feat_summary_path: finished_summaries/pinkmonkey/Sense and Sensibility/section_40_part_0.txt
feat_book_id: Sense and Sensibility.chapter 41
feat_summary_id: chapter 41
feat_summary: {"name": "Chapter 41", "url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20180820034609/http://www.pinkmonkey.com/booknotes/monkeynotes/pmSenseSensibility58.asp", "summary": "Edward goes to meet Lucy after thanking Colonel Brandon. Mrs. Jennings is grateful to both Elinor and Brandon for helping Lucy to settle down. Elinor decides to visit her brother before the departure for Cleveland. Since Marianne refuses to accompany her, she goes alone to meet Lady Dashwood and her brother. John Dashwood welcomes her. He shows his surprise at Colonel Brandon's generosity towards Edward. He then informs her of Robert's plans to get married to Miss Morton. When John goes to inform his wife of Elinor's visit, Robert comes to meet her and keeps her company. He is amused at Edward's choosing to become a clergyman and takes pity on him for having to marry Lucy. Shortly afterwards, Fanny Dashwood comes forward to meet Elinor. She talks politely and expresses regret at their departure to Cleveland.", "analysis": "Notes Most of the scenes in which Mrs. Jennings and John Dashwood are present evoke humor. In this chapter John Dashwood amuses the readers through his conversation with Elinor. Obsessed with money and miserly in his attitude, he fails to believe that the Colonel has been so kind as to offer a position at Delaford to Edward. He assumes that the Colonel must have an ulterior motive. He dubs Brandon as unthinking and strange. However, he is happy at the thought that the wealthy Colonel may soon marry Elinor. A hen-pecked and indulgent husband, John Dashwood is afraid to hurt the feelings of his cunning wife. Thus he requests Elinor to refrain from mentioning the Colonel's benevolence to her. He is happy to see his wife talking politely to Elinor and appreciates Fanny's gesture. John Dashwood's views and ideas shock Elinor. Referring to the marriage of Robert Ferrars to Miss Morton, he voices his opinion that Miss Morton should not mind getting married to any one of the brothers  as long as he inherits the family property. His line of argument appalls Elinor thoroughly: her brother considers money superior to emotion. CHAPTER 42 Summary In early April the two families from Hanover Square and Berkeley Street set out on their journey to Cleveland. Passing through Somerset, they take three days to reach their destination. The Palmers' house is modern and spacious, and the surrounding flora and fauna enhance its beauty. Marianne is excited at the idea of being able to explore the countryside. However, she is forced to stay indoors due to rain. Mr. Palmer and Colonel Brandon arrive shortly afterwards. Elinor finds both Mr. and Mrs. Palmer charming and friendly hosts. Brandon talks to her about Delaford. He suspects that Marianne has caught a cold, and in fact, she falls ill with the flu a few days later. Notes Marianne and Elinor have different reactions to the departure for Cleveland. Marianne becomes emotional, recollecting the pleasures and pains she has experienced while in London. Elinor is quite content to leave the place, as she is not at all sentimental about it. In fact, she is relieved to be spared the company of Lucy Steele. She also hopes that a change of scene will help Marianne to regain her health. Jane Austen once again highlights Marianne's sensibility in contrast to Elinor's good sense. Mr. Palmer reveals himself to be a gentleman beneath his tough exterior. Elinor is at first apprehensive about living under his roof. However, she finds him refreshingly different at Cleveland. Austen writes, \"She found him, however, perfectly the gentleman in his behaviour to all his visitors, and only occasionally rude to his wife and her mother; she found him very capable of being a pleasant companion.\" Elinor is arguably the mouthpiece of the author, and therefore her renewed assessment of Mr. Palmer is important. John Dashwood is still under the impression that Colonel Brandon is in love with Elinor. Therefore he informs his sister that he will be making a visit to Delaford in the future. Elinor is merely amused at his remark, as she is well aware of the true object of the Colonel's desire: her sister, Marianne. CHAPTER 43 Summary This entire chapter deals with Marianne's illness. Her cold develops into influenza and then into a mysterious illness. The doctor administers medication and predicts her recovery, but Marianne's health turns from bad to worse. Mrs. Palmer, fearing an infection that could be caught by her new-born baby, moves to a friend's house near Bath. Mr. Palmer follows her after a few days. After four days, when Marianne's health shows no improvement, Elinor decides to consult with the Colonel before calling her mother to Cleveland. Colonel Brandon willingly offers to fetch Mrs. Dashwood from Barton and leaves immediately on this errand. Both Mrs. Jennings and Elinor are anxious after the doctor gives up hope, since the medication fails to cure Marianne. However, after a few more days, Marianne recovers miraculously. As Elinor waits for her mother to arrive, she gets a surprise visitor. It is Willoughby, who makes an appearance at the cottage. Notes Jane Austen throws light on the attitude of the different characters through their distinct reactions to Marianne's illness. When Marianne's condition worsens, Elinor is quite disturbed, but she does not panic. She thinks calmly and arrives at the decision to summon her mother from Barton. The Colonel is concerned about Marianne's health. He sensibly offers to fetch Mrs. Dashwood and undertakes his mission without delay. Both Elinor and the Colonel use their sense to the best advantage in order to improve the situation. Mrs. Jennings is highly emotional. She thinks of the worst when Marianne's health deteriorates. She feels sorry for the girl, as she is afraid that she may succumb to her illness. However, when Marianne recovers miraculously, she is overjoyed. Mrs. Jennings displays the extremes of emotion. Mr. Palmer conducts himself in a stable manner. When his wife panics about a possible threat to her baby's health, he chides her. As a host, he considers Marianne his responsibility and therefore shows reluctance to leave Cleveland."}
text: 
  
