Free Expectations of Happiness by Rebecca Ann Collins

having lived in Dorset these many years.
    Truly, Elinor, Robert and Lucy are much improved since we saw them last, I have so enjoyed having them to stay.
    On Saturday, we are to join a party of Robert’s friends to drive into Somerset; I do so long to see Somerset, which I know to be especially beautiful at this time of year.
    Thereafter the letter ended abruptly, with the words:
    Lucy and Robert are back—I can hear their carriage in the drive. I must go downstairs directly.
    Your loving sister,
    Marianne
    Elinor’s response to her sister’s note was one of intense anxiety and bewilderment. She was bewildered by Marianne’s cavalier acceptance of Robert and Lucy as “much improved” when she knew that neither had shown, in the years since her marriage to Edward, that they had changed either in inclination or demeanour. He had, for the most part, remained selfish and supercilious, while she had made no attempt at all to improve her disposition or her understanding, continuing to indulge in the type of shallow, mindless gossip that was her stock in trade. Neither by an improvement of mind or manners or by any worthwhile accomplishments had they distinguished themselves from what they had been when Elinor had first met them several years ago.
    Marianne’s mention of a journey into Somerset with them had increased Elinor’s apprehension. For it was there, she had recently learned, that Willoughby was spending the summer. Questions flooded her mind—what if he were to encounter their party? How would it be if they were to meet? Recalling Willoughby’s infamous protestations of love, she wondered, would he approach Marianne? Knowing Marianne’s predisposition, Elinor was concerned that in the company of two people as irresponsible as Robert and Lucy Ferrars, her sister might not be able to resist the type of impulsive behaviour that had, on previous occasions, led to embarrassment and distress.
    When her husband returned, she was in two minds as to whether she should tell him of her fears; to do so, she would have to reveal her knowledge of the visit of Robert and Lucy, but she was forestalled when he announced that he’d had a letter from his brother Robert.
    He held up a note. “It seems they’ve been here while we were away, staying at Delaford Manor and visiting friends in the area! Isn’t that a surprise?” and then seeing that Elinor was clearly not particularly surprised, asked, “Have you heard already?”
    Marianne’s note, lying on the bedside table, provided a clue, and he assumed she had just heard the news from her sister, but Elinor could no longer carry on the deception; she had to reveal the fact that she had known of the visit well before they left for Weymouth. She was very contrite. “I’m sorry, dearest, I can give you no logical explanation, except that I was so completely disconcerted by Marianne’s revelation that she had invited them to stay. I could not understand it; she has never liked Lucy and has nothing in common with her. Besides, Marianne has not the patience to put up with Lucy as I do. I found her change of heart inexplicable; it upset me and I just decided not to trouble you with the news. I am sorry.”
    Edward was his usual gentle, understanding self, if a little confused by her confession. He simply shrugged his shoulders and said, “It matters little, my love, it would have made no difference to our plans—no doubt they had plenty to occupy them… Robert says they enjoyed their stay—their friends the Percevals live not far from Delaford and they spent most of their time with them. He says they were sorry to have missed us, but he is probably just being civil.”
    Elinor handed him her sister’s note and watched him as he read it.
    â€œHmm, it certainly looks like Marianne has been enjoying the company too,” he said and was surprised when Elinor said softly, “That is