Colonel Brandon hopes to assuage Marianne's suffering by revealing more about Willoughby's character to Elinor. He shares intimate details of his life, which intersect with Willoughby. Sadly, the young lady Brandon takes care of has a greater reason to suffer by Willoughby's actions than Marianne.

Mrs. Jennings reports that Willoughby's engagement to a Miss Grey has been made public. She is shocked that he has jilted Marianne and wants to tell everyone about it. She believes that Colonel Brandon can make his move now, though the Colonel doesn't seem happy about it.

Marianne receives a letter from Willoughby, which both she and Elinor are shocked by. He states that the depth of his esteem was misunderstood and that he is engaged elsewhere. Marianne cannot believe he is so cruel and imagines someone has turned him against her.

Marianne continues to pine for Willoughby and winds up missing his visit. Elinor writes to their mother regarding her concerns about their assumed engagement. Even Colonel Brandon wonders when Marianne will marry him.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Elinor and Marianne attend a party with Lady Middleton. The sisters notice Willoughby standing with an elegant lady across the room. Elinor has to restrain Marianne from dashing over to him. When he finally approaches them, he acts more like a stranger than an intimate friend and shocks Marianne.

Mrs. Jennings invites Elinor and Marianne to visit with her in London, yet Elinor does not wish to go. She does not want to risk running into Edward, nor is she certain that Marianne should meet with Willoughby. However, their mother insists they both go.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Marianne writes to Willoughby and impatiently waits for a response. She becomes too preoccupied by this and Elinor worries, when he neither appears nor writes. Colonel Brandon visits, but he is no substitute for Willoughby.