Katherine and William had been sending letters back and forth for months before the war finally came to a stop. With the help of the French, the American colonists won their freedom and the violence slowed to a stop. Tavington had not been able to come back to South Carolina after the church fire. Katherine knew that he was in Virginia where his Dragoons were soon boarding a ship back to England. Katherine had wrote to him as well, telling him of her families plans to return to England the next month as well. She sent her address in England to him so that they would not loose touch and he had given his as well, though Katherine knew his estate.
As their correspondence continued, Katherine realized he had not recognized her name or her family. She hoped it would not change things between them and so instead of addressing it in her letters she let the topic go. Her mother and father had written to her, excited and happy that their eldest was returning safely home after so many years. Her mother was especially thrilled as she would be returning in time for the new season and would be presented at court. Katherine was excited as well since a season meant that she would see William again and hopefully have a proper courtship. She had written to her mother and father about him and they both approved completely.
Katherine had been nervous that the time between seeing William the last time and seeing him in England would drag by but with helping her Aunt pack up the household, the exciting journey on the ocean again, and then reuniting with her family once again, the time flew by. Katherine couldn't believe that it had been nine months since she had seen William as she sat at her desk in her room in England writing a reply to his last letter. He had told her he was back at his home trying to adapt to the changes the last few months had brought. He told her his home was improving and that his mother and sister were doing well.
Her reply said her family was doing well as well, that she was enjoying her time home again but found she had a lot of extra time since her days no longer contained her work at the hospital. She listed a few books she had read and asked him if he had the chance to read them too. She ended the letter, telling him that they would soon be in London for the season and that she hoped she would see him there as well. Sealing the letter she prayed he would answer that he would be there. Taking the letter downstairs, she handed it to a footman to mail before joining her father in his office. Her mother was busy upstairs organizing the packing for the coming trip and she knew she should help, but since she was a little girl she had spent an hour in the afternoons with her father in his office. The smell of tobacco, leather, and whatever brandy her father had displayed relaxed her as they brought a feeling of safety.
Her father and eldest brother were sitting by the bay window discussing something as she came in the room. Their tones were low but she could tell it was something important. "What are you two discussing?" She asked, approaching them. Her father looked at her and then at her brother before dismissing him. Once her brother left the room her father gestured to her to sit in his place. Concerned, she sat down waiting to hear what was so important. Her father jumped right in as was his way, "What do you know about William Tavington?" Startled, she sat back a bit, "Why?" Her father cleared his throat, "I've heard some rumors recently about his time as a Dragoon in America." Katherine stiffened her spine growing defensive, "His time as a Dragoon was above reproach." Her father held up his hand, "I know what you've told me. I believe you. However, you were not there for every moment. Please think about this rationally." Katherine took a deep breath, "What exactly do these rumors say?" Her father nodded, "I have heard that he killed a man's son, unprovoked, hunted a man's family, burned a church with women and children…"
Katherine could hear no more, she was fuming, "Who has said these vile things?! William did no such thing. None of it!" Her father tried to calm her, but she was furious, "No! I understand that I did not see everything, but those rumors are despicable! William did not hunt anyone's family. He was tasked with tracking down a rebel that was targeting supply trains, not to mention blew up a ship while I was at the Middleton Ball where innocents were in attendence. And the church was set on fire by rebels as well! I was locked in that church with Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Charles! William rescued us!" Katherine saw her fathers' face pale and remembered she had left out the fire in her letters on purpose. "You were where?" He whispered. Katherine knelt in front of her father, taking his hands, "I'm fine Father. I didn't want to worry you. I'm sorry for not telling you. But William is none of those things that the rumors claim. He is a good, noble, and kind man. I swear."
Her father ran his hands over each side of her face, "He saved you?" Katherine nodded, "He did. His Dragoons were able to get everyone out of the building safely." Her father took a deep breath, then smiled down at his eldest, "I'll put an end to these rumors straight away." Katherine smiled up at her father, "Thank you." She appreciated her family title at that moment. She knew the weight her father's word carried and knew the rumors would be silenced soon. She sat with her father a while longer, discussing more of her time in America and William, before she excused herself to help her mother with the packing.
London was swarming with people. William couldn't believe how busy it had become since he had last been ten years ago. Leaning back against the seat he almost regretted coming for this season, but then he saw Katherine's face and knew he couldn't have stayed away. He should have called on her these past few months, but the estate and his mother had kept him busy. "What are you smiling for, my son?" His mother asked from across the carriage. His sixteen year old sister sat beside her and for a moment he thought if his responsibilities to them. The estate was doing much better than it had been when he left for the Americas', but it was still a long way from where it should be. If he were being honest with himself, he knew he should be spending this season looking for a wife with a large dowry, but the thought made his stomach turn. No one would do but Katherine and he knew nothing about her family. Not to mention the rumors he had begun to hear about himself. He couldn't imagine where those were coming from, but he hoped that whoever was spreading them stopped.
"Just enjoying the ride, mother," he answered, not willing to burden her with his thoughts. Yet his mother was no fool, "That may be, but there is something else on your mind." William acknowledged her shrewdness, "Ever observant aren't you. There is, but as of now I'll keep it to myself." His mother gave him a knowing look, but pursued the topic no more. They arrived at their townhouse shortly and William was pleased to see that it was in good repair. He really needed to remember to thank his steward properly. The man had an impeccable reputation and it had proved invaluable these years. William wasn't sure how he would have recovered without the man's help. He helped his mother and sister from the carriage and into the house where the ladies went upstairs to refresh themselves after the long ride. The butler informed William that his solicitor was waiting in the study so William headed there first. The man was a bit shorter than William and quite slender, but he made up for it with a ruthless business mind that William had come to appreciate. However the look on the man's face didn't bode well for their recent investments. "Hartley. Please, have a seat," William motioned to the chair in front of his desk as he took his place behind the large piece of furniture. The man sat, cleared his throat and began, "The investment we placed in the shipping company hasn't been as profitable as we hoped." William's jaw clenched, he had been counting on the profit to help with the spring planting. "How bad?" He asked. Hartley handed him a file, explaining, "Not bad, just not as good as hoped. The company lost one of three ships in a storm. They've brought on more investors to cover the loss and will be back to full capacity soon." William looked over the papers and breathed out heavily. The loss wasn't a disaster, but it certainly wasn't good news. He would have to discuss moving funds with his steward to see what costs could be cut to help the tenets with the planting. He thought again about how a young lady with a dowry would help, but pushed the thought aside.
He knew he was in love with Katherine and that whatever her situation, he wanted to marry her if she would have him. Hartley handed him a few more papers, more investments to consider and they discussed them for a few hours until his mantle clock chimed that it was dinner. After seeing Hartley out, he joined his mother and sister in the dining room. "William! You haven't even changed from your traveling clothes," his mother gently scolded him as he took his place. Smiling at her concern he replied, "Apologies mother. My solicitor was already here when we arrived and I have just now stepped out of the office." His mother's eyebrows wrinkled in concern, "Is there anything wrong?" He waved his hand dismissively, "Not at all. Just new opportunities that needed to be discussed." His mother continued to watch him until she was satisfied he was telling her the truth. He hated worrying her. After the years of neglect she had suffered by his father, she was still a remarkably attractive and kind woman. He hoped that she had been happy in his absence and he was glad that she had the company of his sister.
As they dined his mother asked him if he had a chance to look over the invitations they had received. "Not yet. Are there very many?" He asked her, knowing she had already looked them all over. "Plenty," She said happily. Their family had been snubbed for many years after his fathers disgrace and he was glad to see that his mother was being accepted again. "Let me know which we should accept and I'll send over the replies in the morning," he said, then excused himself to his study to go over the mail that was sitting on his desk. His mother joined him a little while later, pouring herself a brandy and sat by the bay window. William stood up from his desk and joined her with his own brandy. "What is it that you would like to discuss, mother?" he asked, knowing she had something on her mind since his sister had not accompanied her. Caroline Tavington looked at her son. Then she smiled gently as she said, "I'm so proud of you William. I have missed you so these past years, but I couldn't be more proud." William looked down at the glass he was holding, "Thank you, mother." "Now tell me," she continued, "what is it that is on your mind. I've seen you with a secret smile these last weeks. Have you met someone?" William looked up at her, "A secret smile? You are a romantic still, aren't you mother?" Caroline tapped her nose, "A mother always knows. Tell me about her." William smiled a little then, "She is incredible." Caroline grinned, "She would have to be to catch your attention my son. How did you meet this incredible woman?"
