Chapter 30: Elinor says, "I must do this justice to Mr. Willoughby -- he has broken no positive engagement with my sister."

Wasn't there a risk in revealing this? Any sympathy for Marianne might have turned into censure. Not that I think Mrs. Jennings herself would have turned against Marianne, but she would spread the word, and others might react more harshly.

Now, I may be too influenced by S&S2, but I did not get the impression that they had previously resided in the country. So where did they live before inheriting Norland? With Mrs. Ferrars? In another leased house?

Yes, Elinor is fully capable of acting civilly to Fanny, in spite of Fanny's treatment of herself. Still, for Elinor to invest so much effort in a present to Fanny, knowing Fanny's opinion of her and her family, seems an extraordinary burst of saintliness.

And I would think that Fanny would not be very pleased to receive the gift, since she would have to go through the trouble and expense of having them mounted. Unless mounting was a trivial expense? Or maybe it was John who insisted on having them mounted?

But even if Fanny had no objection to their being mounted, they would be on display for any visitor to see and inquire about. Surely Fanny would not be eager to invite conversation about her poor half-relations. Someone might praise Elinor! Her brother might be visiting, and might overhear! Or (shudder) she might have to say something nice about Elinor!