Author's Note: I've read that some were hoping for a sequel to my original story: "The Course of True Love Never Did Run Smooth" and though I'm not entirely sure where this is headed, I'm happy to provide one for those of you who'd like more of my version of Marianne and Colonel Brandon. So, I hope you enjoy and please read first The Course prior to reading this one. Thank You!

Chapter One: Discipline

Rose Brandon, with curls like her mother's and eyes like her father's, ran the halls of Delaford in absolute delight. In her arms were her baby brother's favorite wooden sword and with a laugh she turned the corner and dashed towards her room.

"Rose! Come back here!" Commanded young David Christopher Brandon with all the might of a four year old.

"Never" retorted Rose with the passion that came with being six

Thus, David sprinted on to catch her older sister and though he was fast, he knew full well that his sister would be a little faster. After all, she was a little older and thus, had the benefit of having longer legs.

Meanwhile, Rose took another turn in the hopes of avoiding her brother's outstretched hand only to be stopped by the strong and affirming hands of his father.

Colonel Christopher Brandon, Master of Delaford and father of two, cut a formidable figure for a man of his age. Though his hair showed streaks of white amidst its dark brown and his face now had impressive lines and quite a scar just above his forehead; he was still as active as when he was a man of six and thirty. His time fighting the Gurkhas snapping him back to shape and the exercise that came with chasing two small children over the years kept him in top condition. However, many in Delaford would whisper that his wife, the young Mrs. Brandon, should be credited for their Master's lively vigor.

"What is this?" commanded Colonel Brandon to his daughter who was now leaning on his knees as she tried to catch her breath.

"Papa! Rose started it!" exclaimed David, catching up to her sister and explaining - as best as he could - to his father.

"I did not!" admonished Rose, waving the sword for good measure knowing full well that her father would never have the heart to punish her.

"Yes you did!" argued David, catching the tip of his sword and pulling it back towards him.

"Enough." Commanded their father with a tone they knew well.

Slowly, Christopher Brandon took the sword from both children and placed it in between his arm. He then cleared his voice and said:

"As this seems to be the cause of today's chaos, I might as well keep it until both you learn to ask nicely and share."

Groans from both children could be heard as their father hid a smirk by biting his lip.

"Now"—he continued, carrying his son onto his arm that also kept the sword tight and grabbing his daughters hand to hold—"shall we ask your mother's opinion of proper young men and ladies running around the halls?"

Another series of groans emerged as young Miss Rose and the even younger Master David was led by their father to the kitchens.

Many who knew Mrs. Marianne Brandon prior to her marriage would say that the lady has indeed changed. Age has certainly done Marianne good and though her countenance certainly grew lovelier each day, it was the deep sense of maturity that came after knowing your husband deeper and bearing him two children that has added character to her features. Delaford became her home and she enjoyed being its mistress, integrating herself to the workings of the household. Passionate as ever, she found herself in the kitchens that day, talking to Mrs. Pratt who was recommending a new dish for an upcoming luncheon.

"I have no doubt that this new dish will be talked about." commended Marianne as she inspected the menu and the new pots and pans the younger maids cleaned.

"I was hoping for that, ma'am. Mrs. Moore said that most of the guests have been invited before and it would not do to serve them the same fare." explained Mrs. Pratt as she also added a bit of spice to the stew that was cooking slowly for dinner.

However, before Marianne could reply, Colonel Brandon entered the kitchens bearing their children and all thoughts of the new pork dish with applesauce was forgotten.

"Oh, my! This is a surprise!" she exclaimed to her husband while relieving him of their son so he in turn can now carry their six-year old and securely seat her by the kitchen counter.

A flurry of activity soon followed as the staff in the kitchen greeted their Master and the children. Sensing the need for a private moment, everyone made themselves scarce, including Mrs. Pratt who excused herself and thus, leaving the Brandons alone.

"Wife, I do believe our children would like to confess as to why they were caught once again running from the halls." started Colonel Brandon, eyeing the children and ensuring that he looked at them impassively.

"Running in the halls! Again? What have I told both of you before?" asked Marianne, a tad strict with the tone

"That we should never run in the halls." recited David dutifully, having been caught before.

"And we should never play indoors except in the nursery." added Rose.

"Yet, I find you both running like horses in the halls for this." explained Colonel Brandon, showing his wife the wooden sword.

"So, who does this belong to?" asked Marianne, eyeing Rose knowing full well its true owner.

"Mine, Mama!" exclaimed the young boy, reclaiming the sword from his father and holding it tight.

"So, why did I find it in your possession, Rose?" asked the Colonel to his daughter

"Because I was rescuing my dolly from David!" reasoned Rose stubbornly, golden curls bouncing about.

"I beg your pardon?" asked Marianne, confused by her daughter's imaginative response.

"David took dolly while I was not looking. I took his sword because he took dolly."

"Did not!" defended David, holding on to his mother and sword for dear life

"Did too!"

"Did not!"

"Enough!" commanded Marianne, looking at her husband only to see him smirk. It was obvious that he clearly thought their children's antics were humorous and though she shared her husband's sentiments, it seemed it was up to her to remind the children of the rules that day.

However, even before Marianne could think of how she could scold them without being too strong, they heard a polite knock from the kitchen doors.

"Excuse me, sir and ma'am." said Williams from the doorway.

"Williams, what can we do for you?" asked the Colonel while smiling at the stableman.

"Sir, Bernard is waiting for everyone by the gardens and I believe he would like to give something back to Miss Brandon." explained the stableman with a happy tone. He then ushered the family out of the kitchen and into Delaford's open lawn.

There, in the middle of the freshly cut lawn was the Master of Delaford's trusted St. Bernard and in the dog's mouth was dolly, the rag doll.

Both children squealed at seeing Bernard and rushed out of their parents' hold to play with the gentle dog. Rose got her dolly back and professed that Bernard rescued it from her brother, the pirate Meanwhile, David professed that Bernard was the true pirate and at the age of four, proclaimed that he is now an honorable naval merchant.

The Brandons, having realized that disciplining them now was a lost cause, opted to take a seat on the lawn chairs provided to them instead. Tea was then served to them there and as they observed their children run around the lawn with their dog, they were able to discuss other matters that most husbands and wives talk about when, finally, they were afforded time.

The children continued to play and their parents, hand in hand, continued to look over them until they were informed by Mrs. Moore that dinner was ready.