The Collins' siblings were sat down in the living room. twenty-four year old Adam Collins, the eldest of the three, was unusually quiet. He was too busy glancing between his novel and his mother who was at the front door talking to another suitor for Effie, the second born. Thankfully the Collins' were wealthy, their rather massive plantation grew various fruits, vegetables and livestock. Arthur Collins, the owner of the plantation, thought it prudent that he made deals with neighbouring vineyards for the fruits his fields and trees bore.

This decision brought in a decent yearly income for the Collins' family. The only 'problem' with the Collins' family was that they were profound pacifists. This proved to be rather difficult for business for the last few years as they were in the midst of a war, the 'American revolution' as most patriots were calling it. Their only aim being to overthrow the British forces in America, seek independence and no longer service the King.

Effie scrunched her brow when she heard a disgusted male voice and then the door shutting. "Ah, I believe that's your queue to leave dear sister" Adam smirked as their mother stormed into the room.

"Effie Collins!" Her mother, Agatha, screeched.

Effie, who was only twenty, looked up at her mother with a small smile playing on her lips "Yes dearest mother?" She calmy spoke, causing the youngest of the siblings, Charlotte aged only eighteen to cover her mouth with the back of her hand.

"That is your last warning! another episode like that and you're out of this house!" Agatha shouted before throwing her arms up in the air and flouncing out of the room.

"What was wrong with that one?" Charlotte giggled as she picked her embroidery up from the table, carefully threading the needle with a lilac coloured thread "Was his nose too big? or did his breath smell like fish again?" She excitedly asked.

"No, he was absolutely dreadful and his voice! horrible!" Effie groaned before sinking back into her armchair, her back hurting from keeping it straight. She couldn't be further from societies standard of a 'suitable' woman. Not that she wasn't pretty, she was with her long blonde hair, blue eyes and oval face. It was because she rarely wore dresses made from silk as she was always either in the stables or tending to the front gardens. Of course her mother didn't approve but she had learned that her opinion didn't matter. On the other hand, her father, Albert had actually taken an interest to what Effie wanted from her life. He had taught her to draw when she was just five and as time passed she obviously got better and better "Mother acts as though I'm a cow ready for auction!"

"Mooooo" Adam smirked before resuming his reading, finally flicking to the next page "Marriage isn't that hard, balancing the books is far harder"

"Why don't you marry then?" Effie sighed before taking a long needed deep breath.

"I am waiting for the right woman" he muttered before closing his book and placing it on the table next to him "Anyways, I'm allowed to wait, unlike you two"

"must I marry soon?" Charlotte mumbled and continued with her embroidery. Now in Effie's opinion, her sister was by far the most beautiful of the family, she prim, proper and never spoke out of turn. That didn't mean that she loved her any less "even though I'm only eighteen?"

"No man will ever hurt either of my sisters" Adam spoke before pulling on his coat "especially you Lottie" He winked over at his sister, only for her to innocently smile and stared down at the tulips she had just stitched.

Thanks Adam, truly appreciated" Effie mumbled and picked up her tea cup "I'll not marry until I find the right person"

"Well sometimes we can't have what we wish for I'm afraid sister" Adam groaned before stretching out "I'm going to find father, he probably needs help with the books again"

"Oh alright, I'll come with you" Charlotte smiled and stood up as well. they both walked out of the room without another word, leaving their other sister in the room alone.

Effie rolled her eyes, maybe if she went on a horse ride she could escape her mothers horrible clutches for the majority of the afternoon. With that, the young woman quietly walked out of the room and over towards the clothing hooks. She picked off her grey riding cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders, slipping on her riding shoes as she did. After stealing a glance of her mother's reflection in the mirror, Effie quickly opened the front door and silently closed it behind her. She practically skipped over towards the stables, positioned just left of the house.

"Ah, where are you going young lady?" A male voice spoke, causing her blood to freeze for a moment. She turned around to see her father sat on a bench which was coincidently outside of the stables "Where are you going in such a hurry?"

