Sense and Sensibility

After the death of Mr. Dashwood, his estate passes entirely to his son John Dashwood from a prior marriage, leaving his widow and three daughters — Elinor, Marianne, and young Margaret — in genteel poverty. John's manipulative wife Fanny effectively ensures the sisters receive none of the promised inheritance. Mrs. Jennings, a family acquaintance, offers the family a cottage in Devonshire at reduced rent. Edward Ferrars, Fanny's kind-hearted brother, has developed genuine feelings for the composed, sensible Elinor, but is unable to act on them due to a secret prior engagement to Lucy Steele. In Devonshire, the passionate and romantic Marianne falls swiftly for the dashing John Willoughby, who appears to reciprocate her ardour. Without explanation or commitment, Willoughby abruptly departs for London, leaving Marianne devastated. When the Dashwood sisters later travel to London, Willoughby reappears in society accompanied by his wealthy betrothed, Miss Grey, and treats Marianne with cold indifference. Colonel Brandon, a steady admirer of Marianne, reveals that Willoughby had previously seduced and abandoned his ward (effectively his sister-in-law), a liaison that ended in the woman's death. When Edward Ferrars' engagement to Lucy Steele becomes known to his family, he is disinherited. Lucy, ever opportunistic, promptly abandons Edward and marries his wealthier younger brother Robert instead. Marianne falls gravely ill, but recovers; her near-death experience tempers her romantic impulsiveness and she signals openness to a future with the honourable Colonel Brandon. Now freed from his secret obligation, Edward seeks out Elinor, and the two become engaged.

Sources: Wikipedia