A/N: Just to let you know, I do intend on writing a retractions chapter at the very end of this fic, including explanations to this (if I can even make any up…) Nods to Ban early on in this chapter (Constance's riding ensemble). Figure I gotta throw him in here *somehow*. So, be on the look out. Love, Portia
A lone figure clad in green came galloping at top speed on a handsome chestnut jennet over the ridge toward camp. A long floating sheet of white followed the rider, and those who watched their approaching could only wonder how their hat managed to stay on at such a breakneck run. As the rider drew neared and was distinguishable as female, all the men began to offer little prayers in hopes that she was beautiful and unmarried.
The rider did not fail their expectations. Constance reined her mount into a brisk, high-stepping trot and surveyed her surroundings as if discovering new territory. It was only necessary for her to pretend she had never been in the camp before.
A collective sigh rose from the soldiery as Constance rode in. She rode perfectly erect and graceful. Never had a woman cut a more dashing figure than in a green military style coat with black facings and gold trim. A simple fall and cravat adorned her neck while a tall-crowned black hat with a green cockade titled rakishly over a loose bun. It all ended in a plain whitish colored skirt, rumpled at the hems with dirt. From under her skirt peeked the toes of her uniform black boots. She beamed at her new legions of admirers and trotted onward.
There was a great racket now spreading throughout the masses that forced Constance to wonder what her brother had done to these poor men. Officers bowed and lifted their hats while the baser soldiers hooted and whistled. A tall curly-haired fellow blocked her way. He sauntered suavely up to her side and bowed awkwardly. Wilkins gazed up at her, trying to be sophisticated.
"Sir," Constance said loftily, "may I inquire as to where I may find Colonel William Tavington?"
He continued to goggle at her.
She shifted with a frown and waved her quirt at him. "Methinks, sirrah, you are wanting greatly in propriety. 'Tis most ungentlemanly to stare, though one may expect it from more…mundane stock," she snapped, waving him away with an elegant flourish of her hand. Constance wished to erupt with laughter at her own snobbery.
"Forgive me, Miss. I-I—"
She ignored him and tapped her horse's side with her heel.
Hearing the ruckus and sound of horse's hooves outside, Colonel Tavington assumed his sister had arrived. Bordon jumped in surprise as the colonel scrambled to his feet in the middle of their conversation and bolted out of the tent in a manner most unbefitting of him. The captain remained by his superior's desk, feeling a little dejected, but nevertheless loyal enough to wait for his return.
"Ah! William! Brother!" Constance cried upon seeing her brother. Her face glowed in elation as she clapped her hands.
William Tavington's sister? Curse the powers and their capricious nature! The entourage of lusting men ambled away, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.
"Oh, my dearest Kitty! How healthy and beautiful you are since I saw you last!" Tavington carefully aided her down from her horse and ordered a nearby troop to take the horse. The colonel kissed her. Many of the remaining soldiers now crowded around to see this new spectacle. To see such a beautiful woman, and a jovial pair of Tavingtons was beyond shocking. They stared adoringly at Constance Tavington as the brother exchanged greeting. The dragoons in the congregation hoped the new amiability in their leader would outlast the visit of the sister.
Brother and sister entered the tent, the latter clinging to her sibling's arm. They continued to chatter about this and that, ignoring poor Captain Bordon standing faithfully at the desk. When the quiet man shifted, only then did Tavington acknowledge his shy subaltern.
The captain studied Constance briefly in wonder, hoping his eyes were no larger than usual. He looked to Tavington to avert the conversation back to the planning it had previously been; praying the blush he felt was not openly evident.
"Captain," William said instead, "if I may introduce? This is my sister, Constance Tavington."
Bordon stepped forward. "How do you do, Miss?" And to court favor with both, he bowed low and kissed the lady's hand.
"Kitty, this is Captain John Bordon," the colonel continued.
Constance curtsied gracefully to her unrecognizing friend. "Captain Bordon, my dear brother, though sparse in his communications, has told me of you. I pray you will prove to be more civilized company than that tall dark-haired fellow outside of the mess tent."
Bordon nodded, speaking softly and somewhat haltingly: "Yes—most definitely, Miss Tavington. That…that must have been, ah, Wilkins. We have been having, uh, problems with him. He is a belligerent sort."
"Indeed," Constance smiled. "Have you made the acquaintance of my, erm, cousin, Joseph Carleton?"
"It may please the lady to know that I am his only friend," the captain answered sheepishly, flushed to the ears.
"Oh, how awful! Surely you jest, sir."
"Your cousin is generally misliked for some unnamed flaw, but he often sets them straight."
Constance straightened proudly. "Very well then, Captain Bordon. Perhaps, in your kindness, you may number me as one of your friends."
Bordon bowed to her again, something of a smile upon his face. "It would be a great honor, Miss Tavington."
William watched with interest, smirking at the obvious discomfort of his underling in the presence of such a lovely young woman as Constance. The enamored captain fumbled to keep his eyes from lingering too long on any part of her fair form. The color in his cheeks grew more evident by the second.
"Dearest Will, I think I will venture out and orient myself. I will return later, for surely you must be busy."
"Kitty, the men may—" Tavington protested.
"Fine confidence you have in your sister, the one whose aim was always better than your own." A cocky grin lit her eyes as she studied her brother's severe face.
"Captain Bordon, accompany my sister and entertain her." The colonel shot his underling a 'your life depends on this' glance that thinly masked his amusement at the bewildered stare he received from Bordon. The sister looked to Bordon with a cheery smile. Captain Bordon offered his arm and escorted her outside. For some time he was silent, forcing Constance to prod him for conversation.
Next chapter: Constance and Bordon chat about music, and Constance's somewhat
caustic opinion about women's opinions.