Olivia was back in her room after her first full day here and was overly tired. Mrs Sutherland came with a maid to gossip while she would get help to get out of her clothes.
"How do you find our dear Colonel Tavington? I see you have spent most of the day together," Mrs Sutherland said.
"He is quite nice, very gentle I would say. He asked me to accompany him to the ball. I hope it is okay with you?" Liv replied.
"Nothing could please me more, my dear. I can recognise the look of a man in love. Even the fightiest soldier has his heart beating for a woman," she said.
"I am sorry, what?"
"He could not keep his eyes off of you. Both of you look completely stunning together; you will make beautiful children."
"Oh, you are quite projecting everything too fast. We'll see everything in time."
…
The guests were starting to come to Mrs Sutherland's Manor and she loved being the host. The Sutherlands were notorious torries and had been hosting the Royal army since they came in the south. Colonel Tavington came in and was warmly greeted.
"Miss Jones is probably still upstairs. If you want, you may go and get her. I would go, but I have to stay here and welcome guests," Mrs Sutherland said.
"Of course, I will bring her down. I don't want her missing the perfect evening you planned," he replied.
He walked around and started to climb the stairs. He felt his heartbeat raced and his hands started to feel moist. Never a woman had this effect on him and he was still getting used to those new feelings. The day he spent with Olivia yesterday made him fall head over heels for her; she was so different than other ladies he ever met.
His boots stopped in front of her door and he knocked three times.
"Come in," she replied.
He turned the handle and pushed carefully the door. He looked at her from head to toe; her navy dress wore was complimenting her slim figure and showing her ample cleavage. Mrs Sutherland had refused her to wear the lace scarf like yesterday and she felt quite shy about showing off that much. She was still putting on her earrings and quickly turned around toward Tavington, who had not said a word yet.
"How do I look? Do you think it is okay for the event?"
"Miss Jones, you look absolutely gorgeous. You are truly the most beautiful woman that will be attending tonight. I am glad you accepted to be on my arm this evening. We should join the rest of the party downstairs, if you will," he replied as he offered his arm.
Olivia found herself blushing like a school girl; never old boyfriends complimented her like that. Since Mrs Sutherland told her the Colonel might like her, she kept thinking about him. He was quite handsome himself; dark hair, blue eyes, tall built and strong arms. Most of her last relationships, she had been looking for a man to take care of her and she could feel this vibe from Tavington. She felt she could trust him; he could take care of her and she might let him.
She grabbed as gracefully as she could the arm he held in front of him and they exited the room. All the time they walked down the stairs, she could feel his hand covering hers in a protecting manner. She was sure she would not fall again at his arm. Or if she would, he would never let her fall.
Once in the great hall, Olivia looked around and could hardly believe the opulence of the decorations, musicians playing, food being served and wine flowing. Tavington offered her a glass of wine and circled around the room, introducing her to everyone. She could feel all eyes on them, but after a few glasses of wine, she did not care anymore.
When he asked her to dance, she politely declined. She saw in his eyes he did not understand her rejection and she instinctively knew she made a misstep. She changed her mind and climbed on her tippy toes to whisper in his ear she counted on him to keep her honor since she was a very bad dancer.
He smiled widely at her closeness and his eyes twinkled as he led her toward the center of the ballroom. He held her hand and led her strongly. In his arms, she felt nothing could happen to her. He kept his eyes on her and smiled every time she would miss the steps, every time making sure she followed the next step.
Mrs Sutherland watched as the couple danced and could not keep the smile off her face. Her husband joined her and asked her how she enjoyed her night.
"Oh dear, I think I have just made a happy couple," she replied.