Appleby was a sleepy Village, nestled in the agricultural heartland of Leicestershire. It was the sort of place that bustled with gossip and rumour, and it was small enough for everyone to know everybody else. A tranquil setting, for such a den of social competition. If you had the right name, you'd slot into the way of things rather seamlessly, but if you didn't - you'd undoubtedly fall foul of local speculation.

Still, despite it's troubles, it was a merry place to live. A small high street of shops and Inn's dotted the main thorough-fare, and the Militia were in residence all but a mile away. The young officers were certainly a familiar spectacle in their handsome red coats and breeches, and many of the younger female inhabitants of the Village had developed quite the liking for them. Whenever a new rotation swooped into the area, there was always a swoon or two to be had.

Matilda Farr, or Tilly as she was affectionately known by - cared not for Military men. Of course they looked very smart, but she was largely uninterested in wasting her time following along after them like a love sick pup. At twenty-one, she was a prime age for Marriage, but she'd much rather paint or play the piano; much to her Mother's anguish.

You shall be too old soon!

The the statment was often delivered with no small amount of dispair behind the words, and Tilly always had to supress a small laugh at her Mother's misfortune. Eloise, her younger sister was already married with her first child on the way. Matilda however, was proving to be rather more stubborn. From a monied background, the young woman wasn't short on suitors. However, she was rather short on the patience needed to entertain them.

It was a Friday evening like any other. The review was being held in the town hall, and naturally Matilda had been dragged along by her Mother and Father. Her Father was titled, and a Lawyer in Leicester by trade. The family owned a large estate called Wakehurst on the edge of the Village. Everyone was dressed in their finest. Music was being played by a string trio, and a handful of guests were dancing to the 'Barley Mow.' More of a watcher by nature, Matilda stood on the edge of the dancefloor with her good friend Alice. The pair chatted merrily as they watched on.

A woman of twenty-one, Matilda was not without merit. A wayward tangle of strawberry blonde waves were pinned up prettily, and a pale green dress with capped sleeves enhanced the blue hue of her eyes. Silver beads and seed pearls were dotted about the torso, and a long silk skirt skimmed her ankles.

"So, have you heard?"

Alice, who had a head of dark brown curls leaned in closer to her good friend. A conspiratorial grin overtaking her features. Matilda chuckled and perked her eyebrow, "No, I shouldn't think that I have heard. But no doubt you'll tell me." The brunette merely smirked and rolled her eyes at her friend's seemingly nonchalant manner, "Yes, I shall. Martha, you do know Martha, don't you?" An affirmative nod was delievered before she carried on, "Well apparently, she has made off with the Wheelright." And with an excited clap, Alice straightened herself rather triumphantly.

"I shouldn't think that's true.."

"Of course it is!! Mary told me herself. You shouldn't always be so cautious Tilly."

"Perhaps not.." Matilda conceded, "But is that not Martha just there with Anna?" A smug smile hugged her lips.

"BUT.. Mary told me." Alice insisted indignantly.

"Well then, she must have returned to us. How wonderful." With a hint of sarcasm evident in her tone, Tilly held her hands up, "Shall we dance this round?" And with that, the two girls disapeared merrily into the crowd.

No one was far from scandal in Appleby. Atleast, according to Alice, of course.

Major Arthur Bradford sat in silence watching the village of Appleby go by through the carriage window. It felt unnatural to be enclosed in a carriage as it roared through the streets. He felt like he had no control. Major Bradford, a cavalry Officer of the 75th Regiment of Light Dragoons, who had spent a large majority of the past decade on horse back, was not accustomed to be driven around. But at the bequest of his Commanding Officer Lt. Colonel Christopher Hollyworth, he joined the Colonel and his wife in the carriage on their way to the Town Hall. The other half dozen Cavalry Officers who wanted to join in the local festivities decided to arrive on horse back. It was Captain Mathieson he believed who proposed the plan to arrive with great fanfare on their warhorses dressed in their ceremonial uniforms. As comfortable as Arthur felt on his horse, the boisterous energy of the younger officers eventually convinced him to take up his Commanding Officers request to join him in his carriage.

Major Bradford, considered by many who knew him, as a respectable Gentleman, with a respectable profession from a good Family. He stood a good few inches taller than the average man, with head of blonde hair; neither styled nor unkept but presentable. Unlike many in their late twenties, the 28 year old remained a Bachelor.

