Sense and sensibility draft 1#

As her sister had now resigned her family's name for her husbands, it was now a waiting game for those individuals who were watching the young Miss Marianne and the dashing colonel Brandon become closer in their friendship. It had been clear from the very beginning, when they had first met, that Colonel Brandon was absolutely besotted with Marianne. However, she had been hesitant at first due to discovering he was nearly twice her age and then her association with Willoughby had completely erased him from her mind. It wasn't until she had been told of his illegitimate child with Colonel Brandon's ward and he had broken her heart that she realised that wouldn't have made him happy. His marriage to miss grey was able to fund his extravagant lifestyle but his life would forever be shadowed by a wife who does not love him or until she died.

It had been several months since Marianne had her heart broken and looking on her experiences she felt as though she was absolutely ridiculous in her feelings towards Willoughby. For months, yes, he meant a great deal to her but the romance would end at sunset and nothing more would be said. Whereas, her friendship with Colonel Brandon, or Christopher as she had discovered he liked to be called by his intimate friends, carried on through letters and various trips and gifts exchanged while all decisions Marianne made, Christopher respected. They would write letters to each other while carrying on in public without a mention of the words they had written. Almost as if the letters they wrote were the private conversations that were strictly forbidden between an unmarried man and woman. Lately the letters had been less frequent because they had been spending more and more time together. All the friends and family were adamant that an engagement would soon be announced but such a thought had occupied their minds since the couple's friendship had begun to develop.

One day in midsummer, Marianne and Christopher were walking around his estate. They had spent good half an hour climbing the large hill a mile or two away from the house and were now admiring the view. To Marianne's surprise the colonel had packed a small lunch for them. So you imagine her surprise when he suddenly offered a glass of wine from behind her.

"Thank you Christopher," she said graciously as she accepted the refreshment. As they sat eating fruits and cheese Christopher thought maybe it was time to bring up something that had been with him for a while now.

"Marianne, do you think you're mother approves of our friendship?" he asked keeping his eyes her. She looked up and found him sitting with one arm leaning on his knee and the other leg lying flat on the ground. "I am concerned that she does not approve of her daughter in a friendship with such an old man."

"My mother approves of you and likes you a great deal." She began in response his question. "You saved my life Christopher. If there's one person on this earth that she approves of, it would be you colonel."

"I ask because I do not wish to continue this friendship any longer." He knew he was entering into dangerous ground but he felt like he was going mad without being able to express his feelings. Marianne's face was the picture of horror. She cared for the colonel very much and she had thought about whether she loved him as of late but it looked as if he did not care for her.

"Have I offended you colonel? If I have please forgive me." Marianne could not understand what she could have done to cause the colonel to withdraw his friendship. Christopher leant forwards on his knees and took her hands; he could tell she was close to crying.

"No, never. You could never offend me Marianne, you have a solid place in my heart." The colonel took a deep breath and thought that he should be brave and tread onwards. "I wish to end this friendship and instead begin..." He paused; Marianne had no idea where this was going. "An engagement."

Hmm what you guys think? Comment in the reviews what you guys think. Please bear in mind that I haven't the read the book I have only seen the film starring Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman. I just wanted to have a play about with the characters because we saw Brandon's love in the film but I feel as though his character needed more warmth and affection in his actions. Please let me know you're honest opinions guys! Much love thank you so much for reading!