Susanna Hamilton – January 12, 2021 1
Chapter 1 – A Summer Wedding
Outer Rim, Massachusetts – August, 1860
"How could this possibly be any worse?" Xyva groaned as she stood in front of the mirror, wearing only her shift, petticoats, and corset. Xyva glared at golden coloured dress lying over the chair next to the crinoline and yellow heeled shoes. Her auburn hair hung wildly around her face, waiting to be tamed into some elaborate hairstyle. Eve, standing behind Xyva, rolled her eyes at Xyva's groan.
"Xyva, it's a wedding. It's not the end of the world and circumstances could most certainly be worse." Eve muttered, lacing up Xyva's corset. Eve was already dressed, wearing a pale blue gown with a crinoline underneath and blue low-heeled shoes on her feet. Her chestnut brown hair was swept up into an elaborate bun, the likes of which only could be achieved with a bit of patience and a lot of hair pins. Eve rarely bothered with such fancy hairstyles but, seeing as it was her brother's wedding, she felt that an exception could be made.
At that moment, Rey came skipping into the room. Unlike Xyva, Rey was already dressed in her pink gown with the crinoline underneath and her low-heeled pink shoes on her feet. Both Eve and Xyva, however, paused when they saw the nineteen-year-old's hair. Rey's hair was pulled back in three buns, stacked one on top of the other. It was an odd hairstyle, to say the least, and Eve sighed, shaking her head slightly at her little sister. Xyva started laughing.
"Rey, dear, what terrible thing got a hold of you and did that to your hair? It's atrocious!" Xyva asked and Rey looked confused.
"It wasn't a terrible thing, Xyva. Ben was the one who did my hair."
"Ben did your hair? Why, that is a terrible thing!" Xyva snorted and Rey looked at her older sister in concern.
"Eve, does it really look that bad? I needed help with my hair but Mama and Aunt Leia are so busy with Kaydel and I knew that you were helping Xyva. I used to have Amaya help me, but she sent notice over an hour ago that she and Gial are going to be arriving later because she is not feeling well. I didn't want to bother any of you, so I asked Ben to help me." Eve shook her head, smiling as she finished tightening Xyva's corset, giving the laces a final tug before tying them together in a neat bow. Moving over to the chair, she picked up the crinoline before walking back over to Xyva, who was scowling at the crinoline.
"It is not horrid, Rey, but I doubt that it is the look you were hoping to achieve when you asked Ben for help. Here, why don't you help me get Xyva dressed and then we'll fix your hair into a more… elegant hairstyle?"
"All right!" Rey smiled and picked up Xyva's shoes. Eve placed the crinoline on the floor and Rey put the shoes in the hole in the middle. Xyva reluctantly stepped into the shoes and huffed as Eve picked up the crinoline and tied it around her waist. Rey picked up Xyva's dress before stepping up on the chair next to Xyva.
"Arms up." Rey instructed and Xyva glared, crossing her arms in front of her.
"And what if I don't?" Xyva countered and Eve sighed, shaking her head.
"Then you will be walking down the aisle in just your petticoats and become the talk of Outer Rim for all the wrong reasons. Now, arms up." Eve stated and Xyva frowned before lifting up her arms.
Rey helped Xyva get the dress on over her head while Eve adjusted it so that it would sit properly on Xyva. Once that was completed, Xyva sat down at the vanity and Eve started braiding Xyva's hair that would be wrapped like a crown around her head. Rey, realizing that she no longer needed to be standing on the chair, jumped down. It was not a large jump but, the sound of heels hitting wood echoed through the house. It was a loud, rather frightening thump, and both Eve and Xyva whipped around to look at Rey.
"Are you all right?" Xyva asked, genuinely concerned and Rey frowned.
"Why would I not be?" As she asked this there was a knock on the door and it opened to reveal Alaina Skywalker. Alaina looked around the room at her three girls.
"Is everything all right in here? We heard a dreadful noise and your Aunt Leia is convinced that one of you must be dying. I told Leia and Kaydel that I would come and make sure that all three of you are still intact." Alaina sounded concerned, but there was a flicker of a smile on the woman's face. Eve shook her head.