The Colonel and Mrs Hollyworth conversed quietly opposite the Major. For nearly a decade, Arthur had served with the man. Mrs Hollyworth was a cheerful soul who couldn’t hide her excitement and glee to have her Husband back in England, and to have some resemblance of normality in her life. She chatted excitedly which barely left any space for her Husband to respond other than the occasional ‘yes dear’, or nod in agreement. There was a lull in the conversation and the Mrs Hollyworth turned to the Major.

“How about you Major Bradford? Isn’t it splendid to back in England again? To finally be in the company of true society.”

Arthur smiled courteously in response and dipped his head respectfully.

“ Of course Ma’am. And what better way to enjoy the evening than to travel with such fine company,” Arthur replied.

The Colonel chuckled knowing full well how his subordinate truly felt.

“Yes. Yes Major. What fine company we are,” Mrs Hollyworth responded as she continued on with her excited chatting.

The carriage slowed as they reached the Town Hall followed by six young officers on horse back. Just as Captain Mathieson had hoped for, the nine of them entered with great fanfare and excitement. Fully dressed in their ceremonial garbs, swords by their sides, every eye turned to the boisterous group as the eight officers and the Colonel’s wife entered the town hall.

The song had wound to a close, and Matilda and Alice bowed their heads politely at one another. Rather thirsty, Tilly broke from the company of her friend and rejoined her parents and younger brother, Henry. The aforementioned brother was eighteen and stood to inherit everything. He had quite the wandering eye, despite that, he was charming and polite. Not to mention his rather keen sense of humour.

"Did you enjoy your dance?" He asked, handing his sister a glass of white wine. "Alice's timing hasn't improved."

Tilly chuckled at her brother's observation and took a sip from the fancy crystal glass, "You're mean. Alice is a very good dancer. Are you sure that you aren't a triffle bitter?"

"Well, perhaps." Alice had often shrugged off Henry's advances. He was rather keen on the brunette. "But she was certainly out on two occasions."

"I feel that you must have been watching rather too intently." The sister teased, but their chit chat was sadly interupted. "Look Matilda!! Aren't they handsome!" The blonde felt an elbow to the ribs, and she looked up to see her Mother stood next to her.

"Who, Mother?"

"The Officers.." She hissed, motioning with her head to the cluster of red a short way off. George, Matilda's Father raised his eyes to the heavens in exasperation.

"Anna, leave her be. She cares not for red coats."

"Oh hush, George. You are a Lord, Matilda is great prospect for any young Officer."

Tilly snorted into her wine, "A great prospect. Now, that's a fine description." She retorted, causing her Father to chuckle. Henry tried to avoid his Mother's gaze, for fear she'd start matchmaking in his direction next.

"I think I shall go and find Alice.."

"No you wont.." Anna shook her head, "You shall wait here to be introduced."

The blonde puffed out her cheeks dramatically, "Should I curtsey when the Colonol greets us, or is a simple bow sufficient?"

Anna sucked in her cheeks, and looked alarmingly like she was chewing on a lemon, "I am not going to even dignify your teasing with a response."

"Excellent." George clapped, "For once, I wager that we'll have some peace and quiet."

Arthur felt like cattle at a market as all eyes turned towards them. He could feel the women gawk at them like pieces of meat, either as desirable partners for themselves or ideal suitors for their unmarried daughters. Several of the younger Officers revelled in the attention. It did not take long for Captain Mathieson and Lieutenant Barnes to lead the way and to disappear into the Hall. Arthur remained a step behind the Colonel. He had grown up on an estate and spent many evenings at events such as these. He had no interest in frivolous conversation about who had received a letter from whom, nor was he interested in the local political situation of Appleby.

The Major followed the Colonel as his Wife led the way into the Hall. The stout woman in her early 30’s was in her element, bubbling with excitement as she smiled and curtsied her way through the hall. The Colonel played the part of a dutiful husband and followed the guidance of his wife. In his late 30’s tall and lean with balding brown hair on top, he held himself comfortably and at ease.

