Dearest, Darling {Colonel Brandon X OC}

. Chapter Six .

gifts & beginnings in london

"You really shouldn't take his words so seriously, Izzy, half of what he says he really doesn't mean," Elinor was sat beside me on the bay window in the parlor and I grimaced at her, we were talking about my recent words towards Marianne's sweetheart.

"That does not give him the right to act like a git!" I replied, glaring back at my friend.

"I know, I know," She raised her hands in a placating gesture, "I am not saying he didn't deserve it," We both burst into quiet laughter, causing Auntie Bridget to look up at us from her sewing on the sofa. She merely shook her head and smiled, looking back down at her work.

After a few seconds of silence I spoke up again. "What do you think of the Colonel, Elinor?" I questioned my fingers picking absentmindedly at a loose thread on the cushion in my lap. Elinor looked pensive for a moment before answering.

"I think he's quite a kind man, a bit reserved but polite" She thought for another second. " Hes a bit too old for your age bracket though," She teased and I playfully smacked her arm, biting back my own laugh.

My voice lowered to a whisper as I leaned closer to her. "How's your beau? Anything interesting going on?"

Elinor sighed sadly, not meeting my eyes. "I'm afraid he's already spoken for,"

"Pardon?!" I said it a bit to loud and immediately quieted myself. "What do you mean 'he's spoken for'? I thought you two were well on your way to being engaged!"

"He's engaged to Miss. Steele, and apparently, has been for some time now," I looked at her, confused. "Lucy," she clarified and I nodded, I'd completely forgotten about her and Edwards engagement, in fact, in the excitement of being here, I'd forgotten most of the story.

"That's just rotten Elinor!" I leaned back, pouting slightly for my friend.

Elinor sighed again, a sad smile on her lips. "Yes, well there's nothing I can do about it, and Lucy seems rather intent on being my friend,"

I grumbled under my breath, making sure my Auntie still wasn't listening to our conversation. "I'm so sorry Elinor, he really is a git isn't he," She laughed quietly at my statement, shaking her head in amusement.

The Middleton's butler, Victor, approached us and we both looked up at him wondering what he was about to announce.

"A package for you Miss Underwood," He politely handed me the small, creme colored box and walked away, leaving me to stare at it curiously.

"Well open it!" Elinor urged, just as curious as I was.
Carefully opening the thing I read the little slip of paper that sat in it.

I must apologize for my hasty departure the other afternoon, I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me. I thought I might return the favor of gifting you a rose.
- Col. Brandon

"Well what does it say Izzy!" Elinor scooted closer to me, reading over my shoulder. With my hands shaking I removed the card from the box and gasped, my hand flying to my mouth.

Nestled in the box was a cameo necklace, each little pink oval had a white rose etched onto it. There were five ovals in total, the front one being the largest and each oval was connected by two fine chains, clasping in the back.

"Oh! Its beautiful..." I breathed, gently pulling the necklace from its box. Elinor gasped, leaning forward to see the piece of jewelry.

"It's gorgeous Izzy," she murmured, gently brushing it with her finger tips. "And expensive!" She added, grinning at me.