Season's Feather

Chapter Forty-One

Daphne was settling into her room at the Hastings house when Deliah ventured into Colin's room. She wanted to understand why Colin was so determined to marry Miss. Thompson. When she approached the door, she knocked and entered meeting Collins eyes.

"You really want to marry her?" Delilah asked.

"I did." Colin answered. His eyes wandered from hers and down to his hands.

Delilah smiled a bit, "Well then, perhaps we should count you lucky to not have married a stranger."

Colin looked up at her, "She was not a stranger."

"She was, Colin." Delilah sighed, "Whistledown knew her better than you."

Colin shook his head, "Whitsledown knows everyone's secrets."

Delilah frowned and took a seat next to him on the bed. "You're lucky to have learned Miss. Thompson now, instead of after your wedding day." She muttered, bringing a hand over his.

Colin took a breath, "I know you must think me a fool, but my heart pays no heed to mere logic. When I think of her, I only want to be near her, to be with her. Despite all reasons otherwise."

Delilah knew in a way. For years she kept her feelings for Anthony quiet. And even though the situation was drastically different, the feelings were all the same. Longing. Delilah squeezed his hand and looked over at the boy.

"I know that madness well, but you cannot visit her." Delilah said.

"Leander swam Abydos to Sestos every single night in complete darkness just to see his love." Colin tried to reason.

"Leander also lost his way and drowned." Delilah countered. "So the story goes."

Colin looked up at her. Delilah could see the sadness in his eyes. She sighed again, pulling her hand away and standing up from the bed. Dusting off her dress she began to make her way back to his door.

"If you really must speak to Miss. Thompson, perhaps I can arrange a rendezvous. Chaperoned, obviously." Delilah suggested.

"I would appreciate that. You will see my passions are not in vain." Colin nodded.

Delilah gave him a small smile before exiting the room. Delilah walked down to the study and peeked her head in to find Anthony sitting there. She whistled softly and drew his attention up to her.

He smiled meeting her eyes. "Hello, love."

She smiled and walked in closing the door behind her. "What are you up to, dear?" She asked.

Anthony sighed, "Just bills and taxes, my own little hobby that I enjoy so much."

Delilah laughed and walked around looking down at all the documents. She took the quill out of his hand and corrected a bit of math he had done. Anthony watched her and even groaned when he realized his mistake.

"And what are you doing?" Anthony asked.

"Well, I agreed to chaperone a visit between Colin and Miss. Thompson." Delilah said calmly.

Anthony looked over at her with a stern look, "I thought we said-". But, Delilah raised her hand.

"I know what we said, but the boy needs to see her. I expect this to be the last visit between the children. It is in other words, an adieu between them." Delilah explained.

Anthony sat for a moment before nodding his head with a sigh. "Fine. But, this is the last time they will make any communication." He pointed a finger at Delilah.

Delilah smiled and skipped over around the desk placing a soft kiss on his lips. "Thank you, dear. You will not regret this!" She bounded out of the office happily.

However, she accidentally hit the door. But she recovered and waved before shutting it closed behind her. Anthony watched with a smile and a soft laugh before turning back to his fathers desk atop which the bills sat waiting for him.