The next day, I decided that while I waited for Colonel Brandon to arrive I would practice my archery. I changed into my fitted, soft leather trousers, and long sleeved shirt that hung loosely on my frame. I braided my hair into a thick plait that reached the bottom curve of my shoulder blades, and then set off to retrieve my bow from its place within my chambers. I slung my quiver over my shoulder, and raced outside. Already, the target was set up and waiting for my arrival. I strung my ebony recurve bow, and laced my arm guard; I smiled as I ran my fingers along the smooth wood, and then languidly knocked an arrow.
Unbeknownst to most, the small red circle that lay at the heart of the target is beyond the definition of tantalising...this one lay completely unscathed. Time and time again, the closest to the center any of my shots landed were the innermost of the pale ring that surrounded the red circle. I let out a faint groan as I straightened my back and shoulder, which were still stiff from the demanding and rigorous fencing practice I had had earlier that day. My fingers ran over the feathers at the base of the arrow, and I did not take my eyes off of the red circle painted upon the target. I drew the arrow back until the cock feather caressed the line of my jaw. I released the arrow, along with the breath I had been holding, and let the arrow fly. The arrow whistled through the air, and embedded its head into the blasted innermost part of the pale ring once more. I growled in frustration, and knocked another arrow; I released the arrow and taut bowstring and this time the arrow...landed within the red! "Yes!" I exclaimed, and then proceeded to fire at the other target surrounding me.
The sound of a twig snapping behind me caused me to spin on my heel- my bow knocked and ready to let loose an arrow. In the sights of my arrow shaft, I saw Colonel Brandon before me with his hands held up in supplication, along with an amused grin on his face. I gasped and swiftly lowered my bow, and then returned the unshot arrow to my quiver. "My apologies for startling you, Miss Jensen," he said, "However, I compliment you on the speed of your reaction rate, along with your skill at archery."
I could not help it- at the sight of him my face broke out into a smile. I slung my bow across my shoulder, and walked up to him. As I did so, Colonel Brandon's eyes glanced to stare at my leather clad legs. "Pardon my unseemly apparel, but I find archery far more difficult than it already is when I am in a dress," I explained hastily. "Excuse me for a moment," I added and went into the house. My maid, dear Anna, swiftly helped me into a loose fitting dress.
"Is that Colonel Brandon out by your archery arena?" my mother asked as she looked out the window of the drawing room.
I ignored her knowing tone, and continued out to meet the colonel. "How are you today, Colonel Brandon?" I asked, slightly breathless.
"I have been well, and you, Miss Jensen?"
"Exhausted," I admitted, and flopped unceremoniously to sit on the ground. "Will you sit with me, Colonel?" I looked up at him with beseeching eyes, and a small smile upturned the corners of my lips. To my surprise, he did as I had requested; we sat side by side and watched in the wind catch in my mother's gardens. "Have you heard from the Dashwoods recently, sir?" I asked faintly.
"Actually, I have. Margaret is impatiently waiting for to send an invitation to your home as Elinor thinks it improper to show up with being called upon. Also, Marianne is nursing a twisted ankle she during those days of rain from the week past." The concern for Marianne was quite apparent in his voice, and caused my heart to ache.
"Ah yes," I commented, "I must send them a letter then- I should have already since I guessed Miss Dashwood would react that way. Also, Mrs. Jennings informed my mother at their most recent tea social of some new arrival that resides in Allenham with their aunt."
Colonel Brandon tensed at the new subject and answered somewhat curtly, "Yes, that would be the Mr. John Willoughby of Combe Magma in Somersetshire." Throwing caution and conventionalism into the wind, I reached out and gently squeezed his hand as a show of sympathy. He flashed me a grateful smile and said, "Miss Jensen, you are unconventionally kind, but it is most appreciated."
"Thank you, that is most of kind you to say, Colonel," I replied without missing a beat. I drew my hand away from his, and hoped he did not see how wistful my expression was. I looked out upon the distance, and loved how I could not see a cloud in sight.
"Have you any siblings, Miss Jensen?" he asked randomly.
"I have two elder sisters. My eldest sister resides in London with her husband and two children, and my older sister is currently abroad in Italy."
Before Colonel Brandon could make any remark, we were startled by, "Brandon, my boy! There ye are- and with the lovely Miss Jensen too!" We snapped our heads about and saw Sir John and Mrs. Jennings exiting the house and approaching us.