"We are all fine, Mama. What you heard was Rey jumping off a chair." Eve replied and Alaina turned to her youngest child.
"Goodness, Rey! Why would you do that? Never mind, I know my girls too well…" Alaina trailed off as she noticed Rey's hair for the first time. "Rey, Dear, what in Heaven's Name happened to your hair?" Alaina asked, puzzled. Rey put a hand up to her hair, frowning, as Eve tried to hide a smile and Xyva muffled a laugh.
"You were all busy so Ben—"
"I should have known. The last time he tried to do your hair it looked like a bird's nest by the time he was done. Come sit down next to Xyva, Rey. We will have your hair sorted out in no time."
"Girls, are you ready?" Luke Skywalker called out as he knocked on the door to Eve and Xyva's bedroom. Hearing the laughter on the other side of the door, he chuckled. A moment later, the door opened and Alaina appeared. She smiled at her husband.
"They are ready." Alaina opened the door wider to let Luke into the room. Luke looked at Eve, Xyva, and Rey in their best dresses and smiled softly.
"You all look beautiful. Now, shall we go rescue Kaydel from your Aunt Leia? The wedding will be starting soon." All three girls agreed and, as the moved down the hallway, a bark came from the staircase. A large, black and white Newfoundland dog appeared, bounding up the steps.
"Artie!" Rey grinned, crouching down to wrap her arms around the dog. Artie barked and Theo, a yellow Labrador Retriever, appeared a moment later as if not wanting to be left out. Eve sighed.
"Rey, don't get your dress dirty! Artie was running around outside just a few minutes ago." Eve gently chided her younger sister, who reluctantly nodded and stepped back from Artie, brushing some dust off her skirt. Eve walked over to her sister and wrapped an arm around her younger sister.
"Sorry, Eve." Rey muttered and Eve shook her head, smiling.
"There is no need to apologize, Rey. If I wasn't in this fancy dress, I would be chasing Artie and Theo around the yard too! Now, come on. Let's go help our poor brother get married!" Sharing a conspiratorial glance, the two sisters burst into laughter and went arm-in-arm down the stairs at a speed that would surely have scandalized their aunt if Leia had been able to see them.
"What a lovely wedding that was!" Leia Solo declared, sitting at one of the tables set up in the garden, eating a piece of cake. Alaina looked over at her sister-in-law and nodded, smiling.
"Indeed. Kaydel makes a lovely bride and I think I am allowed to boast that my son is a handsome groom." Alaina remarked, a hint of pride in her voice as she watched the newly married couple greet some of their guests. "I can hardly believe that both Zantos and Eve are four-and-twenty. Time has simply flown, hasn't it?"
"Indeed, it has! Can you believe that Ben is nine-and-twenty? I keep on telling him that he needs to settle down and marry soon, but you know Ben. He is just as stubborn as his father and refuses to give me a straight answer on the subject!" Leia slightly huffed, picking up her teacup and taking a drink. Alaina glanced at Leia over the rim of her own teacup as she took a sip before setting it back down on the saucer, trying to hold back a smile.
"I believe that is a trait that Ben inherited from both sides of his family. Still, I understand your concern. Young men need a wife to help them settle down. It was a relief when Zantos finally settled his attentions on Kaydel. Although Luke would never admit it, he was quite worried when Zantos seemed to be paying his attentions to any young woman who was even the slightest bit pretty and not already engaged to another man… Yes, we were all quite relieved when Zantos settled on Kaydel." Alaina confided in a low voice and Leia nodded.
"I completely understand why. Kaydel is a very sweet girl. The only thing that I do not understand is why they insist on leaving Outer Rim for South Carolina." Leia grumbled the last part and Alaina shook her head.