William told his mother everything he knew about Katherine. How they met, how hard she had worked alongside the soldiers to make sure everyone was taken care of, her work at the local hospital, the near miss at the church, and all their correspondence over the months they had been separated. "She does sound incredible, William. So why haven't you met with her family?" His mother asked. "I haven't had the time since returning. Between things on the estate, then the season approaching we agreed to meet in London. I know that I should be looking for someone with a dowry…" His mother cut him off, "Don't marry for money. I know your responsibilities and I understand how our society does these things, but you have found someone you can love. Please, I beg you, don't give that up William." William held his mother's eyes and saw the sincerity and a bit of desperation. He took her hand in his, "I won't mother. I'll figure something out with the money." She patted his hand, "Good. Nothing would break my heart faster than to see you in a loveless marriage. " William reassure her that he would not give up love , even though he felt a bit torn with the weight of the responsibility.
The first ball of the season was in three day and William had already accepted the invitation as Katherine had written, assuring him that she and her family would be in attendance. His sister had begged both their mother and him, but since she was not yet out in society she had been denied. He hated to tell her no, but their mother was quite against it. He looked for her that night before they left, but his mother told him that Danielle had retired to her room still upset. As he helped his mother into the carriage she reassured him, "She will be fine William. Every girl tries to hurry her time, but it is good for her to wait." Nodding to his mother's wisdom he fidgeted with his jacket until his mother swatted at his hands with her fan, "Stop with the nervous fidgeting. Everything will be fine. She will be here and it will be perfect."
William raised an eyebrow, "I do not fidget mother." Caroline sniffed, but said nothing more. William took a deep breath and tried to still the nervousness inside him. He hadn't seen Katherine in a year. What if she saw him out of his uniform and decided their meeting hadn't been as she remembered? Thoughts such as this plagued him as they disembarked then entered the ball. After being announced, he escorted his mother to her friends then was waved over by a few gentlemen that he knew from his time in Eton. As he talked with them, he searched the halls for Katherine, but could not find her. He began to worry that she wouldn't come at all. He noticed his mother waving him back over and so he excused himself and approached her. "Have you seen her yet?" She asked him. William shook his head and his mother replied, "It is early still, don't worry. I just heard from Anne that the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort are arriving. I know his son the marquess is looking for investors in a business. Perhaps you have heard?" William nodded, "It was one of the investments Hartley and I discussed the other afternoon."
As he and his mother talked, the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort were announced followed by their eldest son and daughter. William almost missed the announcement, but her name being shouted across the room startled him. He quickly looked to the entrance and saw her standing behind the Duke and Duchess. "And their son the Marquess of Hertford and daughter Miss Katherine Baylor." William's jaw almost fell open in his shock. Their stood the woman he was in love with, more radiant than he remembered. Her dark curls falling about her shoulders, her beautiful smile shining and then she locked eyes with him. Even William couldn't deny that her eyes took on a special light when she saw him. She squeezed her brothers' arm and whispered something to him nodding her head in the direction of William and his mother. William couldn't tear his eyes away from Katherine even though he heard his mother whisper, "Is that your Katherine?! William you didn't tell me she was the daughter of a Duke!" William shook his head in disbelief as Katherine and her family approached, "I had no idea mother. She never said."
William was still in shock as his mother curtsied then squeezed his arm for him to bow as the family approached. After the formal greeting the Duke held out his hand and William shook it firmly. "I've heard much about you Lord Tavington." William could feel the eyes of everyone in the ball room on them, "Lord Baylor. Only good I hope." The Duke eyed him then smiled, "Only good from anyone who matters." William breathed a sigh of relief inside, then introduced his mother. The Duke introduced his wife, son, and then, "And I believe you've met my eldest daughter, Katherine. Or at least I hope since you are all she has talked about since returning to us." William smiled at Katherine as she stepped forward, her face flushed at her father's comment, but William couldn't have been happier to hear it. He still couldn't believe who she was and began to worry that her family would immediately tell him to forget her, but his concern was relieved in the next comment. "Katherine, I believe I'll take your mother for a dance before I retire to the cards room," the Duke said kissing his daughters' cheek. "I believe you're in good company."
