A/N: SO sorry for not updating! I just finished up a fic that was taking FOREVER to finsh, so now I can work on my other stuff! Enjoy!
"Beth, are you coming?" Colonel Brandon asked from downstairs.
Beth finished brushing her hair and hurried down the stairs. "Forgive me, I had to finish some things."
He gave her a soft smile and held out his arm for her. "Come."
She took his arm and they walked outside. One of the servants called the colonel and handed him some flowers.
"Ah, thank you, Hannah." he said, holding the flowers.
"Have you heard anything new about Miss Marianne?" Beth asked, noticing the flowers.
"She is doing well. Her family feared her ankle had been broken, but it's only a small sprain." he replied, as they walked.
They walked across the country. A beautiful day. The sky was clear and Beth eyed the many wild flowers growing as far as the eye could see. They were going to Sir John's after they visited the Dashwoods. They saw the small cottage and approached the front door, noticing the younger Miss Dashwood playing with Sir John's dogs.
She waved at them and the colonel saluted her. She giggled and saluted him back.
"Marianne's inside." she said, pointing to the house.
"Thank you." Beth smiled.
The colonel knocked on the side of the door and entered with Beth. Miss Marriane was sitting on the couch with her foot on a cushion. Sir John saw them and greeted them aloud, as usual.
"How's the invalid?" the colonel asked.
"She is doing well, thank you, colonel." Miss Elinor replied.
The colonel quietly handed Marianne the flowers. She gave them a small stare and smiled at the colonel. Carelessly, she handed them to Elinor, who looked for a vase to put them in.
"You can't have all the young men to yourself, Miss Marianne." Sir John said, suddenly.
"There are very few men whom I have interest in, Sir John. And, even less whom I wish to know." she said, dully.
Beth gave her a stare, noticing that Marianne seemed to be in her own world. She clearly had her mind elsewhere. Beth cleared her throat during the awkward silence.
"Sir John, are we still invited to your home this afternoon?" she asked.
"Ah, yes, Beth, my dear! Come, let us go there now. By the way, Miss Marianne, I'll send you an express if I hear anything more on Mr. Willoughby, eh?" he said, giving her an amused smile.
The colonel's face hardened. "John Willoughby, Lady Allen's nephew?"
"Aye, he visits every summer." Sir Joh replied. "Come, Brandon, we know when we're not wanted in a lady's company."
"The best of health, Miss Marianne." Beth said.
She nodded and went back to her thoughts. Elinor returned wishing them farewell.
"Marianne, the colonel, Beth and Sir John are leaving." Elinor said.
Marianne turned and thanekd them for their time. Then, she went back to playing with her hair. Beth smiled at Elinor, trying to show her that she excused Marianne's behavior.
"Thank you for coming." she said, giving them a bow.
They all exited the house and Sir John called his dogs. They spotted Mr. Willoughby coming up towards the cottage with his hand behind his back. The colonel's face hardened once more. Beth noticed, unsure as to why.
"Ah, Mr. Willoughby, the ladies are waiting for you!" Sir John said, giving the colonel a small glance.
"Thank you, sir." Mr. Willoughby replied, eyeing the colonel.
They both bowed to each other, but the colonel gave him a cold stare. Mr. Willoughby gave Beth a small smile and hurried up to the cottage.
"Marianne Dashwood couldn't stop talking about Mr. Willoughby. He's a good man, you know. Young and handsome. Just the man for her, I know it." Sir John said, during tea.
The colonel stared at the floor, sipping his tea.
"What sort of history does he have, Sir John?" Beth asked.
"He's not very well known much. But, he's a good sort of man with a kind aunt. He's to inherit much from her."
The colonel suddenly stood up. "I think this weather calls for a nice stroll outside. Excuse me, John."
Beth watched him leave and looked back at Sir John. "A jealous boy, he is, eh Beth?"
"I'd rather not discuss it, Sir John. He seems a bit upset about something." she replied.
"Well, not to worry. There will be more young ladies around for him. He's a rich fellow."
"Forgive me, Sir John, but I must join my brother. He plans to have a picnic at our estate and we haven't had a chance to discuss it. Excuse me."
Beth hurried outside and found the colonel, tossing pebbles into the small pond. She approached him and he sighed.
"Try not to think on her, Christopher." she said, softly.
He turned to look at her. "I am not thinking on Miss Marianne, Beth."
She frowned. "Then, how did you know I was speaking of her?"
He opened his mouth but then closed it. "I am not well at the moment."
"I don't think I need medical experience to see that. I know you loved her."
He threw a pebble, creating a large splash. He gave her a small stare. "Love."
With that, he walked away from her. Beth sighed and watched the riples grow in the pond.
He can be really thick.
