People: Elinor, Marianne, John Willoughby
Text: Three or four days later, the ladies and Mrs. Jennings were invited to a party at a friend of the latter. Despite Marianne’s former feelings about going out in public, Elinor was surprised that she even agreed to the outing. The lovely home was packed with partygoers and was over-heated. Mrs. Jennings, and her daughter, Lady Middleton, led the Dashwood sisters upstairs. The two older women joined a card game. Elinor and Marianne found chairs nearby to take in the general splendor.
It was not long before Marianne spotted Willoughby. Marianne’s countenance glowed with delight as he moved in their general direction. He turned his back and began a discourse with a young lady at his side. Marianne began.
“Good heavens!” she exclaimed, “he is there-he is there. Oh! Why does he not look at me? Why cannot I speak to him?”
“Pray, pray be composed,” cried Elinor, “and do not betray what you feel to everybody present. Perhaps he has not observed you yet.”
To be composed at such a moment was not only beyond the reach of Marianne; it was beyond her wish. She sat in agony of impatience.
At last, he turned around and regarded them both; she started up and pronouncing his name in a tone of affection, held out her hand to him. He approached and addressed himself rather to Elinor. Marianne exclaimed in a voice of the greatest emotion, “Good God! Willoughby, what is the meaning of this? Have you not received my letters? Will you not shake hands with me?”
He could not then avoid it, but her touch seemed painful to him, and he held her hand for only a moment. His countenance became more tranquil. After a moment’s pause, he spoke with calmness.
“I did myself the honor of calling in Berkley street last Tuesday, and very much regretted not to find yourselves at home. My card was not lost, I hope.”
“But have you not received my notes?” cried Marianne. “Tell me, Willoughby; for heaven’s sake tell me, what is the matter?”
He made no reply; his complexion changed, and all his embarrassment returned. Catching the eye of the young lady with whom he had been previously talking, he exerted himself, “Yes, I had the pleasure of receiving the information of your arrival in town.” He turned away hastily with a slight bow and rejoined his friend.
With difficulty however could Elinor prevent Marianne from following Willoughby; she persuaded her to check her agitation. Marianne begged her sister would intreat Lady Middleton to take them home, as she was too miserable to stay a minute longer.
Emotion: Rejection
Insight: Psalm 34:18 says of the rejected, “The LORD is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
With no explanation, Marianne finds herself completely crushed and rejected by Willoughby in the public setting of a party. After being seen speaking with another young woman, he is compelled to approach and greet both sisters, only to ignore Marianne’s gaze with embarrassment. Once he speaks, it is with such indifference that it is immediately clear that he is not the same man who had left them distraught only weeks before. The unaccounted-for dismissal leaves Marianne at a loss for reason and throws her into despair.
For someone as passionate as Marianne Dashwood, the pain was complete and utterly devastating. Often, we find ourselves in a similar situation. A characterless person can turn without explanation and leave us reeling under the weight of rejection. But there is hope. God! God understands the heartbroken. He draws near with His own comfort. He pours in healing to the crushed in spirit. If we find ourselves rejected, may we turn to our tender-hearted God for renewal. He can and will restore hope.
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