With that , the Duke and Duchess swept onto the dance floor while the Marquess excused himself as well, leaving Katherine with William and his mother. William was still having trouble finding words so his mother took pity on him, "Perhaps Miss Baylor would like to dance as well William?" William looked at Katherine as she bit her lower lip nervously and all his fears faded. "Of course. Miss Baylor would you care to dance?" He asked holding out his hand. She quickly slid her hand into his, "Yes, thank you." He nodded to his mother, suddenly full of confidence he hadn't had a moment ago. He led her to the dance floor as the orchestra struck up a new tune and the dancers took their places. He couldn't take his eyes from her as they wove in and out of the others and people began to notice, watching the new couple closely. When the song was ended, William took Katherines arm and helped her to the side of the floor finally getting to speak with her. "I've missed you," were the first words he said, surprising himself. He had meant to ask why she hadn't told him about her family, but when Katherine smiled up at him he knew he had said the right thing. "I've missed you too, William," her smile lit her whole face and William knew without a doubt there would never be another like her.
Before they could talk anymore, a young man approached Katherine asking her to dance. William thought about punching him in the nose, but Katherine smiled politely, saying yes. Realizing how inappropriate it would be for Katherine to stay by him all evening, William relaxed a bit, but still it irritated him. He didn't care how many people noticed him staring at Katherine as she moved around the dance floor. He would ask her tonight if he should talk to her father. If she agreed, he would wake the man up bright and early. Suddenly, the words of the women behind him broke through, "Do you think the Duke knows?" Asked one. The other replied, "How could he? He'd never let his daughter near him if he did! Shameful." William began to worry again. He had heard the rumors about himself, but he had hoped since the invitations had still come that no one believed them. He looked to Katherine again and she smiled at him over her partners shoulder. He heard the gasps of the women behind him and it tore at his conscious. Kathrine deserved someone above reproach.
William looked around the ballroom and found his mother beside some other ladies, but her back was rigid, her face a mask and he knew someone had said something. Cursing under his breath, he immediately went to her, "What is it?" His mother smiled a brittle smile at him, "Nothing at all William. I am fine." He heard the women behind her whisper, but couldn't make it out. Apparently his mother did as she stiffened more. About to confront the women, he felt someone come to stand by his side. Looking down it was Katherine and she had a look he had never seen before.
"Lady Tavington, I hope you are having a good time. Your son is a wonderful dancer," Katherine said brightly. His mother smiled at her gratefully, "I taught him myself." Katherine took his mothers hands, "You must be very proud. His kindness to me in America, not to mention him saving my life has shown me how wonderful a man you raised." William heard the gasps of the women behind his mother and realized what Katherine was doing. His heart swelled at the kindness she was showing his mother. Katherine looked to the ladies behind Caroline as if just noticing them, "Lady Twesbery, Lady Darby. I did not see you there, hiding in the shadows!" William heard the cut in Katherines' voice and almost laughed out loud at the horrified looks on the ladies faces. "Have you heard of my time in America? Of course you have! I have heard my own story from people I never told so many times already. Perhaps you'll let me set the record straight? You know how awfully unreliable gossips can be." Katherine excused herself from his mother, gave him a wink he almost missed, then confidently walked up to the older women, regaling them with her story.
His mother tapped his arm, "She's more than you mentioned, William." William smiled and nodded down at Caroline, never taking his eyes from Katherine who had the ladies rapt attention. "She's more than I knew, mother." Caroline smiled at her son, "Don't let her get away. You'll never have a better partner in life." William agreed as he escorted his mother to the dance floor.
Katherine had never been more angry in her life. Hearing the slurs against William and his time served in America made her furious. She had almost disgraced herself, shouting at the women before she caught herself. Knowing screaming would only hurt William, she took a breath and did damage control instead. She had grown up in this society with the instruction of her mother and knew how to dispel ugly rumors in a way that would have people begging her forgiveness.
When she was done with their story, the ladies were positively in a swoon over the romanticism she had woven for them. They looked toward William, envious of Katherine now. Katherine took a deep breath and smiled knowing the gossips would spread the appropriate story. It concerned Katherine that the horrible rumors were still abounding, though her father had voiced his support in his clubs and to his friends. Surely someone had to be keeping the rumors alive despite her family's support.
"Good evening, Miss Baylor," a voice said unsettlingly close to her ear. Startled, Katherine spun around, then relaxed as she recognized Lieutenant Andrews, a man she had taken care of in hospital. "Lieutenant! You startled me. It's good to see you well," Katherine said. Andrews smiled, "All thanks to your tender touch and it's Lord Andrews, Baron Clifford." Katherine felt a shiver go up her spine as he took her hand in his, kissing her knuckles. Something about his demeanor put her on edge and she quickly looked for William or her brother. Just as she began to back away from Andrews, she felt Willliams solid form behind her, "Andrews. I didn't know you were back." Katherine relaxed as William's hand touched the small of her back. "I've been back a few months," Andrews replied, looking a bit annoyed at the interruption, "I was just about to ask Katherine if she would like a dance." Williams face went flat at the familiarity, "Apologies Andrews, Miss Baylor already promised this dance to me." Without waiting for a reply, William swept her away towards the dance floor.
