Episode 2

Dramatisation of Jane Austen's novel. Marianne and Willoughby find themselves falling blissfully in love, with Colonel Brandon out of the picture after he is called away on urgent London business. Things take an unexpected turn for the worse, though, when Willoughby himself leaves for the capital, declaring he is unlikely to return. Meanwhile, Eleanor finally receives her visit from Edward, but his behaviour is so odd and distant that she is left far from reassured. It is only when Sir John’s nieces, the Miss Steeles, come to Devonshire that Eleanor discovers the reason for Edward’s coldness – he is secretly engaged to Lucy Steele. When the girls receive an invite to stay in London with Sir John's mother-in-law, Mrs Jennings, Marianne is full of hope for a happy reunion with Willoughby. Little does she know how much Willoughby's plans have changed since his happy days with her in Devonshire...