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Anne & the Colonel
Drabbles
(from The Three
Colonels)
Barefoot at Rosings Park
Sir Richard Fitzwilliam
poured a glass of port from the side table in his library. Sipping
it he smiled in pure pleasure. He sat in the armchair facing
the fireplace to drink in the deep evening and escape from estate
matters - matters that were represented by the large volume of
papers on his desk. He truly thought that retirement would be
boring after war and regulation. He was wrong, of course.
Drainage in Clarke's
fields. Repairs to the roof over the west wing. Chicken thieves
again. Lady Catherine de Bourgh pushing for more enclosure in
Hunsford. Now she embraces modern farming! Thank the
Lord we only have to dine with her twice a week. And Mr.
Collins calling on him at least once a day.
Ah, to be back
in uniform. Your days belonged to the King; your nights to yourself.
What more could a man want?
A noise at the door
broke into his reminiscences. Lady Anne, his wife and the mother
of his two children, was walking barefoot in her dressing gown;
the thinness of the material showcasing her abundant charms and
the firelight highlighting the desire in her eyes.
"Richard -
the children are asleep…"
He remembered what
was better.
Up, Up and Away
The party gathered
in the field near Rosings Park to watch the great envelope inflate.
"Happy birthday, my dear!" cried Sir Richard Fitzwilliam
to his wife, Lady Anne.
"A balloon
ride! How extraordinary!" With trepidation Lady Anne watched
the process, along with their guests: the Darcys, Bingleys, Matlocks,
Brandons, Collinses and the widowed Mrs. Buford.
"If man was
meant to fly, our Lord would have given him wings," muttered
Lady Catherine darkly. Mr. Collins' comment was cut off by his
wife.
"Those things
cost dear, brother," said Lord Andrew. "Are you sure
you can afford it?"
"Enough!"
cried Sir Richard. "We shall all ride, but Anne and I shall
be first. My butterfly shall have her wings." He kissed
her hand as they went forward, to general applause. Soon they
were aboard, and at a signal from the pilot the balloon was released
and rose over the green of Kent, secured by a cable.
The device was only
a little way up when a great scream issued from it.
"My heavens!
What is the matter? You cry like a little girl!" cried the
other passenger.
"TAKE ME DOWN!
I AM AFRAID OF THE HEIGHT!"
"Oh, stand
up and enjoy this beautiful view! Honestly, Richard!"
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