"For a ride, I promise that I'll be home before sunset"

Arthur took out his pocket watch and shook his head "It just so happens that your horse is already saddled, it's like I knew you were coming here" He glanced up at his daughter and saw her confused look "go, be back within the next hour and half"

"Thank you papa!" Effie beamed before rushing into the stables, taking her grey thoroughbred, Willow, out of her paddock. She gently patted the mare's neck before climbing onto the saddle. Within the next five minutes she was cantering down the path towards the forest, taking in a few deep breaths of the spring air. When she was a good distance into the forest, around half an hour into her ride, something spooked her horse. Willow reared upwards, causing Effie to clutch onto the reins and hold onto the saddle for dear life. Moments later the mare bolted down the forest path "Woah, woah, easy girl!" Effie tried soothing the horse as the top of her cloak became loose.

"Miss? Do you need help?!" someone shouted. Effie couldn't really hear anything as the wind around her practically deafened her. After a few long minutes, someone was able to catch up and take a hold of the reins, managing to slow the horse down much to her relief. Effie looked to the side and saw a man looking her up and down "Are you alright? Not injured in any way?" He asked quickly, not giving her much time to answer.

"I had it under control" she mumbled and took back control of the horse, snatching the reins from his hand "Who are you anyway?" her cape hood had fallen down to reveal her golden hair which was braided neatly and tied with a ribbon. She looked up at him and scowled, causing him to scrunch his brow. In reality he found her attitude rather annoying, it was a shame as she had rather nice looking face.

This man, whoever he was, had rather bright blue eyes, especially when sunlight hit them through the thick canopy of trees "I think I'm the one that just saved your life" the man spoke in a dangerous tone as he tightened his hone on his reins, steering his horse in front of hers before coming to a complete stop "If I weren't here, you would've fallen off and possibly broken your neck, be at least a little bit grateful"

"Alright fine, I thank you for the help" She shook her head before noticing that this man had a British cavalry uniform on. A lump formed in her throat as she realised how rude she just was "I-I'm sorry, it's been a horrible day. I thank you, sir? you are dressed as a soldier, I presume that you are one"

"Yes, I'm Colonel William Tavington of his majesties cavalry, I command the Green Dragoons" he sat up ramrod straight and looked down at her. The young woman, whoever she was, stared up at him with wide eyes "are you going to tell me your name or must I guess it?"

"Oh I'm Effie, Effie Collins" She spoke before slanting her head to the side ever so slightly. The colonel nodded. Collins, now where had he heard that name?

"what of your loyalties?"

"I'm a pacifist"

"Ah, very well"

"I must be on my way, my papa will be wondering why I'm not at dinner"

"Well allow me to ride home with you? Your horse might spiral out of control again, especially if you are riding back down the path you just came from" Tavington offered, causing the girl's face to twist into one of uncertainty.

Effie bit the inside of her cheek "And how do I know that you won't try to kill me?"

The colonel let out a soft chuckle before shaking his head and glancing down at her "I won't, you're a woman, I just ask you to trust me" he mumbled before shooting her a small smile "Come on, it's dangerous nowadays especially with the war"

"Oh very well, my home is this way" Effie steered her horse to the right and spurred her mare into a steady trot. Tavington was soon by her side, keeping a close eye on the young miss as they rode along the path.

"May I ask what you were doing out here all alone?" The Colonel asked, causing the young miss's shoulders to tense "you don't need to answer if you don't want to"

After around a minute, she spoke "I was escaping my life for a few hours, my mother..." Effie trailed off her grip on the reins "She wished for me to marry a man I had known for five minutes, I refused of course and now she hates me" She glanced to the side and saw that Tavington's eyes had widened slightly "She is persistent in thinking that there is something wrong with me, all because I don't like any suitor she invites into our home"

"Well I can't see anything physically wrong with you" The colonel shrugged before looking at the road ahead of them. He quickly reached down and took a hold of her reins again, bringing her horse to a stop again. Before Effie could speak, he spoke "That's what spooked your horse" Tavington pointed down at a snake that was bundled in a coil on the path "It's a copperhead, most horses are usually scared by snakes" Instead of watching the snake, Effie was focused on the colonel's hand that was gripped around her mare's reins. She took note that he had a hole in the cuff of his coatee causing her to smile ever so slightly. When his hand moved away, she looked back up at him, though he soon began trotting down the path again "Anyway if your father wished for you to be married, he'd have paired you off the second you turned sixteen"

"so four years ago?"

