# Chapter XXXIX explained — Sense and Sensibility

> Chapter companion for Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen.

## What happens

The Miss Dashwoods plan to leave London, but accept an invitation to visit the Palmers at Cleveland before returning home. Colonel Brandon informs Elinor that he is giving the living of Delaford to Edward Ferrars, enabling him to marry. Elinor agrees to convey the offer to Edward.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Money

Colonel Brandon's gift of the Delaford living highlights the importance of financial means for marriage and social standing, as Edward's prospects are limited by his family's disownment.

### Deception and Appearance

Mrs. Jennings misinterprets the conversation between Elinor and Colonel Brandon, showing how appearances can be deceiving in social interactions.

## Character check-ins

### Elinor Dashwood

Arranges the visit to Cleveland and agrees to deliver Colonel Brandon's offer of the Delaford living to Edward Ferrars.

### Marianne Dashwood

Reluctant to go to Cleveland due to its proximity to Somersetshire, but is persuaded by Elinor's reasoning.

### Colonel Brandon

Offers the living of Delaford to Edward Ferrars through Elinor, showing his generosity and concern for Edward's situation.

### Mrs. Jennings

Hosts the Dashwoods and misinterprets the conversation between Elinor and Colonel Brandon as a marriage proposal.

### Edward Ferrars

Mentioned as the recipient of Colonel Brandon's offer of the Delaford living; his engagement to Lucy Steele is acknowledged.

## Key lines

> Cleveland! ... No, I cannot go to Cleveland.

Marianne refuses to visit Cleveland because it is in Somersetshire, a county associated with painful memories.

_Marianne's emotional reaction to the proposed visit reveals her lingering distress over Willoughby._

> I have heard ... of the injustice your friend Mr. Ferrars has suffered from his family; for if I understand the matter right, he has been entirely cast off by them for persevering in his engagement with a very deserving young woman.

Colonel Brandon acknowledges Edward's disinheritance due to his engagement to Lucy Steele.

_Brandon shows his awareness of Edward's situation and his sympathy._

> The living of Delaford, now just vacant ... is his, if he think it worth his acceptance.

Colonel Brandon offers Edward the vacant rectory of Delaford.

_This generous act provides Edward with a means to support himself and potentially marry._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxxix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters