Chapter 49 Summary

In this chapter Edward proposes to Elinor and gets her mother's consent for a marriage. He reveals that he was trapped in his engagement to Lucy, "a woman whom he had long since ceased to love." He relates the story of his relationship with Lucy and tells them all how he regretted becoming attached to her, and how she released her from his obligation by eloping with Robert while Edward was at Oxford. He adds that the two had become close when Lucy was busy seeking Robert's favor on her match with Edward, and that Lucy has told him she is now happy.

Elinor notes that Mrs. Ferrars gave Robert an income in response to Edward and Lucy's engagement and that this gave him the power to choose Lucy and made him more attractive to her. They analyze Lucy's motives in the affair...