirits.
I am quitting Norland at present, after many months spent in my sister and brother's company. I confess that I have become quite attached to the place and am sorry to leave it, though perhaps less now than I would have been before September. The place stands as it was so faithfully captured by Miss Dashwood in her sketches, but the house and grounds, though still exceedingly lovely, have to me lost some of their charms since the departure of the kind friends that had made me so welcome.
Until we meet again, I remain,
Your friend,
Edward Ferrars
ELINOR'S DIARY
Monday, October 16, 1797
Barton Cottage
We have had a letter from Edward this morning. It was friendly and kind; he proclaims to miss us all. Marianne seemed to think he was not emphatic enough about it and wondered, almost affronted, why he had not declared himself to be suffering acutely due to his separation from us, myself in particular.
But though he may miss us, no promise has been made; no hint of a visit has been mentioned. Of his plans we know nothing and if we are expected to hear about them from John and Fanny I am afraid we shall forever wonder at his fate. I suppose he is now in town, under the caprices of his mother, and I do feel sorry for him, being subjected to her whims. For myself I feel less sympathy, for though I have tried my best to put him out of my thoughts, his presence still lingers in them.
Unsure as I may be of my own heart and his, the same doubts cannot remain when it comes to Marianne and Willoughby. They are together every day talking (of books, poetry, nature and whatever else Marianne considers worthy), dancing (for W. has more than common grace and is very light on his feet), playing (for he has some considerable musical talents) and reading together (for he reads aloud with enough sensibility and spirit to please even Marianne).
Mama is vastly pleased and Margaret derives endless amusement from spying on them, though we scold her for it. No anger and sad thoughts seem to linger in the house when Marianne and Willoughby are here in my sister's happiness even I find some of my own.
LETTER FROM MRS HAYWORTH TO COLONEL BRANDON
Friday, October 20, 1797
Place de la Mirande, Avignon
My Dear Christopher,
How grieved I am for all you are suffering and even more grieved for what the poor child must be going through! Do not think, my dear brother, that this is any way your fault or that Eliza does not trust you. You were always so good and kind to her that she sees you like her father and must be very pained for the grief she knows she has caused. She is ashamed and afraid for the future and too young to realize that she brings more pain by staying away than by coming to you. Time will make her perceive her error and I am sure that soon you shall have news from her. Once the child is born for there is no doubt in my mind that there must be a child I should think that her love for it and her desire to protect it shall outweigh her own self recriminations.
I am glad, though not surprised, that things have so improved at Delaford. Your levelheadedness and fair management could not but bear fruits and I am sure those who work for you work do it twice as hard for the satisfaction of having such a fair master. I am even gladder to see that you are with your friends at the Park, for they seem to always be merry and that is something you are in need of. Do not let the past get in the way of your future any longer, for you have grieved too long and had too many sorrows. If Miss Marianne's countenance pains you, enjoy her music and drink in the sights of Miss Dashwood, for I'm sure such a sensible girl shall be quite happy to have all of your attentions to herself.
I shall close for the children need me. Sending you all our love, I remain,
Your most affectionate sister,
Emma H.
LETTER FROM MR EUGENE LIGHTWOOD, SOLICITOR, TO COLONEL BRANDON
Wednesday, October 27, 1797
Lightwood & Wrayburn, Solicitors, London
Dear Colonel Brandon,
I am afraid I have no news to report regarding Miss Williams. Inquiries have been made from London as far as Scotland and the area around Bath thoroughly searched, to no avail. Her friends and old schoolmates proclaim to know nothing of her whereabouts and appear to be honest in their assertions. As a last desperate resort old associates of Miss Williams' mother have also been questioned. Most denied even knowing of the girl's existence and no new intelligence could be obtained regarding her.
Two points of some delicacy must now, regrettably be addressed. The first is Miss Williams' birth father. After much avoidance on his part, he was finally found and questioned. He claims not to know of her whereabouts and have no interest in them or Miss Williams herself. As he expressed no surprise and indeed seemed, I beg your pardon, faintly amused regarding Miss Williams' fate, I do not believe him to disassemble on the subject.
The second is Miss Williams' seducer. Further enquiries have confirmed the description we had previously obtained of "John" as a man of medium height, handsome figure and dark hair and eyes. No distinguishing features could be recognized, thought it seems that from his manner of talking and carrying himself he appears to be a gentleman of some, if not considerable means. Though his precise identity or location have not been found out, one additional piece of information has come to light: his family name starts with a W. Miss Helstone, with much reluctance, has "found" inside one of her books a note from him to Miss Williams (which I've enclosed) where "W" stands as his signature. She still maintains not to know more of the matter and her father (whose health has been declining alarmingly) believes her wholly and does not press her.
This discovery however, does not amount to much. As I had previously mentioned, we cannot know for sure that he did not present himself to Miss Williams under a false identity. Even if we could confirm that he did not do so, there are hundreds of Mr. John W's that match his description through the country, many of which have passed through Bath earlier in the year. I do not believe further inquiries on the matter would be successful, nor that searching for Mr. W will lead us closer to Miss Williams, as we have been able to confirm she most certainly did not leave town with him.
Colonel, as we have reached our eight month of searches I am afraid there is nothing more than can be done. Unless Miss Williams ends up in the poor house (a fate, I am sure, you would not wish upon her) or contacts you directly, I am afraid our chances of finding her are extremely small. We can continue to canvass her most likely destinations and hope for the best, but I do not believe we can hope for much. Please advise me on how to proceed.
Respectfully, I remain,
Eugene Lightwood
Solicitor
Lightwood & Wrayburn
NOTE FROM MR W. TO MISS WILLIAMS [SENT TO COLONEL BRANDON BY MR LIGHTWOOD]
[Undated, no location]
Beloved Eliza,
How dearly is your presence missed; how I pine for your smiles and looks! I cannot go another day without seeing you, for I am sure to die of a broken heart! Wicked creature! How you have tormented these past days with your reticence. Do you not love me? Are you not mine? I cannot think of any other reason for you to turn from me. But you are merciful and kind, I know, and shall allow my torment to end. Tonight my dear, I shall have you in my arms at last.
I remain, as always, yours
W.
ELINOR'S DIARY
Thursday, October 26, 1797
Barton Cottage
We had a rather pleasant evening at the Park last yesterday. Marianne and Willoughby only had eyes for each other, to the great amusement of Sir John and Mrs. Jennings. Though I cannot condone the fact that their behavior bordered on incivility, I cannot help but be pleased by their happiness. His frank and graceful manners and rapidity of thought seem to suit my sister's earnest and animated demeanor.
Happy as I might be for them, most of my evening was spent contemplating sad memories, for it seems Mrs. Jennings's conjectures about the Colonel's painful past have a grain of truth to them. He was observing Marianne last night, with his usual graveness, and I could not help but see that his eyes did not hold censure, as I feared and she believes, but an infinite sadness. He was rather intrigued about Marianne's thoughts on second attachments (or rather, her unfailing certainty that they were impossible) and confessed to me that Marianne's temper and mind reminded him keenly of a lady he once knew, but seamed surprised to have voiced the topic at all and said no more on the subject. I did not press him for more indeed I could not bring myself to touch on so delicate a subject or bring him pain but I confess I have wondered much about the unnamed lady, for I am certain that the misery of disappointed hopes is the source of the melancholy that seems to come often upon him and that she must be its root.
How sorry I am that a man such as the Colonel has found himself so disappointment in the past and that this disappointment still haunts him so! It makes me determined, however, to fight against my own inclinations and put out of my head thoughts that only bring me misery and pain.