The Colonel and his Wife, with a significant income of their own, rented a country home not far from the Regimental barracks. He had invited Bradford and several of the other senior officers to join them for the duration of their stay at Appleby. Apart from the excited babble of Mrs Hollyworth, his new quarters were a nice departure from the meagre lodgings he was use to on the continent

Mrs Hollyworth made her way to a group of four, who seem to be awaiting for the three of them to make their introductions. She introduced herself and her husband, jittery with excitement. It wasn’t till the Colonel cleared his throat that she remembered to introduce the Major Bradford. Bradford did not mind but quite honestly preferred to be forgotten and to be left alone as he counted down the minutes until it would be acceptable for him to walk back to his quarters.

Mrs Hollyworth seemed very jolly. It was quite the change to the overtly formal introductions that were the norm. Anna immediately took a dislike to the woman, but she often did to anyone that wasn't sour and overbearing such as she. George smiled charmingly and bowed his head.

"Welcome to Appleby, Mrs Hollyworth. We're very happy to meet you." The head of the family continued on with the introductions, "I am George Farr.." Anna immediately bristled. The one thing that the woman couldn't abide, was her husband not using his formal title when meeting new aquaintances. Which in all honesty, only made George do it all the more.

"This is my son Henry." The son nodded politely, but was evidently bored by the whole ceremonious intrusion. "My daughter Matilda." Tilly looked up, and smiled cheerfully. "Hello." She offered in a friendly tone. "And last but not least, my dear wife, Annabelle." The emphasis that was put onto the word dear, made Tilly want to laugh out loud. But she rallied and held her composure.

Major Bradford..where had she heard that name before?

Subtly, she tried to look behind the Colonol to see the man in question, but he appeared to be trying to keep out of view. She couldn't blame him, she'd tried to do the very same.

"Have you been in town long?" Henry enquired. He had often fancied himself a military man - much to his Mother's abject horror, of course.

Major Bradford remained behind the Colonel and made no effort to show himself when it became apparent that Mrs Hollyworth saw his presence as an annoyance. The Colonel remained a dutiful husband even when his wife’s enthusiasm borderlined improper. As her introduction of the Major brought no further interest and their conversation shifted to the Regiments arrival, Bradford turned to leave the conversing group.

The the 75th Light Dragoons arrived into Appleby after three years spent on the Iberian Peninsular serving under the Duke of Wellington’s Anglo-Portuguese force against the French. The depleted regiment was sent back to England to recruit and retrain the replacements to be posted back to the front in eight to 12 months times.

As Major Bradford turned, he touched the arm of the Colonel and quietly gave his leave to his friend. His gaze briefly turned to the Farr family and fell upon the young woman; Miss Farr. He felt foolish to not have recognised the name earlier, but to his credit the last time he had seen Miss Matilda Farr had been in Bath, a little over three years prior. At the bequest of his older Brother, William Bradford, Arthur spent the season at his Brother’s house before his deployment to Portugal.

William’s wife Eleanor was of a sickly disposition and much preferred the company of a select few rather than crowds of the various events held in Bath over the season. The exact connection Miss Farr had to Eleanor, Arthur could not remember, except that she was a regular invitee to the various small gatherings that Eleanor hosted.

As Bradford’s gaze met Miss Farr’s, he bowed his head slightly in recognition. Noticing that his leave would not cause offence nor to be noticed, the Major moved away from the excited babble of Mrs Hollyworth and stood by himself awkwardly overlooking the dance floor away from the grating sound of her voice. The officers had yet to be at the Hall for five minutes and the Major was already tired of it all.

Major Bradford

Of course that's where she knew the name from. The Major had been staying with Eleanor and William, when she herself had been in Bath. Poor Eleanor had been knocked sideways by a bad bout of flu, and as Matilda had been in town, she made sure to call upon her old friend. The two girls had grown up together in the wilds of Appleby, and remained close through letters and visits. Eloise, Matilda's sister, resided in Bath herself with her husband Monty. It was very easy to make arrangements to see Eleanor when she stayed with them.

Arthur. That was his name. When the Major nodded in her direction, she returned the gesture in kind. Henry spotted the interaction with his hawklike eyes, and he made a note to ask Tilly about it later on. And by ask, he obviously meant to tease and use it against her when the occasion called for it. After all, that what brother's did best. Especially younger ones.

Matilda, always one to spot an exit opportunity during an awkward social interaction, smiled chamringly at the Colonel and Mrs Hollyworth.

