People: Elinor, John Dashwood
Text: One morning, Marianne and Elinor went out with Mrs. Jennings to do an errand for their mother in Sackville Street of exchanging some older-fashioned jewels for some newer ones. After spending some time waiting for a particularly fastidious gentleman to complete his business of buying a toothpick case, Elinor was able to finish her business. When they concluded it, they left the shop, only to walk right into their half-brother, John Dashwood. They introduced him to Mrs. Jennings, who invited him to visit. Something he did the very next morning.
John Dashwood was eager to please anyone who he considered to be rich enough to profit his half-sisters. During his visit at Mrs. Jennings, Colonel Brandon came in. He was also happy to make his acquaintance. Afterwards, John Dashwood walked with his sister, Elinor, over to meet Sir John Middleton and Lady Middleton. Along the way, he conducted a strange conversation with Elinor.
“Who is Colonel Brandon? Is he a man of fortune?”
“Yes;” said Elinor, “he has very good property in Dorsetshire.”
“I am glad of it. He seems a most gentlemanlike man; and I think, Elinor, I may congratulate you on the prospect of a very respectable establishment in life.”
“Me, brother! What do you mean?”
“He likes you. I observed him narrowly and am convinced of it. What is the amount of his fortune?”
“I believe about two thousand a year.”
“Two thousand a year;” and then working himself up to a pitch of enthusiastic generosity, he added, “Elinor, I wish with all my heart, it were twice as much, for your sake.”
“Indeed, I believe you,” replied Elinor, “but I am very sure that Colonel Brandon has not the smallest wish of marrying me.”
“You are mistaken, Elinor; you are very much mistaken. A little trouble on your side secures him.”
Emotion: greed
Insight: 1 Timothy 5:13 offers this insight, “…they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house…also gossips and busybodies…”
Mr. John Dashwood, not realizing that he’s being a busybody in his sister’s life, is seeking a marriage of good fortune for her by seeing her married to Colonel Brandon. After a short visit, John believes that he sees that Colonel Brandon likes Elinor. He thinks that if she flirts just a bit, she could secure a proposal from Brandon. He knows nothing of the Colonel’s preference for Marianne. And he is focused on Colonel Brandon being a good financial catch.
Although it is wise to surround ourselves with people who seek our good fortune, it can be too much from Elinor’s brother, John. Not only does he seek her good, one can wonder how much he himself will be benefited by knowing she is well-married. He can rest easy knowing that she would never be a financial burden to him. John Dashwood is a money-focused busybody. He wants to push his will on Elinor, thinking nothing of her opinion or that of Colonel Brandon’s. May we be aware of the interfering people in our life but rather seek those who love us without the agenda of manipulating us.
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