ELINOR'S DIARY
Friday, October 27, 1797
Barton Cottage
I am rather cross this morning and I am afraid that I have let my feelings be quite well known. Much as I dislike confrontations, I could not have remained silent I think quite highly of Colonel Brandon and to have him so abused by Willoughby and Marianne as he was could not but make him an advocate on his behalf.
Certainly, he is not a man of youth or dashing manners, but though he is at times quite grave, his manners are very gentlemanly and his discourse intelligent, for he is a man of sense and education and has seen a great deal of the world. I have come to appreciate his company and like him very much; I am very grateful for his steadfast presence and friendship. Willoughby, however, seems determined to dislike him and Marianne does not seem to understand that a man can be have merits apart from his youth, eloquence and what she considers to be proper feelings.
In these respects, as in many others, she and Willoughby seem to be a perfect match. They seem to agree with this belief if their behavior is any indication and I am sure that their engagement shall be soon announced to us all. I do not believe that they will delay; especially not after Margaret faithfully recounted to me the fact that Willoughby is now in possession of a lock of Marianne's hair. So intimate a gesture, I am sure, cannot long precede a formal announcement of their commitment. They might believe it unnecessary to hasten any announcements as their intentions have long been known to us, but there is no reason to delay they have no opposition to face, no one to please who does not look favorably on the match.
Despite whatever faults she may have I shall miss Marianne dreadfully. I shall, however, be consoled in the knowledge of the boundless happiness which she will experience as mistress of Combe.
ELINOR'S DIARY
Saturday, October 28, 1797
Barton Cottage
Love, it seems, does not know much of sense or understand that economy shall have to prevail upon grand gestures.
Willoughby has gifted Marianne with a horse of all things. Though his high regard for her cannot but endear him to me, I am afraid my opinion of his good sense is now diminished, for he did not seem to consider the expenses a horse would bring upon us and that we could ill afford the expenditure. I fortunately managed to make Marianne see that keeping Queen Mab would be quite impossible and am glad the matter did not reach Mama for her feelings might have overrode her financial good sense.
I also cannot help but feel that it was not quite right of Willoughby to have given Marianne such a gift before their engagement has been publicly announced. They have already elicited much talk because of their intimacy and though so far it has been nothing but good natured teasing, there are some lines that must not be crossed. Though I myself have praised Willoughby's open, affectionate manners and the perfect good breeding of a gentleman he possesses, I cannot help but notice that his frankness and vivacity often lead him to a want of caution. As Marianne is often governed solely by her own impetuous feelings, this gives me some pause as to the way they shall act in their married life.
That they shall be married is something I no longer question, though I do wonder at the lack of confirmation. The only reason I can think for them failing to officially announce their engagement is that perhaps they do not believe there is a need. In her manners, looks and speech my mother has already given her consent to the match; in their actions, Willoughby and Marianne have shown the state of affairs as it stands between them. What else, indeed, in their estimation is needed? I shall not be surprised to find them walking back from the church one morning, as bold as they pleased, after making use of a license procured by Willoughby. Mama will not scold them, I know, for she shall be too well pleased for that and even I shall be hard pressed to hold back an exasperated but fond smile.
ELINOR'S DIARY
Sunday, October 29, 1797
Barton Cottage
Margaret has just been in to apologize to me, for she seems to have gotten quite a scolding from Marianne for mentioning to Mrs. Jennings the existence of a certain "Mr. F." I know she did not mean any harm, but I am afraid I was not as composed as I should wish on the occasion and am immensely grateful to Lady Middleton and the Colonel for dispersing the subject. Whatever other faults she may have, Lady Middleton can always be counted on to never let the conversation descend too much into unsuitable topics, while the Colonel is, as always, mindful of the feelings of others.
But I shall now think of more pleasant things. It seems that Sir John's endless quest for amusements has involved even the Colonel, for he shall lead us for some twelve miles tomorrow in an outing to an estate called Whitwell. Though I am certain I shall end the day fatigued and wet through, I am most curious to see a place whose beauties have been so extolled by Sir John and which seems to bring pleasant recollections to the Colonel.
The house belongs to a Mr. Hayworth, who is married to the Colonel's sister. From his manners on talking about her, I have been left with no doubt that the he is extremely fond of her. They were not close companions in childhood, as she was sent to live with a childless widowed sister of their mother after the latter's death from childbed fever, but became closer later in life she was apparently a faithful correspondent when the Colonel was in the East Indies.
The Colonel tells me that Mrs. Hayworth is three years his senior and has been married ten years. She had no intention of marrying at all it seemed, and had engaged a companion after the death of her aunt, who had left her a comfortable inheritance, when her hand was solicited at the ripe old age of eight and twenty by a gentleman of a similar age she had been introduced to at a local assembly. They now reside in Avignon and, despite their late start in the married state, have had two children and expect soon to have another addition to the family.
How I dearly wish that Marianne had heard the tale he told me! She, who cannot imagine that love can blossom in the heart of a woman of seven-and-twenty, should be surprised to find that there are those whose passions are woken later in life. She will, I trust, most vehemently deny such a possibility and attribute whatever feelings exist to friendship and gratefulness instead of love. I cannot hold the same prejudices, for I surmise from the Colonel's warm expressions that Mr. and Mrs. Hayworth are very well suited and quite attached to one another. He seems to believe Mr. Hayworth an excellent husband and father, though I could not help but notice that he is not as complementary when it comes to his bother-in-law's political leanings. Given the unstable situation in France, I am afraid the Colonel's concerns on the subject are valid.
The animation that suffused him when talking about such a dear subject as his sister confirms my suspicious that his gravity and reserve are the result of an oppression of spirits rather than a chronic gloominess of temper. I confess that he has become an object of interest to me and also a source of caution here is the proof that disappointment can taint a lifetime. More than ever I am determined that I cannot, that I will not allow myself to spend the rest of my life in melancholy for what might have been.
LETTER FROM MRS JENNINGS TO MRS PALMER
Sunday, October 29, 1797
Barton Park
Dearest Charlotte,
I hope you and Mr. P are well and that your condition does not tire you exceedingly. Lord knows what I went through with you and Mary, though it was quite worth it to see you so plump and pretty when the time came (your sister, poor dear, was a cross and colicky baby and not so pretty to look at).
We have all been quite merry these past few weeks for Sir John loses no opportunity to have company. How many dances, pleasure parties and evening parties have we had! It feels almost as if I were young again, though I dare say I no longer attract my share of beaux as I did in the old days.
Miss Marianne and Mr. Willoughby's courtship progresses beautifully. They are so enamored as to ignore everyone else around them and Sir John and I have gotten many hours of teasing out of them for it. They do not care and indeed why should them? and I am quite sure that the next time I am in Cleveland I shall have the pleasure of carrying myself down to Combe to pay them both a visit.
Alas, not everyone is as fortunate my dear. Poor Brandon! It seems another disappointment will follow him. I had such hopes for him and the eldest Miss D., for they are always conversing with each other in the most intimate terms (though, I shall grant you, not as intimate as Mr. W and Miss Marianne). I have had it from the youngest Miss D. however that no matter how much her sisters may wish to deny it, Miss D.'s affections have been engaged since before she left Sussex by a gentleman known to us only as "Mr. F." I do not know why they should make such a fuss about denying it, for the man is apparently not lowly born and I think Miss D. too sensible to entangle herself with a man that is attached to someone else. Well, I do wish her well indeed, for she is a very nice girl, but I do feel it for poor Brandon. Such an amiable man, and such a pretty little estate he has I am sure you have not forgotten the mulberry-trees we so delighted on that summer.