"I do declare, Miss Jensen, do you play that exquisite pianoforte in your family's drawing room? I insist you play for us all!" Mrs. Jennings exclaimed in her usual jovial manner.
My cheeks flushed with mortification, and I did not reply. I cast my eyes downward in my rapidly growing embarrassment and tried not to project my discomfort; Colonel Brandon caught my gaze and his eyes searched my face. His eyes softened as he realised the reason behind my discomfort, I did not play the pianoforte...at all. My older sister was the one whom possessed the gift of the ivory. I, on the other hand, possessed only the gifts of the sword, quill, and bow. "Mrs. Jennings," Colonel Brandon called out, drawing the attention to him, "I have failed to play for you as of late, and I would like to do so now. If I am granted permission, Miss Jensen?"
"O-Of course," I stammered. Colonel Brandon rose to his feet, and then held out his hand for me to take; I blushed faintly when I took his offered hands and he pulled me to my feet. I led everyone inside, and sat in the chair I usually reserved for writing. I watched Colonel Brandon stride over to the pianoforte, and take a seat on the bench. He looked over to me, and stared at me for a few moments, and I looked at him with a confused expression.
He cleared his throat, and began to play. His fingers gently danced across the keys, and the music sweetened the air. I closed my eyes, and briefly imagined an unknown couple dancing with languid familiarity under the solver caress of the moonlight. When I opened my eyes, my gaze fixed upon Colonel Brandon once more. His attention was dominated by his dancing fingers, like a mortal enraptured by a deity. My heart fluttered like a caged birds, whose wings were clipped yet still longed to fly; he was utterly bewitching as he carefully brought the piece to its end.
While everyone was complimenting Colonel Brandon on his splendid performance and applauding politely, I crept out of the house and to the sanctuary of the stables to evade Mrs. Jennings demand that I play next. I wordlessly entered Perseus' stall, and climbed onto his back. I rested my head between his massive shoulder blades, and I let out a barely audible sigh. "That was a nightmare, Perseus, thank heavens Mrs. Jennings has failed to discover my stories hidden amongst the shelves of the library," I mumbled into my most trusted confidant's mane.
"If I were not a proper gentleman, I would be insulted that you slipped away as soon as the opportunity arose," the colonel's voice mused, and I raised my head and found him standing outside the stall. Again, I nervously played with my plaited hair, and an amused smile grew on Colonel Brandon's face. "A habit of yours?" he asked in good nature.
"Actually, no- as a matter of fact, I have never been one to fiddle with my hair until now," I admitted.
"I have come to inform you that I am returning to Delaford momentarily."
A frown nagged at my lips, and I scowled slightly. "I am sorry I am such an abysmal hostess, but I enjoyed your company immensely, sir."
"Your sentiments are returned, and I hope to see in the near future, Miss Jensen." With that, Colonel Brandon fetched his horse, which was already saddled, and then departed. I gave Perseus an affectionate rub, and then slid off his back.
"There you are, Miss Jensen, I had begun to think you had disappeared!" Mrs. Jennings exclaimed as I entered the house once more.
"Forgive my sudden absence, Mrs. Jennings, but I suddenly felt ill and thought that some fresh air would right my head," I brushed away her comment with an airy lie. I went to my desk, and quickly wrote Elinor a brief letter.
Miss Dashwood,
According to a most reliable source, you have not come to call due to the boundaries of propriety; however, instead of chiding you as I am opt to do, I invite you and Margaret to visit my home the day after next. Miss Marianne and your dear mother are more than welcome to join you, if they so desire.
Sincerely,
Kiley S. Jensen
"Mrs. Jennings," I finally mustered the patience to talk to the woman again, "Would you be so kind as deliver this message to Miss Dashwood on the way home to Barton Park, please?"
"Why of course, my dear!"
I handed her the note addressed to Elinor, and then faintly excused myself from their company. I went upstairs to my chambers, and sat in the alcove of my window. I watched Sir john and Mrs. Jennings leave some time later, and wished that I possessed a talent worth having...worth being able to perform or share. What use was the eloquent use of the English language when women were to be and not heard? I freed my hair from its confinement, and ran my fingers through it absentmindedly. I gazed out my window and watched the sun dip beneath the distant line of trees. I smiled when I saw the last blip of the elusive, legendary flash of green that my father told me about when I was a little girl. The night chill settled within the house, and forced me to slip into my bed. With a mind overwhelmed with bewildering thoughts, I fell asleep.