] Before this group read, I had only read the book once and that was quite some time ago. I watched the movie quie a few times though, and I found myself feeling slightly sorry for Lucy. Yes, she had no real affection for Edward, but still, to have your guy love some on else is never fun.

Don't even get me started on Lucy Steele. There has been much discussion on how annoying Marianne is (I will be posting my thoughts on her in a separate post soon) but in my estimation Lucy takes the cake because she is so calculating. She may be lacking in the fineries and education but she is what we refer to in today's terms as 'street smart'. This girl knows how to pull out all the stops too: first she pulls out the picture, then the handkerchief and tears and finally the letter. Lucy has anticipated and calculated exactly how Elinor's mind will try to find falsehoods in the information and evidence she imparts. She manipulates the conversation brilliantly pulling out the special effects/visual aids at exactly the right moments building up to the finale, the letter which she knows is proof positive. And if that isn't enough, we get two curtain calls: she asks Elinor if she has noticed Edward's poor spirits (knowing that she has) and turns this into an advantage for herself saying that this is proof that he is pining for her (Lucy) just to make sure Elinor doesn't attribute it to the fact that Edward is pining for her (Elinor). Oh, and then the final zinger: did you notice the ring?

I've read some interesting opinions on why Lucy gets worked up at Anne when she starts a converstion with Elinor about beaux. IMHO I think Lucy puts a stop to it because she has this little act planned for when she gets Elinor to herself. Perhaps she doesn't want the conversation to lead to anything that might spoil things for her.

Luckily Elinor, being the perceptive person that she is, is able to see through Lucy. She figures out Lucy is jealous (which Lucy herself admits) and deftly sidesteps any of Lucy's attempts to get her to give advice and generally engage her in her little drama.

All I can say is, what a performance. When are Oscar nonminations? LOL. Lucy is likely to run up on stage and snatch one for herself if her name isn't called. She'd deserve it too. :-)