One fair musician brings to mind another; from Miss Elizabeth Linley to Miss Marianne Dashwood and although I recognize they are not a perfect match some description of Marianne’s personal charms seem to be more than coincidence or at the least perhaps JA admired this type of beauty. Major divergence begins with Marianne’s character as it is not what I would call imbued with a strong desire to please although I would not say she is completely guiltless of the offense. Second, the attention which Marianne can command as a musician is indeed less than that of the talented Miss Linley but that must partly be attributed to want of taste in the company except for one very lovely colonel.

EL: She is really beautiful;

MD: Marianne was still handsomer...her face was so lovely, that when, in the common cant of praise, she was called a beautiful girl, truth was less violently outraged than usually happens. (S&S, Chapter 10)

EL: her complexion a clear, lovely animated brown with a blooming colour on her cheeks; her nose, that most elegant of shapes , Grecian ; fine luxurious, easy-settling hair, a charming forehead, pretty mouth , and most bewitching eyes.

MD: Her skin was very brown, but from its transparency, her complexion was uncommonly brilliant; her features were all good; her smile was sweet and attractive; and in her eyes, which were very dark, there was a life, a spirit, an eagerness which could hardly be seen without delight. (S&S, Chapter 10)

EL: With all this her carriage is modest and unassuming

MD: Marianne was still handsomer. Her form, though not so correct as her sister's, in having the advantage of height, was more striking; (S&S, Chapter 10)

EL: and her countenance indicates diffidence, and a strong desire of pleasing,- a desire in which she can never be disappointed.

MD: She was sensible and clever; but eager in everything; her sorrows, her joys, could have no moderation. She was generous, amiable, interesting: she was everything but prudent. (S&S, Chapter 1)

EL: The applause and admiration she has met with can only be compared to what is given Mr Garrick. The whole town seems distracted about her. Every other diversion is forsaken. Miss Linley alone engrosses all eyes , ears, hearts… Her voice is soft , sweet, clear and affecting