Okay sorry for that last chapter.
Ch 10
The next week the Madison Family received an invitation to the ball at Middleton place. The whole household was in a hurry after that. Cara didn't want a new gown, John wanted the best suit money could buy, Robert didn't want to socialize with the dragoons, Caitlin didn't mind, and Felicity was still planning.
The night of the ball was even worse, Felicity was introduced to people who looked three times older than her parents and she had to meet eligible bachelors, most of which had nothing better to discuss than money and the weather. But to her luck as well as misfortune, O'Hara came to her rescue.
" Miss Madison, may I have this dance?" He asked a reel was being played.
" Of course." She said putting on that Fake smile, or was it fake.
She actually found herself having fun. But Why O'Hara? He looked as though he had borrowed her powder and got carried away.
When the dance was over O'Hara led her outside. They met up Lord General and then, Felicity saw William standing with two women.
She excused herself and walked over to him. The women eyed her and then reluctantly left.
" What was that about?" she asked.
" Nothing." He said.
" Can I speak to you in private?" She asked.
" I know just the spot." He said.
He led her to a place behind the rose bushes and she spotted a small trap door.
" What is this?' she asked once they were in.
" The master of this plantation who had children I'm guessing, I found this along with numerous dolls and toy ships along with Children's clothing." William said.
" Well, if it makes you feel any better I have O'Hara on my side." She said.
" Excellent." William smirked.
But Felicity couldn't help but feel guilty.
" What's wrong?" He asked gently touching her arm.
" I don't know. I feel guilty, Will, I think he likes me. Not just as someone, but as a friend and companion. I feel horrible right now, I feel confused." She said sitting down in a chair in the dug out space, the dim candlelight showing her face.
William sat down next to her and turned her chin gently towards him.
" Are you crying?' He asked.
She turned away from him and he pulled his hand away as though he had burned himself. He was losing her, slowly but surely, he knew she would throw his love away.
" Felicity, do you love him?" He asked his voice trembling. He sounded terrified for once in his life he was scared.
" I don't know." She covered her face with her hand ashamed that she couldn't control her emotions.
William stood up and sighed, painfully. The Butcher was feeling the pain he had inflicted on so many of his victims.
" So, you want to end this?" He asked turning back to her.
She looked up at him; her eyes sparkling with unshed tears.
" No- William please don't think that! I love you. I never want that to change-"
He put a hand up to stop her.
" It already has Felicity, I can see it in your eyes. You're like a stranger to me. It would be best, I think if we went our separate ways." He said with that painful voice, full of hurt and loss.
" William, don't do this. I beg of you. You can't send me away! Not after all of this," She went forward and took his hand in his and looked up into his face.
But he remained strong and refused to meet her pleading gaze.
" William?' She asked.
" Please leave Miss Madison, I wouldn't want to soil your future reputation." He said.
" Will." She said softly.
" Please do not address me so informally, madam." He said gently pushing her away.
She walked hurriedly to the ladder and climbed out of the hideout and into the warm night air.
She ran back towards the house, but not without catching O'Hara's attention.
" Miss Madison!" He called following her into the house.
She ran into one of the abandoned corridors, and tripped on the carpet and broke into tears.
He caught up with her.
" Miss Madison?" He asked kneeling down next to her.
She wept even harder and he gently placed that reassuring arm around her and allowed her to cry into his coat.
He said nothing, but sat there with her letting her know she wasn't alone.