Author's Note: Sorry this chapter isn't as long as I would have liked! I have been very busy this week and then my Internet was down. I am lettting everyone know ahead of time that I am going to be out of town for about a week, so don't expect any chapters until after next Sunday! Thanks again for reading!

Chapter Twenty-Four:

A few hours after I had returned to my room, it was time to get ready for dinner. I changed out of my day dress and into the purple one that Abigail had given me for my first proper dinner with William. I pulled my hair into a bun and washed my face. Then I left my room, excited to see William.

I walked down the stairs and into the hall, where I saw him, standing with his hands folded behind his back, waiting for me. I walked as quietly as I could behind him, trying to sneak up on him, but he heard me coming and turned. I jumped a little, not expecting his sudden turn, and he grinned at me.

"Thought you could sneak up on me, eh?" he asked, taking me arm and leading me into the banquet hall.

"I was trying to," I admitted, shrugging. "Obviously it didn't work."

William pulled my chair out and I sat down. He pushed it in and sat next to me. I looked at him, taking all of his features in. As always, his piercing blue eyes sparkled somewhat playfully. His brown hair was pulled back into a harsh standard military queue. He wore his uniform, a green vest and red coat, just like all the other men, but somehow it looked more handsome on him.

"What is it?" he asked, noticing me studying him.

"Nothing," I said, smiling. "I just felt like looking at you."

Soon all of the other soldiers had taken their seats. As usual, most of them escorted British women, and they all began their endless talks of war. Much to my dismay, Captain Williams sat across from me, as he often did. He gave me a wicked grin just before taking a large gulp from his brandy glass.

I ate my dinner, hardly noticing what I was eating. My mind was abuzz with thoughts. I wanted to tell William about my encounter with Captain Williams earlier that day, but I had to wait until we were alone, and I was finding it quite difficult to be patient. William seemed to notice this, and, as he was always quite eager to leave the company of his superiors, he excused us and we left the banquet hall.

We walked into the long hallway. I started to stop at one of the chairs to take a seat, but William took my arm.

"Come," he said. "I have something to give you." He grinned mischievously as he led me up the stairs. I expected him to stop at my quarters, but instead he took me past them.

"Where are we going?" I asked, curiously.

"To my quarters," he told me. "I have to get something."

I nodded, not questioning him. Soon we stopped at a door, which William unlocked and entered. I followed closely behind. The room was large, with several windows and a four-poster bed, much like my own. There was an armoire and a desk and a large mirror with a fancy frame.

"I can only imagine what the Lord General's quarters are like," I said, looking around the room.

"It's just a room, Charlotte," William scoffed.

I ignored him and took a seat on the edge of the bed. William was rummaging in his desk for something. I peered over my shoulder, trying to see what he was looking for, but he turned so that his back was to me.

Finally, he walked to the bed and sat beside me. He took my small hand in his large one and slipped something onto my finger. He let go and I held my hand up. Around my ring finger was a small but elegant ring in a silver setting. The stone was emerald green, with tiny diamonds on either side of it, sparkling slightly in the dim candlelight.

"Oh, William, it's beautiful," I told him, turning to face him.

He frowned. "It isn't what it should be-" he started.

"It's wonderful!" I interrupted him. "Thank you."

He smiled. "I'm glad you like it," he said.

Suddenly I remembered Captain Williams. I did not want to bring it up now, but I felt it necessary to inform William as to what was happening.

"William, I have to tell you something," I began. I then told him the entire story of how the captain had spoken with me in the hall that morning. As I spoke I could see William's expression changing into one of rage.

"That bastard!" he nearly screamed, making me jump. "That pompous, arrogant bastard!" He stood up and began pacing the room, spewing more and more angry words. "Why, the damned fool!" he continued. "What makes him even think that he can talk to you? What makes him think that he can blackmail my fiancée!"

"No one knows we're engaged," I said emotionlessly.

"That's not the point, Charlotte!" he said, turning to face me. "He has no right to talk to you, or to me, even! Why, I'll kill the-"

"William, please!" I interjected. "You can hate Captain Williams without cursing so much."

A few moments passed during which neither of us spoke. Finally, I asked him what he intended to do.

"I'm not entirely sure just yet," he told me, finally sitting down next to me again. "I may speak to Cornwallis about it. If nothing else I can have some restrictions put on the captain's recreational time. That should keep him away from you."

"William, I am sorry," I said, wholeheartedly. "I didn't want to upset you. But last time I kept something this important from you was with Nathan, and that nearly destroyed us."

William leaned into me slightly and put his strong arm around my shoulders.

"Don't worry," he said reassuringly. "I'll sort everything out. And I am glad you told me."

I nodded, believing him. I looked down at my hand and saw my beautiful engagement ring. "I guess it's official now," I said, happily.

"Funny," said William, taking my hand in his and caressing it gently. "In my mind it always was."