] I think it's so sweet and touching and really shows the depths of love the Colonel is capable of on Marianne's behalf. He casts aside her rudeness and indifference and turns it around thinking she is ill.

...why in the world does he love her?? We've all been pretty hard on Marianne this read (with reason, I believe), but why would such a wonderful, sweet man like Col. Brandon fall in love with such a whiny, petulant, selfish brat like Marianne? I suppose some men like that in a woman, but.... And especially after she continues to treat him with rudeness and disdain.

I know we cannot answer that question this week, but it is something I'm thinking of as I read. Col. Brandon is way too good for Marianne - she doesn't deserve it.