Not projecting ahead in the story concerning Lucy Steele.....I have more questions to pose to you, fellow readers, than answers. Does Lucy even have an inkling of the romantic attachment between Elinor and Edward? Or, is Lucy "sand-bagging?" In other words, playing dumb or ignorant, OR is she REALLY aware of all the circumstances surrounding her rival and Edward? At this juncture in the story, my opinion is that Lucy is in way over her head with Elinor! Elinor is intellectually, emotionally, and morally superior in every way to Lucy. Miss Austen's portrayal of our heroine, Elinor, as an individual well-developed in almost every facet of her being, contrasted up against the parade of air-heads she has to deal with is soooo gratifying, humorous, and sublimely entertaining.