Marianne felt more miserable the next day. She was determined to avoid Mrs. Jennings.
“Her kindness is not sympathy,” she complained. “She enjoys gossiping about my problems to her friends.”
After breakfast, Mrs. Jennings found the sisters in their room and delivered a letter to Marianne. “My dear, this will make you happy.”
Marianne hoped it was from Willoughby, explaining and apologizing for his strange behavior. But it was from her mother. The letter expressed confidence in Willoughby. Marianne began to cry again at the thought of her mother’s disappointment when she learned the truth about him.
Then there was a knock on the door. It was Colonel Brandon. Marianne ran away to her room. Elinor greeted him. He seemed unhappy.
“I’ve come to speak with you,” Brandon said to Elinor. “I want to tell you some details about Mr. Willoughby’s character.”
“Your words are proof of your feelings for Marianne,” said Elinor.
“Perhaps you remember a lady I mentioned once at Barton Park? She was like your sister, with an eager mind, a warm heart, and great sensibility. She was a distant cousin of mine. We played together when we were children, and this grew into love,” said Brandon.
“But at seventeen, she was married to my brother against her wishes. Before the wedding, we planned to run away to marry secretly. My father discovered the plan and sent me to the army. Their marriage was unhappy. My brother cheated on her with countless other woman. Two years later, they were divorced. ”