A/N: Just a reminder; even though this story contains characters from Behind the Ice, events and sequences are going to be different. This is a different story.
Jae, Jula, and Lady Tavington headed downstairs to the banquet hall, where they met Col. Tavington and Braden.
"Wow, he's certainly in a better mood than when we saw him last." Jae whispered to Jula, as she glanced over at Col. Tavington, who was holding Braden smiling at him, and kissing the top of his head.
"Yeah, no moron here." Jula replied. "Where did he go?"
"Oh, I'm sure he'll be back as soon as he sees us."
"Hello, William." said Lady Tavington, walking over to her husband. "How is Braden?"
"Perfectly content." replied the colonel. "I changed him shortly before coming down here."
Lady Tavington nodded in response.
"Mary, I apologize for this morning, as well as last night. I was just upset, that's all."
"I know you were. And I apologize as well; I didn't exactly make things any better."
Col. Tavington cast his wife a small smile; then he turned his gaze to rest on Jae and Jula.
"Good morning, sir.." Jae said a bit uncertainly.
"Good morning." replied Col. Tavington emotionlessly, his features assuming their typical cold look, yet it wasn't quite as cold as the night before. "Take a seat; there are three empty chairs next to me, as my captain is not feeling very well and will not be present today at breakfast."
"Thank you, Colonel." Jula replied.
Taking a seat next to her sister and Lady Tavington, Jula stared somewhat nervously around at the officers sitting at the table. Some were eating, others conversing; but it seemed that the majority of them were staring at her and her sister. Jae seemed to notice this too and leaning over to Jula, she whispered, "Hey, do I have "idiot" written on my forehead or something?"
Jula wanted to burst out laughing, but instead, hid it in the guise of sneezing into the kerchief placed at her spot at the table.
"Shut up, Jae." she whispered back.
"Well, it appears that we have new guests at the table today."
Jae and Jula looked towards the head of the table to see Lord Gen. Cornwallis taking a seat.
Great, more attention...just what we need... Jae thought, resisting the urge to roll her eyes.
"Col. Tavington, would you like to introduce our new guests?"
The colonel inhaled somewhat sharply.
No, not really...
"Please pardon my interruption, sir, but Col. Tavington has hardly had the time to even get to know our names. After all, we only arrived here late last night." commented Jae.
"Jae, what are you doing?" Jula whispered, but Jae ignored her.
"So, for everyone's benefit, my name is Jae Barrington, and this is my sister, Jula."
Many of the officers nodded.
"It's nice to meet you and your sister, Miss Barrington." commented Cornwallis. "If I may, I would like to request an audience with you two this morning after breakfast to discuss some issues that have been called to my attention since your arrival."
Jae whipped her head around to catch a glance at Col. Tavington, who was smirking almost evilly at her.
Oh no, you di' in't ! Did I mention that you were an ass?
Turning back to the lord general she gave a forced smile and replied, "Yes sir, it would be a pleasure."
"Splendid! I shall see you in my office in thirty minutes."
Jae nodded and gave him a forced smile.
Splendid...splendid my butt!...