Colonel Brandon

I knew a lady very like your sister - the same impulsive sweetness of temper - who was forced into, as you put it, a better acquaintance with the world. The result was only ruination and despair. Do not desire it.

[austenchanted]

If I could but know his heart, everything would become easy.

[darcyau]

London Calling | Darcy & Brandon

London had grown cold as winds swept between grey buildings, churning red and orange leaves under the hooves of fleet horses and the shoes of determined walkers. One such brave soul, Fitzwilliam Darcy, ducked his head against the wind, teeth clenched. He was so very close to his destination and inside, he knew well enough, the fires would keep the rooms warm. Hastening up the three stairs that led to the door, Darcy rapped twice with his cane and was soon admitted. Handing off his hat, cane, and cloak to the doorman, he was promptly ushered inside the club ((shhh idk what they’re doing let’s just go with it - au in which Darcy owns a successful speakeasy idk hahah - jk, I figure it’s more like Mycroft’s ~silent gentleman’s gathering place except without the silence and laptops obv)). The room was above with soft conversation and, pausing in the doorway to take in the scene only briefly, Darcy spotted the roaring fire and made his way there as quickly as dodging the others gathered there would allow. The heat was comforting against his hands and face and warmed even his clothes. Gratefully, he lingered, one hand against the mantle as if he owned the place. Pressing his eyes closed in silent appreciation, he opened them again, when he heard movement beside him. Another traveler had apparently also just arrived and was taking his solace by the fire as well. Briefly, Darcy’s blue eyes lingered upon the new comer before the faintly irritating revelation that he should greet this person ruffled his feathers. Turning back towards the flames with a soft scowl, he grumbled an obligatory, “Good day, sir.”

[colonelbrandonau]

He should visit her more often: Eliza's child was in the safe care of a family and he had given them more than enough money to pay for her needs and wants. Perhaps too much. They were good people and would not use the money for anything other than Eliza and she had grown spoiled and a bit wild and he worried. But she was young still, and there was time yet for her to outgrow it. 

Still, his thoughts were bent on her as he entered the club; even though there was nothing further he could do at present.   

Brandon had one thought as he pushed into the room: to stand by the fire. The streets of London were cold and the wind had been relentless. His London house was aways off and he was thankful for the pause from the cold and perhaps a meal to follow. 

He turned towards the man who had spoken to him as he stood by the fire, immediately feeling it's effects. "Good Day," He replied, "Perhaps the sun may come out yet," He said, with a slight smile, although he doubted it. 

[colonelbrandonau]

ooc | Brandon & Elinor

[elinorau]

Preach! And Elinor is such a Brandon/Marianne stan. Like it’s her OTP, man. Though she also wants Marianne to marry whomever she loves, I think part of her sees how good Brandon would be for her.

I agree, though, that Elinor is probably the first to really notice how Brandon cares for her sister. Mostly because I think Elinor watches him a bit more closely than some do. Not to mention that I think she’s the first one that sees him see Marianne for the first time, and Elinor knows what love looks like when she sees it. :D

But yeah, Elinor and Brandon as Marianne’s cheerleaders/security team. Elinor will be right behind Brandon with exit interviews for all the men in line to chat with her sister. ;D Haha!

[colonelbrandonau]

BASICALLY THE BEST THING YESS. <33 Okay, so since you are starting Marianne/Brandon, I can totally start these two. Should they just be meeting or should they already be friends??? (Basically my question everywhere, haha) But I'm cool w/ either yo.

[colonelbrandonau]

ooc | Anne & Brandon

[anneelliotau-blog]

Hmm. I think that Brandon and Anne would at least be able to ~sense the sadness in each other. Because while I don’t think Anne would tell Brandon about Wentworth (just ‘cause Anne really doesn’t like talking about him/has learned not to bring it up, even with those she’s close to), I’m sure he could deduce that ~something happened with her. Or might have heard about it through hearsay.

(Though I still love that like basically ~everyone knows the story of what went down, but no one seems to think that Anne was the girl and Wentworth was the man in the gossip. Like, hello?)

But oh man, I totally see the two of them being thrown together a lot just because they get pushed out of the activities of the younger set. So they end up off to the side together a lot, and I could see them talking and creating a sort of friendly rapport with each other. <3

Be vaguely melancholy together. haha!

[colonelbrandonau]

Yessss, and yeah I don't think that they'd know each others stories (at least not the entire thing they've probably heard gossip about each other (even, as you say, Brandon doesn't know Anne is the girl), but yeah I agree that they'd be able to sense the sadness in each other/plus left alone and yeah all the things. :D 

So Anne is new to this area, yeah?? I think that it might be possible that they've met before, but they could also just be meeting (I do feel like Brandon spends a lot of time in the country when he's not in London looking in on his ward). Basically, which do you think would be better?? 