"Zantos has never been content in Outer Rim, and you know it. Kaydel has been very good to stay here these past few months for the wedding, but Outer Rim is not her home. If her parents – God rest their souls – were still alive, we most likely would have made the journey to Charleston and had the wedding there. Having no brothers or male cousins, Kaydel inherited the Connix house and Zantos is keen to make the move. I'm not too concerned. Yes, tensions are a little high in South Carolina right now, but they have promised to come back for regular visits… They are happy, Leia, so I will choose to be happy for them." Alaina stated and Leia smiled.
"Admirable words, Alaina. After everything you have gone through, I would not blame you if you refused to let Zantos, Eve, Rey, Xyva, and Amaya out of your sight. But you are right – the newlyweds will be happier in Charleston. So, Kaydel is a very good match for Zantos. I must say that he has chosen well. I just hope that Ben will make as good a match when his turn comes." Alaina nodded at Leia's remarks and both women drank from their teacups. As they did so, Eve walked over to them with a teacup of her own, sitting down in the empty chair next to Alaina.
"I hope I am not intruding on your conversation. Xyva is currently quarrelling with Ben, Rey is chasing after Artie and Theo, Amaya is talking to Rose and, since I have nothing else to do, I thought I would sit down for a little while." Eve explained, smiling as she gave the two older women a knowing look. Alaina and Leia smiled in return. Eve clearly was trying to avoid having to socialize, which was the reason why they themselves had retreated to this table in the first place.
"You are not intruding at all, Dear. We were just discussing what a good match Zantos and Kaydel are. Please join us! After all, I'm sure that you want to save your energy for the dancing this evening." Leia declared, but Eve quickly shook her head.
"Oh no, Aunt Leia, you are mistaken. I rarely dance at these events and I always feel so badly that Father, Zantos, Uncle Han, and Ben feel obliged to ask me to dance so that I can be included. No, I merely came here to sit down and drink my tea in peace. Besides, I suppose that I should learn to not care for dancing." Eve stated, looking down at the table.
Alaina bit her lip slightly as she stared at her oldest daughter. At four-and-twenty years of age, Eve and Xyva both were just on the edge of spinsterhood. Xyva, however, had many male admirers, whereas Eve had none. In fact, not a single man had ever shown the slightest interest in Eve since… well, it was better not to dwell on the past. Although she sometimes found it difficult to be constantly snubbed at social events, Eve had accepted her fate to become a spinster fairly well. Leia, however, was not quite as willing to admit defeat.
"Why, that is just nonsense, Eve! Look around, all of Zantos's friends from West Point have come for the wedding. Have you ever seen so many eligible, young men in Outer Rim? I am sure that you will have your own line of men waiting to be introduced so that they can request a dance this evening!" Leia declared and Eve smiled slightly, clearly not believing her aunt. Rey suddenly came running over to the table, Artie and Theo chasing after her.
"Eve! Zantos wishes to introduce us to his friends now. You must come with me or else I will say something ridiculous in front of them and I will surely die!" Rey barely seemed to take a breath as she spoke, earing a disapproving look from Leia. Rey, however, did not notice the look. She was, after all, far too busy trying to pull Eve out of her seat. Eve shook her head, smiling, as she set down her teacup and stood up gracefully.
"Very well. Let us go meet these friends."
Eve somehow managed to get Rey to walk over to where Kaydel, Xyva, Amaya, and Gial were standing. As soon as they arrived, Zantos emerged from the crowd, leading a group of young men. Introductions were quickly made and, as expected, they mostly flocked around Xyva and Rey. Zantos nudged one of his friends, saying something quietly to him, before leaving with Kaydel to talk to more guests. Xyva watched as one of the men walked over to Eve, clearing his throat to get her attention. Xyva smiled as she noticed him talk to Eve for a moment but frowned when the man suddenly nodded and walked away, leaving Eve standing there alone. Xyva huffed, quickly excused herself from the men talking to her, and hurried over to Eve.
"What happened?" Xyva asked and Eve looked up in surprise.
"Oh, Mr. Johnson decided that he needed to go get some cake… I doubt he will be back." Eve muttered the last part, but that did not matter. Xyva was outraged on Eve's behalf.
