Sense and Sensibility Chapter 50

The proud Mrs. Ferrars resists Edward at first, then forgives him, and again calls him her son. Edward, before becoming too secure, felt he should reveal his new engagement. His mother tries to discourage him, offering again the wealthy Miss Morton, but Edward is determined, so Mrs. Ferrars approves the marriage. Mrs. Ferrars offers Edward only the amount of money she gave Fanny at her marriage, which is more than enough for Edward and Elinor.

Topic Tracking: Money 25

Waiting until the parsonage is fully repaired, he and Elinor marry in early autumn, and are very happy. Their family visits, and John tells Elinor how much he hopes the Colonel and Marianne will marry. He is always hopeful of having a rich relation. Mrs. Ferrars also visits, and pretends to be affectionate, though her favorite is still Robert, whom she has since forgiven and taken back. Even Mrs. Ferrars was not immune to Lucy's flattery, and Lucy was also forgiven. It was Lucy's selfish charm that drew Robert in, when he visited her to try to convince her to release Edward from the engagement. Lucy, liking the attention, made many visits necessary, and soon their talks shifted to Robert, and the rest followed. In fact:

"Lucy became as necessary to Mrs. Ferrars, as either Robert or Fanny; and while Edward was never cordially forgiven for having once intended to marry her, and Elinor, though superior to her in fortune and birth, was spoken of as an intruder, she was in everything considered, and always openly acknowledged, to be a favourite child." Chapter 50, pg. 320

Robert had no regrets from receiving income at his brother's misfortune; nor did he regret not having much more than his brother. Edward had no regrets where money is concerned. They were able to have Elinor's family visit often, and after all that the Colonel had been through, and all the help he had given, they began to feel Marianne should be the reward of such fine action. With everyone wanting it, and knowing how good a person he was, she had little hope of resisting. Marianne, who felt herself so fixed in opinion, who denied the possibility of second attachments, was now about to enter her second attachment with a man who had also loved before! Instead of the passion she once sought, or the life of study she imagined, Marianne found herself at the age of nineteen, the wife and patroness of Delaford, growing more in love with her husband, until her feelings for him matched what she had once felt for Willoughby.

Topic Tracking: Hypocrites 26
Topic Tracking: Romance 26

Willoughby, who was saddened to hear of her marriage, was even more so when Mrs. Smith forgave him. Because his wife was of good character, Mrs. Smith took him back, which made Willoughby realize that if he had married Marianne, he could have had all he wanted. But he did not seclude himself or die broken-hearted. He lived well, his wife was agreeable at times, but he always held Marianne up as the perfect woman.

Topic Tracking: Romance 27

Mrs. Dashwood stayed at the cottage, and kept Sir John quite occupied, as Margaret was just at the right age for dances and engagements.

They all kept in touch, and Elinor and Marianne, though living so close to each other, were happy and peaceful, as were their husbands.