Not to me! He is Marianne’s dream man and that makes me suspicious immediately. I think his wanting to sell a mare to Col Brandon and wishing to gift one to Marianne are two incidents that play to each other. It makes sense that one has to do with the other. Good point there. If true it severely tarnishes the generosity and affection behind the gift. It also suggests manipulation. The idea Willoughby may name the mare to suit the situation is intriguing. What a sly manipulation that would be. After all how likely is it that Willoughby so aptly named the mare before ever hearing of the new residents of Barton Cottage from Mrs. Smith! I think his immediate conversion to Marianne’s opinions on books “however disregarded before” (10) during the first interview could be an effort to manipulate her opinion of him. Agreeing with someone completely is a tried and true way to win their approval—it also appears artificial to me. (:D)