The first battle goes to Lucy, but by chapter 24 Elinor goes to battle prepared and really gives Lucy a go at her own game. That exchange is really charged and sparks fly left and right. Lucy attacks on the grounds that she has Edward's word, Elinor insinuates that she may have his word, but not his heart-and Elinor guesses her true motive for marrying Edward and attacks her fears on this head.

...Your case is a very unfortunate one; you seem to me to be surrounded with difficulties, and you will have need of all your *mutual* affection to support you under them. Mr. Ferrars, I believe, is entirely dependent on his mother."

and

"That conviction must be everything to you; and he is undoubtedly supported by the same trust in yours. If the strength of your *reciprocal* attachment had failed, as between many people and under many circumstances it naturally would during a four years' engagement, your situation would have been pitiable indeed."

"But what," said she, after a short silence, "are your views? or have you none but that of waiting for Mrs. Ferrars's death, which is a melancholy and shocking extremity? Is her son determined to submit to this, and to all the tediousness of the many years of suspense in which it may involve you, rather than run the risk of her displeasure for a while by owning the truth?"

and

"And for your own sake too, or you are carrying your disinterestedness beyond reason."

Lucy looked at Elinor again, and was silent