  Edward, having carried his thanks to Colonel Brandon, proceeded with
  his happiness to Lucy; and such was the excess of it by the time he
  reached Bartlett's Buildings, that she was able to assure Mrs.
  Jennings, who called on her again the next day with her
  congratulations, that she had never seen him in such spirits before in
  her life.
  
  Her own happiness, and her own spirits, were at least very certain; and
  she joined Mrs. Jennings most heartily in her expectation of their
  being all comfortably together in Delaford Parsonage before Michaelmas.
  So far was she, at the same time, from any backwardness to give Elinor
  that credit which Edward WOULD give her, that she spoke of her
  friendship for them both with the most grateful warmth, was ready to
  own all their obligation to her, and openly declared that no exertion
  for their good on Miss Dashwood's part, either present or future, would
  ever surprise her, for she believed her capable of doing any thing in
  the world for those she really valued.  As for Colonel Brandon, she was
  not only ready to worship him as a saint, but was moreover truly
  anxious that he should be treated as one in all worldly concerns;
  anxious that his tithes should be raised to the utmost; and scarcely
  resolved to avail herself, at Delaford, as far as she possibly could,
  of his servants, his carriage, his cows, and his poultry.
  
  It was now above a week since John Dashwood had called in Berkeley
  Street, and as since that time no notice had been taken by them of his
  wife's indisposition, beyond one verbal enquiry, Elinor began to feel
  it necessary to pay her a visit.--This was an obligation, however,
  which not only opposed her own inclination, but which had not the
  assistance of any encouragement from her companions.  Marianne, not
  contented with absolutely refusing to go herself, was very urgent to
  prevent her sister's going at all; and Mrs. Jennings, though her
  carriage was always at Elinor's service, so very much disliked Mrs.
  John Dashwood, that not even her curiosity to see how she looked after
  the late discovery, nor her strong desire to affront her by taking
  Edward's part, could overcome her unwillingness to be in her company
  again.  The consequence was, that Elinor set out by herself to pay a
  visit, for which no one could really have less inclination, and to run
  the risk of a tete-a-tete with a woman, whom neither of the others had
  so much reason to dislike.
  
  Mrs. Dashwood was denied; but before the carriage could turn from the
  house, her husband accidentally came out.  He expressed great pleasure
  in meeting Elinor, told her that he had been just going to call in
  Berkeley Street, and, assuring her that Fanny would be very glad to see
  her, invited her to come in.
  
