Welcome back to the second chapter!
Let's open up the door for a ball! I hope you like how I introduce some new characters!
Please let me know what you think!

Disclaimer: I still only own the plotline and my OC's

May 1803

First Impressions

William Adama

Commander William Adama was not fond of big social gatherings, but he actually despised balls. All those people dressed up and parading like peacocks, talking about nonsense, demanding the utter obedience to society's unwritten rules - it was tedious. He'd rather stay at home, read a good book or play cards with a few close friends.
While they were entering the huge house he was trying to come up with a last minute excuse why he really could not stay, but there was nothing he could have said. Additionally he knew how important that ball was for his children who dearly loved some entertainment (Adama understood that, they were young after all) and he definitely could not let them alone in this menagery full of wolves and cougars, who were only waiting for them to do one false step. And that false step would come, he knew it for sure. Both of his children were headstrong and didn't hold back with their own opinions, especially Karolina. That girl, also known as Kara, was the bluntness in person, something that was not accepted among the people that would attend the ball. Therefore Will Adama had advised her to keep her mouth shut as much as possible and not to get drunk on the punch. Behind his back people were saying that he had messed up as a parent and that was probably true, however he did not have time to dwell on the failures of his life just now.

A servant opened the door for the little family and they entered, him first and then his son Leopold with Karolina on his arm. Thank God the room was already full of people, laughter and music so their entrance was not a remarkable thing, they only had to greet Lord and Lady Adar who were standing at the door to the main ballroom, welcoming their guests individually. William had only met Adar a few times and each time he had become more and more convinced that he did not like him at all. The London gentry all described him as charming and agreeable, though he would rather describe him as obsequious and devious. Unfortunately he seemed to be the only one with that opinion, not counting his Family. So he had decided to hold his tongue and go with the charade, smiling politely at their hosts. Only a very good observer would have noticed that the friendly expression never reached his eyes.

Inside, huge chandeliers adorned the ceiling, sending their warm light out over the room. There was so much gold around that it was nearly blinding, in the decorations on the walls, on the dishes on the buffett tables, even on the flower vases. The Adar family was showing off their wealth and not in a subtle way. Leopold excused himself to join some young officers he knew at the other end of the room while Kara stayed with Bill, longingly glancing over to the punch. Suddenly, a woman rushed towards them, dragging an older man behind her. Adama sighed innerly while his daughter atually groaned at the prospect of having to make conversation with Ellen Tigh.

"Oh here you are!", Mrs Tigh shouted delighted, nearly lifting her voice over the music, "I was so afraid you would not come! But it is such a pleasure to have you here at last!"

Kara looked away, Bill was certain it was so nobody would see her rolling her eyes. Mr Saul Tigh greeted them as well though in a more subdued manner. Him and Adama were good friends, they had served in the military together, however Karolina and him clashed at every opportunity. The curtsy the young woman performed was more than sloppy, though her father was fairly certain that it was rather a lack of skill than a lack of will. For a change.

"Mr Adama, I really have to introduce you to a lot of people here today. You will find their company most refreshing, I am sure!"

If her aquaintances tonight were of the usual kind, they were much too young women that Ellen tried to set him up with. Why was a mystery to him, she probably considered matchmaking a reasonable hobby.

"But first, let's start with a bit of who-is-who", she added cheerfully. "Over there, you can see Dr. Gaius Balter. He is a scientist, I don't know what he is doing, but it seems to be something important and he is also one of the most influential politicians nowadays. Do you see that pretty blond woman with the red dress who is standing close to her? That is Gina Inviere, daughter of a man who made a fortune in trade. Rumour has it that she is his mistress, if you look at that dress' neckline, I am very inclined to believe it."

While Kara actually seemed to listen, Bill let is gaze wander over the other guests. He hardly knew anybody, probably due to him living outside London in Kensington and also because he hardly meddled with this self-satisfied high society pack. Ellen did not seem to notice his lack of interest and went on talking.

"So over there is Admiral Cain and his wife, you might want to talk to them. She is very… spirited", she added, looking as if she just had found a stain on her yellow gown.

Adama could bet, that woman had a certain reputation, it would actually be interesting to meet her in person. His friend's wife scooted a bit closer to him so he could smell the punch on her breath.

"Over there, the woman with the brown hair, that is Laura Roslin. She would be the best catch in the whole room if she wasn't that old. But you know, a man can get money from her but never an heir. Also, nobody seems to be good enough, she has refused all of her many suitors. She doesn't care about her reputation, not at all! It is hideous! Such good breeding, so accomplished, all those political connections and then the character ruins everything!"

She sighed theatrically.

"But", Mrs Tigh added with a little evil grin, "rumour has it that she has an affair with Lord Adar. Can you believe it! Why would somebody like him take somebody like her as a mistress?"

Even though he normally couldn't be bothered to deal with gossip, Bill took a closer look at the woman in question. From what Ellen had described, he had somehow thought of an old lady with a walking stick. Instead he saw a woman that had a better posture than a lot of the younger girls, she was standing straight with a calm air of confidence around her. She was alone, a glass of punch in her hand, apparently surveying the crowd. Her profile was very appealing, those fine features and especially the slight smile that was playing around her lips. As if she had felt his look on her, Laura Roslin turned her head towards the Commander. When their eyes met across the whole room, he suddenly felt like a schoolboy who had been caúght cheating. However she seemed rather amused, simply raising an eyebrow. Then she raised her glass, as if in silent salut. In that moment, he decided he wanted to meet her. She seemed by far the most interesting stranger here.

Thank you for reading!
Up next: The first talk between Adama and Roslin