"Son, I'm afraid there won't be any flowers left by the end of the day if you insist on tearing them all to shreds." Colin looked quickly from the colorful mess in front of him. His father was standing just outside the kitchen doors, a light smile playing on his aging features.
"Sorry, father. I'm rather distracted today, is all." Archibald Craven exhaled deeply, leaning against the doorway.
"If I had to guess, I would have to say that there is probably a fair bit more to it than that. You can confide in me, Colin." Casting away a mangled stem, Colin met his father's gaze for the first time.
"I think I'm in love with Mary. I can't be sure, but... she's the only woman I've ever found myself remotely interested in. I can't stop thinking about her, and--" At this, the elder held up a hand.
"Have you spoken to Mary about this? Is she aware of your feelings?" Colin gave a bitter laugh, dropping his forehead into his hands.
"God, is she. I asked her to marry me, father. Just last night, I took her into our garden, sat her down on mother's swing, and asked her to be my wife. What a fool I've been!" Colin felt embarassment rise up within him, mingling with the hurt and confusion that had already overtaken him. His father's eyes had widened briefly in surprise, but the expression had passed as quickly as it had come.
"I take it all did not go as planned. What did she say?" Archibald's voice was full of concern. Colin gathered his composure as he prepared to discard his last morsel of dignity.
"She rejected me. She said she could never marry someone she couldn't truly belong to. She said that she had been in love with somoene else for years, and was just waiting for him to come to his senses." Colin broke off, unable to say the name. His father nodded, looking at his hands.
"Dickon." It wasn't a question. Colin responded with a silence that spoke volumes. Apparently he and Dickon, ironically enough, had been the only two people in creation who hadn't predicted this outcome. "Mary is a restless spirit, much like yourself, actually. She's fiery and untamed as always, no matter how many coats of paint Medlock tries to hide her under. Mary is drawn to Dickon for the same reason all wild creatures are. What magic he has over them, I can't say. And, son, I am truly sorry that you have been disappointed. Believe me when I say that it grieves me to see you in pain, but try not to begrudge them this. I think if you look a little closer, you'll see that you and Mary Lennox are kindred spirits, though perhaps not soul mates. It is my opinion, forgive me, I know it was not asked of me, that the pair of you are far too much alike. Someday, dear boy, you'll meet someone who calms your stormy ways as Dickon has done for Mary. I apologize if I seem at all unsympathetic. But Colin, when you meet the woman you are meant to be with, you won't have to wonder if you love her." Colin sat, shaken by his father's words. He was not accustomed to anyone, save for Mary, being that frank, that brutally honest with him. At this point, the rebellious child within him threatened to rise up once more. Colin stifled his anger, trying not to appear fiery or untamed.
"If... if Dickon asks, then... you won't deny him, will you?" Archibald looked at his son with pity.
"No, I will not, son. I cannot deprive Mary of her happiness, anymore than I can give you yours." he turned to leave, but stopped and looked at Colin once more. "Are you really surprised by this?" Colin thought for a moment. He thought of the childhood games they had played, the long hours in the garden.
"Not really." he smiled ironically. His father crossed the garden and put a hand on his shoulder. The touch was more reassuring than Colin had expected it to be. "Thank you, father."
Lord Craven gave his son's shoulder one last squeeze before leaving him to his thoughts. Colin waited until he heard the heavy oak door close before roughly plucking up a marigold and tearing it's head off.
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Well, thanks to all you lovely reviewers. You've inspired me to continue with this story. This chapter was a tad off, I know. I just felt it neccesary to establish Colin's confusion a bit. Thanks again, so much.
