"What are your intentions regarding my sister?"
The question hit he Colonel hard, drawing him back to a time when another brother had asked him he same question. His answer was no different now than it had been then, only now he would not let one young boy tear them apart. "At present, my intention is to court your sister eh way she deserves to be. And in the future, I intend to marry her."
The young Middleton eyed him wearily. "You would make her happy?"
"As well as I can."
Michael studied he Colonel intently crossing his arms. "Mrs. Jennings told me a bit of your history. Miss Eliza's young child won't be coming to claim you as their father?"
"No," Brandon shook his his head. "Beth knows she is not mine. As it is, she has disappeared. It makes no matter in regards to your sister."
Michael thought for a moment. "Do you love her? My sister?"
"I do," Brandon said without hesitation.
The young boy uncrossed his arms with a nod. "Very well, I will give what consent is mine to give."
Brandon bowed his head in thanks to the younger man, feeling a small weight lift from his shoulders.
A/n: I told you it would be longer! And it is... Kinda...And I decided that Caroline would know about Beth and tell Michael, so it kinda screws up some stuff further in. But luckily, I don't have to worry about that just yet. Thank you to shettie and Missrosedust1309 for following!