I must close, for we are to Whitwell in the morning and a long and wet journey we may expect. Do take care of yourself dearest and write to me at once if you need me close.
Your affectionate mama,
C. Jennings
LETTER FROM COLONEL BRANDON TO HIS SISTER, MRS HAYWORTH
Sunday, October 29, 1797
Barton Park
My dear sister,
I remain in good health but rather low spirits, for there have been no news of Eliza. My concern grows each day for if she is, as we strongly suspect, expecting, her confinement should come very soon. I think of her, alone and afraid, and my heart aches. I curse the day I allowed her out of my sight.
I shall not dwell, however, in self-reproach and misery, for as you approach your own confinement the last thing I should wish is to distress you. I shall instead focus on more pleasant things, such as the fact that France and Austria are now at peace. I confess, my dear, that this news brought me some peace of my own, for I am, as always, worried about your situation in Avignon. I shall never be completely tranquil until I see you settled at Whitwell, but I understand my bother Hayworth's obligations and your desire to remain by him.
Sir John, as usual, joins in my desire to see you all settled in England once more, for he desires as many additions to the neighborhood as there can possibly be (his idea of "neighborhood," as you can see, extends a bit far). Tomorrow we are once more to make a party to see your delightful grounds at Whitwell and the only thing that could possibly make it more pleasurable, in his own words, would be to have you as our hostess. While you remain in France, Sir John magnanimously shall accept me as a poor substitute to your grace and charm.
Sir John and Mrs. Jennings are in excellent spirits, for besides enjoying the usual parties and amusements they have found a perfect target for their teasing: Miss Marianne Dashwood and Mr. Willoughby of Allenhan, the cousin and heir of Mrs. Smith, whose open courtship has become the subject of the neighborhood.
Miss Marianne, as you may remember me mentioning, is the middle daughter of the widowed Mrs. Dashwood who has taken residence in Barton Cottage. She is a lovely young woman, clever and mercifully unaffected, but so much like my own Eliza at times such warmth of heart and eagerness of spirits without an ounce of prudence to moderate them that I find it hard to keep my composure and address her. She does not seem to mind it in the least, however, for she only has eyes for Mr. Willoughby.
Of Willoughby I think a bit less. He has been a habitual visitor in the neighborhood and though his manners do not suit me, I cannot fault him for them, for they are perfectly gentlemanlike. Perhaps I am a bit unfair to him, for after all it is not his fault that he bears the accursed initial "W" or that he has had no obstacles to be with the woman he loves. I should like him better, perhaps, if he stopped trying to sell me his brown mare and drove his curricle more sensibly.
That Miss Marianne and Mr. Willoughby make for such good sport has not discouraged Mrs. Jennings from her quest to find me a suitable matrimonial prospect. Having no longer daughters of her own to foster upon me, she is now determined to pair me with Miss Elinor Dashwood, despite the fact that the young lady is some sixteen years my junior. I have long since learned that the best way to escape Mrs. Jennings is not to protest her machinations, but simply ignore her remarks and Miss Dashwood seems to have instinctually perceived the same, for she carries on conversing with me as usual and gives no credence to Mrs. Jennings teasing.
I shall confess to be very glad for that, for Miss D. has proven herself to have a strong understanding and sound judgment, besides being very well read. But I should not wish you to thing her an aloof bluestocking, for she possesses an affectionate disposition and an excellent heart. She is just as lovely as her sister, but has a more delicate complexion and flaxen hair in the place of chestnut. She draws very well and is very interested in military history, to the disappointment of Mrs. J., who would rather find us conversing of Pope and Scott, as do Mr. W and Miss Marianne, than of the Roman Campaigns. Though I shall not denigrate the merits of poetry, I cannot deny that I have found a great pleasure in having found a friend whose interests match my own and whose knowledge can enlighten me at times. That such a friend is a young gentlewoman and not a fellow officer did indeed surprise me, but I think I have learned at last to enjoy the good things that happen to me instead of focusing on contemplating the bad.
Do not think, however, that my admiration for Miss D. reaches the levels Mrs. J. expects. As much as I like and admire her she is much too young and even if she were not I do not, as you know, believe it fair to any woman to marry a man whose heart is much more another's than hers. Most importantly, Miss D. certainly does not contemplate me in such light notwithstanding the fact that I am but five years her mother's junior, Mrs. J. has managed to have the youngest Dashwood reveal that her sister's heart is engaged by a "Mr. F." whom she left behind in Sussex. Miss Marianne's vehement denials and Miss D.'s expression on hearing such a declaration were more than enough to confirm it. I feel sorry for her a broken heart is a painful burden to carry.
I shall close now my dear, sending my best love to you and the children and greetings to your husband.
Yours &c, &c.,
Christopher B.
EXPRESS FROM ELIZA WILLIAMS TO COLONEL BRANDON [REDIRECTED FROM DELAFORD]
Sunday, October 29, 1797
My dear sir,
I take the pen with a trembling hand for I know I have no right to address you after the great disgust I have given you. Whatever injuries I have suffered I brought them upon myself with my own foolishness and weakness; I weep more now for the pain I have caused you and the loss of your esteem. I appeal, however, sir, to the infinite goodness and kindness you have shown me from infancy and ask you once more to extend your hand in mercy. The outcome of my shameful actions I am sure you have guessed and my time comes so increasingly near as to terrify me most heartily, not for my own sake, but for the sake of the child that shall be friendless in this world if not for you. For your aid, sir, I beg and for the comfort of your own presence I pray most heartily, though I know I do not deserve it.
I remain, most humbly,
Your cousin,
Eliza Williams
Part 2
Posted on 2011-04-23
ELINOR'S DIARY
Tuesday, October 31, 1797
Barton Cottage
I have had much to ponder since yesterday, when our party to Whitwell was unexpectedly canceled. It was not, as we had initially feared, by the weather, but by Colonel Brandon having to leave us quite unexpectedly. He received an express during breakfast and, in a state of profound agitation, quit Barton for London as soon as his horse could be saddled, resisting all entreaties that his journey be delayed for a few hours.
The Colonel did not divulge the contents of the express and only impressed upon us that his business was most urgent and that he was extremely sorry to have to disappoint us. Speculation as to the reason for his departure started even before he left. Though she thought at first that some financial problems might be behind it, Mrs. Jennings's now seems determined to believe that it something to do with a certain Miss Williams. Whether this is true or not I cannot speculate (nor do I wish to I am sure that the Colonel would not have left if it were not really important, despite what Willoughby might believe), but the revelation that followed the mention of Miss Williams' existence I cannot put out of my mind try as I may. Mrs. Jennings it seems, believes that she is not a distant relation of the Colonel's as it is has been said, but in fact his natural daughter!
It is true that Mrs. Jennings has known the Colonel for years, while our acquaintance is of but two months, but here I must trust my own discernment. The Colonel is a man of the greatest worth and respectability, a perfect gentleman in all his actions and with as irreproachable a character as I have ever met. I cannot believe that he may have fathered a natural child, though I know that is common enough in the higher echelon of societies (and perhaps even more often then). I suppose that the possibility of a youthful indiscretion, however unlikely I may find it, does exist. If it were indeed true, I am absolutely certain that in the Colonel's case whatever indiscretion that may have taken place it would have been more a response to youth and loneliness than a want of moral principles. And if it is indeed true, I can certainly see the Colonel doing his utmost by the girl, such as attending so promptly to her in an hour of need and calling her a distant relation instead of acknowledging her as a daughter to spare her the indignity of illegitimacy.
