Marianne lay lounging in the parlor, her eyes closed and humming to herself. She was trying her best, and was, surprisingly, succeeding rather well, to keep herself calm. She had woken up that morning feeling like a child on Christmas day. For it was on this day, that her Colonel was coming back to her. Although having only been married for three months, and already familiar with Brandon's calls away for certain duties, this last one had kept him away from her for nearly a fortnight, and it was during this time that Marianne realized how just how much she had come to value his company. Goodness, how she had missed him! Just thinking about his return thrilled and excited her to her very core.

Any time now…her fingers started tapping lightly against the couch. She was listening. She would hear the horses' hooves on the gravel…Any moment…

'Any moment' lasted another quarter of an hour, but then –

There it was! The sound of gravel being trotted on. Marianne's eyes shot open and with uncanny speed she rushed towards the main entrance only tripping once in the process.

He's here! He's here! She flung open the doors and walked out breathlessly but composing herself all the same. He was in his usual dark colors and wearing his favorite hat that shadowed his face most of the time.

She watched with anticipation as he dismounted his horse….a different horse…Oh…

"Ah! Morning Mrs. Brandon! Wasn't expecting to see you."

It was not her Brandon, only their post man.

"A letter for you Ma'am."

"Thank you Tom, oh! It's from Elinor, how delightful."

He bowed tipping his hat, but then took it off completely and handed it to her.

"Might you return this to its proper owner?" He smiled secretly, "He's around back."

Marianne gasped and her eyes widened in surprise and pleasure at their sneaky scheme.

She thanked Tom once more, but then was gone from his presence making her way to their backyard garden where he so often read to her…would he be waiting to read to her now? Her stomach did a flip-flop, perhaps maybe even a different activity. She giggled to herself shamelessly.

Rounding the house, she stopped. There he was. In his uniform, his back to her, standing so tall and with such self righteousness…she couldn't help but let out a laugh. He was so unbelievably handsome; she sometimes didn't know how to react.

Colonel Brandon turned around, and let out a short breath. God, she was beautiful. A small smile began to spread across his face, but he stood his ground. He did not want to impose on her. He would let Marianne come to him.

Oh and she did. She crashed into him and held on tight, breathing in his scent, feeling so safe in his arms. She was home – he was her home. He pulled her closer to him and buried his face in her hair. She smelled divine! Wanting her touch, he moved his head down and caressed her cheek with his hoping she'd not only get his rather obvious hint, but that she would grant him his request – his desire. Understanding immediately, Marianne turned her head slightly so that her lips were now just inches from his. She smiled, hesitating, wanting to tease him. Brandon's lips parted in anticipation…

Marianne laughed softly making the colonel lean in just ever closer, he was in earnest! Mouths barely open, their lips brushed each other. Marianne opened her mouth a little wider, still smiling and gently took his lower lip between her teeth. Brandon drew in a sharp breath, closing his eyes as she traced her tongue across it. She felt a bulge on her lower stomach making her giggle in delight, but also caused her to bite down harder on his lip.

"Ah! Marianne" he took her head in his hands;

"Sorry…" She whispered. She was still smiling, and so was he. They stood there in silence, breathing in one's presence. Marianne felt as though she was on the brink of a dream world. She was ever so slightly dizzy, and could think of nothing more pleasant than melting into the Colonel. In an unconscious attempt, Marianne lowered her head onto his chest, Brandon compensated by resting his chin on top.

"Are you happy to see me Marianne?"

It took a moment for his words to settle in. She looked up at him, surprised. His question was sincere…almost as if he really didn't know the answer. Sometimes he could be so dense. However…in his defense, she had been rather distant their first month together. She was shy and unsure…wanting to love him, but not knowing how to show him. Men - as she became well aware of over the past couple months – responded much better to action instead of words.

So, instead of answering his question right away, she kept her gaze on him closing her eyes slightly wanting to give off that dreamy seductive look. She smiled at her silly attempt, but knew it had to be working. Brandon cocked his head slightly, intrigued. She watched him watching her as she took his hand in hers and pressed it to her lower stomach. His eyes immediately flitted down, then right back at her. Marianne locked eyes with him before closing her own and sighing with an audible hum. Slowly, she guided his hand farther down towards her pulsing want. Brandon recognized her need instantly and gently tugged his hand from hers.

"Christopher…" Marianne whispered his name protest, dripping with lust.

The Colonel grunted, trying to compose himself. Then, smiling, kissed the corner of her mouth lightly.

"Not here my love…"

Marianne gave a small pout.

"But now…?"

She subtly – but intentionally – pushed her pelvis up against his, grabbing hold of his strong arms for support, and started methodically rubbing her want on his. Brandon let out a soft groan.

"…Somewhere else?" her request came out breathless, as she kept pushing harder into him making him stumble back a bit. Laughing, he took this opportunity and quickly to sweep Marianne up in his arms and growled playfully.

"Darling: I thought you'd never ask."