Pride and Prejudice; Sense and Sensibility

Chapter 69 The Longing for Happiness
Months passed, and Mrs. Dashwood remained at Norland Park without leaving.It wasn't because she didn't want to go.There had been a time when the sight of familiar places had aroused her sadness and excitement, but now it was less exciting.Now that she has begun to feel better, she is no longer overwhelmed by the sad past and is able to think about other things.At this time, she was anxious to leave Nolan Manor, and she searched everywhere, trying to find a suitable house near Nolan Manor, because she was extremely reluctant to leave this place that made her miss too far.But she couldn't find a place where she could live as comfortably as she wanted and could satisfy her prudent older daughter.Several houses were chosen by the mother, but the eldest daughter said that the house was too big for them to live in, so they had to give up.

Mrs. Dashwood had heard from her husband that his son had solemnly promised to take care of them, mother and daughter, so that he left without concern when he was dying.Like her husband, she never doubted her son's sincerity.She thought of her son's promise to her husband from the perspective of her daughters, because she felt that even if she had much less than seven thousand pounds, she would be able to live well. Therefore, She was happy for her daughters when she saw how kind-hearted her brother was.She thought he would not be so generous, but now she regrets that she should have blamed him for being stingy and greedy.His concern for his stepmother and sisters was enough to show that he was very concerned about their well-being.For a long time, therefore, she believed in his generosity.

At the beginning, she despised her when she and her daughter-in-law first met, but now she has lived in her daughter-in-law's house for half a year, and after she has a deeper understanding of her personality, she despises her even more.Although the mother-in-law pays attention to her own identity, puts maternal love first, and pays attention to etiquette everywhere, but if there is no special situation, Dashwood mother-in-law and daughter-in-law may never get along for such a long time.From Mrs. Dashwood's point of view, after this incident, her daughters should continue to stay at Norland Manor.

This particular case is that between Mrs. Henry Dashwood's eldest daughter and Mrs. John Dashwood's brother, who have grown to love each other.The younger brother was a gentleman, and had a very pleasant manner.Not long after his sister moved into Nolan Manor, he was introduced to their mother and daughter.Since then, he has lived most of the time at Norland Manor.

What would a mother do in such a situation?Some mothers may, for the sake of profit, further cement this close affection, for Edward Ferrars was the eldest son of a late rich man; affection, since the vast majority of his fortune, save for a meager one, would depend on his mother's will.

But Mrs. Dashwood had neither of these in mind.It seemed to her that it was enough that Edward seemed amiable and genuinely loved her daughter, and that Eleanor fell in love with him.Because fundamentally speaking, her ethical concept is absolutely opposed to breaking up a pair of like-minded lovers because of the disparity between rich and poor.Moreover, she thought Eleanor's virtues would never be denied by anyone who knew her.

They liked Edward Ferrars not because he was handsome, personable, and eloquent.He's not pretty, but with that manner, only those who are familiar with him will find him cute.Plus he's too shy, and the result is that he can't fully show his true colors.Once he got over his natural shyness, however, his every move showed that he was open-minded and gracious.He was clever, and education strengthened his cleverness.However, neither his talent nor his character could satisfy his mother and sister.They expected to see him rise to the top, become famous--but what exactly--they couldn't tell what.They wanted him to shine in the world in one way or another.His mother hoped that he would get out of politics, become a member of parliament, or make friends with some of the big men of the day.Mrs. John Dashwood had the same desires for her brother, but before these lofty ideals were realized, it was enough for her to see him in a carriage.Unexpectedly, Edward has no interest in big shots and carriages. What he pursues wholeheartedly is a comfortable family and a comfortable life.Fortunately, he has a younger brother who is more promising than him.

Edward lived at the mansion for some weeks before he attracted any degree of attention from Mrs. Dashwood; for at that time she was in a mournful mood, and cared nothing about her surroundings.

It was only when she saw that he was quiet and cautious that she developed a good impression of him.He never said inappropriate words to disturb her painful psychology.Her further observation and approval of him was at first provoked by a remark uttered by Elinor.That day, quite by accident, Eleanor told her that he was very different from his sister.The comparison caught her attention and helped him win her over convincingly.

"It is enough," said the mother, with a smile, "to say that he is different from Fanny. That is to say that everything about him is lovable. I am already in love with him. When I am satisfied, I must love him."

"You will respect him."

"I still don't know how to separate respect from affection."

Afterwards, Mrs. Dashwood tried every means to get close to Edward.Her geniality soon dispelled his restraint, and it did not take long for her to see all his virtues.She believed that Edward was interested in Eleanor, perhaps because of this, she had such a keen eye to see everything.She was sure, however, that he was a man of high moral character.Originally, she looked down on his taciturn character, because she always thought that it was not the demeanor that young people should have.But once she learned that he was warm and gentle, she no longer found him annoying.

As soon as she sensed a hint of affection in Edward for Eleanor, she decided that they were really in love, and she hoped very much that they should soon be married.

"My dear Marianne," said she, "in a few months' time Eleanor will most likely be married and have a family, and we will miss her, but she will be very happy."

"Why, mother, what shall we do without her?"

"My darling, it's not quite a parting. We're just miles away from her, and we see each other every day. You're going to have a brother, a real brother, a brother. I'm so impressed with Edward's heart. But, Marianne, why are you so stern, don't you agree with your sister's choice?"

"Perhaps," said Marianne, "I was a little surprised. Edward was indeed very pleasant, and I liked him. But I don't think he's the sort of young man—he lacks something, and his image doesn't How attractive—I don't think he possessed any of the charm that would have really attracted my sister. He was dead-eyed, lifeless, with no fiery passion, no grit, no talent Apart from that, he probably has no real taste. He doesn't seem to have any interest in music. Although he admires Eleanor's paintings very much, it is not the appreciation of an insider. When Eleanor painted , he is always close to me, but he obviously knows nothing about painting. His appreciation is only that of a lover, not that of a connoisseur. To satisfy me, a person must have these qualities at the same time. To have a taste that does not agree with me at all I can't be happy living with someone who is right. He must be my soulmate, and we must be fascinated by the same books and the same music. Oh, mother! Edward looked listless and terribly lame when he read to us last night! I'm really sorry for my sister. But she kept her breath, as if she didn't see it. I couldn't sit still. Such beautiful poems often make me fascinated, but he read it so blandly, Keep calm, in this way, who will listen to it!"

"If you make him read simple, elegant, concise and beautiful prose, he will do well. I thought so at the time, but you have to make him read Cowper (William Cowper, 1731-1800), late 18th century A poem by a famous English lyric poet.”

"Come on, mother, if Cooper's poems can't move him, what should he read!—Of course, we have to admit that people have different tastes. Eleanor is not as sentimental as I am, so she can Ignore this lack. She might be really happy with him. It's a good thing I didn't fall in love with him, otherwise, my heart would be broken into eight petals when I heard him read aloud in such a boring way. Mom, The more I see the world, the more I believe that I will never meet a man in my life who I can really love. I am asking too much! He must have all the virtues of Edward, and in order to add luster to this virtue, He also has to be well-groomed and charming."

"My darling, don't forget that you are not yet seventeen, and it is too early to lose faith in happiness. How can you not be as happy as your mother? My Marianne, in one thing only, you Your fate will be different from mine!"

(End of this chapter)