Chapter 4 Summary

In this chapter we see Marianne and Elinor discussing Edward. Marianne tries to persuade her sister that Edward is too reserved for her, but Elinor defends him by noting that he has good taste and is a good and sensitive person. Marianne tells her sister that she will try to love Edward as a brother. Elinor becomes worried; however, that Edward might be forced by his mother and sister to marry a woman "of higher standing" and takes these concerns to her mother.

Her worries prove true, and Elinor and Edward's relationship is virtually stopped by this interference. Mrs. Dashwood receives an offer of a cottage for rent in a distant county and so the sisters and their mother decide to leave Norland to investigate, in part to remove Mrs. Dashwood from Fanny's constant meanness and uncivil behavior. Elinor agrees with the logic...