Chapter One: Christmas Eve

"Marianne could never love by halves; and her whole heart became, in time, as much devoted to her husband, as it had once been to Willoughby." – Chapter 50, Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Delaford was particularly picturesque, with the grounds covered with a thin layer of snow, looking every bit as magical as Marianne Dashwood thought it would by Christmas Eve. Coming from the parsonage lane, she could see the manor house's chimney from afar; expelling smoke which was a sure sign of the promise of heat. As she crossed its gate, basket music sheets in one hand and another making sure her wool cloak was securely draped around her shoulders, she was greeted by Williams – the Colonel's stableman.

"Good morning, Ms. Dashwood." Greeted the tall and lean man formally, giving her a short bow.

"Good morning, Williams. I have come to return the sheet music the Colonel has lent me." She explained, giving the man a curtsy while clutching her cloak tighter to shield her from the cold.

There was always something about Williams that unnerved Marianne. After Elinor's wedding to Edward last spring, the newlyweds moved immediately to the parsonage and oversaw all of the adjustment to make the once tight house more comfortable. The Colonel, not just as their friend, but also their patron, took special attention to the plans they had and lent additional workers to hasten the construction. After which, the results became evident. By fall that year, the Delaford parsonage boasted an additional guestroom and a nursery, which was initially Margaret's room when the Dashwood ladies visited them a few months ago. Their visit was made more memorable with the Colonel frequently stopping by for tea or him giving them the biggest of his game for the season.

In the past months, the Dashwood ladies were also a frequent guest in Delaford Manor, the Colonel frequently inviting them, together with Mrs. Jennings, Sir John Middleton and the Palmers, for luncheon, lawn games and riding, the latter of which delighted Miss Margaret to no end. However, in all of her visits to Delaford manor and since her temporary residence in the Parsonage, helping Elinor in her duties as she proceeded to her confinement, she rarely saw Williams smile in greeting. Although, it has been noted by everyone that the Colonel placed his trust on the stableman wholly, Marianne can't help but wonder if it was because of the appraising look she received in all of her visits to the estate.

"Is the Colonel home, Williams? I was hoping to thank him personally." Inquired Marianne, giving a short explanation as to why she was now braving the snow.

"Yes, ma'am. Howev – "

"Miss Dashwood!" interrupted Mrs. Moore, the housekeeper, giving her a curtsy and reaching immediately for the basket to help.

"Good morning, Mrs. Moore." Greeted Marianne, returning the housekeeper's curtsy and handing her the basket carrying the music sheets.

"I was instructing the new maid near the entrance and I saw you here by the gate. It's started to snow last night and you must be cold out here." Explained the older housekeeper, reminding Marianne of one of the elder maids in Norland who was very sprightly despite their age

"Yes, I have come to return the Colonel's music sheets. Is he here?" asked Marianne, smiling.

"Yes, ma'am. However, he took Bernard for a walk earlier and we have yet to see him." Expounded the housekeeper, ushering both Marianne nearer to the entrance and the promise of warmth in the manor.

"A walk in this snow?" remarked Marianne, raising an eyebrow.

Although it did not truly surprise her. Bernard, a black St. Bernard trained in hunting, was the Colonel's favorite amongst all of his hunting dogs. The domesticated dog often accompanied its master and her, whether it was in the library, the music room or their walks around the grounds.

"They've taken shelter in the hothouse, ma'am. Saw them go in earlier with the Colonel carrying shears and the ribbons he asked Ms. Pratt to buy in town." Explained Williams who was now leading both the two ladies inside the hallway of the great house.

"I see…" said Marianne, a tad disappointed.

She had hoped to catch Colonel Brandon today, Christmas Eve, to continue their discussion of Donne in line with tomorrow's festivities. Mrs. Jennings, Sir John and the Palmers are set to arrive that afternoon in the manor to spend Christmas Eve and the rest of the season with a pregnant Elinor, Edward, Mrs. Dashwood, Margaret, Marianne and their host, the Master of Delaford himself. Yet, it seemed that Colonel was busy with his own undertakings.

