...the flannel waistcoats could and obviously did indicate infirmity/protection against the cold, etc. for some people. However, since they also could and were used for outdoor and althletic pursuits, it is interesting to note that Marianne has jumped to a conclusion about the colonel that may or may not have any validity to it at all.

She is always convinced that her own opinions are the only correct opinions and that there are no other ways of viewing a situation. I think this is a perfect example of how very easily she could be mistaken and how she should not make up her mind about things so decidedly.

The ache in his shoulder as well, she said she heard him say rheumatism and she attributes this to "the commonest infirmity of declining life". That may well be, also, but Elinor softens this to "he chanced to complain yesterday (a very cold damp day) of a slight rheumatic feel in one of his shoulders."

Do not young people also get a rheumatic feel in their joints as well in damp weather if they have had a physical injury? My husband broke his ankle going over a ski jump at age 28, and ever since it has ached in certain types of weather. For all we know--and for all Marianne knows--the rheumatism could be the result of an injury sustained while hunting or riding, or even in some type of military incident. It's wrong for Marianne to assume that it's because he's in the declining years of his life that he feels it.