Here comes the promised longer chapter. I hope you enjoy it, please let me know what you think.
I had considered adding Kara's or Violet's POV at that point but then decided to stick to the two established perspectives.

Disclaimer: I only own my OC's (and there are a lot in this chapter) and my storyline.

May 1803

The Picture

William Adama

It was embarassing, really, that a social call made him nearly more unconfortable than sailing alone on open sea. At the same time, William knew that there was no way around the whole thing. He had to get through it, head first, with as much dignity as possible. When they arrived in front of the stately house on Picadilly shortly after three, Kara was practically bouncing in her seat as well. As he did not want it to become even more uncomfortable, Bill quickly got out of the carriage to hand his and Kara's card to the servant. He hated waiting in the carriage, especially as he wasn't even sure what he was waiting for. Did he want the family to be at home or not?

It was only then that it occured to him that maybe doing a social call on a Sunday was not such a good idea. But well, now it was too late, now they could only wait and see. After what felt like hours a butler with a stoic expression bid them inside, leading them through the entrance hall to what must be the study. Mr Agathon was sitting behind an enormous oak desk which was practically bending from the sheer amount of paper that was loaded on top. His wife and daughter were positioned on the two window benches, just packing away their sewing kit when they entered. Even though they all seemd a bit confused by the Adamas' arrival, their greeting was polite and friendly.

"I am very sorry if we disturb you at an inconvenient time", the Commander started, still slightly awkward, but Agathon just brushed it aside with a small wave of his hand. "Don't worry, it is no inconvenience. Now, why don't we let the ladies amuse themselves in the drawing room while we stay here and chat?"

It wasn't as if Bill could object, but he also did not feel like it. He was happy to talk to this calm, sensible man and Kara - well, she would survive on her own. The Agathon ladies did not strike him as anybody who would wish his daughter ill.

When they were the only ones left in the room, his host gestured to a chair in front of his desk were Adama sat down thankfully. Without any difficulties, they ressumed the conversation from where they had stopped the night before. After a couple of minutes, Mr Agathon got up to retrieve some maps that he wanted to use to prove one his points. While he was busy, Bill let his eyes wander over the room. No doubt, he liked it, it was not big, but big enough to not be crammed. Shelves were covering part of the walls, stocked with books and things that were undoubtedly souvenirs from travels to exotic places. In between the stacks of papers on the desk, he could see a small family portrait. Apparently Miss Agathon was not the only Agathon daughter after all. Also there was another young man on the picture who had not been at the ball the night before. The ressemblance to his other blonde brother was striking, they could even be twins.

Next to the door on the right hung another framed picture, a picture that on the first glance did not seem to fit into the room at all. Nevertheless, or maybe because of it, he got curious. Against his own better judgement, Commander Adama got up, walking closer to the picture.

It was a peaceful scene, two girls sitting next to a small lake in a meadow dotted with wildflowers. The one closer to the observer had beautiful, long golden hair, her fine profile was glowing in the sunshine. She must have been around twelve and for some reason reminded him of a blonde Miss Agathon. On the painting she was braiding the other girl's wavy auburn hair that had a distinctive gleam to it. That girl, about the same height, sat with the back to the observer so one could not see her face or what she was doing with her hands. It somehow disappointed Bill, as if it was crucial for him to know what this strange girl looked like. Were her eyes stern and severe or gentle and kind? Was there a sparkle in them that made them light up? Was that mysterious child smiling or even laughing? He would probably never know.

"Oh, as I can see you have found one of my familiy's most treassured pictures", Mr Agathon suddenly remarked, sounding pleased. Bill cleared his thoat, then he turned towards the other man. "How could I not? It is amazing, a beautiful piece of art. I would only love to know whether the auburn-haired girl is smiling." "That is not something any guest has asked me before", the other gentleman commented, "but look at the water."

Only now Bill recognized the girl's mirror image in the little lake. It wasn't totally clear as the water was rippling lightly, but nevertheless there and well to see. She had a bunch of wildflowers on her lap while she was obviously making a flower crown or something of that sort with both of her hands. And she was smiling, openly, freely, a true smile full of joy. It did not even seem to be directed at one person or one thing as such, just a general sentiment. That girl was dashing, she was not just pretty, she was beautiful. Something about that smile strung a chord deep within him and he could not say why. As if he was still missing something. That was when his eyes cast lower and took in the little golden plate that was attached to the brown wodden frame. In clear, neat letters it said: "Isabelle and Laura".

The wheels started turning in his head. He was certain now that the blonde girl looked a lot like Miss Agathon, but Miss Agathon had dark, brown hair. Maybe it was the sister, or even the mother. Then it would make sense why they had the picture in the father's study. However he still could not place the other child, even though he felt there was something vaguely familiar about her. It was not really visible on the painting but he somehow knew her eyes were a mixture between pale green and grey. He did know those eyes were sharp but not unfriendly. He did know how they brightened up a whole room in an instant. He knew all that because he had seen it, had seen her. Danced with her. Maybe even flirted with her. In that instant, he knew that this was Laura Roslin.

Thank you so much for reading!

Random Regency Facts:
- Social calls were regularly done, in this case ceremoniously to deepen the aquaintance after the ball
- Even though they are called Morning calls, there were usually held in the afternoons, usually ceremonial calls between 3 and 4pm, semi-ceremonial calls from 4 to 5 pm and intimate calls between 5 and 6pm but NEVER on Sundays as that day was refeserved for close friends and family
- When calling, a card with ones name was given to a servant. They brought it to their masters who then decided whether they were "at home" or not. - Calls were short, between 20 and 30 minutes usually. If another person called, the first visitors had to leave in an instant

Up next: Another Adama-themed chapter