] But Edward was unhappy with his engagement well before he met Elinor. I don't believe there would be any compromise to his honour or reputation to break off an engagement made in secret that would be against his family's wishes and which would lead to an unhappy married life for him.

An engagement of four years' standing has made it impossible for Lucy to form any other attachments. To break the engagement now would leave for, at 23, with little education and even less money, few chances of a prosperous marriage. Edward believes her to be sincerely fond of him and he would not be Edward if he could break the engagement and disappoint all her trust.