Who is Mrs. Jennings in Sense and Sensibility?

She is Sir John Middleton’s mother-in-law, a cheerful widow with a love of gossip and matchmaking. She is also kind to the Dashwood sisters.

Does Mrs. Jennings take Elinor and Marianne to London?

Yes. She invites them to stay with her in London, where Marianne hopes to see Willoughby.

Is Mrs. Jennings kind to Marianne after Willoughby?

Yes, she is very caring, bringing treats and keeping her company even though Marianne has sometimes been rude to her.

From Sense and Sensibility

Mrs. Jennings

Cheerful and gossipy widow

Sir John’s merry mother-in-law. She loves matchmaking and gossip, but she is truly kind at heart.

Who is Mrs. Jennings?

Mrs. Jennings is Sir John’s mother-in-law, a merry widow with twinkling eyes who loves gossip and matchmaking. She can be a little nosy, and her teasing sometimes makes Marianne roll her eyes. But she has a truly kind heart, and she generously invites Elinor and Marianne to stay with her in London.

Mrs. Jennings is a character in Sense and Sensibility, the 1811 novel by Jane Austen, retold for ages 6–9 by Sean Lee.

What is Mrs. Jennings like?

merry
chatty
generous

Mrs. Jennings’s story

Mrs. Jennings is Sir John’s mother-in-law, a good-humored and chatty widow who once lived in London as the wife of a merchant. She loves jokes and matchmaking, and she is quick to tease the sisters about their sweethearts. She means no harm by it, though Marianne finds her silly.

But in the harder parts of the book she proves a true friend. When Marianne is miserable in London after Willoughby’s cruel letter, Mrs. Jennings comforts her, brings her sweets and tries gently to cheer her. She is the first to guess that Colonel Brandon loves Marianne. Later, when Lucy’s secret comes out, she is sorry for Edward and defends him against his angry family.

She takes Elinor and Marianne into her London home, and later accompanies them to Cleveland, where she stays by Marianne’s sickbed. She is also rewarded with a happy ending, because she is thrilled to see both girls happily married.

“full of jokes and laughter”

Jane Austen, the narrator, describing Mrs. Jennings. From the original 1811 novel by Jane Austen.

A moment to remember

At the double wedding, Mrs. Jennings bustles about declaring it the grandest matchmaking success of her whole life.

Sir John Middleton: her son-in-law
Elinor Dashwood: a young friend she cares for
Marianne Dashwood: a young friend she cheers up
Lucy Steele: her young relation

Talk about it

Mrs. Jennings loved guessing who would marry whom. Why do you think she enjoyed it so much?

Questions about Mrs. Jennings

Who is Mrs. Jennings in Sense and Sensibility?: She is Sir John Middleton’s mother-in-law, a cheerful widow with a love of gossip and matchmaking. She is also kind to the Dashwood sisters.
Does Mrs. Jennings take Elinor and Marianne to London?: Yes. She invites them to stay with her in London, where Marianne hopes to see Willoughby.
Is Mrs. Jennings kind to Marianne after Willoughby?: Yes, she is very caring, bringing treats and keeping her company even though Marianne has sometimes been rude to her.