Hey, I never need much encouragement to focus on Brandon. *grin* But I am dwelling on the passages that mention him, just for the purpose of remembering how he favourably attracted my attention during my first read of S&S, which was long before Alan Rickman gave us his memorable portrayal.

Though so many critics mention Brandon as being a vague character who is so much in the background, I'm amazed at just how much is revealed right away and how much foreshadowing there is in those passages. One of my favourite points, though, is that he listens closely to Marianne's music and pays her only "the compliment of attention" and so demonstrates his taste. Also, Marianne is inclined to respect him at this point though she certainly doesn't see him as a matrimonial prospect. It's interesting to see what impressions Marianne forms of him on her own before her attention is diverted by a stronger influence---and I'll save the comments on that for later in the read. I'm trying to stick to the schedule in spite of temptation! ;-)