and make a conquest, but he never confessed to wanting to seduce her. Elinor would never have felt a bit of compassion for him if he had made such a confession. Nor do I think he would have had that idea when he was right under Mrs. Allen's nose, as you say.

I do not think that Willoughby was wandering the country-side looking for an opportunity to accidentally meet with the Miss Dashwoods, but I do think he was interested at the idea of young ladies newly moved in as neighbors to Mrs. Allen, where he could relieve his boredom by flirtation. He really lucked out that Marianne was so ready and eager to fall in love with him.