“Don't talk to me of coals.”
Why it's great
One short refusal cuts off a whole topic and shows who rules the household.
Register
Informal
Use it yourself
Don't talk to me of traffic today.
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Brandon Asks About Willoughby, Explained
Sense and Sensibility · 1995
Chapter 16 of 27 · 2'41"
Colonel Brandon visits Elinor and finally asks whether everything is resolved between Marianne and Willoughby. Elinor admits their mutual affection; Brandon wishes Marianne every happiness, but of Willoughby he says only that he hopes he will 'endeavour to deserve her.'
Key moments
Start here, then watch the full scene- 0:08–0:39
The Household Prepares for a Wedding
32s - 1:53–2:31
Brandon Finally Asks the Question
38s
Brandon Asks About Willoughby, explained
What happens
In London, Colonel Brandon calls on Elinor and asks her once and for all whether Marianne and Willoughby are settled. Elinor says she has no doubt of their mutual affection. Brandon wishes Marianne every imaginable happiness, then says of Willoughby only that he hopes he may endeavour to deserve her.
What's really going on
The chapter hides its real subject inside politeness. Brandon has come because he has heard reports, and the question he is finally brave enough to ask — 'Is everything finally resolved between your sister and Mr. Willoughby?' — is the question of a man who has already been hurt by the answer. Elinor gives him the conventional assurance, that she has no doubt of their mutual affection, and for a moment he accepts it. Then comes the line that gives him away: 'To your sister, I wish all imaginable happiness.' and, of Willoughby, 'that he may endeavour to deserve her.' It is the most delicate warning in the film, since it pretends to be a blessing. Elinor notices at once and asks what he means, but the scene lets the implication stand without explanation. Brandon knows something about Willoughby, and he will not say it aloud.
Key lines & what they mean
- “Don't talk to me of coals.”
- Mrs. Jennings's impatient answer to a practical reminder, the first sign of her flustered, self-interested mood.
- “John and Fanny are in town. I think we shall be forced to see them.”
- The line that sets up the social entanglement of London, where the Dashwoods cannot avoid relatives they would rather not meet.
- “There you are, Pooter. Still alive, I see.”
- A teasing greeting, using still alive as a joke rather than a real inquiry.
- “Is everything finally resolved between your sister and Mr. Willoughby?”
- Brandon's blunt question, asked once and for all, which reveals how much he has been thinking about Marianne.
- “To your sister, I wish all imaginable happiness.”
- His generous wish for Marianne, sincere and painful at the same time.
- “In good order, ma'am, though I might suggest the ordering of coal.”
- The servant's careful reply, practical business delivered under Mrs. Jennings's impatience.
Theme
- Romance — Brandon's careful question shows he already knows the answer, and his blessing for Willoughby carries a warning.
- Heartbreak — He wishes Marianne happiness while doubting the man she loves, taking no comfort for himself.
What this chapter teaches
Teaching points
Review right after watchingMy level4/7
A1–C2 is the CEFR scale. Cards above the level you pick fade, and playback will not auto-pause on them.
Language points
Click a card to jump to its moment in the videoGolden lines
A great line in its own right — why and how to use it“John and Fanny are in town. I think we shall be forced to see them.”
Why it's great
The passive 'be forced' admits dislike while keeping the surface perfectly polite.
Register
Formal
Use it yourself
I think we shall be forced to invite them.
“There you are, Pooter. Still alive, I see.”
Why it's great
The greeting sounds warm but lands as a dry joke at a latecomer's expense.
Register
Informal
Use it yourself
Still alive, I see, after that marathon meeting.
“Is everything finally resolved between your sister and Mr. Willoughby?”
Why it's great
A single question exposes how much is still unsettled behind the good manners.
Register
Formal
Use it yourself
Is everything finally resolved between Tom and Lucy?
“To your sister, I wish all imaginable happiness.”
Why it's great
The overfull blessing sounds generous and yet leaves room for quiet doubt.
Register
Formal
Use it yourself
To the bride and groom, I wish all imaginable happiness.
“In good order, ma'am, though I might suggest the ordering of coal.”
Why it's great
It reports all is well, then slips in a request, which is how servants survive.
Register
Formal
Use it yourself
The plan is sound, though I might suggest a smaller budget.
Up next · 17set her heart at restThe scene: Mrs. Jennings Presents Robert FerrarsTakeaways
What you walk away with- Politeness here carries the verdict it pretends to soften.
- A blessing can be the sharpest thing said all evening.
- Servants survive by reporting good news before a request.
- Once and for all ends the guessing, not the feeling.
People also search
Questions, then the linesWhy does Brandon come to see Elinor?
He has heard reports in town about Marianne and Willoughby, and he wants to know once and for all whether everything is finally resolved between them.
What does Elinor tell him?
That although neither Marianne nor Willoughby has told her anything, she has no doubt of their mutual affection. She believes the engagement is settled.
Why is Brandon's blessing strange?
He wishes Marianne all imaginable happiness but says of Willoughby only that he hopes he may endeavour to deserve her, which sounds like a warning rather than a blessing.
What does Elinor do about it?
She notices the reservation and asks him what he means. The scene leaves the implication hanging, as Brandon does not explain.
What does Mrs. Jennings reveal about Marianne?
She says Marianne will buy her wedding clothes in town, taking it for granted that the engagement is settled, though Elinor knows of no such plan.