Barton Cottage is a small house where Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters lived after being evicted from Norland Park. It is located on the outskirts of Barton Park, the estate owned by Sir John and Lady Middleton. Sir John, Mrs. Dashwood's cousin, offered the house to her at an "uncommonly moderate" rent when he heard she had been widowed and left in financial difficulty.[1] Mrs. Dashwood sent her household linen, plate, china, and books, as well as Marianne’s pianoforte, ahead by water.[2]
The house is small and does not match the romantic ideal. A narrow passage leads through the house to the garden behind, and on each side of the passage is a sitting room, about sixteen feet square; beyond are "the offices" (the kitchen, etc.) and the stairs. There are four bedrooms and two garrets. Mrs. Dashwood hopes to make alterations to the house, but cannot afford it at her present income when she has never saved before in her life.[3]
Notes and references[]
- ↑ Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 4
- ↑ Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 5
- ↑ Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 6