Elinor's Struggle

Mariannne's feelings for Willoughby

Miss Mariannne Dashwood as only 16 year old. And she was greatly admired by two gentlemen one of them being Willoughby's arch rival .......... Colonel Brandon. Mrs Jennings on the other hand was a very noisy and gossiper she loved to gossip about other people's daughters getting married. One particular evening the Dashwood's were dining at Barton Park with the Colonel and Willoughby. Play us a jig Charles!  Said sir John was partners miss Margaret Colonel Brandon was with Elinor and Mariannne was partnered with Willoughby the music had started and low and behold the Colonel rather than concentrate on his footwork and techinque he let it slip that he was concerned about Mariannne by the face he was pulling. Colonel what is it? Nothing miss Dashwood dear me I am terribly sorry for forgetting myself! Apologies the Colonel. Mariannne wasn't not like her sister Elinor at all she made her love with Willoughby so public that everyone knew what she felt. Imgaine your at dine in ball private ball with just family and friends and you get shown by sister how unsettling for Elinor I think to see that it's closed as shame she never shamed her sister or her mother Mrs Dashwood.  When they finished the dance Margaret wanted to tell her mama about Mariannne's behaviour but she'd been grassing her own sister up.

The evening at Barton park was over and Elinor,  Mariaannne and Margaret were on the way back to the cottage what a wonderful evening? Said Mariannne to Elinor yes it was small but wonderful but I cannot bare Mrs Jennings so droll her opinions are based with heart or feeling! The soul cannot be touched by unkind opinions said Mariannne. My dear Mariannne Mrs Jennings is noisy old woman I grant but she means well. Mrs Dashwood was rather surprised at her daughter Mariannne's account of Mrs Jennings. Lady Middleton so cold and insipid the cares little for us. Elinor knew her feelings at present time particularly when they noticed she was in a dull mood. Elinor's defence line was that she nothing of circumstance to bring fourth. Mrs Dashwood looked at her eldest daughter and with a sweet smile Elinor was easy again. What strange evening we have had! Said Mrs Jennings by what do you mean mar'am? Said Sir John well Miss Elinor looked quite grave this evening! Aye mama she did indeed! Said Mrs Palmer. Charlotte was a joyful character. With limited time because she expected to confined soon as she was with child. Colonel Brandon was there that very same evening what do you think Brandon didn't Elinor look in good spirits this evening? Brandon was descent to say that perhaps we shall not comment on miss Dashwood's state of mind for this gracious not too sir John! The next morning brought light relief of sorts as Elinor cleared her head in soldiery walks on the downs looking at the sea (thinking of Edward) Elinor struggles to keep her emotions at bay when she was in company either team Middleton's or her own mama and sisters.

For the chief of the afternoon Mrs Dashwood and Elinor spent much of it making Barton their own. Elinor learnt how to write from writing letters and she practised did she not. But this time she'd be writing to Edward. But never sent it.

Dear Cousin Edward,
                                  My dearest cousin we have been so far apart we cannot afford to have anymore of those consultations which we so happily had at Norland. Dear Edward if you only you could answer this letter to answer my question will you come? We have very little help here in Devonshire bit we manage how is Mrs Ferrars? I do hope you are tolerably well. Please edward come to Barton

Ever affectionate friend
Elinor Dashwood

What was your writing just then Elinor? Said Mariannne. Ellie is edward still playing you? Pardon not Mariannne he is not playing me I think you mean is he playing on my mind? The answer is yes he is bit please do not hope for something that will never happen. Oh ellie I am very sure it will repiles Mariannne. I do have a grave situation that Colonel Brandon has told me about what Willoughby has done. Dear Mariannne please don't get scared but I am rather disappointed in him. Disappointed why Ellie? Because Willoughby has a son! A son! Yes said Elinor. Mariannne said dear lord! Whose the mama! A 15 year old girl named Beth. Mariannne felt betrayed by him that he would not of told her about his son.The next morning for the chief of the morning Mariannne was expecting a visit from Mr Willoughby but he did not show. Mariannne chiefly wondered why he didn't show after he promised her the visit. Mama was has not he come this morning? Perhaps my dear he is busy this morning just be patient Mariannne he will come. Your right mama! Said Mariannne. Elinor returned from her morning walk on the downs. Dear ellie Willoughby has not come Mariannne starts to sob. Be calm Mariannne he will come. Mrs Dashwood was otherwise employed by writing a letter to John to enquire about Norland.  Mrs John Dashwood was certainly very uncivil about why Mrs Mary Dashwood was enquiring about Norland. Why should she care my dear? Said Fanny because this was her home before her home before he husband died abdominal my father passed I shall write straight away.

Dear Mrs Dashwood,
    We are delighted to inform you that the state of Norland is well obtained and managed by the team you left us. We grateful for interest in Norland.

Regards
Mr John Dashwood