[colonelbrandonau]

ooc | Brandon & Marianne

[marianneau]

Haha. Right?! Sheesh. Marianne just needs to cool it with being so pretty and young and vivacious. Brandon’s gonna get a hernia from all his running around and waving of canes at all these young men hoping to tarnish the virtue of his dear Marianne. ;D

But oh man, idk who, but you know SOMEONE will come along like that. Whether it’s Willoughby or Wickham or whomever (WOAH, MY BRAIN JUST WENT KNIGHTLEY, THO IDK MAN.) that either pretends to love her or sincerely does, and Marianne will just rant and rave about all their best qualities, and poor Brandon. D:

But yes! We should start them! Though I suppose, hmm. Maybe their first meeting? (Certainly helps that I’m watching movie!S&S rn. My heart. bbys.) Because then we can flow into them being friends! Which is the fun part until JENNIINNGGSSS!!!!! *shakes fist into air*

Do you want me to start these two? I think you offered to start someone else… I’m kind of bopping around ooc posts as I see them. I’m not being very organized about it. lol.

[colonelbrandonau]

HE BASICALLY IS OKAY. Like he's getting too old for that and like worrying about Marianne is going to age him WHICH IS THE OPPOSITE OF OKAY SINCE SHE COMPLAINS ABOUT HOW OLD HE IS ALREADY. ;DDD

UGH YOU KNOW THEY WILL. B/c like everyone is more openly romantic and passionate than Brandon (except like Darcy) and ugh. And omg tho, I can totally see Knightley tho b/c if he can handle Emma, ahah. But also Wickham (ewwww nooo) b/c he'd have this tragic story to tell and all. And obviously also Willoughby and maybe all three and Brandon is dying inside but that's okay that's his thing. 

AND YES. IF YOU WANT TO START THAT'D BE FANTASTIC. <333

[colonelbrandonau]

ooc | Brandon & Darcy

[darcyau]

That makes total sense!!! Hahaha! I hadn’t even thought of that angle, but I think you’re dead on bc Brandon’s word is gospel with the Middletons and Mrs Jennings tbh HAHAHA And just yes. Also, Darcy basically ~does get to fly by on the coattails of Bingley’s kindness tbh but I’m not sure he actually appreciates that bc ewwww parties and dancing like who wants to have fun???? What a waste of time. Jk, jk But, anyway, if we’re starting them off as only having met once before, do you think we’re about ready to start, since there isn’t much backstory to plot out? Hahah! Unless we wanna cover how their meeting in London went? ~insert SNOBBISH DARCY SNOBBISM

[colonelbrandonau]

Okay, yes! We're totally ready to start and honestly I'm down with either?? THE ETERNAL STRUGGLE WITH BRANDON/DARCY. Okay, so maybe we should start with them in London or wherever, bc I think that Brandon would put more effort into their conversation. Like when they meet again, he'll be like hey, how's it going or whatever, but he won't really stay to talk too much w/ him. Unless you can think of a way that forces them together for awhile ahah. 

[colonelbrandonau]

ooc | Brandon & Marianne

[marianneau]

Haha! I bet Marianne would help tbqh. ;D Keep Mrs. Jennings from doing any more meddling in anyone’s lives, including her own.

Oh man, I’m just getting so many Scarlett O’Hara flashes rn. Hahaha. Marianne at a picnic surrounded by Wickham and Willoughby and Frank Churchill and Henry Crawford and basically like… all of the pretty boys that like seducing pretty girls. Haha. And she just sits in the center laughing and flirting and batting her eyelashes.

Hilarious.

Though poor Brandon, because per usual she wouldn’t really think twice about him when she has all these young men paying attention to her and flattering her. Plus, she’d still be miffed that ANYONE would try and tell her that he was the perfect husband for her, because um, excuse?! And oh man, I can totally can see Brandon like interrogating all of the young men that come anywhere near her. haha. *Brandon looms menacingly* “WHAT ARE YOU INTENTIONS TOWARDS MISS MARIANNE?!” “…uh, well, I am not certain it’s quite your business—” “It is indeed my business, sir. Now, what are your intentions?!”

But oh yeah, I am 100% of the mind that Brandon and Marianne are far more similar than Marianne really wants to believe. She can sense it though, I think. Hence why at first they’re actually fairly good friends. And oh man, I know she wouldn’t think twice about how much sheet music is at Barton. I bet she’d just assume that the Jennings had a rather deep love of music and enjoyed having new music around the house.

I bet you someone is gonna be like: *cough* “Sooo… Marianne… You should give a concert with all that new music… Maybe, uh, invite the Colonel? *nudge nudge*” And Marianne would mumble something about why everyone insists on always inviting the Colonel but at least agree to the concert.

