...who mentioned the flannel waistcoats and their other purposes. I was delighted to learn this, for I always believe that JA intended for us to realize there are many more layers to the dear colonel than meet the eye at first. I'm sure Colonel Brandon must be a sportsman and it is likely, being wealthy and living on a country estate, that he is.

Sometimes people who are silent like to be around people who talk a lot. A good friend of mine who is extremely chatty was very much admired by one of my husband's friends who is very quiet and doesn't like to talk much at all. She did all the talking and he sat and happily listened to her.

In his current state of being silent and grave, perhaps it is solace to him to have a friend who holds up more than his share of the conversation.