Sense and Sensibility
Edward Ferrars
Elinor’s suitor
A gentle, shy young man who is drawn to Elinor but carries a secret that keeps him from speaking.
Edward Ferrars is Fanny Dashwood’s brother and the elder son of a wealthy, domineering mother. He is not handsome, and his manners need a little time to please. He is quiet, honorable and self-effacing, with a dry, gentle wit. His conversation brings Elinor comfort in the quiet hours at Norland.
He is also under pressure. His mother expects him to make a grand match, and he has a secret that he cannot speak of. When he visits Barton Cottage he is subdued and anxious, and he wears a ring with a lock of hair that he says is his sister’s. He does not care for show, and he would rather be useful than admired. He is uncomfortable with the grand plans his family has for him, and he prefers quiet, ordinary pleasures.
“I have loved you, Elinor, from the very first hour I knew you at Norland, and I am free to offer you my heart.”
In the story
Contains spoilers.
Edward visits Barton and leaves without any declaration to Elinor. Later Lucy Steele reveals that she has been engaged to him for four years. When Anne Steele tells Fanny the secret, Mrs. Ferrars demands that Edward break the engagement or be disinherited. He says he cannot, in honor, and is cast out.
Colonel Brandon offers him the living of Delaford. Edward rides to Barton and discovers that Lucy has married his brother Robert instead. Free at last, he tells Elinor that he has loved her from the first hour at Norland. They marry and settle at Delaford.
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