that is my point. If CB liked Marianne, he should have stayed longer during those two weeks. There is love at first sight, and CB is capable of it. And two weeks is not enough time for Marianne to develop any significant aversion to CB's manners. An initial like or dislike, yes, but only an initial impression. It depends on how much Marianne and CB have noticed each other. On Marianne's side, very little. On CB's side, a good deal. So, the way is clear for courtship. But CB does not even try.

As to the Elizas, we do not have enough information about who named who. It is possible that Eliza named her child one thing, and CB nicknamed her "Eliza." In any event, he kept the name "Eliza," which, I do not think, was prudent. Give her some other name and clean the slate.

I cannot agree with you on the reformed Willoughby hypothesis. W has just seduced his ward, and charmed the woman he likes. Then, Marianne will reform him? Very few men would be so optimistic. CB is making excuses for his own inaction -- a human thing to do. He has admitted to being "irresolute."

It's funny, I took the "second attachments" talk with Elinor as a clear indication that he is besotted with Marianne. And Elinor early on senses his fondness for her sister. But Elinor, in any event, is fallible. She was wrong about W and Marianne's engagement, after all.

If CB had asked Marianne to take a few carriage rides initially in the pre-W days, he would have made a better impression on Marianne. Maybe no engagement, but a better impression.