Dear Inkdrops,

Since I first published it, story got more than 10.100 views now, thank you so much to all of you who read, follow, favourite and review!

This chapter took me longer than I would have liked and it turned out completely different than what I had thought in the beginning but never mind, finally a glimpse on what certain other characters have been up to in the meantime...

Dsiclaimer: I don't own BSG, only my OC's and the storyline

October 1803

Natalie

Laura Roslin

Finally she had finished all the social calls that had been expected from her after her return to London, even the most awqward ones that she had procrastinated for quite some time. However, in the end visiting Mr Ellison had turned out to be nicer than she would have thought, after all that had come and gone between the two of them. But apparently he didn't hold any resentment against Laura, no, he had even told her happily about a girl he had met during the summer down in Portsmouth where his mother was still living. He was planning to visit her after Christmas and see whether their feelings were still the same, if that was the case, he fully intended to marry her. Laura had smiled at the young man's devotion that she could see in his eyes. Even the little cynical voice in her head had been still for the time being.

Standing in front of Natalie Faust's door was a completely different feeling, more one of excitement. Maybe she would be told some interesting news or discuss some politics with Mrs Faust who also didn't really care about society's opinion. Or at least there would be a lot of London gossip that the dark-haired woman could share with Isabelle later. A maid led her into the very fashionable drawing room, furnished and decorated in a distinctively German style. Both Natalie's and her husband's families had ties to that continental country, if Laura remembered correctly.

"Oh Ms Roslin!" the blonde woman called out, "finally you visit! How lovely!"

"The pleasure is all mine!," the other one replied smoothly, "pray, tell me, how have you been?"

"Not bad at all, I mean, there is always something going on. But it is also so stressful! You know how things work here... you make plans and then you get invited to other dinners and balls and you try to rearrange so you can manage to make an appearance everywhere, but secretly you can't be bothered about half of the invitations."

"That sounds about right," Laura commented, " I think this is the story of most London ladies though very few dare to admit it. I always try to find the balance between keeping society happy and spare myself the most tedious meetings."

Mrs Faust nodded. "And from what I have heard you are doing a very good job at it. My husband loves to mingle, so we are out a lot, but sometimes he is only meeting up with some gentlemen. Then I can keep to myself here. To be honest Ms Roslin, sometimes I really can't understand how my youngest sister, Caprice, can stand the everlasting parties and social activities she is taking part in. But probably it also has something to do with her companion."

She gave Laura a knowing look. Both women knew they were talking about Gaius Baltar here who was very obviously fallen for the young blonde women, laying at her feet.

"He is at her mercy," Laura confirmed, "do you think he will marry her?"

"I don't know, really. And I also don't know whether I wish it or not. I think neither does she," the sister admitted. "But as we are talking about that topic anyway, word has gotten around that you have been socializing with the Adamas lately."

Taken aback, the ebony-haired woman raised an eyebrow. Who had gone around telling? Definitely not Isabelle. But neither Bill, she was sure about that.

"How do you know?," she inquired.

Natalie just laughed.

"That is easy. The Adama, or rather Thrace, girl is meeting up a lot with Mr Connoy and Mrs Biers lately. She told them. And as you probably know, they are friends of my two youngest sisters and they told them. And they told me. I am not meaning to pry or anything, but I was simply curious as they are very... different from the kind of people you usually are closer acquainted with."

It was obvious that she was hinting at men such as Lord Adar and it was true, Bill was absolutely different. That was why she liked him.

"William Adama is a very well-read and intelligent man," she therefore replied, "and I found it was time for new acquaintances, especially in these times of political change."

"Definitely!" Natalie confirmed eagerly, "the real reason why I was asking was because of the younger Adama. I am afraid my sister has caught an infatuation with him since the ball at Lord and Lady Adar's house. Now, I wanted to know whether you have any idea if or when he might return to London. Sonja never got the chance to talk to him and I would be happy for her if she did now."

Leopold Adama being the primary "object of interest" provided some ease for Roslin, at least that meant people were not gossiping about Bill and her yet!

"I don't know, I am sorry," the lady replied, "but if I took a guess it would be that he will stay in Brighton for the time being. Speaking of the family, do you think Connoy is serious about Miss Thrace?"

"Oh, it's a pity," Natalie answered, "I still hope that we will see Captain Adama around here soon. But to answer your question, I am certain Mr Connoy is not planning to propose any time soon. The social differences are simply too big. But he really seems to be taken by her. Well, I must say she is special indeed, from what I have been told. "

Laura nodded, immensely relived that apparently no permanent connection would be happening soon. About Leopold... it would be interesting indeed to see more of him. For some reason the woman had the feeling that, even though him and his father had a difficult relationship, she and the young man might actually get along. Who knew.

"Oh, and to finish I would let you know that Mrs Tigh keeps on conquering. Ruthlessly," Natalie laughed. "I know you and her are not the biggest of friends," she added, "but she can be quite nice and even sensible. Sometimes."

Laura raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Well, at least not towards me," she commented.

"Maybe not," the blonde woman added, "I think she is jealous. Like probably every London lady at some point. They all would either like your looks, money, talents or your influence or your freedom or," she added with a smirk, "your men. Most of them won't ever admit it but it's true."

Then, after a moment of pause, she added, "I like you anyway."

Laura gave her a gentle smile. Maybe London really had more to offer than she would have thought a couple of months before.