] Oh, I do think that Marianne and Willoughby had considerably more going for them than say, Lydia and Wickham in P&P. You're right, though, that money would be the sticking point, and not just for Willoughby.(SNIP) In the face of her husband's extravagance, and with children to care for, she might buckle down and *learn* to be practical, but at least in the beginning I can see her having no clue where all their income had gone, and explaining to Elinor why they absolutely *needed* the latest extravagant purchase!

The problem with Willoughby and Marianne's marriage is what would happen when Marianne found out about Willoughby's 'libertine' ways? I can't see someone as idealistic about love just brushing off Eliza Williams and her child. It would break her heart and spirits and she would be completely miserable.

It's also likely that Willougby the insufferable cad would have kept on with his ways having affairs and so forth, and if Marianne lost her looks as she grew older it's likely he'd stay a far away from her as possible.

No, as Mrs. Jennings would says "She's far better of where she is."