"Why the nerve of that man! I can't believe how incredibly self-absorbed some men are to think that they could possibly do better than you. Come with me, Eve. If these men think that they are better than you, than I refuse to socialize with them as well!"
Xyva looped her arm through Eve's, half dragging her best friend across the lawn. Eve tried to object, but Xyva would have none of it. Instead, she directed Eve back over to Alaina and Leia's table, motioning for Eve to take a seat before slumping into the chair next to her. Alaina looked at both girls in concern.
"What happened?" Leia asked and Xyva scowled at the group of men Rey was quickly escaping from.
"Zantos's friends apparently think themselves too high and mighty to talk to Eve. Therefore, I will have nothing to do with them either!" Xyva frowned and Leia looked shocked.
"Why, I thought that those men would have had the sense to learn some manners, but it appears that I have been mistaken! This does not reflect well on their mothers…" Leia muttered and Eve shook her head.
"There is no need to be judgemental of them, Aunt Leia. I am rather used to it by now. Besides, I would much rather spend my time with people I care about than those who mean nothing to me." Eve reasoned and Leia fixed her niece with a skeptical look.
"And you need not act so nonchalant about the matter. There is no need to pretend around us, Dear." Eve looked down, taking a sip of tea and Alaina gave Leia a pointed look.
"Perhaps we should talk about something a little happier, Leia?" Alaina suggested, trying to diffuse the tension at the table. Luckily, at that moment, Rey came running up.
"None of them like dogs! Can you believe it? That Mr. Johnson fellow took one look at Artie and Theo and ran away! What do they even do at West Point anyways? Teach them to be afraid of dogs?" Rey exclaimed, shocked.
"Well, Rey, West Point is a military academy, so I would assume their main goal is to train men on how to be soldiers…" Xyva deadpanned and Eve smothered a chuckle. Alaina shook her head, smiling.
"Not everyone likes dogs, Rey. That's not too out of the ordinary. In fact, many would consider us odd for having two large dogs in the house…" Alaina smiled at her youngest, who furrowed her brow as she plopped down in the chair on the other side of Eve.
"I understand… But did Zantos only make friends with those who hate dogs? There seem to be a great many of them here…" Rey muttered and Xyva snorted, unable to hold back a laugh any longer. Eve gave her a wide-eyed look, telling Xyva to be a little more lady-like. Xyva was about to give a retort when Luke emerged from the crowd with three people following him.
"Ah, there you all are! I would like you all to meet dear friends of mine. Mrs. Skywalker, you remember Colonel Kes Dameron?" Luke smiled, motioning towards an older man, who stepped forward and nodded in greeting. He appeared to almost snap to attention, which showed that he had clearly been in the military for many years. Alaina stood up, smiling, and placed her hand in Kes Dameron's hand.
"Why yes! Colonel Dameron, it is a great pleasure to see you again after many years." Alaina said, nodding her head gracefully. Kes kissed the back of Alaina's hand and smiled.
"The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Skywalker." Kes released Alaina's hand and stepped back next to the other two figures. Luke took the lead again.
"Ladies, allow me to introduce Colonel Kes Dameron; his wife, Mrs. Shara Dameron; and their son, Major Poe Dameron. This is my wife, Mrs. Alaina Skywalker; my sister, Mrs. Leia Solo; my daughters, Misses Eve and Rey Skywalker; and Miss Xyva Coral, who lives with our family as a ward." The Dameron men bowed and the ladies curtsied. Kes Dameron looked over to his side and frowned slightly.
"Forgive me, Skywalker, but it appears that we have lost one of our party. Poe, could you go see if you could find Finn?" Kes asked his son and Poe nodded.
"Very well, Father. It was lovely meeting all of you, but please excuse me." With another nod to the Skywalker women, Poe walked away. Luke and Kes both moved off into the crowd to greet another friend from the army, leaving Shara Dameron behind at the table. Shara looked at Alaina and smiled.
"Mrs. Skywalker, I don't suppose that this seat is taken, is it?" She asked and Alaina smiled warmly.
