I think youre right Chandra. Partly he was thinking that if Mrs D heard he was in hte area, and didn't visit she'd be hurt and maybe ask questions when they met again.. ANd partly, he longed to see Elinor esp after his duty visit to Lucy and hoped that he coudl do it and give himself soem pleasure by seeing his dear friend who is so much nicer than L... but without getting her hopes up or hurting himself too much. I think he hoped that he could cool his feelings for El down to friendship, and thereby enjoy a visit with her but without doinga nyting worng.. but he couldnt. Perhaps when he did see her he was tempted to tell her the truth and hoep that soem miracle would release him from Lucy..