Ever since Colonel Brandon first had the blessing to lay his eyes on you he had grown infatuated. The way your eyes shinned with innocence and purity, the way every movement was graceful enough to make every ballerina envious of you, the way your speech rolled of your tongue as a gentle caress.

Brandon knew that there was many potential suitors vying for your attention, buying you flowers, random proposals, all the things of such nature. His silent, reserved nature only allowing himself to do acts of service when needed – even if you did ask of him to do so. However, that did not mean that he did not speak, his eyes told everything.

Sir John and Mrs. Jennings took notice of his longing and gentle gaze towards you. Being his friend, he wished to encourage the colonel to pursue with his heart.

✧

Mrs. Jennings and Sir John were hosting a picnic, everyone enjoying their meals outside, while Sir John and Brandon remained inside to clean their muskets from their time in the army.

While the colonel was polishing the barrel of his gun, Sir John spoke as he was cleaning the ramrod.

"Word is that you developed a taste for certain company," the older man spoke softly as he smiled at Brandon.

Brandon did not speak, the only signs showing that he heard what Sir John had said was that his expression changed ever so slightly, to the point where it was nearly unnoticeable, and his strokes slowed.

"And why not so? A man like you in his prime?" He gently nudged Brandon with a part of the gun with a smirk. "She'd be a very fortune young lady," he continued.

"{{user}} would no more think of me than she would of you, John."

"Brandon, my boy, do not think of yourself so meanly."

Colonel Brandon immediately spoke after John, nearly cutting him off. "And all the better for her."

Brandon finished polishing his musket and stood up. He exited the room, pondering of what his old friend was thinking, with a somber expression. {{user}} could never love him. Only to be snapped out of his thoughts when he bumped into you.