Seeing her expression fall, Mrs. Moore quickly added: "But the greenhouse is just a few steps from the kitchens, ma'am. Allow us to escort you to its entrance. If the Colonel is there, I'm sure the hothouse will be warm."

"I would not want to disturb him, especially since I did not make an appointment."

"Nonsense, child! I'm sure the Colonel Brandon would be pleased to see you." exclaimed the housekeeper, brooking no refutes, she led Marianne towards the downstairs staircase.

Once by the kitchen, she was greeted by Ms. Pratt, the jolly and good-natured cook, who assured Marianne that she was making Mrs. Dashwood's favorite biscuits and will be served in time for afternoon tea. However, as Mrs. Moore and Marianne draw closer to the exit, Mrs. Moore's attention was suddenly called. Knowing that it was for this afternoon's guests and for tomorrow's Christmas celebration, Marianne insisted that she be left to cross the grounds in between the doors of the kitchen and the hothouse.

Once by its entrance, Marianne gently opened the door hoping not to disturb the Colonel. What greeted her was a scene that melted her heart.

Colonel Brandon was facing away from her, sitting on the very end of the workbench to give Bernard space to sit with him – the dog resting its head on his master's lap and his tail wagging enthusiastically. A multitude of full bloomed pink roses laid on the table and the Colonel was whistling while he gently removed the thorns from the stem.

Marianne dared not to disturb him as he continued to whistle a merry tune, patting the head of the tranquil dog from time to time while he cut the stems of the chosen blooms to an appropriate length. Slowly, his hands took hold of duck egg blue ribbon and wrapped the stems of the roses together, creating a simple bouquet.

Critically, the Colonel continued to eye the bouquet of roses, adding on a touch of lace and pins. A few minutes passed and Marianne saw how Colonel Christopher Brandon transformed the untamed stems into a masterful bouquet of pink roses.

She could not really see him as he was facing away from the door, but Marianne could feel his smile and sense of accomplishment. Holding the bouquet high and ruffling Bernard's head, he said: "What do you think, Bernard? Will she like it?"

'She? He has a lady? Good for the Colonel.' thought Marianne, easing the pang of pain with thoughts of her dear friend, the Colonel, finally happy.

"Tell me, Bernard…" stated the Colonel, facing the dog who was now sitting at the other edge of the bench eyeing his master with great regard "…doesn't the blush of these pink roses remind you of her fair skin?"

The dog gave a whimper in response.

"I know she's not yet that well. Paleness is difficult to hide. However, on good days, it seems like her sickness never happened."

'Sickness? Is he…' but even before Marianne could finish her thoughts, a spark of hope building inside her, the Colonel continued on

"Her mother did say that she approves of me. Although, I would rather she be the one who approved of me." He rambled on as the dog sat straight next to him on the bench, casually observing the Master of Delaford.

From where Marianne was, she could see him fixing the blooms of the roses, gently fixing the petals as he added on pins for the lace. 'Is he thinking of me?' she thought, slowly daring herself to hope at the chance of her affections to be reciprocated.

Marianne had long decided that the Colonel and her would become good friends. After his heroic act in Cleavland and his continued kindness to her and her family, she thought it would be prudent to get to know the man who saved her life. Thus, reading to each other and exchanging musical sheets from their favorite composers became a routine. Recently, however, she noticed that his short visits were not enough. They have progressed to writing to each other once they are apart for more than a day.

With Elinor's removal to Delaford, Marianne thought that she was just projecting her need for companionship to the Colonel. After all, she could not expect more from the man after all the injustices she has committed against him. With the way she once treated the Colonel and her actions with Willoughby, she could not expect him to still consider her for matrimony.

"If only she knew how much I love her, the depths of what I'm willing to do for her." Continued the Colonel, breaking Marianne's reverie. "Maybe then, she will realize that I do not just look at her as a friend."

Bernard gave his master a short bark and the Colonel gave the canine a loving pat in the head.

'It's now or never.' Marianne thought. With whatever courage she had left, she shrugged off her cloak and made her presence known.

"Will you tell me about your friend, Colonel?"