she can exploit in others. Therefore she must recognize it as a characteristic. The same way she is able to recognize many characters susceptibility to flattery and Mrs. Jenkins generosity and then use these things to get what she wants from the person. Unlike Mrs. Ferrars Lucy seems to be able to figure out the most effective way of manipulating people.

If Elinor were more like Lucy I think there are ways she could betray the secret without Edward blaming her too much. She could claim to be concerned about Edward, go to Fanny for advice and beg her not to reveal what she knows (yet knowing she will), or she could “accidently” let something slip and then go to Edward in tears and beg his forgiveness. Edward isn’t the sort of person to suspect anyone of malicious intent so he would probably forgive her quickly. She might even find some way of using the trouble to get closer to Edward under the guise of helping him and Lucy.