[colonelbrandonau]

OH MY GOSH, but seriously tho that's the exact image I was getting, too, ahah. Like there's so many guys in Austen who are super flirty and would be only too eager to say what Marianne wants to hear in exchange for her smiles and like I feel like everyone week brings another one and Brandon is all but chasing them away with sticks (if they fail his 9-part interview he probs will ;DD jk jk but seriously) 

And he like eyes all of them with distrust and suspicion, although it'll be different if someone comes along who really likes her that is worthy then he'll be like SADNESS BC THIS MIGHT ACTUALLY HAPPEN/END WELL, but also happy bc Marianne will be happy. 

Anyway, so should we start them?? And do you want to RP out their first meeting?? Or start when they are friends? Or start when Marianne's starting to get sick of him bc everyone is like NOW KISS. I'm totally down with any of those tbh. :D

[colonelbrandonau]

ooc | Brandon & Darcy

[darcyau]

OMMMMGGGG LIZZY THIS SO HARD bc they’d be suuuuch awesome friends and like I can see them like OMG WUT IS WITH SOME OF THESE PEOPLE together and like comparing notes on Lizzy/Marianne BUUUUT omg can’t you just imagine them first meeting and like ~Darcy fail and Brandon’s just like OMG WUT IS UP WITH THIS DUDE and Darcy’s like ~I do not have the gift of making conversation with strangers~ and basically everyone’s all ???!!!??!!?????? Except Bingley. Bingley is awesome. And their friendship honestly contributes to the ???!!!??!!?????? as a result tbh BUT ANYWAY.

I would love either tbh, so if you have a preference, let’s go with that. If not…hmmm…I guess we could say that since Darcy’s never been to these parts they’re strangers? idk. Thoughts?

[colonelbrandonau]

OKAY, so I was thinking and I think it would be best for them to be just meeting (or have met before in London or something, but basically Brandon think's Darcy is rude/proud/thinks he's above everyone and everything). Especially b/c I do think it's important that the general thought is that Darcy isn't a nice person, bc if Brandon vouched for him than the MIddletons and Mrs. Jennings would sing his praises, too, I think, but if not than like Mrs. Jennings and Sir John would basically be going around saying how Darcy is no good, b/c they are gossips like that. And like I don't think that Brandon would have said horrible things about him, or anything, but like would have basically stated the facts of their acquaintance and I think Mrs. Jennings, especially, would run with that and be like EW DARCY EW. 

That being said, he'd have nothing but good things to say about Mr. Bingley, so Darcy will still be able to show up to things, b/c Bingley gets all the invites. :D

[colonelbrandonau]

ooc | Brandon & Dashwood

[dashwoodau]

OMMMMGGGGG YESSSS he totes should ship Elinor/Brandon HAHAHAH And, like, asking Brandon about Elinor and vice versa and they’re both like, “S/he’s quite well?????? Why?????” And he’s all, “You needn’t be coy with me. I’m a married man and quite well versed in these matters.” And everyone’s just ?????? And Dashwood thinks that Elinor of Delaford has a great ring ;DDDDD

[colonelbrandonau]

HAHA, omg Brandon will totally be like ??? especially since I feel like Norland is around here for the sake of logistics and he'd be like "dude i'm pretty sure you know the answer to that better than i do??? like .... she's your sister????" But I think, after he gets to talking w/ him, he'll realize what's up and try to put a stop to the rumors that he and Elinor are getting together, but I feel like John will be like HAHA SAYYYY WHAT YOU WILLL I KNOW THE TRUTH. And Brandon is just like facepalm. 

[colonelbrandonau]

ooc | Brandon & Darcy

[darcyau]

Total Ass Alert: alt title for Pride & Prejudice lbr ;DDDDD Duuuuuude, this is so not cool bc I can legit see it going either way as well?????? I think, regardless, Darcy would respect Colonel Brandon bc he’s an awesome dude but Darcy himself…I guess it’d depend on how long they’ve known each other? Like if they’re just meeting, we all know what a wonderful first impression Darcy gives but we also know he kinda grows on one with time. Which brings me to the question of what the setting is? Like are they all gathering in Bath? Is this a made up mish-mash location where all their estates essentially border each other? Something else? Bc if, say, they’re neighbors, well, they probs go hunting together and like talk about…heifers or idk whatever it is landowners talk about and basically have a friendship going and like high five over unrequited love basically ;DDDD Or if they’re in a new neighborhood and just meeting, Darcy’s probs his cold, barely civil self. So yeah. Hahah! Thoughts?

