A Sudden Rescue, A Swift Romance

In this excerpt of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, Marianne Dashwood injures her ankle while walking on the downs. She is dramatically rescued by the handsome and gallant Willoughby, who quickly makes an impression on the entire Dashwood family. Willoughby becomes a frequent visitor at Barton Cottage, and his shared tastes and intense conversations with Marianne spark a growing romantic attachment. Elinor, meanwhile, remains cautious, noting the impropriety of their openness and growing intimacy.