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.–
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY
203
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.