] I am very confused by the Allenham issue. If Mrs. Smith was "at home", why would it be more scandalous (sp) for Mairanne to go there then for Willoughby to stay with the Dashwoods. Is it because Marianne has not been introduced to Mrs. Smith, or because Willoughby is visiting?

] I must have missed something here because this entire incident has escaped me. Would someone please help to enlighten me?

The first time I read this it seemed to me that Elinor was questioning Marianne's visit while Mrs. Smith was there. But on closer reading I think she is saying that she couldn't believe (on hearing about the visit from Mrs. Jennings) that neither Willoughby would have asked her to go nor would Marianne have agreed to go to Allenham with Mrs. Smith there since Marianne was not acquainted with her. Apparently, at the very least, Mrs. Smith would need to have met her first. When Elinor says she would not have gone there while Mrs. Smith was there (since they had never had an introduction) nor with Willoughby alone with no other person in attendance leads me to believe there were two options: Through an acquaintance with Mrs. Smith, she could go alone with Willoughby or without an acquaintance she could go when Mrs. Smith was out if there was a chaperone. When Marianne says they went in the carriage and there wasn't room for another person to go as chaperone, it seems to me she just did it anyway even though Mrs. Smith wasn't there. This is just my opinion so if I am incorrect, I hope someone will let us know. Hope this helps.
:-)