After watching this so many times, and I am almost convinced that Lucy was quite jealous of Eleanor and plotted to make sure she knew Edward was her man. The hankerchief scene, she went out of her way and her look. Does the book reveal anything?(I have not read)
shareThis adaptation isn't overly faithful to the book. You should definitely read the book. And you might also want to watch the 2008 adaptation.
But, yes, Lucy likely did figure out that Edward rather liked Elinor and she did go out of her way to rub it in.
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Thank you, I'll do both.
shareIn the book, the Steele sisters are distant relations of Mrs. Jennings (the '95 movie omits Sir John's wife and children.)
After Sir John and Mrs. Jennings link Elinor's "beau" whose name starts with an "F" with Edward Ferrars, they tease Elinor about it, and some of this takes place in the presence of the Steele sisters, who are invited to stay with the Middletons.
"Elinor could not suppose that Sir John would be more nice {i.e., more discreet} in proclaiming his suspicions of her regard for Edward...The Misses Steele, as [Elinor] expected had now all the benefit of these jokes..."
Not long after this, Lucy finds an opportunity to get Elinor alone and reveal her long engagement to Edward Ferrars.