] Those essayists always seem to hate the idea of Colonel and Mrs Brandon. They are very pessimistic, so much so that I wonder if they read the book at all. (I would site a few examples of proof that Marianne will not be devoid of passion in her future, but it interfers wth the Group Read schedual!)

The example you sited is one, but also the fact that she and the Colonel carried on a lively friendship before (and I am assuming afterwards) they married. Lively friendships take lively people, so obviously Marianne is back to her old self somewhat. And we might add the the Colonel is back to his old self, as well, his self before Eliza broke his heart and the whole business with his brother, and the younger Eliza and Willoughby. Poor man, he did have a lot to deal with, but he got his reward.

We are also told that Marianne enters on new attachments, so we know she is in spirits enough to visit people or have them visit her, and to make new friends.

...Instead of remaining even for ever with her mother, and finding her only pleasures in retirement and study... here we see that she is obviously deriving happiness and pleasure from somewhere, no doubt mainly from her husband and family, but who can say if there is nothing else?

Her regard and her society restored his mind to animation, and his spirits to cheerfulness... Is it possible that if his wife were always sensible and and never smiling or passionate, the Colonel would be happy? It is hard to keep up a smile if your companion frowns.