"Of course not, please join us, Mrs. Dameron." Alaina explained and Shara smiled as she sat down between Alaina and Leia.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Dameron. You know… I can tell right away that you will fit in beautifully with the ladies of Outer Rim." Leia stated very matter-of-factly and the three older women fell into an easy conversation. Eve finished her tea and left the table to refill her cup.
"He's rather handsome, isn't he?" Rey's voice came from behind her, startling Eve. The teacup rattled on its saucer as her hand shook in surprise. Eve sighed before continuing to pour.
"Rey, you don't startle someone while they are pouring tea!" Xyva gasped as she appeared. Then, a mischievous smile spread across her face. "Wait until they are actually drinking the tea. It's much more amusing!" Xyva snickered as Eve rolled her eyes.
"Did Ben teach you that trick? You know, Xyva, for claiming to hate someone so much, you and Ben Solo are remarkably similar."
"It's because she likes him!" Rey grinned and Eve put her hand up to her mouth to smother a laugh. Xyva's jaw dropped as she looked at Rey.
"Where on earth did you get an idea like that? I do not like Ben Solo! In fact, he is probably the last person in Outer Rim that I could ever consider courting." Xyva declared and Rey leaned towards Eve, conspiratorially.
"She sounds rather a lot like Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice to me. Is this what you would call denial?" Rey stage-whispered in a voice that was loud enough for Xyva to hear. Eve stared at her friend for a moment before nodding.
"Yes, I agree. Xyva is most definitely in denial." Eve agreed, chuckling, and Xyva gasped.
"Eve Skywalker! I never—You know—What—This is not—" Xyva spluttered and Rey shook her head.
"You like him but will never admit it unless there is a gun at your head. Now, don't you think he is handsome?" Rey asked and Eve glanced at her, her brows furrowed.
"Who? Ben?" Eve asked and Rey laughed, shaking her head, as she pointed at someone.
"No, silly, Major Dameron! I think he is rather handsome, don't you?" Eve glanced over at Major Dameron, who was talking to Zantos, for a moment before turning back to the table and pouring a little milk into her tea.
"I suppose so. Would either of you like some tea?" Eve stated quietly and Xyva shook her head.
"You suppose so? Eve, look at the man! Tall, dark, handsome, polite, and a major in the army. Why, he looks as though he walked straight off the pages of a Jane Austen novel!" Xyva exclaimed
"My sentiments exactly!" Rey nodded and Eve subtly glanced over her shoulder again.
"There is no denying he is handsome, Rey, but isn't he a little old for you?" Eve muttered and Rey's eyebrows raised.
"Old for me? Of course, he is! Wait… you thought I was interested in him? I'm not interested in him! I thought he might be a good match for you!" Rey exclaimed and Xyva nodded.
"Hear hear! I concur, Rey. Major Dameron would be good for our Eve. Oh, could I have some more tea?" Xyva's last sentence seemed to be more of an afterthought as she shoved the teacup and saucer in Eve's direction.
"Xyva—" Eve started, before closing her eyes and sighing. She took the saucer and quickly filled the teacup. Eve then filled another teacup before passing it to Rey. Rey looked confused.
"I didn't want any tea..." She frowned and Eve shook her head.
"This is for Mrs. Dameron. She mentioned that she wanted something to drink. Do you mind taking it over to her?"
"Oh! All right, then!" Rey smiled and carried the teacup and saucer over to the table where Alaina, Leia, and Shara were sitting. "Mrs. Dameron, this is for you." She stated, setting the saucer down. Shara smiled at Rey.
"Thank you very much, Miss Rey. This is very kind of you… That necklace you are wearing is quite lovely." Rey smiled touching the pendant.
"Thank you, Mrs. Dameron. My parents gave it to me for my eighteenth birthday."
"Well, it is absolutely exquisite. You know, I have a brooch that is quite similar. I was wearing it this morning but had to remove it because it was not staying fastened. It is in my reticule somewhere…" Shara trailed off, searching through her velvet green reticule. Her face grew more concerned the longer she searched. "Oh dear… it appears to be missing."
