] I won't disagree with any of that. I think Brandon also respects Edward for "keeping his word" (to marry Lucy Steele), and for displaying resolution in the face of parental objections and the prospects of a life of genteel poverty.

He can sympathize, for he was quite willing to face poverty and parental objections himself to be with Eliza. But Brandon is doing this for romantic reasons, IMO. He believes Edward and Lucy to be very much attached to each other. I wonder what he would think if he knew the real state of affairs? Actually, I wonder if he would even have offered the living at all?