[colonelbrandonau]

Haha, ommggg!! (perf to go right with your lovely summary of it <333) 

But okay, so the setting is basically a mashed up town place with all the estates neighboring each other -- although I don't think Pemberley is around here since it's kinda important to P&P that Darcy (and friends) are from out of town. So they aren't neighbors, but that doesn't mean they couldn't have met before???? If they haven't met, I feel like Brandon has def heard about Darcy and is like wow this guy is the man (until he meets him, yay). But yeah, if they have met and they've gone through the ups and downs that comes with meeting Darcy, then they'd be like awesome friends??? So basically we could still do either, I just don't know which we should do??

[colonelbrandonau]

ooc | Anne & Brandon

So I just really want Brandon and Anne to be friends?? There's such a sadness about them b/c they both know what it's like to have love and loose it. Like they were both so close to being happy and now they are both wondering if they've lost it forever and CRIES. Like idk that they would have ever talked to each other about their pasts (or maybe if they are really close they have??) but I think they both know about each other and I feel like both Anne and Brandon are kind of pushed aside when all the young people (aka wentworth, louisa, willoughby, and marianne) are together and they are basically rejects and wow this is not okay.

[colonelbrandonau]

ooc | Brandon & Elinor

Ugh, so I just really love the Brandon/Elinor friendship??? Like so much. <3333 And I feel like Elinor is the first person to pick up on how much Brandon cares for Marianne, too. Like Mrs. Jennings might be the first one to be all OH THEY SHOULD GET MARRIED!!! But I think Elinor is the first one to notice sincere feelings on his part (at least that's my headcannon) and yeah. They are basically united in their caring/worrying for Marianne. :D 

[katcwinslet]

[colonelbrandonau]

ooc | Brandon & Darcy

So ugh, I keep going back and forth for these two?? Like on one hand I can see them being friends and basically brooding in a corner together while they plot the death of Willougbhy and Wickham. ;DD jk jk but like I really do think that they'd def get on well if they knew each other, but that's a big if b/c Darcy here isn't so social and I can see where if Brandon met him like at the assembly (or at a ball/gathering/dinner where he behaved pretty much like that) where Brandon would get the wrong impression of him?? And like he'd always be super polite/gentlemanly even if he's inwardly thinking "total ass alert"?? IDK THOUGHTS??? 

[colonelbrandonau]

ooc | Brandon & Marianne

[marianneau]

*CUE MORE SOBBING*

IKR?!

ALL OF THESE FANCY HANDSOME YOUNG MEN WHO PROBABLY KNOW POETRY OR ENOUGH TO FUMBLE THROUGH AND PRETEND WITH AND AUGH.

My (alright, not so) quiet Marianne x Brandon shipper heart already is breaking. haha.

But I’m sure that once again Marianne is gonna be thinking he’s an all right guy until people start insisting that they’d be good for each other. Because I think in the beginning she really is never opposed to being friends with him. She’s just extremely opposed to anyone thinking she should marry him.

YAY MARIANNE’S SENSIBILITIES.

[colonelbrandonau]

COLONEL BRANDON IS GOING TO STRAIGHT UP MURDER MRS. JENNINGS. ;DD (jk jk but seriously she does not help these two at all, haha). 

But ugh now I'm like imagining like six guys sitting around Marianne reading her poetry and Colonel Brandon is like brooding in a corner like I HAVE ZERO GAME. But also being all "What are you intentions towards Miss Marianne?" to like everyone of them and basically like the book but a thousand times worse. Like idk who but I def feel like Marianne's spirit will attract a handful of guys and yeah. 

And yayyy for those .2 seconds when they are kinda friends tho. B/c they def do have some similar interests and even where they differ Brandon is so supportive b/c one of the things he loves about her is her passion and he loves her playing and def gets her lots of sheet music (like even if he doesn't give it to her directly, he always makes sure that the piano forte at Barton (and like all the other places they will be hanging out here haha) is stocked with new pieces and just GROSS SOBBING b/c i feel like he does a lot of little things like that for Marianne that go unnoticed. ); 

[colonelbrandonau]

ooc | Brandon & Dashwood

CRYING B/C THE ONLY BRANDON/JOHN DASHWOOD THING I REMEMBER EXISTING IS THAT JOHN IS LIKE SOOO POSITIVE THAT BRANDON WILL MARRY ELINOR. It's funny b/c I feel like John is just soo wrong about relationships (still not over the bingley/dashwood "friendship" thing). 

Anyway, whatever we do with these two it will probably be a fail. :DD

[colonelbrandonau]

ooc | Brandon & Marianne

Sobbing b/c now Brandon has even more potential competition for Marianne's heart, haha. <3 So, I still think he'll def be taken with her and basically have no hope for their future and just wants happiness for her. #cuelizzydyinginthecorner