  They walked up stairs in to the drawing-room.--Nobody was there.
  
  "Fanny is in her own room, I suppose," said he:--"I will go to her
  presently, for I am sure she will not have the least objection in the
  world to seeing YOU.-- Very far from it, indeed.  NOW especially there
  cannot be--but however, you and Marianne were always great
  favourites.--Why would not Marianne come?"--
  
  Elinor made what excuse she could for her.
  
  "I am not sorry to see you alone," he replied, "for I have a good deal
  to say to you.  This living of Colonel Brandon's--can it be true?--has
  he really given it to Edward?--I heard it yesterday by chance, and was
  coming to you on purpose to enquire farther about it."
  
  "It is perfectly true.--Colonel Brandon has given the living of
  Delaford to Edward."
  
  "Really!--Well, this is very astonishing!--no relationship!--no
  connection between them!--and now that livings fetch such a
  price!--what was the value of this?"
  
  "About two hundred a year."
  
  "Very well--and for the next presentation to a living of that
  value--supposing the late incumbent to have been old and sickly, and
  likely to vacate it soon--he might have got I dare say--fourteen
  hundred pounds.  And how came he not to have settled that matter before
  this person's death?--NOW indeed it would be too late to sell it, but a
  man of Colonel Brandon's sense!--I wonder he should be so improvident
  in a point of such common, such natural, concern!--Well, I am convinced
  that there is a vast deal of inconsistency in almost every human
  character.  I suppose, however--on recollection--that the case may
  probably be THIS.  Edward is only to hold the living till the person to
  whom the Colonel has really sold the presentation, is old enough to
  take it.--Aye, aye, that is the fact, depend upon it."
  
  Elinor contradicted it, however, very positively; and by relating that
  she had herself been employed in conveying the offer from Colonel
  Brandon to Edward, and, therefore, must understand the terms on which
  it was given, obliged him to submit to her authority.
  
  "It is truly astonishing!"--he cried, after hearing what she
  said--"what could be the Colonel's motive?"
  
  "A very simple one--to be of use to Mr. Ferrars."
  
  "Well, well; whatever Colonel Brandon may be, Edward is a very lucky
  man.--You will not mention the matter to Fanny, however, for though I
  have broke it to her, and she bears it vastly well,--she will not like
  to hear it much talked of."
  
  Elinor had some difficulty here to refrain from observing, that she
  thought Fanny might have borne with composure, an acquisition of wealth
  to her brother, by which neither she nor her child could be possibly
  impoverished.
  
  "Mrs. Ferrars," added he, lowering his voice to the tone becoming so
  important a subject, "knows nothing about it at present, and I believe
  it will be best to keep it entirely concealed from her as long as may
  be.-- When the marriage takes place, I fear she must hear of it all."
  
  "But why should such precaution be used?--Though it is not to be
  supposed that Mrs. Ferrars can have the smallest satisfaction in
  knowing that her son has money enough to live upon,--for THAT must be
  quite out of the question; yet why, upon her late behaviour, is she
  supposed to feel at all?--She has done with her son, she cast him off
  for ever, and has made all those over whom she had any influence, cast
  him off likewise.  Surely, after doing so, she cannot be imagined
  liable to any impression of sorrow or of joy on his account--she cannot
  be interested in any thing that befalls him.-- She would not be so weak
  as to throw away the comfort of a child, and yet retain the anxiety of
  a parent!"
  
  "Ah! Elinor," said John, "your reasoning is very good, but it is
  founded on ignorance of human nature.  When Edward's unhappy match
  takes place, depend upon it his mother will feel as much as if she had
  never discarded him; and, therefore every circumstance that may
  accelerate that dreadful event, must be concealed from her as much as
  possible.  Mrs. Ferrars can never forget that Edward is her son."
  
  "You surprise me; I should think it must nearly have escaped her memory
  by THIS time."
  
  "You wrong her exceedingly.  Mrs. Ferrars is one of the most
  affectionate mothers in the world."
  
  Elinor was silent.
  
