I always wondered why it took Col. Brandon so long to tell any of the Dashwoods the story of his ward. I know it's personal, I know he wants to protect Eliza's reputation, I know that telling the story might make him look like a jealous lover, but if my daughter were seriously in love and contemplating marriage, I would want to know any life-changing facts about my future son-in-law! Why didn't he confide in *Mrs.* Dashwood before this? What's the point of fighting a duel if your opponent knows that your silence will give him the chance to do the same thing again in future?