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October 1803

Back to reality

Laura Roslin

Her pulse was still racing as she took some steps away from the man, towards the horses. The feeling of him holding her had just been to unexpected and too nice. She tried to tell herself that it was a very normal and human reaction, after all she had been deprived of physical male contact for quite some time now. No romantic feelings involved, no. Still, part of her brain and her heart seemed to mock her while she tied loose the horses, hyperaware of what Adama was doing behind her - packing the bags. She took one last deep breath before turning around and walking back towards him, leading both horses at the same time. When he had fixed the bags, he turned towards her, giving her the most charming half-smile that made her belly twist again in the best way possible.

"I would offer to give you a boost up in the saddle but then you would probably only tell me that you are very capable of doing it yourself. Which I have absolutely seen before."

On one hand, the possibility of helping her up into the saddle, standing close her again was exhilarating, or maybe he could even lift her up. On the other hand, that was probably a very bad idea. Laura didn't trust her body not to betray her and flush totally red, so she declined politely, swinging herself up with ease. The way back seemed so much shorter, perhaps because she didn't want the ride to end. As soon as they rode onto the yard, Dee came out of the house, Laura's coachmen Felix Gaeta amd some other stable boys behind her. Both Adama and Roslin dismounted, handing over the horses to their servants.

"Ms Roslin, would you like to come in for some refreshments or are you heading straight back into Town?", Bill wanted to know.

It delighted and disappointed Laura at the same time how naturally her friend went back to her formal title in front of other people. Delight because he seemed to understand her boundaries without her having to point them out. Disappointment because she liked being Laura to him, if only for a couple of hours.

"Thank you Commander, but I think I should make my way back now. It is getting rather late", she answered in style. "Please give my regards to your daughter and call on me when you are in town."

She couldn't resist looking back out of the window as her carriage finally left the yard. Adama was still standing there, apparently watching her too. Hopefully he would visit her soon and they could talk again! While they were driving back, she had some time to think and made a resolution- she should stop lying to herself. Yes, he was a friend, but she also felt a kind of affection for him that could develop into something beyond that. But it shouldn't. After what he had told her about his life, Laura was even more certain that she was not the kind of woman he needed as a ...well yes, as what at all? Marriage was still out of the question for her, even with someone like Adama. You never knew what the men would turn out to be like once they had your fortune! So she decided right then, sometime when they had just passed the first houses of the inner city, that she would still appreciate his attention but not encourage him any further beyond friendship. Even though it would definitely feel bittersweet, having only half of what she wanted, it would still be better for both of them.

The next couple of days passed without any new events happening, until one Wednesday she had gone to the dressmaker to have a new ball gown made. Christmas would come sooner than one could blink and with it tons of parties and balls she wanted or had to attend. Therefore, every London lady would try to get a new wardrobe before the holidays, most of them last minute. The seamstresses would be stressed and not work as properly or the nicest fabrics would be sold out. It was definitely better to organise it in advance.

"Hello Ms Roslin!", a polite voice suddenly said, making her turn around in surprise.

Behind her in the shop, a woman was standing, her honey-blonde hair loose in big curls - a rebellious hairstyle. Next to her, there was another blonde, obviously related, but with lighter hair that was pinned up.

"Mrs Faust, Miss Six, I am happy to see you!", Laura responded friendly, actually meaning it.

Natalie Faust was a reasonable person, the oldest one of the four Six-daughters. She was married to a member of parliament, also an agreeable man, even though Laura didn't have a lot to do with him. Her younger sister Sonja Six had a sharp mind and a sharp tongue, the dark-haired woman respected her. In her opinion, she should marry a politician as her sister had done, then maybe she could influence certain happenings.

"We have to go on now but we would be happy if you might visit me soon!", the older one invited Laura straight away.

It surprised her, really, but in a positive way. They had not have had contact in quite some time, so the invitation came as a very welcomed gesture. Funny how life could play out...
After the two women had left, Laura browsed the shelves full of fabric for a couble of minutes, before settling for a vibrant striking red one. Something different than she would usually wear, but she decided to be bold. The seamstress took her time with measuring the other eoman and they spend the good part of an hour going over designs. Roslin was a perfectionist, if she bought a dress, she wanted it to look special and formidable. When she finally left the shop, she felt somewhat exhausted but also satisfied. This had been a very successful day indeed.

Thank you very much for reading!