. . . that follows an ounce of gratification. We all do it, I suppose---thinking that the moment of gratification will be well worth the regret. I think you're probably right that he believed seeing Elinor and enjoying her company for a time would be pleasant after Lucy. Or he might have supposed there would be some way to let Elinor know: "I'm engaged; don't get your hopes up about me" but he just could NOT get the words out (as in S&S2).