CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

That evening, when the family was sitting together, Marianne began speaking about Willoughby.

"It was a great relief to me—what Elinor told me this morning—I have now heard exactly what I wished to hear. I wish for no change. I never could have been happy with him, after knowing all this. I now have no regrets, nothing but my own foolishness."

"Rather your mother's foolishness, my child," said Mrs Dashwood.

During this time, Elinor was becoming more impatient to hear of Edward's plans. She had heard nothing of him since she had left London.

One morning, one of their servants returned from doing business at Mrs Ferrars' country home.

"I suppose you know, ma'am, that Mr Ferrars is married," he informed Elinor.

Marianne began screaming and was taken to her room. In the meantime, Elinor turned pale, but continued to remain calm.

"Who told you that Mr Ferrars was married?" she asked.

"I saw Mr Ferrars myself this morning. He was with Miss Steele, as they have recently married."

The rest of the day, Elinor tried to look calm so her family would not worry, but she was quite upset after hearing the news of Lucy Steele marrying Edward.

(end of section)