Sincerity

For helenarickman - Marianne's recovery.


Leaving is the correct thing to do, and though he longs to drink in the sight of her, to savour the beating of her heart, to watch her regain strength, he will leave her to her mother and—

"Colonel Brandon?"

He pauses in the doorway; breath barely enters his body. She is staring at him from the bed, and if he were an artist, he would paint the sweet look upon her face.

"Thank you."

Bowing, Brandon leaves the room before his face betrays him: it is the first sincere acknowledgement she has ever given him. He will treasure it.