The ball was a very nice event, even if she was dreading it at first. The first week following the ball, she received dozens of flowers and suitors came to call on her every day. Her father scrutinized ever man, wanted her to have the best match. Money and title could not be a bad thing. She felt flattered, but she truly wished to marry for love. Her 4 older brothers had marriage for money or title. She could have something else.
She was hoping to find a note from Colonel Tavington she met at the ball. He had walk to her with such confidence, even if she was surrounded by all those gentlemen. The way he held her hand while dancing, the way he looked at her, she felt like they were the only one in the ballroom. But he hadn't shown yet to court her.
The last visitor of the day, Viscount Evans, had just left; she sat down to play on the pianoforte. She heard the front door open, footsteps and voices, but she was in the living room facing the back yard; she couldn't distinguish the words. She felt observed and stopped playing. She turned around, and saw the Colonel, leaning against the door frame, looking at her.
"Please, don't stop playing. I don't recall having heard someone playing as beautifully as you do," he said.
She didn't know what to say, she was taken aback by his unexpected visit.
"Colonel William Tavington, we met at the ball last Friday. I hope you are well, Lady Cornwallis."
"Of course, I remember. I am quite well, thank you."
They were interrupted by General Cornwallis joining them in the living room. He gave a bunch of letters to the colonel, which he put in the pocket of his coat.
"Colonel, now that our business is settled, you may call on Charlotte," the hopeful father said.
"My lady, I was hoping to take you on a walk by the garden. Will you join me?"
"Of course!"
Her older brother Georges' wife, Eleanor, was her dedicated chaperon and was assisting the general to sort the suitors. She was living a few doors down the street, and she would meet the aspiring couple at the entrance of the park. He was so proud to have her on his arm. Her porcelain skin, her deep blue eyes, her auburn hair, she was so beautiful it was hard not to turn around when she walked. She was listening him telling stories, laughing at his jokes, holding his gaze.
The following weeks, he called on her as much as he could. He was quite busy as the rebellion in the colonies was getting stronger. He would train his cavalry unit to be ready for when they would be shipped abroad. He knew he was having a serious rival in Viscount Evans, but Tavington had his eyes set on her, and he always got what he wanted.
By August, he gathered his courage and entered the General's office. He knew the general for many years now. Tavington was ambitious, and his military career was supported by Cornwallis.
"General, I came here today to speak with you of a personal matter. You already approved my courtship with Lady Charlotte at the beginning of the summer. I must admit I found myself quite fond of her, every day I got to know her more. I cannot be apart from her anymore, and I wish to ask for your blessing, as I now ask you for her hand."
The general let a moment of silence. He was hoping the colonel would ask for such thing. He saw them all summer, in events they were attending. They looked perfect for each other. Tavington was from a distinguish family in Liverpool, although he didn't brag about it. His career was promising.
"Colonel, you need to know that the Viscount Evans made the same proposal a few days ago. But I would be please to count you in the family. I will give my blessings only if Charlie agrees to marry you. Why don't you stay for dinner tonight?"
The whole Cornwallis family was at home for dinner that night. Tavington knew her brothers because they were also officers in the british army. Before the meal was served, Tavington asked to speak to Charlotte on the patio, overlooking the garden. He took her hands in his, and suddenly felt nervous.
"Lily, dear. Since the first time I laid my eyes on you, I knew you were the right woman for me. You are the kind, sweet, easy to speak to, and not to say the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. I may not have a title, an estate, but I can provide for you so you never miss anything. I want to ask you if… If you would do me the honor of becoming my wife."
She squeezed his hands, and smiled. He knew they would be happy with each other.
"You are not saying anything? Please, don't leave me hanging like this."
"Of course! Yes! I want to marry you!"
/
I just started a new fic "Loyalty: Before the war". Go and check it out if you want more on how the couple met. Please review if you like it (or not, it's all good!).