"Why don't I look for it? I might be able to find it for you!" Rey offered and Shara smiled softly.
"That would be lovely, Dear. Thank you so much." Rey nodded before turning to Alaina.
"I'll bring Artie with me. He can find a single pearl in the middle of a field!" Alaina chuckled, nodding.
"Very well. Just make sure that he does not swallow the brooch. It is no good to Mrs. Dameron if the brooch is in Artie's stomach!" Alaina called after Rey as she skipped off, Artie trotting alongside her.
"I will!" She called back. "Now… where to look first?" Rey glanced around the party before something caught her eye. A man with dark skin was standing near the edge of the party. Now, seeing a black man in Outer Rim was nothing unusual. Outer Rim was, after all, one of the most progressive towns in all of Massachusetts. They welcomed black men and women with open arms. No, what was odd about this man is that he was bending down to pick something up from the ground. It was clearly a small object and the sunlight reflected off it, confirming Rey's suspicions that it was the brooch in question. Then, to Rey's absolute horror, the man put the brooch in his pocket and started walking away. This was not to be condoned! Rey had to quickly find a way to save the brooch.
Glancing to the right, Rey spotted her abandoned parasol leaning against a table. She quickly grabbed it before bending down to Artie. "You see that man? We can't let him get away with Mrs. Dameron's brooch!" The dog seemed to bark in agreement and the thief stopped, turning at the sound. The sight that the thief saw was a rather unusual one. Charging towards him from the party was a young woman in a light pink dress and a large, black and white dog. The thief's reaction was a fairly logical one – he took off running for his life.
Artie shot away from Rey and quickly caught up with the thief, pouncing on him. The thief was knocked to the ground and groaned in pain before rolling over to find himself eye-to-eye with the end of a parasol. He blinked for a second before looking up to see a very beautiful – and very angry – young woman glowering at him.
"What's your hurry, Thief?" Rey demanded, shoving the parasol a little more forcefully at him. The thief stared at her in shock.
"Wha—Thief?" He gasped, dazed for a moment before trying to scramble back as Artie let out a menacing growl. Artie, however, put his front paws on the thief, keeping him in place. Rey motioned with the parasol to the thief's pocket.
"That brooch belongs to someone I know and you stole it!" The thief tilted his head slightly, an eyebrow raised.
"You mean Mrs. Dameron's brooch?" He questioned and she frowned, stepping back.
"You know Mrs. Dameron?" Rey looked surprised and the thief nodded.
"Of course, I do! She is like a mother to me. I have been living with the Damerons for these past sixteen years!" The man exclaimed and Rey gasped, her eyes widening.
"Wait… so that means you are the man that Colonel Dameron sent Major Dameron looking for?" A nod confirmed her fears. "Oh my! I'm so terribly sorry! Artie, let the man up at once!" Rey frantically tried to get Artie off the man. The man quickly got to his feat, grimacing slightly, as he brushed off his suit.
"Thank you for calling off your dog. Now, allow me to introduce myself. I am Finn Calrissian." Finn held out his hand and Rey put her hand in his, blushing deeply.
"Rey Skywalker." She said, looking away and Finn smiled as he kissed her hand.
"Ah, so you're one of the famous Misses Skywalkers. Poe wanted to introduce me to you and your sister, but was called aside before he had the chance. It is my pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. Now, shall we go and return this brooch to Mrs. Dameron?" Finn smiled and offered his arm to her. Rey looped her arm through his and smiled.
"Yes, we shall."
Eve watched the dancers twirl around the garden. Because the Skywalkers had no dance floor, everyone decided that the flat ground of the garden would work just as well. Her father, uncle, brother, and cousin had already danced the obligatory dances with her and Eve was now sitting at a table with Xyva, where she would most likely remain for the duration of the dancing. Xyva, on the other hand, was constantly up and down because almost every man at the reception wished for her hand in at least one dance. Xyva had decided to sit the current dance out to catch her breath. She turned to Eve.
"So, why aren't you out there?" She asked and Eve gave her a knowing look.