"Do excuse me. It was lovely to meet you both."

Anna was about to open her mouth to a voice a protest, but alas, the crestfallen woman was too late. Tilly was already out of earshot, and well on her way to finding Alice. However, enroute, she did spot Major Bradford. Perhaps she should leave him to his brooding. He certainly seemed to be trying hard to avoid everyone. But, it would be courteous to say 'Hello' to an acquaintance, would it not?

Mainly through curiosity and no real care for social etiquette, Matilda walked up to the Major and stood beside him.

"Hello." The blonde smiled warmly as she straightened out the skirt of her dress, "You look very busy trying to avoid everyone.."

Naturally, it was a rather blunt observation, but a valid one nonetheless. Matilda quite believed, that it was often the blunt observations, that were the most accurate.

Bradford turned to the young woman who had approached him. Miss Matilda Farr he had first met three years prior, a friend of his Sister-in law Mrs Eleanor Bradford. She had been a welcomed figure at the town house his Brother had rented for the season. Arthur enjoyed her company which was a nice change from the various events William and Eleanor usually try to coax him to.

At the disappointment of William and Eleanor, he did not wish to be considered as a potential suitor and felt comfortable remaining as an acquaintance for the summer. For Arthur knew his place in society and highly doubt her parents would approve his his financial standing. He may have the privilege to be the son of Charles Bradford, a wealthy landowner in the South East, but it was his Older Brother William that inherited the estate and the majority of his wealth. Charles’ younger two sons Arthur and Christopher inherited a meagre sum which was used to buy their commissions into the Army.

"You look very busy trying to avoid everyone.."

“No not at all Miss Farr. It is everyone else I believe who are avoiding me. Other than yourself of course,” Bradford replied.

Which wasn’t entirely truthful. The major had already made a mental note to avoid the excitable Mrs Hollyworth, and his surely serious demeanour didn’t exactly invite others to introduce themselves. The truth is, as Arthur watched the Ladies and Gentlemen dance, gossip and drink the night away, it felt a world away from daily life on the Peninsular. Barely four weeks prior he watched his young Lieutenant sob for his Mother as he bleed to death, and now here he is back in England living in luxury.

“So Miss Farr, how has the past few years treated you?” Bradford asked.

"I can't complain."

The past three years had passed by with relative ease. It was the same old routine, and it had been since she was a girl of thirteen. Nothing ever changed. Except for her sister moving out of the family home, and her Mother's moods. Now they were alarmingly changable. Everything else seemed to just blunder along as it always had.

"How are you?"

Momentarily, Tilly's blue eyes flicked to Arthur. The last she'd seen of him, she vaguely remembered that he was about to be deployed. Details were foggy. But most memories of that Summer were rather fooggy. Three years felt like a lifetime when you were rather stuck in a rut. Like a hen that hadn't seen the outside of the barn. But what did she know? All her role in society was to wed. And then of course came the expectation to produce heirs for whatever family it was that she got married off into. Wasn't exactly an exhilarating thought. Matilda prefered horses to children.

Major Bradford seemed rather sour in mood, but she didn't dwell on it. "Well, Major. I should probably leave you in peace.."

Meanwhile, Mrs Hollyworth had become all too much for Henry, and he had tracked down his Sister as an alternative entertainment source.

"Ah, Tilly!" He interjected, a polite nod to Major Bradford as he stepped closer. The bemused expression on Henry's features spoke volumes, and the elder sibling couldn't resist a small laugh. He simply rolled his eyes and shook his head. There was no need for words.

"Tilly, I must steal you for this dance. Tis the only one I can endure. Will you forgive me, Major Bradford?"

Henry was a likable chap. A hardworker. Down to earth and strong willed. A trait that all three siblings shared. "I shall bring her back.. Or if you should prefer, keep her away." He offered a mischievous grin as he held out his arm for his sister.

Matilda shook her head in feigned exasperation as she looked at Arthur, "The cake is very good if you're at a loose end... Just avoid the plum jam."

Henry cringed, "Yes, do avoid it Major. Mother can't cook."

"Well, Major. I should probably leave you in peace.."