William felt Katherine's slight shake, "Are you alright?" Katherine turned her face up to look at him and smiled, "Now. Honestly I don't know why but the lieutenant suddenly made me nervous. He was always so kind in the hospital." William said nothing, knowing why Katherine felt the way she did. Andrews had been under his command when they had first arrived in America, until William had him dismissed from the Dragoons for being overly aggressive with rebels they caught. The man was unstable from what William had observed. "In any case," Katherine said drawing his attention, "At least I get to dance with you once more." William looked down at her as they took their places, agreeing, "I couldn't think of a better place to be."
The evening ended a success from what Katherine could tell. As she stood talking with Williams mother before she left, Katherine only heard good things being said about the Tavingtons'. Between her father and brother in the card room speaking to the men, and she and her mother quelling the gossips with romanticized stories, she had seen several mothers approach William and had to smile as he looked dazed at the attention. Once he peeled himself away from the debutants, he came to stand beside her, "Would you care to take a moment on the terrace?" Katherine nodded, smiling at Caroline before linking her arm through Williams'.
They walked awhile, nodding to other couples enjoying the cool evening before finding a quiet corner. Katherine waited patiently, hoping William would ask her what she was hoping for. She knew that it was probably too early to expect him to declare such intense feelings as she felt, but it didn't stop her from hoping. They stood together, looking out over the shadowed gardens until William turned to her, taking both of her hands, "Katherine, I've been thinking about this question since we returned to England and I haven't been able to think of the appropriate way to ask. You have been in my thoughts more than anything else." Katherine held her breath, a smile slowly spreading. "I love you, William. You are all I think about when I am waking and you haunt all my dreams," she confessed. William looked at her a moment before being unable to contain himself any longer. His hand quickly went around her waist, pressing her flush against his body, while his other hand tipped her head back so that his mouth could press against hers.
She felt like heaven, just as he had imagined she would. She melted against him with a light whimper and he asked to deepen the kiss, running his tongue against the seam of her lips. She opened to him without hesitation and he groaned into her mouth as pleasure gripped felt fire flood down her spine until she was entirely too hot all over. His tongue danced with hers as she gripped his coat, trying to draw him closer not knowing what it was she wanted except more. William must have understood what she did not, because he began walking her back, deeper in the shadow of the building and around a corner. Katherine moved one hand up to his head pulling him harder in to her mouth, not able to get enough of the sweet taste of him. She felt Williams hand slide from her waist to her bottom, squeezing her and pulling her tighter into him. His other hand went to the top of her daringly low cut gown, drawing out one breast into the cold air that had it budding to a tight peak.
Katherine knew she should be shocked, but she couldn't bring herself to be anything other than pleased as his dark head bent to take her in his mouth. Both her hands went to his broad shoulders to steady herself as waves of pleasure washed over her, her head falling loose on her shoulders. Whimpering , her intense desire getting the better of her, she lifted her hips toward him seeking a relief she didn't know. William lifted his head from her, staring down at her in the dark, his eyes shadowed so that she couldn't tell what he was thinking. She heard him suck in a deep breath, before his head bent again, kissing her breast, then trailing a path up her neck then took her mouth in another searing kiss as he pulled her dress back up. He kept her pressed against him tightly as he took another deep breath, resting his forehead on hers. Katherine shuddered against him, missing the heat already, when she heard him groan as if in pain, "I'll speak to your father first thing tomorrow." Katherine answered with a groan of her own, "I wish it were tonight." William chuckled darkly before kissing her deeply again, "Soon. I promise." He pulled away from her to check her appearance was without question, helping her straighten her gown and hair, all the while wishing he were taking the gown off and her hair down to spread on his pillow.
Shaking his head against such dangerous thoughts, he lead them slowly back around insight of the doors where they wouldn't be questioned. As he looked down at Katherine he couldn't help the pleasure he got from seeing her dazed look. Her lips were slightly red from his rough treatment and her eyes were still glazed with passion. Her response to him had been both innocent and demanding, a combination he couldn't wait to explore with her. /span/p