] (Snip) Yet, the Colonel seems a sensitive guy who is more complex than to simply marry M. as he sees her as an incarnation of Eliza.

] ...as to marry a woman who mearly resembled his first love. That would be beastly.
] As for loving Marianne for herself, the novel speaks of his "strengthening regard" for her, (Snip)
] All this is strong evidence that though he may have initially been attracted to Marianne because of her resemblence to Eliza, (Snip)

I thought I made that clear! I MEANT the genuine affection and devotion he felt was for MARIANNE. At the top of the post here I leave my own quote about Colonel Brandon being a sensitive guy.I believe I stated that intially he may have been attracted to her due to similarities with Eliza but I never said he married her because of them! We know Marianne matured and the affection and regard between MARIANNE and the Colonel was strong and mutual. Of course he appreciated Marianne for herself, otherwise I think he would've been disappointed. We know Colonel Brandon was happy and "in Marianne he was consoled for every past affliction" Excuse me if I did not express myself clearly the first time. (Actually I really examining the pre-pubescent resemblances between E. and M. another participant brought to my attention).