  "We think NOW,"--said Mr. Dashwood, after a short pause, "of ROBERT'S
  marrying Miss Morton."
  
  Elinor, smiling at the grave and decisive importance of her brother's
  tone, calmly replied,
  
  "The lady, I suppose, has no choice in the affair."
  
  "Choice!--how do you mean?"
  
  "I only mean that I suppose, from your manner of speaking, it must be
  the same to Miss Morton whether she marry Edward or Robert."
  
  "Certainly, there can be no difference; for Robert will now to all
  intents and purposes be considered as the eldest son;--and as to any
  thing else, they are both very agreeable young men: I do not know that
  one is superior to the other."
  
  Elinor said no more, and John was also for a short time silent.--His
  reflections ended thus.
  
  "Of ONE thing, my dear sister," kindly taking her hand, and speaking in
  an awful whisper,--"I may assure you;--and I WILL do it, because I know
  it must gratify you.  I have good reason to think--indeed I have it
  from the best authority, or I should not repeat it, for otherwise it
  would be very wrong to say any thing about it--but I have it from the
  very best authority--not that I ever precisely heard Mrs. Ferrars say
  it herself--but her daughter DID, and I have it from her--That in
  short, whatever objections there might be against a certain--a certain
  connection--you understand me--it would have been far preferable to
  her, it would not have given her half the vexation that THIS does.  I
  was exceedingly pleased to hear that Mrs. Ferrars considered it in that
  light--a very gratifying circumstance you know to us all.  'It would
  have been beyond comparison,' she said, 'the least evil of the two, and
  she would be glad to compound NOW for nothing worse.' But however, all
  that is quite out of the question--not to be thought of or
  mentioned--as to any attachment you know--it never could be--all that
  is gone by.  But I thought I would just tell you of this, because I
  knew how much it must please you.  Not that you have any reason to
  regret, my dear Elinor.  There is no doubt of your doing exceedingly
  well--quite as well, or better, perhaps, all things considered.  Has
  Colonel Brandon been with you lately?"
  
  Elinor had heard enough, if not to gratify her vanity, and raise her
  self-importance, to agitate her nerves and fill her mind;--and she was
  therefore glad to be spared from the necessity of saying much in reply
  herself, and from the danger of hearing any thing more from her
  brother, by the entrance of Mr. Robert Ferrars.  After a few moments'
  chat, John Dashwood, recollecting that Fanny was yet uninformed of her
  sister's being there, quitted the room in quest of her; and Elinor was
  left to improve her acquaintance with Robert, who, by the gay
  unconcern, the happy self-complacency of his manner while enjoying so
  unfair a division of his mother's love and liberality, to the prejudice
  of his banished brother, earned only by his own dissipated course of
  life, and that brother's integrity, was confirming her most
  unfavourable opinion of his head and heart.
  
  They had scarcely been two minutes by themselves, before he began to
  speak of Edward; for he, too, had heard of the living, and was very
  inquisitive on the subject.  Elinor repeated the particulars of it, as
  she had given them to John; and their effect on Robert, though very
  different, was not less striking than it had been on HIM.  He laughed
  most immoderately.  The idea of Edward's being a clergyman, and living
  in a small parsonage-house, diverted him beyond measure;--and when to
  that was added the fanciful imagery of Edward reading prayers in a
  white surplice, and publishing the banns of marriage between John Smith
  and Mary Brown, he could conceive nothing more ridiculous.
  
  Elinor, while she waited in silence and immovable gravity, the
  conclusion of such folly, could not restrain her eyes from being fixed
  on him with a look that spoke all the contempt it excited.  It was a
  look, however, very well bestowed, for it relieved her own feelings,
  and gave no intelligence to him.  He was recalled from wit to wisdom,
  not by any reproof of hers, but by his own sensibility.
  