Though the reason for the Colonel's departure has enticed my curiosity despite my best efforts, of greater concern to me is the behavior of Marianne and Willoughby. After the Colonel's departure our party was further divided and they took off to parts unknown. They did not remain unknown for long, for Mrs. Jennings's announced that they had been at Allenham, where W. spent some time showing Marianne the house. I could scarcely credit it to go into the house uninvited, without knowing Mrs. Smith or securing an introduction and completely unchaperoned! but Marianne confirmed it all and seemed astonished that I should find anything improper about her behavior.
I know Mrs. Jennings and Sir John mean nothing with their teasing and only want to amuse themselves, but Marianne's behavior has been leaving her exposed to very impertinent remarks. If there is not a single family in the neighborhood, of gentry and laborers alike, that does not know of their comings and goings I shall be very much surprised.
LETTER FROM COLONEL BRANDON TO HIS SISTER, MRS HAYWORTH
Tuesday, October 31, 1797
St James Street, London
My dear Emma,
She if found at last.
I cannot express to you the relief I feel being finally able to put these words down to paper. She is found and safe, though very miserable and, as we suspected, expecting her confinement very soon. It is to this that we own the knowledge of her whereabouts, for her fear for herself and the child overcame her apprehensions.
I did not scold her. I do not think anyone could have, finding her so miserable and wan, hiding in a dark hovel and accepting it as a well deserved punishment. No recrimination of mine could have been greater than what she has done to herself. I did, however, impress upon her that no matter what happens she may always call upon me and that I shall do my best to provide and care for her and the child, though my best it seems is not always enough.
The one thing I cannot condone is the fact that she refuses to give me the name of the scoundrel responsible for this. As wrong as her actions most certainly were, they were taken because of a profound affection for the man and a genuine belief that her feelings were returned wholeheartedly. Though she has not said it, I think a part of her still hopes for his return. I tried to tell her this will not happen, but though she claims to agree with me I can tell that in her heart she does not.
The news of her whereabouts were so welcome that they overrode every other consideration, but I am afraid I have given offence to my friends, for I received her letter on Monday (it having been immediately redirected from Delaford) just before our intended party to Whitwell. As you can imagine, I lost no time in departing, leaving behind a disappointed group and no amount of speculation as to the reason for my departure (Mrs. Jennings, very shrewdly, has already guessed it involves Eliza, though I am thankful she has no idea of the true reason behind her summons).
No matter how great their disappointment, I do not think that it will last and I am sure than in a few months I shall be quite comfortably in their company once more, for it is the custom of the Middletons and Mrs. Jennings to reside in town for a few months after Christmas. To the Dashwoods I am afraid I have bid farewell for a longer time than I should have wished, as Miss D. assured me they are not to be in town during the winter.
I must close, for I wish to spend as much time with Eliza as I can.
Sending you all my greatest regards, I remain,
Your brother,
Christopher B.
ELINOR'S DIARY
Friday, November 3, 1797
Barton Cottage
Mrs. Jennings's speculation for the reason behind the Colonel's departure is unending and, try as I may not to encourage her probing and the sharing of such personal information, I am rather ashamed to confess that I am very much curious to know more about the Colonel. He has become my one true friend in Devonshire and the sole person in whose company I can have true pleasure in (for Marianne and Willoughby, though dear to me, only have eyes for each other). We have had lengthy discussions on many subjects, and though this has been enough for me to come to respect his abilities, admire his good sense and learn that his austere mien is tempered by a gentle address and a most amiable heart, I have learned preciously little about him.
I have found out from Mrs. Jennings that the Colonel is a younger son and that his elder brother died some five years ago, leaving Delaford's finances sadly involved. She believes, however, despite her own initial assertions the day he left for London, that the Colonel is a man of such prudence that he must have cleared the estate by now and, knowing his keen sense of honor and responsibility, I for once agree with her wholeheartedly.
Mrs. Jennings's speculation has centered on Miss Williams, who she insists on referring to as the Colonel's natural child. Though I cannot say whether or not she was the cause for his departure, I have the satisfaction of knowing that my understanding of the Colonel's high principles was correct and that he cannot be Miss Williams' father. According to Mrs. Jennings, Miss Williams is a couple of years younger than Marianne, being fifteen of sixteen years of age. Knowing as I do that he was in the Indies from '79 to '84, he cannot be Miss William's father. I suppose she could have been born in India, but I do not think such a tantalizing piece of information could have been missed by Mrs. Jennings.
From what Mrs. Jennings has mentioned of the dissolute habits of the Colonel's late brother, I should not be surprised should the "distant" relation turn up to be a niece and I cannot help but admire the Colonel's resolution to look after the girl despite the circumstances of her birth. As time passes, my admiration for the Colonel increases; there are few people in the world I think as highly of.
LETTER FROM COLONEL BRANDON TO HIS SISTER, MRS HAYWORTH
Monday, November 6, 1797
St James Street, London
My dear Emma,
Eliza has brought into the world a fine, healthy boy scarce hours after I had sent you my last letter. She asked, most humbly, to name the child after me and I could not but acquiesce. We have taken to call him 'Kit'.
The happiness I have felt due to the safe delivery and the healthy child, however, did not last. Eliza has finally confessed to me the name of her seducer and I could barely restrain myself from riding to Devonshire and calling him out. You may well be surprised by this, but his name shall soon explain it all it is none other than Willoughby in whose company I have spent months. Weeks of hunting together, sharing dinners and being often in each other's company and he has not once betrayed the great misery he has inflicted upon me. The cynicism and want of moral principles are almost too great to be believed.
And in this man's company I have left the Miss Dashwoods! This is a great concern in my mind. The attentions he has shown Miss Marianne led us all to believe that an engagement would soon be announced. I do not believe that he would attempt to use Miss Marianne as he has used Eliza, dependent as he is on Mrs. Smith's good graces (I cannot ascribe to him any moral judgment), but I do think it more than likely that he has encouraged her affections simply because he is flattered by them and has nothing else to do in the country. I shall not be surprised if he comes to town during winter on the hunt for a large dowry, leaving Miss Marianne brokenhearted.
As you can well imagine, Miss Marianne's heart is not the only one affected by him. Eliza seemed shocked that I was acquainted with the man and nothing but resigned when I mentioned I knew he would most likely soon to be engaged (either by Miss M., if he has a scrap of common decency, or by a young lady of fortune). I shall confess that her low spirits worry me. Though she dotes on the child as much as any truly affectionate mother, she seems to me even more despondent than before. She is ashamed ashamed of her actions, of her naivetι, of still loving Willoughby, of putting her child through the suffering she also had to endure for being illegitimate and that shame consumes her thoughts and taints her feelings. I do not believe it is in their best interest to remain in London, and have already started making inquires for a suitable place in the country close to Delaford.
I know my thoughts have been consumed with Eliza these past few months, but I trust you know that you and the children are never far from my thoughts and that I pray constantly for a safe arrival of your latest. I do not know how I could have born the anguish of the past months without your endless love and support.
My fondest regards to you and yours,
Your brother,
Christopher B.
