***
NOTES:
I feel it's important to clarify: Agatha is not Colin's daughter. She actually had a miscarriage. Even if that hadn't happened, their potential baby would be a maximum of 15 years old by now, while Agatha is already out in society. But don't worry—she has a couple of surprises for you!
***
"Hey brother
Do you still believe in one another?
Hey sister
Do you still believe in love? I wonder
What if I'm far from home?
Oh brother, I will hear you call
What if I lose it all?
Oh sister, I will help you out
For you
There's nothing in this world I wouldn't do"
"Hey Brother" by Avicii
1831
At the next balls, Agatha danced mostly with the prince, while Colin often stood to the side, lost in his thoughts. His gaze wandered around the hall, but he truly noticed nothing of what was happening around him. The splendor of the ball, the elegantly dressed guests, and the music felt distant and uninteresting to him. He was physically present, but his mind was far away.
Daphne watched her brother with some irritation. It was hard for her to see him so detached and lost. Colin hadn't told her what was going on in his head, but she knew he was going through a rough patch. She approached him, feeling she needed to support him in some way.
"How are you?" she asked, trying to sound as calm and carefree as possible.
Colin looked at his sister and forced a smile.
"I'm fine," he replied, but his eyes revealed his exhaustion. "By the way, I'm planning to leave tonight."
These words surprised Daphne, and she couldn't help the disappointment that crept into her voice.
"So soon? I thought you were staying," she said, trying to understand why her brother had decided to leave.
"Why on earth would I?" Colin replied, raising an eyebrow. "When was the last time I stayed for the entire season?" He lifted his brows, waiting for an answer.
Daphne wanted to say, "When Penelope was here," but she bit her tongue. She knew that memory was inappropriate at the moment and would only worsen his state. Colin seemed to expect a different response from her, but when he didn't get it, he just shrugged.
"Besides, I don't remember promising anything," he added calmly.
Daphne frantically searched for words to stop her brother. She didn't want Colin to retreat again and shut himself off from everyone. She fell silent just as Violet approached them, sensing the atmosphere of their conversation.
"Stay for at least a bit longer," Violet suggested, trying to infuse her voice with warmth yet urgency. "The whole family is gathering at Aubrey Hall, and you will be missed."
Colin looked at his mother and hesitated for a moment. He knew how much Violet cherished family traditions and didn't want to disappoint her. He sighed quietly and nodded.
"Okay," he agreed, letting out a weary breath. "But after that, I really must leave."
Colin walked away to join his brothers, and Daphne breathed a sigh of relief as she glanced at her mother. Violet smiled at her, but behind that smile lay worry.
YOU ARE READING
Reflections of the choices
Fanfiction״I fell in love with him at first sight. From the very first day. And I continued to love him always, even when he didn't pay me any attention. I waited and hoped that he would choose me when we grew older. But he chose not me, but my cousin. And my...