  "We may treat it as a joke," said he, at last, recovering from the
  affected laugh which had considerably lengthened out the genuine gaiety
  of the moment--"but, upon my soul, it is a most serious business.  Poor
  Edward!  he is ruined for ever.  I am extremely sorry for it--for I
  know him to be a very good-hearted creature; as well-meaning a fellow
  perhaps, as any in the world.  You must not judge of him, Miss
  Dashwood, from YOUR slight acquaintance.--Poor Edward!--His manners are
  certainly not the happiest in nature.--But we are not all born, you
  know, with the same powers,--the same address.-- Poor fellow!--to see
  him in a circle of strangers!--to be sure it was pitiable enough!--but
  upon my soul, I believe he has as good a heart as any in the kingdom;
  and I declare and protest to you I never was so shocked in my life, as
  when it all burst forth.  I could not believe it.-- My mother was the
  first person who told me of it; and I, feeling myself called on to act
  with resolution, immediately said to her, 'My dear madam, I do not know
  what you may intend to do on the occasion, but as for myself, I must
  say, that if Edward does marry this young woman, I never will see him
  again.' That was what I said immediately.-- I was most uncommonly
  shocked, indeed!--Poor Edward!--he has done for himself
  completely--shut himself out for ever from all decent society!--but, as
  I directly said to my mother, I am not in the least surprised at it;
  from his style of education, it was always to be expected.  My poor
  mother was half frantic."
  
  "Have you ever seen the lady?"
  
  "Yes; once, while she was staying in this house, I happened to drop in
  for ten minutes; and I saw quite enough of her.  The merest awkward
  country girl, without style, or elegance, and almost without beauty.--
  I remember her perfectly.  Just the kind of girl I should suppose
  likely to captivate poor Edward.  I offered immediately, as soon as my
  mother related the affair to me, to talk to him myself, and dissuade
  him from the match; but it was too late THEN, I found, to do any thing,
  for unluckily, I was not in the way at first, and knew nothing of it
  till after the breach had taken place, when it was not for me, you
  know, to interfere.  But had I been informed of it a few hours
  earlier--I think it is most probable--that something might have been
  hit on.  I certainly should have represented it to Edward in a very
  strong light.  'My dear fellow,' I should have said, 'consider what you
  are doing.  You are making a most disgraceful connection, and such a
  one as your family are unanimous in disapproving.' I cannot help
  thinking, in short, that means might have been found.  But now it is
  all too late.  He must be starved, you know;--that is certain;
  absolutely starved."
  
  He had just settled this point with great composure, when the entrance
  of Mrs. John Dashwood put an end to the subject.  But though SHE never
  spoke of it out of her own family, Elinor could see its influence on
  her mind, in the something like confusion of countenance with which she
  entered, and an attempt at cordiality in her behaviour to herself.  She
  even proceeded so far as to be concerned to find that Elinor and her
  sister were so soon to leave town, as she had hoped to see more of
  them;--an exertion in which her husband, who attended her into the
  room, and hung enamoured over her accents, seemed to distinguish every
  thing that was most affectionate and graceful.
  
  
  
