I own nothing!
Houston, Texas, 1860
Jasper's POV
Tonight is the annual Confederate Ball, everyone in town could attend. I'm not very thrilled, I never much like dancing. But my friends convinced me saying, 'General Swan's daughter will be there. Don't you want to meet her?' Almost nobody had ever met the General's daughter. I agreed, it's not as though I had anything better to do that night.
I got there just as they announced the arrival of the General and his daughter. Multiple men whooped at the idea of seeing the General's daughter. But those men quickly turned away as General Swan's expression turned to a glare. I wasn't paying much attention; all I knew was that those men seemed to lose interest real fast so I decided to take a look at the General's mysterious daughter. I was frozen in aw, she was beautiful.
While most women would've worn extravagant gowns to such an event, she wore a simple green dress that flowed around her. Her long, chestnut locks fell perfectly around her face. Her eyes, her eyes were chocolate pools that I could drown in.
I hadn't realized it, but I was making my way over to the stairs through the crowd. I could just hear her father say, "Now go have fun, I need to discuss plans with Major Thompson." She nodded, disinterested, as her father left. That's when she noticed me.
Our eyes locked, her lips formed a beautiful smile as she blushed. "Hello," her angelic voice said, "And what might your name be?"
"Name's Private Jasper Whitlock, ma'am. Might I ask yours?"
"Isabella Marie Swan pleased to meet you."
"So, you're the general's daughter?"
"Yes, and I know what you're thinking. I'm not much to look at," her gaze dropped to the floor.
"I could argue against that." She looked up, surprised, "Now, this may be blunt, but would you like to dance?"
"I would," she curtsied and I bowed. I gently took her hand and guided her to the dance floor. Our hands rested on each other as we began to move around the room. I wasn't very good a dancing, but she didn't seem to mind. Her eyes were on the ground the whole time.
I looked down, "Something wrong, Isabella?"
"What? No, I just-" she stepped on my foot.
"Ow," I said softly.
"Oh, I'm sorry," she pulled out of my arms. "I'm very clumsy."
"Really?"
"I am sorry, I'll just go now."
I grabbed her arm and gently pulled her back into my arms, "You don't have to go. Here, let me help," I picked her up lightly and placed her feet on mine. I began to move, "See, you're dancing."
She laughed, "You sure you can do this?"
Now I laughed, "I've carried wounded men across the battlefield at least twice your size. I do believe I can handle one dance."
"I guess you're right." She placed her hands behind my neck, and I put mine around her waist. Our eyes were locked on each others for some time, she smiled all the while. I did make it through that dance, and many more with her.
It wasn't until her father cut in, "Could I have a dance with my daughter, Private?"
"Of course, sir," her smile faded as she went with her father.
"I'll see ya' later then?" she asked.
I nodded, "Of course." I watched as she gave a small wave goodbye.
Isabella's POV
Then father cut in, "Could I have a dance with my daughter, Private?"
"Of course, sir," only when I stopped did I realize I 'd been smiling the whole time.
"I'll see ya' later then?" I asked.
He nodded, "Of course." I gave a small wave goodbye.
Father and I began our dance, "What made you so interested in Private Whitlock?" he asked, So it wasn't his idea.
I shrugged, "He offered a dance, I said yes," I couldn't possibly tell him how I feel, especially since I'm not quite sure how I feel.
"You know he's only a Private."
"As the name implies," I rolled my eyes.
"When I said you should marry a man in the army, I meant one with status."
"He does have status."
"Very low status," I groaned and looked in back to where the Private and I had been dancing. Oh I wish we still were, but he was gone. I sighed and focused on not stepping on Father's toes.
Outside
It was getting late and many of the guests had gone home. Father was still discussing plans, Honestly, he needs to relax a bit. I looked up at the stars, thinking about Private Whitlock. I sighed, I looked for him earlier and he seems to have disappeared. Huh.
"Hello, ma'am."
I spun around, "Private Whitlock."
"Please, just Jasper is fine, milady," he winked and bowed a bit.
"Jasper," I whispered, trying the name out. It made my heart beat and my lips tingle.
"So, what's a beautiful lady like you doing out here all alone?"
"It got crowded in there, I wanted some air."
"It is a beautiful night."
"It really is," I looked out at the pond behind the house, the moon reflecting off the water. I had to ask, "Jasper?"
"Yes?"
"Will I see you again? After tonight?"
"If you'd like."
"I believe I would."
"Then I'll meet you tomorrow? We could go for a walk in the park."
"Of course, but who would chaperone?"
"As a member of the Confederate Army, I may escort a woman if she does request."
"Well then, might I request you escort me through the park tomorrow?"
"Yes you may."