LETTER FROM COLONEL BRANDON TO SIR JOHN MIDDLETON
Monday, November 6, 1797
St James Street, London
Dear Sir John,
I send my regards to you and your family and should like to apologize once more for taking my leave of you so abruptly and spoiling our plans. My business was indeed most urgent and unavoidable, though I am glad to say satisfactorily concluded. Now that I am settled in town, I plan to remain here through the winter. Though I am sorry to leave my friends at Barton, I am consoled by the fact that I shall have the pleasure of your company and Lady Middleton's (and, of course, of dear Mrs. Jennings's) after the New Year. It is a pity that our party shall not be completed by your cousins as Miss Dashwood assured me that her family had no plans to come to town.
I hope our friends have been keeping well in my absence. Miss Marianne, I recall, was particularly desponded due to the loss of the day's pleasure, though I am sure she soon regained her useful spirits. Please send my regards to them all and send once more my apologies for the disappointment I caused.
I remain, your friend,
C. Brandon
LETTER FROM MISS POLE TO MRS SMITH
Monday, November 6, 1797
Waterbeer Street, Exeter
My dear Madam,
I hope you shall excuse the liberty of my writing to you, but a report of a most alarming nature has reached me and I firmly believe it is my moral duty to inform you of what has been made known to me. Indeed, knowing, as I do, the high moral standards you have so distinguishly upheld through your life, I cannot bear one moment longer to see you so deceived by persons of low character which have used their considerable powers to blind you of their true nature.
It seems that Mr. Willoughby, whom you have welcomed into your home so kindly and always shown the greatest kindness to, is nothing but a blackguard and a rake. These are strong words, I know, Madam, but what else can we call a man who has seduced a woman and left her alone to bear his child? The young woman in question, a Miss Williams, is but fifteen and though apparently of lower birth herself, is a distant relation and ward to Colonel Brandon, a gentleman of property and great integrity much admired by us near his estate at Delaford and, I am sure, by your neighbors at Barton, who consider him a particular friend.
Miss Williams gave birth to a son but a few days ago and has named Mr. W as his father. Though the young woman has sinned grievously, there is no reason to imagine she has lied about the identity of the man that has so wickedly turned her astray from the path of rightness. Were it not for the Colonel's kindness, she and the poor babe would have been left to starve on the streets.
My dear madam, I am grieved to be the bearer of such news, but I did not think it right that they should be concealed from you, even in your delicate state of health. I hope you shall not think badly of me for believing that the integrity of your principles should be my first consideration.
I am, dear Madam, your most obedient and humble servant,
Susan Pole
ELINOR'S DIARY
Tuesday, November 7, 1797
Barton Cottage
Willoughby has left.
I have stared at the sentence above trying to comprehend what I have written, but what has happened today I cannot account for. Willoughby has left and Marianne is immersed in sorrow, while Mama, Meg and I are left completely bewildered.
He was to call upon us today and we all believed he was to finally make the official commitment for his union with Marianne. Of an engagement, however, there has been no word, though I cannot help but believe that is may have taken place nonetheless. He left most abruptly, on the pretext of commissions from Mrs. Smith to be taken care of in town.
I confess that I was surprised in such a way by the alteration of his manners this morning that involuntary suspicions of his integrity crossed my mind. But talking to Mama has soon put these suspicions to rest he clearly loves Marianne dearly, was so clearly desirous of committing himself that I cannot think he shall let affairs rest like this for long. Though he might not have promised to return to us soon for fear of offending Mrs. Smith (who is surely responsible for such an abrupt departure), I know he shall rally forth and find a way to overcome whatever objections she may have to the match.
In this, I cannot help but think of another man who could commit himself due to the caprices of others. Have I been unfair? Are the situations so different? I cannot help but believe so to Willoughby's credit I believe he was genuinely surprised by the disapproval he found in certain quarters and I am sure he will do his utmost to do right by Marianne. He shall not simply stay idly waiting for something to happen; he shall take life in his own hands and make the changes happen.
I cannot help but wish that Willoughby had laid down the entire thing before us (or to my mother, at least, who had the right to be informed). I shall not, however, raise objections to him deciding to hold his own council for now due to embarrassment towards the actions he was forced to take (which to us might have appeared ungenerous and suspicious if we did not know better) and perhaps even for fear of offending us with the certainty of Mrs. Smith's belief of the unsuitability of the match.
I dearly wish that their engagement (the existence of which I am almost certain of) had begun more prosperously and that they were able to marry immediately. I am consoled by the fact (as I am sure are Mama and Meg and, when she manages to control the oppression of spirits caused by his departure, Marianne) that there are no doubts in my mind that a wedding will take place.
LETTER FROM SIR JOHN MIDDLETON TO COLONEL BRANDON
Thursday, November 9, 1797
Barton Park
Dear Brandon,
Think nothing of it, old fellow. We were all disappointed, to be sure, but we soon rallied and spent a pleasant day about the country-side. None so pleasant, I should think, that for Willoughby and Miss Marianne, for Mrs. J sly creature that she is found out that they spent the day touring Allenhan.
We were all expecting an announcement soon from those quarters, so imagine our surprise to learn a few days ago that Willoughby left the county! He is off to London on business for Mrs. Smith and shall probably not return soon or so says Mrs. D., for the fellow himself did not make his goodbyes. Mrs. J and I are sure Mrs. Smith did not like the excursion and is now making the poor fellow pay for it. But he shall be back soon, I've no doubt, and not a moment too soon for Miss Marianne is quite distressed, the poor thing. As for the eldest Miss D., I shall say nothing but that she seems to miss someone's company very much, and I shall wager that it is not Mr. W's or even Mr. F's.
Until I see you in London, I remain,
Your friend,
Sir John
LETTER FROM COLONEL BRANDON TO JOHN WILLOUGHBY
Saturday, November 11, 1797
St James Street, London
Willoughby,
Appealing to your common sense of dignity and honor seems hopeless, but my own honor must be satisfied. Did you rejoice all these months in my company, knowing yourself to be responsible for the ruin of a girl who was under my protection? Did you choose her on purpose to wound one you have never cared for? It does not signify we meet tomorrow at the first hour in Hyde Park. It would be wise for you to come under your own power, for I can promise you that the alternative may be more injurious to you than whatever outcome of our meeting.
Brandon
LETTER FROM COLONEL BRANDON TO CAPTAIN WILLIAM DOBBIN
Saturday, November 11, 1797
St James Street, London
My dear Dobbin,
Though my days of fighting for King and Country are past, I am afraid that there are still reasons to call me to arms. I am to meet Willoughby of Combe Magna on the morrow if the scoundrel does not flee town and I should be immensely grateful if you would stand by my side as I once stood by yours.
Your friend,
C. Brandon
LETTER FROM MRS HAYWORTH TO COLONEL BRANDON
Saturday, November 11, 1797
Place de la Mirande, Avignon
My dear brother,
I am afraid the directions of your letter from the 31st were smudged by the rain and delayed in its way to me in such a way as to arrive with your letter from the 6th. My delight in learning that Eliza was found and that her lying-in had gone well was tempered by the knowledge of the guilt you both so needlessly carry. To be sure mistakes were made on all sides, but if there's anyone that is truly to be blamed for acting with malice and forethought, it is simply Willoughby. How distressed I was to learn that you have unknowingly been in company with such a man! I shall not continue on the subject, but simply beg you, dear brother, to think of myself and the children and of Eliza and her dear Kit and how much we love you and need you before you commit yourself to any actions which could lead to our sorrow.