"You know why. No one wants to dance with Miss Eve Skywalker. For, if they do, they will surely be crushed by her cruelty." Eve muttered more to herself than to Xyva.
"You were never cruel, Eve. Besides, surely they don't know what happened. That was years ago." Xyva reasoned and Eve looked down at her hands, which were clasped together in her lap.
"I know… yet, why do I feel as though everyone here – friend or stranger – knows?" Before Xyva could respond, Ben walked up to them.
"Well, Xyva, it appears that I have finally found you without one of your many admirers hanging on your arm." Xyva glowered at him.
"That is Miss Coral to you. What do you want, Solo?" Xyva groaned and Ben smirked, holding out a hand to her.
"That would be Mr. Solo to you, Miss Coral, and I have come to collect on the dance that you promised me." Ben wiggled his outstretched fingers slightly and Xyva looked appalled.
"I promised you no such thing! Clearly the wine you consumed has gone to your head." Xyva huffed and crossed her arms in front of herself, looking as though she was ready to bite the outstretched hand. Ben, however, was not to be deterred.
"I believe the only one of us suffering from an unclear mind is you, my dear. You promised to dance at least one waltz with me last night and, since your admirers are starting to seek out other partners, it is time for our dance… Or are you previously engaged?" Ben asked, looking around, ensuring that no other man was coming over to collect her. Xyva frowned, realizing that there was no way she could get out of the dance, before standing up and just barely letting her hand rest on his.
"Very well Mr. Solo, but never call me that again." She hissed through a fake smile. Ben closed his hand around hers, preventing her from escaping.
"Whatever you say, my dear."
A moment later, Xyva brought her heeled shoe down on Ben's foot. It made an audible thump and Ben winced for a moment before grinning and almost dragging Xyva to the dancing area to wait for the next song to begin. Eve closed her eyes, praying that no further spectacle would be made in front of practically the entire town. If they could only wait a few more hours, then the guests would be gone and Ben and Xyva could continue their war to their heart's content. Eve allowed herself a small chuckle as she watched the two argue before standing up to dance. Then, she heard two male voices that she did not recognize. Glancing to her right, Eve determined that the men were two of the many West Point soldiers.
"…Come now, David. You have yet to dance a single dance this evening. Has no one caught your eye? What about Miss Coral?" The taller soldier asked the shorter one, apparently named David.
"Miss Coral has plenty admirers to satisfy her, Tobias. I have yet to see a woman who… say, who is that woman sitting over there?" Out of the corner of her eye, Eve could see the two soldiers look in her direction. Tobias scoffed.
"Her? That is Miss Skywalker and I have been told that you are to stay as far away from her as possible. Why not dance with her younger sister?" Tobias asked and David frowned, shaking his head.
"No. It appears that Miss Rey Skywalker's attentions have been captured by the black that she is dancing with at the moment." Tobias glanced over at Finn and Rey before letting out a disgusted sigh.
"Why would someone of her standing be caught dead with that—"
"Tobias, hush! We are not in Georgia anymore. You can't call them that here." Eve's eyes widened in shock, realizing what the man was most likely about to call Finn.
"I didn't say anything!" Tobias glared at his friend
"Well, I know what you were going to say and that is not acceptable here. Now, why should I not introduce myself to the elder Skywalker sister?" David asked, quickly changing the subject. Tobias rolled his eyes.
"Not only is she four-and-twenty, but she has apparently only had one suitor her whole life. I heard that she was very cruel to him and not only drove him out of Outer Rim, but out of the state entirely. Apparently she was only after his money and, once she discovered he did not have a fortune, she sent him away with biting words and a flaring temper. If a woman was willing to do that once, who's to say that she would not do it again? I think the reason why no one pays attention to her is because they do not want to be victims to her vindictive nature. Surely there is someone better for you to dance with than a spiteful spinster."
