Once again I apologize for the late update. I lost focus and this chapter had to be a certain way...and hopefully I achieved that and regained my focus. Please enjoy.

When a Daughter Became a Woman

Chapter 11: Let the Battle Begin (Nathaniel Dixon's POV)

I watched Anne, as she walked over to the kitchen. Once she started making the tea, I glared at Lieutenant Walters. He was staring at Anne, and I had a feeling he was not just watching her make tea.

"It is not polite to stare at a woman," I stated.

Lieutenant Walters turned towards me and nodded his head, "Thank you, Mr. Dixon. That was rather improper…but Ms. Hiller is a beautiful woman. Would you not agree?"

I felt my blood boil. Lieutenant Walters thought Anne was beautiful. He fancied her. Yet I was the one who was courting her! But he did not know that.

"Yes," I answered, trying to control myself.

"Her brother said she was beautiful. And she truly is. He also said she was opinionated, but that can be changed. After all—the wife of a British Lieutenant should be seen, not heard."

Now I was truly resisting hurting Lieutenant Walters. He wanted to make Anne his wife…after he molded her into his ideal wife. It was so—barbaric!

Anne did not need to be molded…she is beautiful the way she is. She is opinionated, which made her unique, and…herself. Her physical beauty is breathtaking, but it is not the best part of her. It is her personality that shines through. Her stubbornness, her opinions, her intelligence, her independence, and her hard work…they are what make Anne the way she is.

She is Anne Hiller…a strong woman…the woman of any man's dreams…and especially mine.

Then Lieutenant Walters interrupted my thoughts, "Do you think she would make a good wife?"

I gritted my teeth and barely got out my answer, "Yes."

"You are right, Mr. Dixon. She is beautiful, charming, and she would be the perfect wife. With a few changes she will be perfect."

My breathing was now ragged and I clenched my fists. Luckily Mr. Hiller, Mrs. Hiller, and their son James came down the stairs. Everyone exchanged greetings, before we all sat at the dining table and had some of Anne's tea. Anne sat next to me, which made me feel better…but what did not, was that Lieutenant Walters was on her other side.

As we talked I found out why Lieutenant Walters was here. His family had moved to America while he was fighting in the British Army. After he was wounded the army discharged him, but he was allowed to stay in the army hospital until he was well. That was when he met Anne's brother. It was at the hospital that they got to know each other. And it was where Lieutenant Walters came up with the great idea that he could go with Anne's brother to America…to find his family. So Anne's brother and Lieutenant Walters sailed to America…and eventually they ended up here.

After tea, Anne's brother showed Lieutenant Walters to his room. Mr. and Mrs. Hiller went upstairs as well, leaving Anne and I alone downstairs. I sat down on the sofa and tried to relax, but I could not. Every time I closed my eyes I saw Lieutenant Walters, staring at Anne. I closed my eyes one more time, trying to relax. After a few moments I felt something touch my cheek. I opened my eyes and saw Anne, sitting beside me, resting her hand on my cheek. She smiled at me, before taking her other hand in mine.

"Nathaniel, are you alright? You seemed…distant at dinner," asked Anne.

"I am fine," I answered.

"Are you sure? You do not seem fine."

"I am Anne; there is no need to worry."

"I am not worrying; I am just…trying to make sure you are alright."

"Well, I am alright."

"And that is good," whispered Anne as she kissed my cheek.

As she pulled away, I put my arm around her waist; and pulled her back. Anne looked at me for a moment, wondering what I was doing. Then, I surprised her. I quickly leaned forward and kissed her. At first Anne sat still, but after a few moments she put her arms around my neck and ran her fingers through my hair.

The kiss was wonderful. My heart soared with happiness. I had never felt this way before with anyone. Anne had changed me in a matter of weeks. She opened my eyes to the world around me, and taught me so many new things. She was a…unbelievable woman.

I could have kissed Anne for many, many more moments…but fate was not on my side.

"Anne? ANNE!" shouted someone.

Anne and I moved away from each other. I looked over Anne's shoulder and two people standing at the base of the stairs…her brother…and…Lieutenant Walters.

Anne's brother had a look of awe on his face, while Lieutenant Walters frowned and muttered, "How uncivilized!"

I stared at Anne for a moment, and saw the fear in her eyes. I looked up towards Lieutenant Walters and saw him start walking towards Anne. I stood up and stood in front of Anne. After I was in front of her, I glanced over my shoulder to make sure she was alright.

As I turned back around, I felt something hit me in the face…