Do not let Eliza suffer in recriminations endlessly, Christopher. Giving birth to a bastard is no longer a crime these ten years and her child is a healthy, beautiful babe and for that she has much to be thankful for. And as for her fears of his status my own child will not tarry. If she wishes it, send them both to me and I am sure the babes will be close enough in age to pass as twins. Eliza and I look so similar in coloring and features that I do not think it shall raise too many suspicions. She'll have a loving home here and shall be as close to Kit as she may wish, though perhaps not as close to you as you may both desire.
After so many serious concerns I could not resist but add -- the gentleman doth protest too much, methinks, when it comes to your feelings for the pretty, intelligent, sensible and warm hearted Miss D. Dear Christopher, I can assure you from my own experience that admiration and esteem may soon morph into passion if encouraged. Do not let your past and fears discourage you from pursuing what could be the source of extraordinary amounts of happiness on both sides.
I remain,
Your most affectionate sister,
Emma H.
LETTER FROM COLONEL BRANDON TO HIS SISTER, MRS HAYWORTH
Wednesday, November 15, 1797
St James Street, London
My dear Emma,
Be not alarmed when I tell you that my sense of honor impelled me to act when I learned of Willoughby being in town. We met, as we must, and we have both come out of it unharmed. No matter how much hatred burned in me, I could not but think of what he is to Eliza (though she tries to conceal her feelings for him) and to Miss Marianne (who has never managed to conceal her feelings or even tried to do so).
After reassuring Eliza that I should be most pleased to have her near me always, I did convey to her your offer. She thanks you most profusely, but has decided to refuse and remain in England under her own name and true condition. She says she may have condemned Kit to a life of illegitimacy, but that she will not compound this error by condemning him to a life of secrecy and lies. She shall remain Miss Williams and be thankful for her boy. She has been growing in strength and spirits, I am glad to say, and my pride in her actions and decisiveness I am sure I need not confirm.
I have made arrangements to place Eliza under the apprenticeship of a Mrs. Ward in the village of Bincombe in Dorsetshire. It is only about an hour from Delaford and much the same from Weymouth, so I shall have plenty of opportunities to see them when I am at home.
As for Miss Elinor, I shall not attempt to deny to you that I have a high esteem and regard for her, perhaps an even greater than I had imagined before leaving her company. But the happiness of both parties has to be kept in mind and I do not think I could form hers. She needs a man of greater youth and liveliness than I possess and I will not allow my feelings to govern me in such a way as to lead me into another disappointment. I am content with my life and content I shall remain. I ask you not to pursue this I know you mean well but there are certain things that should be left well alone.
I shall leave you my fondest regards to you and the children and my own prayers for your safe lying-in, which I am sure will not tarry long.
I remain,
Your affectionate brother,
Christopher B.
ELINOR'S DIARY
Wednesday, November 15, 1797
Barton Cottage
The arrival of a visitor had briefly raised Marianne's hopes for Willoughby's return, but it was not to be. It was however, the only person I think she could have forgiven for not being Willoughby.
Mr. Edward Ferrars is here.
Why he is here I cannot begin to understand. That he is fond of my mother and sisters I cannot deny, but he surely must know that coming to Barton will only enhance their belief that he has come for my sake.
He has not come for my sake.
He was very cold to me when he first arrived and I am ashamed to say that it hurt a great deal more than I had expected. But though I have realized my feelings were still stronger than I might have wished, this knowledge has been drowned by the fact that I cannot help being vexed and half angry with him. He did not have to come; I am sure he could have found plenty of excuses for staying way. If he did decide to come, he has no right in letting me feel the brunt of his own disappointments. If he wished to discourage me there would have been kinder ways to go about it, but I am not even sure that it was his wish to discourage me. If he did love me as I once believed I could have come to love him, he would have done anything in his power to spare me pain. If he has come to see me because his feelings did not allow him to keep his distance and some part of me knows that though he has tried to hide it, this is what has happened he has only thought of himself and never once wondered about what the repercussions to me could be. It is Norland all over again, but worse in ways I could not have imagined.
LETTER FROM MRS JENNINGS TO MRS PALMER
Wednesday, November 15, 1797
Barton Park
Dearest Charlotte,
I hope you have been keeping well. Here at Barton we are all very well, with the exception of Miss Marianne who quite longs for Mr. W, who has left us for town on account of the caprices of Mrs. Smith. I am glad to say that I was never so mean spirited as to deny my girls the presence of their beaux, but some people do not have romance in their souls.
Speaking of beaux, you shall never guess we have met the famous Mr. F! He is a Mr. Edward Ferrars, the brother of Mrs. John Dashwood and a modestest, prettiest behaved young man I have never met, though I dare say his figure is not quite striking. Sir John and I have already found out that he is dependent on his mother's generosity (and a horrid woman she apparently is) and thus cannot marry Miss D. as she has no dowry to speak of. Well, I for one should be glad to see them settle together, for Miss D. is as good a girl as I've seen and her Mr. F. such a gentleman-like, pleasing young man!
Poor Brandon! He and Miss D. were such good friends I was sure something was to come out of it, but he shall be disappointed once more. Well, his own fault in the end I must say, though I like him a great deal. Why should he have left for London without securing her affections? To be sure his face is not handsome and he is quite a bit older than her, but his appearance is not unpleasing and they have a good deal of conversation (though on such strange subjects! Wars and military campaigns and whatnots). Still I suppose his usual silence and graveness were not as pleasing as Mr. F's warmer manners.
If only Mr. W. would return! Then I am sure we would all be merry as could be and have enough parties and dances to make them all forget about disagreeable mamas and meddling old cousins.
With my best love to you, I remain,
Your fond mama,
C. Jennings
ELINOR'S DIARY
Saturday, November 18, 1797
Barton Cottage
I have been awake many hours trying to make sense of my feelings.
This morning Marianne and I saw Edward wearing a ring with a lock of hair. He claimed the hair was Fanny's, but it was much too light for it to be true. So light in fact, as to be the same shade as mine. I can find no other explanation for whose hair could it possibly be? Marianne seems to believe I have given this freely to him, as she once gave a lock of her own hair to Willoughby. But I have not and cannot begin to guess through which contrivance he has managed to obtain it. I could be flattered I suppose I am sure Marianne would have been in my place but I am only angry that he has managed to once more get something from me that, for the sake of my own peace of mind, I would have rather have withheld.
I am glad he has come. I have been plagued by doubts ever since we left Norland, unsure whether to trust my own feelings. My reticence was not misplaced. I cannot, I will not let my heart be involved by a man that has little care about how much he bruises it, even if not deliberately. I am determined more than ever to put Edward Ferrars completely out of my thoughts.
LETTER FROM MRS PALMER TO MRS JENNINGS
Monday, November 20, 1797
Hannover Square
Dear Mama,
Just received yours of the 15th, for we were not at home, having quite unexpectedly left for London on the next day for Mr. Palmer had some small business to conclude. I did not know we were coming till the carriage was called and he has been very sly, for he did not mention his business would take us to London before our final destination. On that subject I shall say no more for you will soon know all.
I have taken the morning to an outing in Bond Street, where I met with Colonel Brandon. Though I entreated, he gave me no reason for the spoiling of your delightful party, though he says the business has been concluded "as well as could have been expected." I told him he must return to Barton before it lost some of its beauties, as Miss Marianne is sure to be soon to Combe with Mr. W and Miss Dashwood's Mr. F. has come to see her and I am sure shall take her off with him whenever he can.