Eve closed her eyes and exhaled a shaky breath. So, the story was being told to the West Point soldiers and it was more fictionalized than ever. Eve was no stranger to the whispers, but this retelling was exceptionally cruel. Every word stung her as though she had been physically cut by them and took her breath away. Little did she know that someone else had overheard the conversation between the two soldiers. Major Poe Dameron frowned from where he was standing a few feet away from Eve's table. The conversation between the two soldiers had captured his attention and he found himself appalled by what he was hearing. True, Poe himself did not know Eve Skywalker all that well, but he highly doubted that she was capable of being the malicious monster that she was being portrayed as. Glancing over at Eve, he watched as she bowed her head and clutched her hands together. His own hands formed fists at his side, anger bubbling up inside of him on her behalf. Her behaviour seemed to prove in his mind that she was not guilty of the accusations against her. Suddenly, his mind made up, Poe walked over to Eve and politely cleared his throat to get her attention. She looked up at him in surprise.
"Major Dameron!" Eve exclaimed and quickly brought up a hand to wipe away a stray tear. Poe shifted awkwardly on his feet, suddenly rather unsure of his hasty plan.
"Pardon the intrusion, Miss Skywalker, but I couldn't help but notice that you have not taken to the floor much this evening. I was hoping that you would do me the honour of gracing me with your presence for these next two dances… Unless, that is, you are otherwise engaged." Poe stated and held out his hand to her. Eve stared at him in shock.
"Why, no, I am not previously engaged for any dances… but are you sure that you wish to dance with me?" Poe felt saddened at the genuine surprise in Eve's voice. How often had this woman been ignored? How could anyone ignore her? He had only been in her presence for a mere moment and he realized that there was nowhere else he would rather be. Poe smiled at her.
"Believe me, Miss Skywalker, there is no one that I would rather dance with." Poe said sincerely. Eve's eyes lit up in joy and she placed her hand in his before gracefully standing up.
"Well then, Major Dameron, I would be delighted to dance with you."
Poe glanced over at the two soldiers to see them staring at him and Eve in pure shock, their mouths gaping wide open. Poe took an odd sort of delight in that sight but, once Eve was in his arms for the waltz, his attention was solely on her. Eve inhaled sharply as Poe placed his hand on her corseted waist and quickly tried to regain her composure. They were both a little nervous but, once their eyes locked, it was as if they were the only two in the garden. The waltzed gracefully around the other couples and even Ben and Xyva stopped their bickering when they saw Eve dancing with Poe.
"Is that Eve with Major Dameron?" Xyva gasped and Ben nodded, rather proud.
"Indeed, it is! It seems as though both Dameron and Calrissian have captured the attentions of my fair cousins and, to be honest, I am not upset. They seem like decent fellows – the most decent men at this gathering by far."
Ben and Xyva continued to watch Eve and Poe for a moment before they realized a rather appalling fact. When they refrained from bickering, they actually danced rather well together. To remedy the situation. Xyva, gave a good stomp to Ben's foot. Ben winced before grinning.
"Ah, Xyva my dear, you are just so light on your feet."
"Why do you insist on vexing me so, Ben?" Xyva frowned and Ben smirked.
"You are rather entertaining when you are vexed, so I am willing to sacrifice my feet for a good cause." Xyva could help but laugh at that. Ben counted her laugh as a victory and chuckled himself before twirling her in a circle.
"Well, Mrs. Dameron, it is wonderful to hear that Colonel Dameron has purchased the Yavin estate. It is a lovely estate and it shall be a nice change to have neighbours." Alaina smiled and Shara nodded.
"I am greatly looking forward to living in Outer Rim… and it appears that I may not be the only one in my family who feels this way." Shara watched with pride in her eyes as Finn danced with Rey and Poe danced with Eve. "You know… I cannot remember the last time that I saw my son this happy." Shara mused.
"Nor Eve." Leia piped up before walking over to where Han was standing, managing to convince him to dance with her. Shara too stood up to go find her husband and Luke appeared next to Alaina.
"Well, Love, what do you think? Our son is finally married and it appears that Eve, Rey, and Xyva all have suitors now." Luke smiled and Alaina nodded.
"I believe that things are changing here in Outer Rim…and it is most certainly for the better."