The colonel took a mental note that Effie was twenty, just nine years younger than himself "You see, if you have sisters they can marry so you don't need to, that is if you have them"

"I wouldn't want dear Charlotte to be subjected to that fate, it isn't fair"

"if it makes you feel any better, my sister is twenty-six and unmarried, she is content with being a governess for her nieces and nephews" William responded before stroking his horses mane, smiling when they eventually reached the edge of the forest.

"and what of you? you probably have a lovely woman waiting for you back in England" Effie spoke, choosing her words carefully just in case he responded with a flurry of harsh words.

The colonel shook his head "No, each woman I attempt to court always gets stolen by another man, though after a while I don't care as it was lust not love"

Effie scrunched her brow, unfamiliar with the word "What's lust?"

"N-nothing, just something a gentleman such as myself shouldn't feel" William quickly spoke and looked at the plantation to the left of them "I'm guessing that one is yours?"

"It is, my papa will be glad that I'm back early" Effie gleamed and gently spurred her horse forwards before noticing that her new acquaintance didn't follow her. She turned her horse around and cast him a soft smile "would you like to stay for dinner? I assure you that my family is more than welcoming"

Tavington raised an eyebrow "You were scared that I'd murder you a few minutes ago"

"Well you saved my life, if you were to murder me you would've done it while in the forest, no?"

William couldn't help but smirk at that comment, a fiery spirit indeed "Very well, you've twisted my arm Miss Collins, lead the way" His stallion let out a gruff neigh when his owner spurred him forwards "Will it be possible to feed my horse some oats? he's getting a little hungry"

"Of course, I'll have the stable master fix them both something to eat"

"Thank you, Miss Collins, it is much appreciated" As they neared the stable, Effie dismounted her horse. William, without intending to, caught a glimpse of the top of her stocking causing him to swallow thickly. When he eventually swung his leg over his saddle, landing on the dirt with ease, he took a hold of his stallion's reins and guided him into the rather nice looking stable.

"the stall next to Willow is free"

"Willow? that's her name?"

"hmm, what's his name?" She asked as she slowly walked over towards the colonel, taking more interest in his horse than him. Effie gently rested her hand on the stallion's forehead, softly rubbing the small white patch there "Hello handsome" As she was fussing over his horse, William was observing her facial features. She had a beautiful smile and he rather liked their height difference, even if it was only a couple of inches in his favour. And even though her hair was slightly messy, he rather enjoyed it.

He caught himself staring at her before clearing his throat "His name is Brecken, he's been with me since the beginning of this campaign" Tavington clicked his tongue as he started walking Brecken into the stall, unsaddling him and laying the saddle on a stall wall "So from what I've heard I need to be extra sugar coated with your mother to win her over" The colonel added, smirking ever so slightly as he took off his helmet and smoothed down his chestnut hair

"You're not asking for permission to court me, it's a thank you for rescuing the poor damsel in distress"

"so now you admit to being the damsel, Miss Collins?" Effie let out a soft laugh before shaking her head and lightly pushing his shoulder "Not very ladylike are we?" William softly chuckled, In truth he quite liked it.

"And that, good sir, is why I scare my suitors away"

"Hilarious, anyway I would like it if you called me by my given name" To be honest, he'd had a rather horrible day. First the cursed meeting with Cornwallis and the inability to keep a quill from snapping each time he wrote . But now, it's all seemed to be worth it, this woman had managed to make him laugh, something he rarely did at the best of times "say it with me 'Will-i-am"

"how funny" She tutted before walking past him "if you'll follow me Will-i-am"

William rolled his eyes and followed her to the door of her father's property. All in all, he found her rather charming. When he were inside, he couldn't help but stare at his surroundings "You never told me that you were wealthy"

"my parents are"

