Sense and Sensibility: Chapter 45 Summary & Analysis

Elinor was greatly distressed to find herself pitying the man whom she had, until just recently, “abhorred as the most worthless of men.” She went to Marianne, who was now refreshed by a long sleep. At last, Mrs. Dashwood arrived with Colonel Brandon.

Mrs. Dashwood was overcome by happiness upon seeing her daughters again and couldn’t help shedding tears of joy. Elinor was also delighted at the reunion. Elinor tried to sleep that night, but kept thinking of Willoughby, whom she now called “poor Willoughby” in her mind.

Marianne continued to recover, and Mrs. Dashwood was “one of the happiest women in the world.” When she got the chance to speak alone with Elinor, she said that she was overjoyed because Colonel Brandon told her that he loved Marianne. Elinor was not very surprised, and Mrs. Dashwood was amazed at her composure upon hearing this news.

On the journey back from Barton, Colonel Brandon had told Mrs. Dashwood that he had loved Marianne from the moment they met. Mrs. Dashwood said that his love was “more sincere or constant” that that of Willoughby. Elinor agreed that Colonel Brandon was “an excellent man.”

Mrs. Dashwood said that she had told Brandon that she would gladly encourage his union with Marianne, but he worried that Marianne still had affections for Willoughby and would not love him. Mrs. Dashwood, though, was convinced that Marianne would be happier with Colonel Brandon than she ever could have been with Willoughby. She said that she did not know what Brandon’s fortune was like, but was sure it would be enough.