There is Mozart's 11th symphony mentioned partway through the story, but if you want to amuse yourself with a soundtrack as you read this chapter, might I suggest "Gypsy" by Ronan Hardiman from Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance? [Despite the time periods and genres not matching.]
Turn this song on when you see three stars ***
Darla Martin:
"I shall wear the pale blue dress that my Aunt Charlotte bought me and that's final." I said sternly. Cornelia gawked at me and winced her eyes.
"That dress is like a bundle of cornflower, Darlene. You can't be seen in that!" She crossed her arms and turned away.
"It's Darla, remember? Dar-La?" I walked over to the window to let it open for some cool air.
"Oh, because Colonel Tavington suggested it?" I kept facing the window and blinked several times to prevent the tears from falling. "You know he likes you."
"I know." I whispered, "And as do I to him."
"Then what is keeping you from him?" Cornelia seemed more concerned than usual.
"I just—he's different. A lot different. Willi—I mean, Colonel Tavington, is a very peculiar man…" I walked away from the window and sat on the resting chair. "And I have heard an awful lot about him and his past. He's fairly dark, Cornelia."
"Ooh, dark. That only makes him more mysterious and smoking hot."
"Smoking hot? I swear your progressive slang is getting more and more outlandish. No one is ever going to describe their affections with such words." I chuckled to myself and Cornelia joined in.
"Perhaps not, but you are aware of his attendance at the ball tonight?"
"I am, but I've already been able to stay clear of him while he is staying at my house. We better start getting ready."
As we were working on our hair and make-up, I heard some noises from outside the house. Looking outside the window I saw James talking to Aunt Charlotte with William trailing behind.
"It would be my honor to escort the ladies to the ball tonight, Ms. Selton. We will have a carriage come by in a couple of hours for them to use," I heard James say.
"I shall tell the girls, Captain Bordon. Thank you for your generosity," Aunt Charlotte replied.
"Yes, Bordon, let's encourage the young ladies to throw themselves at all of the men of the state." I heard William scoff. James politely wished my aunt well and reminded her of the time for the carriage. After she was inside, I heard William continue on, "Bordon, I don't want her to go. Why would you offer them transportation?"
"It's a nice gesture, Sir." James cleared his throat, "Why would you deny her attendance?"
"Because she shouldn't be going. She's far too young and naïve." I was taken aback. Naïve? He thinks I am a child.
"Sir, surely you don't think that."
"I do. And I would say it to her face."
Cornelia walked back into the room and asked if we were going to put our dresses on yet. "Yes, but I need to get something first." I walked over to Aunt Charlotte's closet and reached for the item I needed. When I returned I saw a shocked look on Cornelia's face.
"You're going to wear that? Isn't your father against you wearing corsets?"
"He doesn't mind Aunt Charlotte wearing them." I smirked; Cornelia covered her mouth to keep from laughing too loudly. "Will you help me into this?"
Cornelia was busy tightening the laces in the corset to fit my figure. This will show Colonel Tavington how mature and sophisticated I really am.
Colonel William Tavington:
Damn, where is that cuff link? I moved my bags all around before seeing it sitting on the dresser.
I looked in the mirror to admire the image reflected back to me. She won't love you. I blinked again to see my father standing there. Love is for the weak, but not even she could love the man that you are, the man that you need to be.
"Stop it!" I said aloud before realizing my volume.
Why does it have to be this way? Why did he have to squander our fortune, causing me to have to do the things we do? Cornwallis likes to deny it but he requested that I show brute force to the colonists, namely the rebels.
Sigh. And now with Darla Martin swooning after me, I don't know what to think anymore. I wish I could get out of the Dragoon business and focus on being someone that would have a chance with a woman like her.
Darla Martin:
James' carriage arrived just as when he said it would. Cornelia and I made our way towards Eliza's home to offer her transportation to our evening's grand event.
Once we arrived at the plantation I noticed James Bordon awaiting our arrival. "James!" I squealed, practically leaping from carriage. Eliza cleared her throat and motioned to my chest. The fabric had slid over and my breasts now looked lopped-sided.
Oh golly. I thought to myself, turning around to adjust my corset and bodice.
Rhett had asked me to the ball before Jordon managed to so I had my first few dances with him. Whilst he went off to talk with a British officer about politics in the mother country, Jordon stepped in for Mozart's 11th symphony.