"And that is exactly what wealthy people say"

Effie shook her head and told him to wait in the drawing room so she could get her papa. William looked around the room, walking over towards the mantlepiece above the fireplace. He smiled when he saw miniature portraits in frames, even one of the entire family. As a boy, William only ever had one portrait of himself painted, he always had the inability to stay still for hours on end. Tavington heard footsteps coming down the hall and stood up straight, moving his left arm behind his back whilst the other remained at his side. Effie came back accompanied by her father and, who he believed to be, her sister "You see he saved me from falling of my horse, I invited him for dinner as a thank you" William's lip curved upwards when she told the classic 'damsel in distress' story. The sister kept glancing up at her father and then at William before grinning over at Effie.

"You did a good deed to me" her father looked at William before casting him a small smile "I am in your dept, sir?"

"Colonel William Tavington of his majesties legion" William spoke "But I ask that you don't bother with the formalities, it's my duty to protect innocents especially during this war " he glanced at Effie before clearing his throat, oddly enough, he never lost his words "Your daughter included"

Her father smirked slightly, noticing his daughter's coloured cheeks "I see...well Effie can you entertain the colonel until dinner is ready" Arthur glanced to the side and saw her other daughter on the verge of laughter "Charlotte haven't you got to be measured for a new dress?"

"Do I?"

"yes, you do" When Charlotte eventually took the hint, Arthur sat down in his armchair next to the fireplace and picked up the latest newspaper. William glanced down at Effie who in turn was rather confused with her father's actions "Don't stare at me like that dear one, he's welcomed to dinner, entertain him with conversation or him some sort of beverage"

"Ah- yes, I apologize, please sit down while I fetch a pot of tea"

William held back a laugh when she saw how nervous she was before sitting down and watching her leave the room. He stared over at her as she turned the corner into the kitchen "So, her horse spiraled out of control" Arthur asked.

"There was a copperhead in the middle of the path, her horse ran onwards, I was lucky enough to be on said path. When I slowed her horse we had a conversation and she invited me for dinner as a thank you" William leaned backwards, trying his best to catch a glance of Effie but to no avail. He took off his gloves, trapping them on the inside of his belt. Her father raised an eyebrow and put down his newspaper "I assure you, sir, I did nothing to cause your daughter dishonour"

Arthur nodded and bit the inside of his lip, as though he was thinking of something to say "I saw the way you look at her"

"I find her rather nice- as would any gentleman" He stared down at his the golden signet ring on his right-hand little finger, subconsciously twirling it around with his thumb "Sir, I do not know what you wish for me to say, I met her only an hour ago" When he heard a subtle curse, William turned his head and saw Effie walking into the room with a tray of tea. He smiled slightly as he stood up helped her by taking the pot off the tray and placing it on the tea table "careful, I don't think I can rescue you from burns, Miss Collins" William took the tray from her hands, their hands accidently brushing together. When they sat down again, they struck up conversation almost instantly.

Arthur watched from over his paper as the colonel spoke in hushed words with his daughter. Though when he saw Effie's smile, he resumed his reading and let them be. William picked up his cup and poured himself some of the hot beverage, adding only a small splash of milk to the drink "aren't you ever fearful that the porcelain will crack with the heat?"

The colonel let out a brief but soft chuckle "Yes it has happened a few times to me but milk used to upset my stomach as a boy, it still does if I drink too much, but it waters down the tea" William glanced over his shoulder at Arthur before leaning in a little closer towards Effie. She noticed that he had a ring on his finger and stared at it for a short while, of course her noticed after a few seconds.

"I like your ring, is it your family crest?"

"Indeed" He muttered and brought his hand a little closer to hers, showing off the golden band "It was my father's idea of a gift for my betrothed- though that hasn't happened just yet" William explained, realising that she was actually interested in the conversation "Do you like it?" he asked and all she did was nod.

