Back at Wilkins Manor, Charlotte has excused herself quite early after dinner was over. She was still nervous being with unknown persons in an unknown house. Florence kept her company, and talked about a private she met around the Fort.

"He is very nice. He makes me laugh. And not to say, very handsome. Did I tell you he is also in the colonel's unit?" Florence said, blushing.

"No you did not. What is his name?"

"Smith, Noah Smith. He is from the colonies and recently joined the cavalry."

"I do not recall this man. Is he going to be at the ball tomorrow?"

"Yes! And this is the best part; he invited me to the ball!" Florence said, absolutely ecstatic. "But Lady Charlotte, I will not go if you do not grant me permission."

"Of course! It will also be nice to have a friend in the room."

Charlotte felt somewhat relieved. After the last allegations of her husband's behavior, she was apprehensive to be alone with him. All that violence, his temper so easily lost, she felt like she did not know him anymore.

Seeing Charlotte yawned several times, Florence took her leave for the night. She would try to find her solider tonight to tell him the good news; she will be attending the ball at his arm. Charlotte went to bed and was sleeping within the minute.

…

Downstairs, Florence enquired about Smith's post. A private directed her toward the stables. She quickly found him, brushing a house he arrived with at Wilkins Manor. She jumped in his arms and he greeted with opened arms. His hands barely let her go from his embrace as she pulled away from his kiss.

"Noah, Lady Charlotte granted me permission to go with you to the ball! This will be my first official ball. I cannot wait to be there! I let her rest tonight, but tomorrow, I will ask to borrow one of her dress."

"Good news. Why does she need to rest? Is everything allright?" Smith enquired.

"Oh I am not sure. I think she is having doubt about the colonel."

"What kind of doubts?"

"Oh no, I am sorry. Please do not tell anyone I said this. She will be mortified if she would learn I said this. And the colonel… oh the colonel would be mad."

"My French little girl, you know you can trust me," as he kissed her once again.

"Well, since she came back from her kidnapping by the militia, she is different, distant. There is all kind of rumors about the colonel's bloody reputation. She does not know what to believe anymore."

That was interesting, Smith thought. Her kidnapping happened so suddenly, Martin had not planned what he would do with her. The militia jumped on the opportunity when Billings and himself saw her leave alone in a carriage. Tavington found her out totally randomly, since the decision to have her travel to Pembroke was made in a hurry. But perhaps Martin's plan to hurt Tavington was still working. His precious wife seemed to be turning away from him. Maybe the militia did not need to hurt her physically to get to the butcher.

/

M content in next chapter.