Elinor had always thought it would be more prudent for them to settle at some distance from Norland， than immediately amongst their present acquaintance. On that head， therefore， it was not for her to oppose her mother’s intention of removing into Devonshire. The house， too， as described by Sir John， was on so simple a scale， and the rent so uncommonly moderate， as to leave her no right of objection on either point； and， therefore， though it was not a plan which brought any charm to her fancy， though it was a removal from the vicinity of Norland beyond her wishes， she made no attempt to dissuade her mother from sending a letter of acquiescence.
CHAPTER V
o sooner was her answer dispatched， than Mrs.Dashwood indulged herself in the pleasure of announcing to her son-in-law and his wife that she was provided with a house， and should incommode them no longer than till every thing were ready for her inhabiting it. They heard her with surprise. Mrs. John Dashwood said nothing； but her husband civilly hoped that she would not be settled far from Norland. She had great satisfaction in replying that she was going into Devonshire.—Edward turned hastily towards her， on hearing this， and， in a voice of surprise and concern， which required no explanation to her， repeated， “Devonshire！ Are you， indeed， going there？ So far from hence！ And to what part of it？” She explained the situation. It was within four miles northward of Exeter.
“It is but a cottage，” she continued， “but I hope to see many of my friends in it. A room or two can easily be added； and if my friends find no difficulty in travelling so far to see me， I am sure I will find none in accommodating them.”
She concluded with a very kind invitation to Mr. and Mrs. John Dashwood to visit her at Barton； and to Edward she gave one with still greater affection. Though her late conversation with her daughter-in-law had made her resolve on remaining at Norland no longer than was unavoidable， it had not produced the smallest effect on her in that point to which it principally tended. To separate Edward and Elinor was as far from being her object as ever； and she wished to shew Mrs. John Dashwood by this pointed invitation to her brother， how totally she disregarded her disapprobation of the match.