Chapter Four: By George, I Think She's Got It!

Theresa sat comfortably under the willow tree; the mid-morning air was fresh and warm. Charlotte had business to attend to, a lot had happened in the past few days. She met many interesting characters, Charlotte of course. She had learned that Charlotte was going to be married soon, her betrothed was expected to arrive in a few weeks and Charlotte was just elated. The General Cornwallis; he was sweet, a little arrogant but all in all he had been nothing but kind to her. He had even offered her access to his personal library; to which she was forever grateful; the books made the days pass quickly and she did not miss television a much. Although she would still kill to know what was happening on The Bold and The Beautiful.
She had even found a 'newer' copy of Robinson Crusoe that she was currently pouring herself into. She always loved books; her mother always would tell people she was: Book smart but common sense dumb. Her head snapped up abruptly as she heard someone clear their throat.
Oh shit. There about a foot in front of her stood the all too imposing figure of Colonel William Tavington staring down at her a smug look etched into his features. She swallowed the lump that had currently taken up residence in her throat, and fought the urge to vomit. Here he was again, fresh on the heels of her letting the word twat slip. This could not be good.

"Can I help you, sir?" Theresa covered her eyes from the sunlight that strongly filtered behind him, making her squint. She was surprised when he removed his helmet placing it under his arm, he took a few steps toward her and even more to her surprise; squatted down eyelevel with her.

"Yes …it has been...brought to my attention" He paused; it seemed like forever. "That the other day…I may have been…well, I was very rude to you; and I do believe I owe you an apology." Theresa kept her eyes fixated on her lap…embarrassed and not sure of herself.

"It's a 'right." She found her voice and used it meekly. She was a little shocked and taken aback when she felt a finger slid under her delicate jawline and lift her eyes to his. His gaze held hers for a beat.

"I do apologize."

"It's a'right...I wasn't exactly on my best behavior…" She chuckled. The corner of his mouth lifted ever so slightly. There was an awkward pause for a moment but it felt like hours to her.

"If I may," he broke the silence, "inquire; what are you reading?"

"Robinson Crusoe…"She answered simply lifting the heavy novel from her lap. His eyebrows rose, and a deep chuckle emanated from his throat.

"Hmm..."He said pensively..."Interesting I was lead to believe most ladies, preferred more …romantic in devours." A genuine toothy smiled graced her face, and a soft laugh came from somewhere inside her.

"Well, I guess I'm not like most ladies." She shrugged.

General Cornwallis and Charlotte had informed Theresa of a Ball that would be thrown later in the week, much to Theresa's horror. Charlotte insisted that she attend. The younger woman groaned and insisted that she didn't know how to dance, and that she would only make a fool of herself.

"I can do the Electric Slide." She said hopefully. Which was met but looks of utter confusion.
"Forget it." She mumbled.

"Don't worry, darling I'll take care of it." The General clapped a hand down on her delicate shoulder reassuringly.

"You are leading again, dear." O'Hara sighed a hint of exasperation in his voice.

'That's only 'cause you're insistin' on dancin' like a chick." She muttered crossly, they had been at it all day in the general's office. She was dancing in her sleep for god's sake; and unlike Eliza Doolittle she did not want it to go on all damn night. Other officers had come and gone some chuckling about her lack of 'lightness of foot'; which made her cheeks burn red. But now it was even more embarrassing. Charlotte sat in the corner of the large study working on her needle point every so often she'd raise her head and offer a critique. The General Cornwallis was at his desk conferring with of all people; Colonel Tavington. They didn't seem to pay the couple any mind; but she couldn't help but feel judged. O'Hara quickly twirled her outward and then almost violently pulled back in to him, dropping her into the most ungraceful dip anyone had ever seen.

"What was that, dear?" He asked; still holding her in a precarious position; hovering over the hardwood floor.

"Well, why don't you slap some rouge on and wear a dress." She hissed feeling a new sense of security with Cornwallis and Charlotte in the room as well. She'd never know; but either Tavington or Cornwallis erupted a laugh but quickly tried to disguise it as a cough. It wasn't far from the truth; she had wondered a few times when she was around General O'Hara if he'd been wearing make-up; or was his skin naturally that pale and cheeks that rosy.

"Oh sh..." She gasped and the general allowed her to slip unceremoniously on to the floor in a heap. The Lord Generals head snapped up staring at the pair with a hint of annoyance.

"Miss Theresa fell again." O'Hara offered simply.

"Was dropped." Theresa interjected softly.

Another hour past; she had to admit she thought she had gotten a bit better. Grace she lacked; always had. But at least she had the moves down. O'Hara twirled her quite fast and she nailed it, soon she was back against the man and she heard a slow almost 'golf like' clap from Charlotte.

"Very good." The Lord General commented but she didn't think actually he'd even been paying attention. Tavington was completely stone silent. She'd heard Cornwallis make a comment to Tavington about 'farmers with pitchforks." Yeah, that are about to kick your ass. She couldn't help it. At that moment; her heel somehow had gotten tangled in the hem of her gown; and her person crumpled...loudly onto the floor.

"That is the eighth time today." O'Hara grumbled.

"I didn't know you were keepin' track." She muttered a scowl on her face. They must have finished whatever business they were attending to because Tavington seemed to be heading for the door, she watched it swing open, but he paused, and closed it much to her surprise, he with a few large strides stood in front of her offering his hand to her.

"General O'Hara, would you mind if I cut in?" He never actually looked at the man; his intense gaze was glued on her. Slowly and shyly she slid her hand into his waiting one, his was so much larger in seem to engulf hers.

"No, please" General O'Hara threw his hands in the air. "Please." Tavington assisted her up as she brushed off her skirts and regained her composure. He pulled her into his arms, his arm around her tiny waist and her hand in his. He noted how much smaller than he she was; delicate. Her head only came to the base of his neck, and he felt as though he could easily crush her fingers inside his.

They slowly went through the routine, much to everyone's shock. Tavington lowered his lips to her ear.
"Sometimes all it takes." She spun her out from his protective arms, and then pulled her back in. "Is the right partner." He whispered. She didn't think anyone else heard it. Charlotte much to Theresa's embarrassment was on her feet clapping like a madwoman; and Theresa couldn't help but feel like child whose mother was embarrassing her. But she couldn't help the feeling of triumph and pride that welled inside her. By George; I think she's got it!

A/N: Please Review; I would love to know what anyone thinks about this story. Comments, criticisms; I'll take it all.