The news, I think, did not please him much for he was quite graver than usual and would not speculate on which one would go first (I'm for Miss Marianne, for though Miss D is older, I think Mr. W the most ardent suitor and the one with more money to afford a wife). Alas, poor Colonel B.! Though he tried not show it I am sure he felt the loss of the object of his tender regard most keenly indeed, though for which of the girls I am sure I cannot say. I hope he shall be less disappointed by the Miss Ds than he was by me.
I must close, for Mr. Palmer is impatient for us to depart as soon as may be. I shan't say more, but expect soon a delightful surprise perhaps even before this letter arrives!
Your loving daughter,
Charlotte P.
I am quite well indeed, though young Mr. P has started to move around quite a bit. The older Mr. P says the babe is proving to be as much a nuisance as I am how drool he is!
LETTER FROM MRS HAYWORTH TO COLONEL BRANDON
Friday, November 24, 1797
Place de la Mirande, Avignon
Dear Christopher,
I shall not waste the little energy I have left in reprimanding you for your incredible foolish action. You are alive and well and your mind is more at ease for having met Willoughby and with that I shall be satisfied. Think now my dear brother of more pleasant things: of Eliza and her child, who are now safe under your protection and of your own dear niece who was born safely but two days ago.
With your silence, my dear, I am not so reconciled. If there is an attachment between W. and Miss Marianne, I think you should do well in bringing the matter to her mother's attention. I do not mean to painfully expose Eliza or for you to malign his name to the four corners of the wind (though he certainly deserves it), but if Miss Marianne is only guilty of a romantic disposition (and at her age this is no sin) it is best that she realizes now how certain matters stand. Perhaps Willoughby has left her forever; perhaps not perhaps he is even determined to do right by her. Let her then chose with open eyes and this way you shall have at least a clear conscience whatever may befall her in the future. She may not thank you for it now, but I'm sure your Miss Dashwood at least, with as much good sense and understanding as she has, shall value your honesty. As to the other matters concerning her, I shall not say anything except that while you may be quite blind to your merits, others are not and I'm quite certain Miss D. is counted among them in this matter.
I shall close now, for my Nell wants for sustenance. I remain, with fondest affection,
Your sister,
Emma H.
ELINOR'S DIARY
Saturday, November 25, 1797
Barton Cottage
We had dinner last night at the Park. Mrs. Jennings and Sir John seemed determined to tease me about "Mr. F," but I would rather endure their jokes, inappropriate as they may be, than Edward's continued presence. I am glad he is gone and I am sure that soon I shall feel glad as well.
We have had the addition of Mrs. Palmer, Lady Middleton's younger sister, and her husband who have come quite unexpectedly to call. She is quite unlike Lady M., always full of laughter and good humor and with manners which are considerably less elegant. He is very grave, but unlike Colonel Brandon seems determined not to please or be pleased and borders on being quite uncivil.
Though their company cannot give me much pleasure, it did have the advantage of bringing some welcome news. Mrs. Palmer mentioned meeting the Colonel on Monday and I was quite glad to hear a good account of his health. Sir John had mentioned getting a letter from him some weeks past, but I have the feeling they are not great correspondents and I am glad to have a confirmation of his welfare, for I have been worried about him since he left us as he did.
Mrs. Palmer said he did not seem in high spirits (but then he so rarely is), but that he did not seem low either. He was, according to her, full of my praises and had nothing but fine things to say to her about me. Even though our acquaintance has been brief, I think I know enough of Mrs. P to know that though this account has most certainly been highly exaggerated, it has not been fabricated. Though I was a bit mortified with her comments (for they drew the notice and teasing of Sir John and Mrs. J.) I confess I am pleased to find that the Colonel holds me in such high esteem. I find that I miss his steady presence and our conversations. Marianne, I am afraid, is still much dejected and in no one else's company have I found such pleasure as I did in the Colonel's.
ELINOR'S DIARY
Wednesday, November 29, 1797
Barton Cottage
Though Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have already left us, other relatives of Mrs. Jennings have come to take their place. They are her cousins, the Miss Steeles, who are not, I am afraid, a particularly pleasing addition to our usual parties.
The eldest must be almost thirty and is very plain, and though her manners are civil when she wishes to impress her hosts, I am sorry to say that in my presence the brunt of her vulgar freedom and folly can be felt. There is certainly nothing to admire in her.
The youngest, Lucy, must be only three or four years my elder and I shall admit she has considerable beauty where her sister lacks it, having pretty features and a smartness of air. She is clever and amusing, but her natural abilities were not improved upon by education. It is a pity with her talents education might have made her a woman to be respected and admired. As it is, she has the same want of delicacy, rectitude and integrity I have observed in her sister, both of them using all possible artifices to endear themselves to their hosts and benefit from their patronage.
Marianne said once that we were most unfortunately situated when it comes to our neighbors at the Park. I denied it vehemently at the time, citing their friendliness to us and the pleasant days we owed to them. I must admit that she had more cause to complain than I could have wished to acknowledge. Parties and dances and card games we may have had plenty, but since the departure of Willoughby and the Colonel neither Marianne nor myself can find any pleasure in them.
ELINOR'S DIARY
Monday, December 4, 1797
Barton Cottage
I scarcely know what to write. My mind is so full of thoughts, so distressed by emotions that I shake as I hold my pen. I am so angry, so full of indignation as I have never before been in my life.
Edward Ferrars is secretly engaged to Lucy Steele.
There, I have committed it to paper and can now write with greater ease. They have been engaged these four years, since about a year after Edward quit his place as a pupil in Lucy's uncle's establishment in Longstaple. She has letters spanning this whole period and a miniature of Edward; it is to her that the lock of hair Edward carries belongs to.
I have had the whole tale from Lucy herself, who, under the pretence of friendship, confided in me. She must know how matters once stood between us, must have realized that the man she has entrapped is now devoted to another and was determined to crush the last shreds of hope that might have lingered in my heart. She did manage to, for my mortification and shock at learning the truth I cannot describe. His guilt goes beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I had thought his thoughtless behavior towards me had been reprehensible; knowing as I do now that he was all the while an engaged man I find it unforgivable.
Strangely enough, it is in learning about his commitment to another that I have become absolutely convinced that his affections are all my own. For a moment these thoughts softened my heart, but my rational mind would not allow it. His actions cannot be defended. He was blamable for remaining at Norland when he realized we were both developing feelings that could never amount to anything and highly blamable for coming to Barton, with Lucy's hair in his finger, to show us both what we could never have.
What is love, what is esteem if there is no trust and admiration? It cannot be anything. However strong my feelings may have been, no partiality on my side can allow me to condone his ill-treatment of myself. I cannot wish him ill indeed, now that the brunt of my anger is gone I cannot find anything but pity towards him in my heart. In his youthful folly he was led to commit himself to a woman of no virtues and now he must pay the price. But however hopeless the situation, it has been of his own making and this I shall never forget.
ELINOR'S DIARY
Tuesday, December 26, 1797
Barton Cottage
I have had a most unpleasant few weeks. Perhaps it is my fault; if I had not brought the subject of Mr. Ferrars with Lucy after her revelation, she might have never mentioned it again. Bring it up I did, however, as much out of curiosity for more particulars as to show myself calm and composed in face of the matter, as I am afraid I could not be when it was first brought to my attention.
I could bear it better if Lucy genuinely wanted to share her happiness and make me her confidant, but I know this is not the case. Believing me to be tenderly attached to Edward, she wastes no opportunity in re-affirming her claims to him as much as possible with the express wish of paining me. I am glad to say that I have composed myself so well that I am, despite the pity I now feel towards Edward and the contempt with which I regard Lucy, perfectly able to offer them my sincere well wishes, a fact that Lucy does not take well.
