The following morning, I had a letter waiting for me when I awoke. I quickly opened it and immediately recognised the colonel's elegant, albeit angular writing.

Miss Jensen,

Forgive my abrupt departure, but Eliza felt suddenly unwell and she apologises profusely. So, in a way of compensation, would you please join me at the park at ten o'clock for a walk?

Sincerely yours,

Christopher Brandon

Upon finishing the brief letter, a smile grew on my face, and my heart fluttered happily. I rose from my bed and glided to my wardrobe. I selected a simple champagne coloured dress that was surprisingly warm and a pair of sturdy black boots. I pinned my hair up into a simple bun, and then made my way downstairs. I found my brother-in-law, Jason, reading the newspaper alone at the table. "Jason, where are Marci and the boys?" I asked softly.

"Ayden seems to have overexerted himself, and is not well. I see that you received a letter this morning, who was it from, if you do not take offense to my prying?"

"It was from Colonel Brandon, he wishes for me to accompany him on a walk shortly," I answered, blushing faintly when Jason smiled knowingly at me.

"Wonderful, Colonel Brandon is an honourable man, I am happy for you. Perhaps he will be the one to temper that, pardon the play of words, temper of yours. It appears that your assault on Mr. Willoughby is the talk of London, and has even reached people back in Barton according to the gossip-mongers, but many support your unconventional actions- much to the our fellow aristocracy's surprise. Go, have a pleasant visit with him."

"Thank you, brother," I said, and quickly departed.

The thin layer of snow from last night had long ago melted, and the sky above me seemed to be bowing with heavy rain clouds. I hastened my gait, and silently hoped that the colonel and I would not be caught out in the rain. Few people were daring enough to venture into the park in this weather, so it was not difficult to find the colonel. He seemed to be pacing when I arrived; however, when he saw me he stopped abruptly and smiled. "Good morning, Miss Jensen," he greeted me cordially with a bow.

I curtsied in response and said, "Hello, Colonel Brandon, thank you for the invitation. How are Eliza and Emily faring?"

"They are well, and Eliza is looking forward to our return to Delaford."

Something was different about the colonel, and the way he mentioned his sojourn to Delaford made it seem as though he was departing in the very, very near future. "And when will you all be leaving?"

"Tomorrow," he replied faintly- refusing to meet my searching gaze.

My heart lurched its beating, and then plummeted down to my toes, my face blanched, and I struggle to breathe momentarily. Was I to lose him once more? It's too soon, too soon. "Tomorrow," I repeated, my voice below a whisper.

"Miss Jensen, are you well? You are quite pale!" he exclaimed softly, and reached out to take hold of one of my clammy hands. The simple contact kept me grounded, and my eyes jerked to meet his. "Miss Jensen?" he asked again.

Fortunately, I was not forced to lie to him, for the rain clouds above us were split open and a heavy downpour of rain fell upon us. Colonel Brandon pulled me to his side and he held his coat over the two of us as he led me back to Marci's home. Despite his best efforts, the rain had gotten to me thoroughly; my already heavy hair was sodden, causing it to fall from the pins' weak confinement and tumble down my back in dripping tendrils. We stopped once we reached the landing; at the sight of his dripping, disheveled appearance, I let out a faint laugh. "Do I amuse you?" he inquired.

"No, but your water-sodden appearance does- I am afraid that this hat has seen better days," I explained, flicking the bowing lip of his hat. "I could never find it within myself to mock you, Colonel."

Colonel Brandon's hand reached out, tucking a particularly cumbersome strand of hair behind my ear, and then left his hand on my face. My skin burned with pleasant, fiery butterflies and I smiled coyly up at him- my breath caught wonderfully in my fluttering chest. He gave me a warm, small smile of his own, and mused, "I scoff at whomever attempts to mock or think poor of you, Miss Jensen, you are a young woman of many virtues, and I am proud to have the pleasure of calling you friend." I did not know how to respond to such kind words, thus the reason why I remained silent, and smiled at him once more. To my great displeasure, he lowered his hand and bowed in farewell. "Until we meet again, Miss Jensen," he spoke softly.

"I wish you safe travel, and that we shall see one another soon," I replied wholeheartedly, and reached out to briefly grasp his hand with my own. "Give my regards to Margaret and Elinor when you return," I added faintly. I released his hand, and watched him make his way back; I smiled brightly when the colonel stopped to turn around and raise his hand in farewell. I returned his parting gesture with one of my own, and then entered the house.

Two weeks passed since the night before the colonel's departure when I received two letters- one from Elinor, and the other from Colonel Brandon. I opened Elinor's first, and what I read brought great joy to my heart.

Kiley,

First of all, I thank you for the wonderful gift you sent me for my birthday, although I have not yet had the opportunity to wear such a lovely dress. Also, you will not believe the joyous news! Marianne is to be married, to none other than your dear cousin, James! Mother is positively overjoyed, and Marianne is the happiest I have ever seen her. Thank you for all that you have done for my family and me; I do not know if I will ever be able to repay your kindness and friendship. I await your return, which I hope to be very soon in the near future...the colonel seems quite out of sorts and displaced without you here, so I am afraid that his company has been lacking.

Awaiting your swift return,

Elinor

I turned my attention to the colonel's letter, another smile blossoming on my face simply at the sight of the familiar scrawl.

Miss Jensen,

I hope that my letter reaches you in good health. Eliza and Emily are doing extremely well here at Delaford and I thank you for your sage advice. Mrs. Jennings seems to be possessed by some spirit upon hearing of Miss Marianne's upcoming marriage; she and Mrs. Dashwood have set the entire town aflutter. I have checked in on your beloved Perseus, as you requested, and I admit I am envious of the behemoth- it appears you care more for your horse's well being than my own. Now do not be cross with me, I assure you that I only say this in jest. Eliza wishes for me to inform you that she wishes for you to return as soon as possible...probably to inform you of the latest gossip...I as well, wish for your swift return.

Until we meet again,

Christopher Brandon