If only he could comfort her! But Brandon felt himself well aware of his limitations in this area. His quiet temperament had not taught him how to handle a more tempestuous one. No doubt Willoughby would have had better instincts here. Feckless and selfish though the man could be, his love for Marianne had been genuine. Their spirits had been more in harmony. Brandon knew himself to be Marianne’s consolation rather than her prize. Was it enough for her? He had convinced himself that it was enough for him. No doubt he had been wrong.