feat_summary_name: Chapter 41
target: Edward goes to meet Lucy after thanking Colonel Brandon. Mrs. Jennings is grateful to both Elinor and Brandon for helping Lucy to settle down. Elinor decides to visit her brother before the departure for Cleveland. Since Marianne refuses to accompany her, she goes alone to meet Lady Dashwood and her brother. John Dashwood welcomes her. He shows his surprise at Colonel Brandon's generosity towards Edward. He then informs her of Robert's plans to get married to Miss Morton. When John goes to inform his wife of Elinor's visit, Robert comes to meet her and keeps her company. He is amused at Edward's choosing to become a clergyman and takes pity on him for having to marry Lucy. Shortly afterwards, Fanny Dashwood comes forward to meet Elinor. She talks politely and expresses regret at their departure to Cleveland.
feat_summary_analysis: Notes Most of the scenes in which Mrs. Jennings and John Dashwood are present evoke humor. In this chapter John Dashwood amuses the readers through his conversation with Elinor. Obsessed with money and miserly in his attitude, he fails to believe that the Colonel has been so kind as to offer a position at Delaford to Edward. He assumes that the Colonel must have an ulterior motive. He dubs Brandon as unthinking and strange. However, he is happy at the thought that the wealthy Colonel may soon marry Elinor. A hen-pecked and indulgent husband, John Dashwood is afraid to hurt the feelings of his cunning wife. Thus he requests Elinor to refrain from mentioning the Colonel's benevolence to her. He is happy to see his wife talking politely to Elinor and appreciates Fanny's gesture. John Dashwood's views and ideas shock Elinor. Referring to the marriage of Robert Ferrars to Miss Morton, he voices his opinion that Miss Morton should not mind getting married to any one of the brothers  as long as he inherits the family property. His line of argument appalls Elinor thoroughly: her brother considers money superior to emotion. CHAPTER 42 Summary In early April the two families from Hanover Square and Berkeley Street set out on their journey to Cleveland. Passing through Somerset, they take three days to reach their destination. The Palmers' house is modern and spacious, and the surrounding flora and fauna enhance its beauty. Marianne is excited at the idea of being able to explore the countryside. However, she is forced to stay indoors due to rain. Mr. Palmer and Colonel Brandon arrive shortly afterwards. Elinor finds both Mr. and Mrs. Palmer charming and friendly hosts. Brandon talks to her about Delaford. He suspects that Marianne has caught a cold, and in fact, she falls ill with the flu a few days later. Notes Marianne and Elinor have different reactions to the departure for Cleveland. Marianne becomes emotional, recollecting the pleasures and pains she has experienced while in London. Elinor is quite content to leave the place, as she is not at all sentimental about it. In fact, she is relieved to be spared the company of Lucy Steele. She also hopes that a change of scene will help Marianne to regain her health. Jane Austen once again highlights Marianne's sensibility in contrast to Elinor's good sense. Mr. Palmer reveals himself to be a gentleman beneath his tough exterior. Elinor is at first apprehensive about living under his roof. However, she finds him refreshingly different at Cleveland. Austen writes, "She found him, however, perfectly the gentleman in his behaviour to all his visitors, and only occasionally rude to his wife and her mother; she found him very capable of being a pleasant companion." Elinor is arguably the mouthpiece of the author, and therefore her renewed assessment of Mr. Palmer is important. John Dashwood is still under the impression that Colonel Brandon is in love with Elinor. Therefore he informs his sister that he will be making a visit to Delaford in the future. Elinor is merely amused at his remark, as she is well aware of the true object of the Colonel's desire: her sister, Marianne. CHAPTER 43 Summary This entire chapter deals with Marianne's illness. Her cold develops into influenza and then into a mysterious illness. The doctor administers medication and predicts her recovery, but Marianne's health turns from bad to worse. Mrs. Palmer, fearing an infection that could be caught by her new-born baby, moves to a friend's house near Bath. Mr. Palmer follows her after a few days. After four days, when Marianne's health shows no improvement, Elinor decides to consult with the Colonel before calling her mother to Cleveland. Colonel Brandon willingly offers to fetch Mrs. Dashwood from Barton and leaves immediately on this errand. Both Mrs. Jennings and Elinor are anxious after the doctor gives up hope, since the medication fails to cure Marianne. However, after a few more days, Marianne recovers miraculously. As Elinor waits for her mother to arrive, she gets a surprise visitor. It is Willoughby, who makes an appearance at the cottage. Notes Jane Austen throws light on the attitude of the different characters through their distinct reactions to Marianne's illness. When Marianne's condition worsens, Elinor is quite disturbed, but she does not panic. She thinks calmly and arrives at the decision to summon her mother from Barton. The Colonel is concerned about Marianne's health. He sensibly offers to fetch Mrs. Dashwood and undertakes his mission without delay. Both Elinor and the Colonel use their sense to the best advantage in order to improve the situation. Mrs. Jennings is highly emotional. She thinks of the worst when Marianne's health deteriorates. She feels sorry for the girl, as she is afraid that she may succumb to her illness. However, when Marianne recovers miraculously, she is overjoyed. Mrs. Jennings displays the extremes of emotion. Mr. Palmer conducts himself in a stable manner. When his wife panics about a possible threat to her baby's health, he chides her. As a host, he considers Marianne his responsibility and therefore shows reluctance to leave Cleveland.