"yes I do, very much, it's unique"


Effie half expected William to be staring over at Charlotte instead of conversing with her. She took great delight in being asked numerous questions about herself. On the other hand, her mother was far from impressed, she was constantly glancing between the two before taking a long drag of her wine. However, Arthur quite enjoyed the colonel's company, especially with how much respect he treated his daughter with. William didn't care to notice that her brother, Adam was staring intently at him, thinking of the different ways he could murder him if he ever hurt her. Charlotte noticed Adam's antics and elbowed him in the ribs, uttering a few words of warning into his ear. When they had finished their meal, William and Effie struck up conversation once again, annoying both her mother and brother.

"So, why did you join the cavalry?" Effie curiously asked, staring up at the man sat beside her.

William hummed softly "Well I studied law at the university of oxford but decided to leave after my second year, after that my father paid for my commission as a sergeant , only to squander my families name and money a few weeks later" He softly shook his head and looked into her eyes.

"Oh...I'm sorry-"

"Don't apologise, you didn't know"

Agatha cleared her throat, catching both of their attention. Effie quickly looked over her shoulder before turning towards to face her mother "How was the meal Colonel? Better than what they serve at your camps?"

"Aggie!" Arthur lowly spoke.

William cleared his throat and looked down at the empty plate in front of him "Ah, yes it was lovely, it is a shame that I finished it so quickly" He finally noticed that Adam was staring at him, causing him to furrow his brow "I do apologise if I have overstayed my welcome, I will be leaving soon"

"Oh..." Effie looked over at her father who tipped his head to the side "I'm positive that you haven't overstayed your welcome, my father welcomed you at his table and-"

"Effie" Her mother snapped causing the young miss to flinch ever so slightly "I do apologise Colonel, she has a tendency to speak out of turn"

Tavington shook his head "there is no need to be sorry, she did nothing wrong in the first place" After another five minutes or so, the Collins' family vacated the dining room and made their way into the drawing room. William thought that it'd be best for him to leave as he didn't intend to be out this late in the first place. Though when he remained in the corridor to ready himself for the journey as a servant readied his horse, Effie decided to stay with him.

"Must you leave? Tonight has been amazing" She noticed that William had kept his eyes locked on hers, causing her cheeks to turn red "I haven't had decent company in ages" She quickly spoke only for him to raise an eyebrow "Can you say something?"

"I find it rather amusing that just two hours ago we didn't know each other and now you're asking me not to leave" William muttered before taking his gloves from his belt, holding them in his right hand "anyway, this evening has made my week"

"So you'll come back?" She hopefully asked only for him to subtly nod "oh, wonderful! when will you return?"

"I have five days left of leave, after that I am to make for Charles Town and aid Banastre Tarleton with the siege" William spoke, not realising that he had just given away information to do with his cavalry and its whereabouts. He cleared his throat and looked her up and down "here" With that he took of his signet ring and gently took her hand "Now, I want you to keep this as a keepsake"

"Colonel-"

"William" He corrected her.

"I can't take this-"

"You can, I am giving it to you"

"b-but it's yours"

"and now it's a keepsake for you to remember me by" William smiled before reaching up and hesitantly bringing her braid over her shoulder. Effie's eyes widened ever so slightly when he untied the ribbon holding her hair together "bright blue, the colour of your eyes, each time I look at this I'll remember you"

Effie shook her head and took the ribbon from his hand causing him to furrow his brow. She took his arm and unfolded his cuff before tying the silk around his wrist before refolding his cuff "There, now you aren't breaking your dress code" He looked to the side and noticed that her family was still inside the drawing room, probably waiting for her to come back "I wish that you could stay longer"

"Maybe I'll come here tomorrow"

"If you do, I think it best if you wear something other than your uniform- I think it made Adam rather uneasy"

"Ah, I noticed that he didn't like me much by the way he was looking at me over the table"

"He doesn't like most men who come to our home, especially if they're here for Charlotte"

"Well it's a good thing that I'm here for you then, isn't it?" William smirked and gently took her hand into his, lifted it to his lips, softly kissed her knuckles before taking a step away from her "I'll see you soon Effie, take care of yourself" And with that, the colonel opened the door and walked out onto the front porch. He glanced over his shoulder and saw that she was rather upset by his departure "I will be here tomorrow, waiting for you"