CHAPTER XXV
Elinor represented to her mother that the account Willoughby gave of his friend should be communicated to Margaret, but Mrs. Dashwood would not hear of it.
“I will not have Margaret troubled in the matter. We know nothing of his feeling, or of hers, and I am disinclined to exert any influence. Certainly it appears that he may be something of a fashionable gambler, but we have only the word of one man, and he not very trustworthy, and it is most probable that Commander Pennington’s character in no wise concerns us. I cannot have Margaret’s mind disturbed and her recovery retarded by any disquieting statements which cannot be proved, and which would probably only serve to remind her of an incident which is best forgotten.”
Elinor’s judgment was thus overruled and no letter was sent to Margaret describing Willoughby’s visit. However, she felt herself at liberty to write freely to Marianne. They had always been deeply attached, and were completely in each other’s confidence. It was but natural that her letter should be without reserve. She crossed it at the end with the words, “Do not speak of all this to Margaret,” but as Marianne did not notice this addition till she had read and reread the letter, and discussed its contents with Margaret, the instruction might as well have been omitted.
My Dearest Marianne,
You will be surprised to hear of the visitor who called yesterday, and I have some fear that you will also be displeased. It was John Willoughby. Margaret may have told you that he has been in the neighbourhood this summer, as she herself has seen more of him than we have. I was at first unwilling to acknowledge his acquaintance, but my mother wished that we should keep up the outward appearance of civility, and Margaret has danced with him on two occasions. We were not, however, prepared for his calling at Barton Cottage.
Mrs. Smith has lately died, and he and Mrs. Willoughby will live at Allenham for some months in the year, and he came to beg my mother to notice his wife. She agreed. You know her goodness of heart, but I cannot but fear you will not approve so much complaisance. Do not, however, be alarmed, my dearest sister, we will not allow you to be annoyed by meeting them. It will not be difficult to time your visits to Barton so that they shall not coincide with the Willoughbys’ residence at Allenham. One further communication I must tell you which troubles me for Margaret. You will know from her that she has lately made the acquaintance of a Commander Pennington in circumstances which I cannot but think were neither to the credit of his manners nor of her discretion. However, the acquaintance was made, and led to his calling on my mother and some promise of his seeing them again on his return to England. I regret to say that Willoughby claims this man as his friend, plays cards with him at his club, and describes him as a proficient gamester, well known in London clubs as such. I hope, however, that his idea has already been effectually dispelled from her mind by the advances of Walter Carey, who begged to have news of her yesterday, and sends her his best regards. The former incident, as our mother says, is best forgotten, and I dare say it has already passed from Margaret’s mind.
I hope little Edward is good and gives you no trouble that can be avoided.
Forgive me, my dearest sister, for vexing you with all this concerning the past, but the annoyance must be known to you now or later.
I look forward to being with you again; but enjoy our mother’s society in the extreme.
Marianne was very much surprised on getting this letter, as none of the confidences which Elinor supposed to have passed between Margaret and herself had taken place.
She carried it at once to her sister, and laughingly taxed her with concealment.
“To think that you have seen Willoughby and danced with him, and told me nothing of it. I insist on hearing all about him at once. He was quite a beau of mine, as Miss Steele would say. It is amazing to look back and see how differently I felt in those days, and how little I then thought of the man who is now so dear to me. But tell me of Willoughby, Margaret. I must hear all about him. Did he ask for me?”
Margaret told her of the stream of questions and outspoken admiration which had formed the main part of his conversation, and Marianne was greatly entertained.
“Of course you were right, Margaret, to listen to him and be agreeable. Why should poor Willoughby be shunned? It is all so long ago, and not of any moment now. But now tell me of this Commander Pennington, his friend.”
Margaret felt instant agitation, but she asked as quietly as she could:
“What do you know of him?”
“Nay, rather what do you know? Our prudent Elinor says you made his acquaintance in circumstances that reflect no credit on his manners or on your discretion, and that our mother declares the incident is best forgotten. Come, Margaret, I must know! Consider how dull a life I lead—my husband away and no one to amuse me but Edward and yourself. Do not deny me the pleasure of a little romance.”
Margaret turned away. She was unable to speak. She could not recount the incidents lightly. She would not willingly make much of them. Marianne, perceiving her distress, took her gently by the hand and said:
“Is it possible that this is more serious than my mother and Elinor believe? Will you not confide in me, Margaret? I will not advise you or blame you for indiscretion. I have been too indiscreet myself to wish to influence you, but you are sure of my sympathy and of my affection.”
Margaret’s reserve was broken down. She told her sister of the meeting on the downs, of her dread of discussion, of the second meeting, and the third, and lastly, of the visit to the Cottage. She did not dwell on these, but her memory was so exact, her account so clear, that it was evident to Marianne that her sister had been deeply affected. She led the conversation to Walter Carey, and his message, and saw in her sister’s face that the topic was distasteful. She returned to Commander Pennington, and spoke of his being a friend of Willoughby’s.
“I rather think that our dear Elinor, in the goodness of her heart towards me, is ready to think ill of any friend of Willoughby’s, but, indeed, I do not think it such a serious charge. Willoughby had many friends of all degrees of intimacy. They all play cards at the clubs, but I do not know that there need be any wrong-doing about that. I do not consider it is proved that your friend should be called a gamester. As to your meeting and talking on the downs, it seems to me of all things most natural. Were you to turn your back on him after the service he had done you? I sympathize with you, too, on the question of secrecy. Willoughby and I were less careful, and we suffered much from Sir John and dear old Mrs. Jennings, whom I have long forgiven for the miserable moments she gave me.”
Margaret found the relief of this full confidence and understanding to be very great. She had not spoken to her mother on the subject since learning from Elinor that her mother’s opinion of Commander Pennington was unfavourable, and she was young enough to need the relief of speaking her thoughts. Marianne was delighted. Her joy in romance was her strength as well as her weakness, and she was made very happy by hearing of this which might prove to be a genuine case of love at first sight.