I confess that the situation does pain me still, but now this is solely by the knowledge of the disappointment this will bring mother and sisters, for they are much attached to Edward and sincerely grateful for the friendship he extended to us. I, too, despite all that has happen cannot deny that he still has some claims to my affections. But these tender feelings that still remain cannot defend what my judgment has censured. Perhaps one day I will be able to call him my friend once more, but while the anger has abated for now, my disappointment still lingers.
--
Though I had considered myself finished for the day, some important news must be recorded: Marianne and I are set to London. We shall go with Mrs. Jennings after the New Year's to her house near Portman Square, where she resides every winter.
I am still not quite sure of what to think about this scheme and was at first against it, though I've been outmaneuvered by my mother and sister. I think very well of Mrs. Jennings's heart and know she has nothing but good intentions, but neither I nor Marianne find her to be an agreeable companion for long periods and her protection shall lend us no consequence in town.
Still, as we are going, I might as well make the best of it. It will be a good diversion for Marianne, as her spirits are still quite low, and might even prove an opportunity for her to meet with Willoughby as she ardently hopes. As for myself, though Mrs. Jennings's society may not give me any pleasure, I do know someone in town whose society does make me happy and shall most certainly be in company with him often. After the weeks I have endured in Lucy Steel's company, the Colonel's friendship and society shall do much to restore my spirits.
LETTER FROM SIR JOHN MIDDLETON TO COLONEL BRANDON
Tuesday, December 26, 1797
Barton Park
Dear Brandon,
I have a spot of news that shall brighten the entrance of the New Year. Mrs. J is to town soon and as her companions come the eldest Misses Dashwood who are quite wild for the scheme despite whatever Miss Elinor might have said about staying in Barton. Miss Marianne is in search of Willoughby, who left us, as you know, more than a month since. Of the other I shall say no more than that I believe I do not exaggerate when I say that more than my mama-in-law shall be pleased to see you in Berkeley Street. Lady Middleton and I shall follow a few weeks after and we shall then meet and be as merry as we were at Barton.
Your friend,
Sir John
LETTER FROM COLONEL BRANDON TO HIS SISTER, MRS HAYWORTH
Monday, January 1, 1798
St James Street, London
Dear Emma,
I wish to you a very happy new year. I hope you and your family are in as good health as Eliza and her child. They have now removed to Bincombe and I can see that Eliza is much happier now that she is once more in the country. Her determination to do well for her child is laudable and she divides her time with caring for him and working diligently under Mrs. Ward's sharp eyes. Her spirits have improved, but they are not what they once were and I am afraid they never shall be.
I have just received a short missive from Sir John to let me know that the eldest Misses Dashwood shall come to London in the company of Mrs. Jennings. The news is welcome, though I am still unsure about the best course of action regarding W. I have decided to wait for now and see whether he shall renew his acquaintance with the Dashwoods. Should I suspect he means to harm Miss Marianne, I'll lay the entire matter to her sister. Of her discretion and good sense I have no doubt, but I am loath to expose to her a tale of such sorrow and baseness if I do not have just cause for it.
With the risk of exposing myself to you good natured teasing, I shall confess to you that I feel quite foolish about Miss Elinor, for I cannot deny that the knowledge that she will be in town affected me more than I had expected.
As much as it pains me to say so, by observing Miss Marianne I have now realized that while my Eliza suited me very well when we were young, I cannot think myself today happy with a woman of such disposition. I do not mean to say we would have been unhappy, for I am sure that time and life would have made Eliza mature and gain much-needed sense, as it did with me. I simply mean that while I still admire a warm heart and enthusiastic manners, I much prefer a soothing and sensible companion, whose intelligent conversation on a variety of topics seems to me much more interesting than endless discussions on poetry.
Whether I am in love with her I cannot tell you, for what I feel now is much different from what I felt before. I can say, however, that I prefer Miss Dashwood's company above anyone else's and that I have missed her presence more than I care to admit. Perhaps it is foolish on my part (although I am sure you shall disagree), but I have decided to be in her company as much as I can, as much to figure out my feelings as to have an understanding of hers. And who knows? Perhaps I shall be surprised with what I find.
In eternal hope, I remain,
Your brother,
Christopher B.
LETTER FROM ELINOR DASHWOOD TO MRS DASHWOOD
Thursday, January 4, 1798
Berkeley Street
Dear mama,
After three days we have safely arrived in Berkeley Street. The journey went as well as we could have hoped, for the roads were in excellent condition and the weather dry enough as not to bring any problems. Mrs. Jennings has been all that is kind and solicitous, looking after our own comfort as much as she would have done for her own children. Marianne and I are now comfortably established in what used to be Mrs. Palmer's apartments before her marriage. They are a very lovely set of rooms, as handsomely fitted as the rest of the house. To my pleasure, I have found that the late Mr. Jennings kept a reasonably well stocked library. On the musical front the news are less welcome, for Lady Middleton's old instrument has long been removed from the house. Mrs. Jennings promises us so many engagements, however, that I am sure Marianne will have no cause for missing it much.
On the subject of Marianne I believe I have a hint of good news to impart. She was exceedingly silent on our journey, but being in London seems to have rallied her spirits. I am quite certain now that whatever problems she has faced, in the end things will turn out well. She does not write to you at present, but I hope that soon she shall send you some very welcome intelligence.
In the meantime, we shall busy ourselves with making the necessary calls and visiting the usual shops. Mrs. Jennings has a large acquaintance and soon the Middletons will join us, by which time I am sure we shall not have an idle hour during the day.
I hope you and Meg are well and that you can find solace in each other's company as I hope to find in Marianne's. I do think that this would be an excellent time to intensify Meg's course of studies as the weather is not conductive to outdoor pursuits and the company diminishing and shall be most happy to procure whatever materials you may desire for this purpose.
Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain,
Your affectionate daughter,
Elinor D.
I add these lines, Mama, to let you know that the Colonel has just paid us a visit. He had been dinning at the Palmer's and learning we had just arrived, decided to come see us as soon as may be. He sends his best compliments to you and Meg and asks me to convey his disappointment that he shall not have the pleasure of your company in London. He looked well and was quite as pleased to see us as we were to see him and has promised to call again tomorrow. Marianne, I'm afraid
E.D.
LETTER FROM MARIANNE DASHWOOD TO WILLOUGHBY
Thursday, January 4, 1798
Berkeley Street
"How surprised you will be, Willoughby, on receiving this; and I think you will feel something more than surprise, when you know that I am in town. An opportunity of coming hither, though with Mrs. Jennings, was a temptation we could not resist. I wish you may receive this in time to come here to-night, but I will not depend on it. At any rate I shall expect you to-morrow. For the present, adieu."
"M.D."
LETTER FROM ELINOR DASHWOOD TO JOHN DASHWOOD
Friday, January 5, 1798
Berkeley Street
My dear brother,
I hope you, Fanny and little Harry are all in good health. For our part, we have all been keeping quite well.
I write to let you know that Marianne and I are now settled in London for some weeks. We own this unexpected pleasure to the kindness of Mrs. Jennings, Lady Middleton's mother, a very cheerful, agreeable woman who has been widowed these eight years. Having married her second daughter last year to a Mr. Palmer of Cleveland, she desired some company for at least part of her residence in town during the winter and Marianne and I were persuaded to accompany her. We do not know yet how long we shall remain, but I expect we shall be in Berkeley Street until March at least.
I am, &c., &c.
Elinor D.