"Jordon, how are you enjoying tonight's ball?" I stepped to the left and right, following his lead.
"Quite well, now that I get to dance with you, Miss Martin," He grinned as he gently spun me around.
"Please, Jordon, it's Darla," I grinned. He seemed to frown a bit, but shook it off and continued to dance.
"Darla, would you care for a walk on the balcony? It's a full moon tonight and I would much like to share it with you," Jordon Keaton kissed my hand and gestured to the partially opened balcony doors. I nodded and followed him outside.
A few other couples were scattered about the rather large balcony, but the dimness made the area more private. Jordon lead me to the edge of the railing where there was a long reflection pool stretching outwards to the courtyard.
We talked about many things such as his father's printing business and what it's like to be in charge of the schooling for my younger siblings. Before I knew it, the balcony was empty as many of the couples retreated inside.
Jordon became silent and did not say much. His attention was focused on the moon above whereas my attention was turned towards his twitching hand on the stone banister. "Darla?" He asked nervously. I had never seen him act like this, nor anyone. "Darla, may I ask you for a favor? I mean, your permission?" He whispered. His blonde curly locks glided along with the soft breeze.
"Permission for what, Jordon?" I grinned, hopeful that his nerves would calm. His eyes were a beautiful blend of hazel with flecks of gold. Perhaps it was the moonlight but I guess I never really realized how beautiful they were.
"For a kiss. I'd very much like to kiss you right now."
My heart started pounding. I had never been kissed before and I honestly didn't know if I was allowed to do such a thing. Father and I had not talked about this summer adventure in long details and Aunt Charlotte had been busy with too many special projects lately to devote time to such an issue.
Would I know how to kiss? Perhaps Jordon understood the art better than I and could help me along the process. I wonder if I would enjoy it—
"Darla?"
I snapped back to reality and realized that Jordon was still waiting for an answer. Before thinking another moment, I nodded my head 'yes' and closed my eyes.
Colonel William Tavington:
"Wilkins, you should tell the one about the spotted grey horse from Camden," I said turning to face my lead officers and their dates. Bordon was accompanying Miss Dermott and Wilkins was alongside Miss Thompson. By my side was a raven-haired woman about 28 or so. She was married prior but lost her husband in battle against the Continentals. Honestly, I don't even remember her name. All I knew was that she supported our cause and was a particularly loose woman, if I do say so myself.
The raven-haired woman pulled my attention close to her and whispered, "Looks like the balcony is empty now. Would you care to join me?" When I looked back up at her I saw that look in her eyes.
"Why yes, yes I would." I grinned. Sometimes this pleasure game was an awfully easy one, but nonetheless it was pleasurable. I lead the way to the balcony and propped open the door for her to lead. As soon as we were under the cover of night I grabbed her waist and started kissing her.
She kept leading us away from the light of the ballroom and towards the banister. "Say my name, colonel. I love it when they say my name." She whispered huskily.
"I, uh—," I stammered out. Think, William, think! What was her name? I trickled my fingers down the curvature of her shoulder and along her arm.
"Oh, I don't believe I said my first name. It's Victoria." Bingo!
"Oh, Victoria… Victoria…" I hushed into her ear whilst gently pulling her sleeves down her sides. There was a noise, perhaps a small rock on the balcony or maybe a gasp. I pulled my attention away from the woman and looked to see Darla Martin standing there shocked.
"Miss Martin, what are you doing here?" I demanded. I hadn't of seen her all night. Bordon told me her carriage arrived on schedule, but I guess I managed to avoid her for most of the duration of the ball.
"I came out here with Mr. Jordon Keaton for a walk under the moonlight," I rolled my eyes. Walk under the moonlight? Children with their precious little fairytale stories. I looked to her attire and noticed that she was wearing a corset, something that I never recalled her wearing before. Many of the ladies at tonight's ball were wearing harsh and bold colors, such as green or red. The woman I was still holding onto was wearing a black and violet gown.
But Darla… she was wearing a pale blue gown, fashioned with lace and some shimmery materials. It was breathtaking.
I managed to pry my gaze from her gown to see her face. That's when I noticed her lip makeup was smudged and her pinned curls were falling down. "Miss Martin, was the moonlight all that you were taking in?"
