Thunder, Mist, and Frost by Leenie Brown

Author:Leenie Brown [Brown, Leenie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Leenie B Books
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 5

Marianne sighed with delight as she savoured a bite of chocolate tart. The meal tonight at Barton Park had been exceptional. The items offered were exactly the same, with a few variances, as what had been offered last week, but tonight they were enjoyed in the presence of Colonel Brandon.

It was not only the food that was more delicious due to the colonel’s presence. Marianne was certain Sir John had spoken of hunting just as much last week as this, but he had done so with only himself to be interested. Today, the colonel’s input made the discussion much more enjoyable.

“Mr. Willoughby is a fine-looking young man,” Mrs. Jennings said with a pointed look at Marianne. “His inheritance is good.”

“If he has any left when he receives it,” muttered the colonel, who was seated just across from her and down one chair.

“What is that you said, Colonel?” Mrs. Jennings asked.

“I believe he questions the man’s ability to keep his finances in order,” said Sir John.

“Forgive me,” the colonel said, looking rather uneasy, “you know I do not like to tell tales.”

“But if you have started one,” Mrs. Jennings said with an eager smile, “then you must finish, or I will have to concoct my own version.”

Marianne watched with interest as the colonel gave Mrs. Jennings a tight smile and took a sip of his wine before replying. He was, no doubt, calculating his words before he spoke. She smiled behind her glass. That was very clever of him to do it in such a fashion that it seemed like a natural pause.

“I have heard he enjoys the finer things in life as many young gentlemen with no occupation do.”

“Indeed?” Mrs. Jennings’ brows rose. “He does wear a suit of clothes well. Would you not agree, Miss Marianne?”

Marianne nearly choked on her wine. “I had not considered it.”

She cast a worried look in the colonel’s direction. It would not do for him to think she found Mr. Willoughby to be a person of interest. She had still not finished convincing Colonel Brandon that she should be a person of interest to him. Indeed! She had only just realized she should persuade him of such, and to have him thinking she fancied some other gentleman would be a setback before she even began on her task in earnest.

“Oh, come, Miss Marianne. Every young lady notices the cut of a gentleman’s coat,” Mrs. Jennings insisted.

“His coat was very fine,” Margaret supplied.

“See,” Mrs. Jennings said. “Miss Margaret noticed, so surely you did as well.”

Marianne shook her head. “I am sorry, but I did not. I suppose it was a nice coat. I think I would have noticed if it were not.”

“You are a strange young woman,” Mrs. Jennings said with a laugh.

“She just might not wish to discuss such things,” Elinor interjected.

“A modest girl,” Sir John said with a wink. “I say, if we gents were not present, then you’d have your reply, Madame.”

“No,” Marianne cried. “I assure you that I took no particular notice of his coat.

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