Chapter 4

I do not and I repeat I do not own Sleepy Hollow! OR any of the characters except Selena!!

She walks in beauty.......

Ichabod had arrived in Sleepy Hollow and already felt the tension when he entered the village. He saw people shutting their shutter or locking themselves away inside their homes. He looked off to his right and noticed a small group of men discussing something. A young boy handing a man a bag which he believed must have been his father. He stopped for only a minute but continued his walking.

"My god this place is quite disturbing", the same thought filtered through his head until he had reached his destination. The Van Tassel home. He knocked on the large doors hearing music inside. "

Well it would seem that even though people have been murdered they still know how to have a jolly good time", he thought sarcastically to himself. To his right he noticed a man and a woman kissing each other as if they were about to die.Ichabods eyes widened as to such behavior in public.

Before he could say anything to these people for their like in manners the doors had opened.

Woman, men and children were everywhere he looked. Children ran past him, women gossiped, and men sang drunkenly to themselves. It was very crowded, as he squeezed past people. He was wondering how he was to find Baltus Van Tassel deciding to go to the back of the room and ask someone.

He looked to his left and saw a young blond woman twirling another woman in a blindfold while men stood around them laughing joyously. The young woman in the blindfold did not look so happy. He continued on his way but before he could continue he felt someone fall into him as he and this stranger tumbled over to the floor.

Ichabod opened his eyes and noticed that something was squirming beneath him. Something warm, soft and smelled of lilies. He stood up on his elbows to looked down and was shocked to see a woman was beneath him.

Ichabod quickly grasped this woman's smooth hands and pulled her. She stumbled somewhat and grabbed onto his shoulders. Ichabod suddenly felt tense never truly being this close to a woman unless you counted his mother. When that thought came to mind he crushed it immediately.

Slowly Selena pulled the handkerchief off of her face and Ichabod held in his gasp at what he beheld. Her blue eyes stared back into his dark brown eyes.

Her eyes were hypnotizing. Now that he could see her better he looked over her quickly as to not be noticed. Long black tresses, porcelain features, dark azure eyes, and a willowy body.

"She must be an angel for my eyes have never seen something so pure", feeling unworthy of ever looking at her embarrassment taking over.

Before he could collect his thoughts he was grabbed roughly by the shoulders. A large burly man stood in front of him anger evident on his face, "It would do you well to apologize to the lady". Ichabod shocked at forgetting his own manners began to apologize, "I am so sorry miss, I had never meant for this to happen, please forgive......", but before he could finish she giggled took his face into her hands and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Ichabod stood their in shock, disbelief on his face.

"It is quite alright kind sir", looking Ichabod in the eye knowing that this man was in her dreams and felt her heart skip a beat as she continued to stare at him.

"I thank you for catching me anyway, now that we are over that may I ask is their anything that you need?", smiling at Ichabod trying to break the ice. But before he was answered Katrina walked over and began greeting Ichabod welcoming him to Sleepy Hollow.

"Oh it is a pleasure to meet my name is Katrina Van Tassel and I welcome you to Sleepy Hollow, oh I hope you are enjoying the party just don't mind the drunks", she giggled excitedly.

"Ahem", Selena started giving the look to Katrina to calm down before she popped.

She breathed deeply, "I am Selena Van Tassel, Baltus Van Tassel's eldest daughter and as you have met this is Katrina my younger sister".

"I was wondering if you could help me I am looking for your father?", his dark eyes looking at her curiosity in his eyes. Selena nodded and was about to leave to find her father before, "And who are you, friend?

"We have not heard your name yet", coming from an angered Brom as to seeing Selena's interest in this stranger.

"I have not said it. Excuse me..." Brom grabbed Ichabod's collar and Ichabod looked on baffled at Brom's actions. "You need some manners". "Brom!", Selena yelled getting frustrated with him having to use violence but the calvary had arrived as Katrina had arrived with their father and stepmother".

"Come, come -- we want no raised voices...It is only to raise the spirit during this dark time that I and my good wife are giving this little party...", Brom released Ichabod slowly knowing that he could get his revenge later.

"Young sir, you are welcome even if you are selling something!" Ichabod nods his head gratefully and continues, "Thank you, sir. I am Constable Ichabod Crane, sent to you from New York with authority to investigate murders in Sleepy Hollow", handing over an envelope proving his authority as a constable.

Everyone around him stared in wonder at Ichabod but the only one that he stared at was Selena as no expression was evident on her face.

"Then, Sleepy Hollow is grateful to you, Constable Crane -- I hope you will honor us by staying in this house", Lady Van Tassel started a kind look on her face.

"Well spoke!, Come we'll get you settled, play on!" As Baltus stared at four very important men in the room as they all rose leaving the party, to another room upstairs.

Well there yeah go!! They get to meet each other and they are already feeling some attraction!! HEHE!! More interesting things to come!!

Pirate Gyrl- Thanks so much for reading my story! I am glad that your liking it so far! I hoped you like this chapter too!! LOL!

Pumpkinpuss- I am glad that your liking my story! I hope you enjoy this one!!

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!