Her eyes widen and Mr. Keaton cleared his throat. It would seem that my Darla Martin thinks she's ready to be at the whims of men. I looked back at Victoria, who had readjusted her gown and looked quite uncomfortable.
I grabbed her hand, "I'm sorry to cut our evening short, but this young lady is from the household in which I currently reside," I smiled at her, "but we shall reschedule."
Victoria nodded and walked back towards the ball. I turned to face the young couple and glared at Mr. Keaton.
"You're not taking me home, Colonel Tavington."
I focused on Darla's lips. They were full and round, despite the light pink smudging around the lip line. "I most certainly am."
"I was invited to this ball by General Cornwallis himself."
"That was an open invitation to all in the area."
"James provided a carriage for me to attend this ball."
"Please stop with the informalities. He is Captain Bordon to you."
"No, James. He is a friend, unlike you."
"Friend? Ha! Why would I want to be friends with a little girl?" I sneered. As soon as I said that I noticed her eyes starting to well up with tears. I looked to Jordon Keaton but he had ducked out of the conversation sometime prior. "Miss Martin, I—"
"Don't care? I've kind of gathered that." She turned away from me and looked up at the moon once again. "You know, part of me wanted to come here with you tonight… as my date."
"You don't mean that."
"I do."
I shifted uncomfortably in my officer's dress attire. Did Darla really want to come with me to a ball? I had never had a date for a ball before. Usually I just met up with a woman when walking in and spent the night with her afterwards.
"William, do you think I would be allowed to ask for a dance? I know the man usually asks but I would be so happy if you said yes…" She trailed off and smiled up at me, tears almost gone. There was a lump in my throat. You can dance, William. Take her to the dancefloor.
No. You have other business to attend to… Go find Ms. Petry. I saw my father reflected in the window. Was that Victoria's last name? I shook my head and muttered, "I will do as I please, father. You left mother with nothing."
"What was that?" Darla Martin tilted her head to the side.
"Uh, Miss Martin… would you care to join me on the ballroom floor for a dance this evening?" I bowed to her and held out my hand. My heart jolted when I felt her hand slip into mine.
"I would love to."
Captain James Bordon:
I was chatting along with Miss Samantha Dermott, Miss Katherine Thompson and Captain Adam Wilkins when I noticed something near the center of the dancefloor. Miss Darla Martin was dancing with a gentleman who seemed quite revered. She was grinning as this British officer spun her around.
It made me happy to see that she was having a good time and that she had forgotten about Colonel—Wait. I blinked again before realizing that the man she was dancing with was the colonel. I didn't know he could dance like that.
I nudged Adam and he almost spit out his drink, "What is Tavington doing, James?" he queried.
"They are quite the handsome couple, wouldn't you say?" Miss Dermott gushed.
"I cannot say," I stood there still amazed. Despite the stories I could tell about my colonel, their dancing would prove a different tale. Fluid motions as if they had practiced their whole lives for this moment. Each of their smiles seemed to encourage the other to smile more so.
But then suddenly, in that moment, those stories did come back to me; particularly the one where I specifically asked the colonel to stay away from Miss Darla Martin. He will take this too far. I cannot let him leave with her. I thought to myself, looking up to see the dance finish.
The crowd applauded them both. Colonel Tavington bowed and Miss Martin curtsied.
"Samantha, I'm sorry but I must go find the colonel," I said hurriedly before turning back to where they had been dancing but they were gone. "Where did they go? Adam, did you see them?"
He had been whispering to Miss Thompson, "Hmm? Where'd who go?"
I scoffed, "Just help me to find Miss Darla Martin."
Darla Martin:
"I had a great time tonight, I mean, the part with you."
William looked over at me and grinned, "As did I with you. I've never danced like that at a ball."
"Well, you were quite skilled. I was shocked, honestly."
"Oh?" I grabbed his hand, "Would you care for a ride home, Miss Martin? It's not a carriage by any means…"
"I would love that. And you may call me Darla." I stepped up onto a stand for William to help me onto his horse. William slid onto the saddle behind me and held me close to him. I could feel his warm breath on my neck and his grip around my waist tightened as we headed towards home.
