Chapter 19 Summary

Edward stays a week, during which time his "spirits" improve. He is glad to be there and says that he is reluctant to leave because he will have to return to either town or Norland, both of which he dislikes. Mrs. Dashwood urges him to take a job (a "profession") so that he will not be forced to spend time with people he dislikes. Edward discloses how he had been unable to choose a profession when he was younger, and had ended up in an idle life almost by default.

He leaves, and Elinor feels sad and upset. She keeps her feelings to herself, and busies herself with housework to avoid her sisters and mother. She finds that she is spending a lot of time thinking about Edward. One day the Middletons and Mrs. Jennings bring a new couple, the Palmers, for a...