Sense and Sensibility: Chapter 26 Summary & Analysis

Elinor was surprised to find herself in Mrs. Jennings’ carriage, on the way to London, when she had been staunchly opposed to the journey a few days ago. Her objections had all been overcome by “that happy ardour of youth which Marianne and her mother equally shared.”

Elinor wondered what would happen between Willoughby and Marianne, reflecting on how much more hopeful Marianne’s situation was than her own with Edward. They arrived at Mrs. Jennings’ place in London, which was “handsome, and handsomely fitted up.”

Elinor and Marianne started to write some letters as soon as they arrived in London. Elinor told Marianne she should delay hers, as she was already sending one to their mother. But Marianne told Elinor she was not writing to their mother. Elinor guessed she was writing to Willoughby.

Someone came to the door of Mrs. Jennings’ apartment, and Marianne exclaimed, “Oh, Elinor, it is Willoughby, indeed it is!” But when the door opened, it turned out to be Colonel Brandon. Shocked and disappointed, Marianne left the room. Brandon asked if she was ill, and Elinor made up that she was tired and probably had a headache.

Mrs. Jennings talked with Brandon and Elinor and joked to Colonel Brandon, “I do not know what you and Mr. Willoughby will do between you” with Marianne. After Colonel Brandon left, Elinor and Marianne went to bed early. The next day, Mrs. Palmer came to visit.

After this, Marianne and Elinor went out into town. When they returned, Marianne excitedly looked to see if there was a letter for her, but there was not. Elinor worried about what was going on with Marianne and Willoughby, since their apparent engagement was “so doubtful, so mysterious.” Marianne continued to wait expectantly for Willoughby to come pay a visit.