Since the ball still had a couple of hours left, there was not much traffic on the roads. William and I rode in silence for the first part of the trip before he spoke up, "Do you need a rest? I understand that you may not be used to riding in this manner." I looked down and realized that he meant riding sidesaddle.
"I've actually never ridden a horse the proper way for a lady as I have grown up on a farm," I shrugged away from him. I didn't want him to see me as a little farm girl who grew up being cared for by men and as if she were a man.
"That's quite alright, so long as you're comfortable. Should you need a rest, please let me know," he whispered huskily in my ear.
What was this that I was feeling? My heart was starting to race, my throat was becoming dry and my stomach was turning… Wait, that wasn't my stomach. I gulped as I turned to look at William. He grinned at me and then looked to the road.
Father hadn't given me the talk about the attraction between men and women. Abigail had to tell me about all that stuff because he couldn't figure out a way to. Although Abigail had told me about this many years ago, I wish that she were here to tell me what exactly was going on. I think I might be falling in love with William Tavington.
Is that what this was? Love?
We arrived back at my aunt's mansion not long after and William helped me off his steed. I stood next to him since he needed to hold onto the reigns of the horse. He grinned at me and my eyelashes fluttered.
"Goodnight, Darla."
He dipped his head and was about to turn away, "Wait!" I protested as I propped myself up on my toes with my hands on his chest. My lips connected with his and I moved them slightly hoping I was doing this kissing thing right. I never got the chance to ask Jordon Keaton what he thought.
A few seconds later, William started kissing me back. His lips seemed to fit mine well and I noticed that my lips were now wet. I felt something glide across my bottom lip and pulled away once I realized it was his tongue.
William chuckled, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to take it too far, Darla."
I looked down at my shoes, "It's alright. I don't know much about this."
William chuckled again, "That's quite funny… " I eyed him and he continued, "Well, seeing how you went to the ball in a carriage provided by a man who you were not attending the ball with. And the man you were attending the ball with was not the man you went to the seclusion of an outside balcony with and most certainly not the fine gentleman that you rode home with."
What was he saying?
"Forgive me, Darla, but I find it surprising that you do not know how to kiss a man." He thought this was amusing, "That or you really are naïve."
"I am not naïve, William!" I adjusted one of the pins in my hair that was falling loose again.
"Oh no? Then why were you kissing Jordon Keaton?"
"I liked him, okay? And I wanted to know what it felt like to kiss a man."
He scoffed, "That boy is hardly a man."
"Then what am I?"
"I beg your pardon?"
I took a deep breath, "Then what am I? He is my age, William. How do you see me?"
He paused a moment, calculating his response, "Let us not worry about it."
"No, tell me now. You see me as a child. I'm the young and naïve Darlene Martin," I glared at him.
"You are," he said firmly, "You go to a ball and have your way with whomever your attention is turned to at that moment. You do not realize the dangers of this world or this war," he took a deep breath; "You are a child."
I took a step back away from him, tears immediately welling up in my eyes and spilling over. His stern expression did not soften when he noticed my emotions and I took a couple more steps back to gain some distance from him.
Upon my last step back, I had reached the porch steps and tripped backwards, "Whoa!" I hollered as I crashed down on the steps.
"Darla! Are you alright?" William seemed genuinely concerned, despite his stance a moment before.
"I'm fine," I dusted off the back of my dress and retreated up the steps, "Stay away from me. Just stay away from me!" I hurried inside and went up to my bedroom where I cried myself to sleep.
Colonel William Tavington:
You had to do it, William. She gave you no choice.
I kicked the dirt ground and dust flew up in the air. Why? Why did I have to say that to her?
But I knew why I had said that to her; Darla was better off without me and me without her. This war needs my full attention when I am in battle. I cannot be out in the field thinking about her safety, her lips…
I shook my head. I had to apologize to her, but there was no doing that now. She had retreated to her room and it would be inappropriate to knock on her door at this hour. Besides, she told me to stay away.
And if that be her wish, then I best honor it.
Author's Note:
Took some time to finish this chapter up, but I hope you enjoyed it! Reviews keep me going and I'd love to hear from each of you, even if it's a guest review.
If you notice any grammar, spelling errors, et cetera in any of the chapters, please PM the details so that I may fix them. Thank you for reading The Rules of War and I hope to have another chapter up within the month!
R&R :)
