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Sense and Sensibility Chapter 10
Willoughby comes by Barton Cottage early the next morning. Though both the Miss Dashwoods are attractive, it is Marianne whom he finds more so, both in face and in spirit. They discover their shared passion for music, dance, and literature. He too likes the romantic poets, Cowper and Scott, more than the cerebral Pope.
Elinor scolds Marianne for her long and impassioned conversation with Willoughby. Elinor wishes they would learn about each other more gradually, but Marianne can only act in accordance with how she feels and what is true.
Willoughby's visits continue and become more frequent, with he and Marianne reading, singing, and talking together quite often. Though pleasant and lively, Elinor cannot help but be concerned:
"In hastily forming and giving his opinion of other people, in sacrificing general politeness to the enjoyment of undivided attention where his heart is engaged, and in slighting too easily the forms of worldly propriety, he displayed a want of caution which Elinor could not approve..." Chapter 10, pg. 43
Marianne, on the other hand, is falling in love with Willoughby, and thinks him perfect. Her mother begins to expect they will marry. Elinor feels sympathy for Colonel Brandon, who seems to have lost any chance of love with her sister. To make matters worse, Willoughby speaks badly of the Colonel, and Marianne joins in, though the Colonel has been nothing but nice to her. Only Elinor defends the Colonel; but what to her are good qualities, make him dull to Marianne and Willoughby.
