Jane Austen Quote of the Week 185

When in doubt of what to chose for a quote to post I always turn to Sense and Sensibility for inspiration. The relationship between Elinor and Marianne has always been a fascinating connection for me. I dont have any brothers or sisters so I suppose it always led me to wonder what it would have been like to have a sister.

Anyway I have chosen a quote from the part in the novel when Marianne has found out about Elinor's love and near-heartbreak for Edward.

From chapter 37:

"How long has this been known to you, Elinor? has he written to you?"
"I have known it these four months. When Lucy first came to Barton Park last November, she told me in confidence of her engagement."
At these words, Marianne's eyes expressed the astonishment which her lips could not utter. After a pause of wonder, she exclaimed -
"Four months! - Have you known of this four months?"
Elinor confirmed it.
"What! while attending me in all my misery, has this been on your heart? and I have reproached you for being happy!"
"It was not fit that you should then know how much I was the reverse."

Elinor makes a habit of concealing her feelings and no one knows what she is really feeling, not even her closest confidants. As Marianne was showing her devastation over losing Willoughby, Elinor was helping her feel better and tending to her every need. This important conversation marks a turning point in the story when finally both sisters have confided in each other and their problems begin to slowly get better.

Have you ever had to be the strong one in a relationship, listening to anothers sorrow whilst you are crying inside?
Or perhaps you have confided your emotions with a close friend or family member without really having any idea of what they are going through themselves?

I think that we may all have been either Marianne or Elinor at some point.

Pic: Marianne and Elinor Dashwood