I've always felt that Col. Brandon and Elinor were better matched. They had a well established friendship (which is a much better foundation for love and affection) vs being attracted to someone who reminds you of your lost love (Col Brandon & Marianne).
I find the romance of Col Brandon and Marianne to be superficial and shallow. Personally I could not be flattered by a man who only liked me because I remind him of the woman he cannot have. Marianne has to convince herself to love Col Brandon and it's like she settles for him and he does her the disservice of "loving" her because she reminds him of his lost love.
Edward Ferras always seemed to not have enough backbone for Elinor. I mean how do you forget that you are engaged to another woman and romance another? He never mentioned it to Elinor and while Austen in a way tries to portray Edward as honorable for keeping his engagement to Lucy despite his heart being engaged elsewhere, it is not enough because I just see Edward as dishonorable. He engaged Elinor's affections while knowingly being engaged to Lucy. It's unforgivable in my opinion.
Col Brandon and Elinor just seems much better suited. They are friends which can breed love. Reading Sense and Sensibility there are passages which can make the reader think that Col Brandon and Elinor are to be the HEA. The affection and respect they have for each other seems better suited to lasting felicity.
I just can't reconcile Col Brandon/Marianne and Edward/Elinor. I think that Austen may have gotten the romantic relationships wrong in this novel. Is it just me?
