A Husband's Worry

A Sense and Sensibility Fanfic

Colonel Brandon found himself in a rare state of alarm when his wife arrived damp from her outing.

His time as a soldier had established in him a solid and strong constitution. He had, by God's providence, not suffered a day of illness in his long military career.

But seeing Marianne arrive at home, gown spotted with rain, drops clinging to her bonnet and curls, he felt the beginnings of unjustified panic begin in his breast.

The last time he had seen her thus was when her health had already been in decline. He had come upon her at the top of the hill overlooking a grand estate, eyes locked beseechingly at it's empty grounds. Curls lost, face as white as chalk.

She had been slight in his arms as he made his way back to the Palmers. Breath slow, hands limp. Anxiety rose, causing him to huff not only from the exertion. Her frame began to shudder as they neared the house. He drew her closer still. Propriety be damned.

The agony of a broken heart, of love lost, had succeeded in making her vulnerable to the fever that followed her ill-timed venture. Once ensconced in the sick room, he had been given little opportunity to view her but he could ascertain her symptoms. Elinor had brought out linens wet with perspiration and a bowl containing a small quantity of blood- the doctor's effort to bring down her rising temperature.

He had scarcely entered the house again with Elinor and Marianne's mother then the eldest Dashwood came rapidly down the steps, eyes aglow with relief. "She is out of danger!"

In the next moments, he was able to glimpse the woman who had long held his admiration and esteem. Raised slightly on the bed, Marianne spoke with both her mother and sister. Her voice was breathy and the effort seemed to cost her much but after the sounds of illness, her few words was received gratefully from the occupants in the room.

He was leaving the family scene when she personally addressed him. Her whispered thanks caused a tightness in his throat. He was unaccustomed to such praise...especially when delivered from the very woman who held his affection.

A slight nod was his response to her gratitude.

His wife carelessly shed pelisse, gloves and bonnet by the fire but then seemed in no hurry to banish the wetness still on her person. Knowing he was certainly overreacting but unable to stop himself, he said, "You should warm yourself my dear. I would hate to see you catch chill again."

Her curls danced at her ears as she giggled. Being an innocent, he had not anticipated the saucy nature Marianne could exhibit. Her brow raised delicately and he knew she was in such a mood.

"Certainly sir," she replied. Then clasping his hands in hers, drew him to the stairs. "What do you suggest? Should I change my dress?"

Before he could answer, her lips were firmly planted on his. The heat from her body seemed a fever of another kind. They parted only when the need for air became apparent.

"Very well," said she. Adopting a rather coquettish tone, she finished, "I will need help in unbuttoning my gown."

And he most happily obliged.