Arthur said his farewell and watched her dragged by Henry onto the floor as the new dance began. He stood and watched as the couples made their way into the centre of the Hall. Dotted among the dancers were several of the officers in their red jackets. As the music began the couples moved as one around the Hall. Matilda’s comment stung. Was he really that unpleasant to be with? From what he remembered of his interactions with Miss Far, that it was one of stimulating conversations and the four of them playing cards well into the night. Now three years later, after a meagre minute of conversing with him, she looked for an opportunity to dance with her brother. Surely he must be such unpleasant company for it to end in such way.

Four weeks prior, many of these young officers had taken part in some of the roughest skirmishes their unit have ever conducted. Lieutenant Barnes, on one particular night after watching a dear friend of his bleed to death had vowed that we will never return back to the front again. Now four weeks later he is smiling with a handsome woman on his arms as they danced. Clearly, the memory of that night was far from his mind as he laughed and flirted his way through the evening. Yet here the Major stood alone and ignored, watching the festivities from afar.

As Arthur watched the dance, his gaze kept falling upon the beautiful Miss Farr. He had contemplated taking his brother’s suggestion to court Matilda seriously. His conversations with her he found interesting and stimulating that was a change from the shallow small talk he was all too accustomed to. If he had pursued her, where would he be now?

“Major Bradford.” The Colonel’s voice behind him brought him back to reality. “My friend, I can’t leave you sulking by yourself.” He said as he slapped the Major on his back.

Bradford turned round to greet the Colonel and George who had made their way to him. Mrs Hollyworth had now left the group after sighting an old friend, which Mrs Farr saw as the perfect opportunity to take her leave.

After re-introducing himself, Arthur was pleasantly surprised by his conversation with Mr Farr. His keen interest in the progress of the war along with his intelligent and wit was a pleasant change.

The dance had drawn to a close, and Henry had sleuthed off. With his Mother no longer on the prowl, the young male was free to mingle without fear of embarassment. Matilda could only assume that he had found a game of cards to participate in, but thankfully she hadn't been left high and dry - Alice had once again rejoined her. And she was buzzing with excitement.

"Did you see who asked me to dance?"

"No, I was with Henry.."

Matilda quirked a brow in mild curiosity as her friend continued, "He has the blueist eyes that I have ever seen, Tilly."

Oh, here we go..

Alice had quite the talent for falling in love at the drop of a hat. The slightest interest, and she became unfathomably giddy. It was actually rather amusing, truth be told. But Matilda listened on and feigned an interest. Some poor Officer would find himself with quite the attachment for the rest of his stay.

Meanwhile, just behind the two girls - a couple of men were growing rather boisterous. The pair were clearly in the midst of a very animated debate, and after a glass or two of wine, they were becoming quite the nuisance. The heavier set of the two reached out and gave his slender companion a hearty shove. The male stumbled in quite an uncoordinated fashion, before knocking back into Matilda.

Now Tilly hadn't been aware of what was transpiring just a little way off, and had suddenly found herself knocked sideways. Had she been stood in a more balenced way, she probably would have stood up to the impact rather well. But alas, she was about to step and landed with an awkwardly twisted ankle. A flinch crossed her features, and Alice leaned forwards to steady her friend with a look of disdain.

"What a pair of oafs.." She cursed as she glared at the two causing the scene, "Is your ankle twisted, Tilly?"

"No, no. It's fine." The blonde smiled reassuringly and put her foot flat on the floor. A mildly anguished gasp escaped her soon after, "Well, perhaps a little, Alice."

The song came to an end as George and Arthur started talking about their mutual acquaintance with Eleanor and her family, along with Arthur's own connection to Matilda three years ago in Bath. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the incident transpire and Miss Farr fall to the floor. Almost immediately all eyes was on Matilda, with even some of the musicians pausing to see what had transpired. As her daughter failed to stand, George quickly made his way to Matilda, with the Colonel and Bradford following behind him.

As Mr Farr bent down to help his daughter, onlookers slowly crowded in to get a better look. Arthur couldn’t help but notice a fervent muttering and quiet giggles from the growing crowd. The two men who appear to be the source of the commotion just stood their shocked. Probably more stunned at the young brunette chastising their foolishness rather than the consequences of what they had done. Seeing that the young woman wasn’t going to get up on her own, Major Bradford took the initiative and turned to the two men.

“Well don’t just stand there, go fetch Miss Farr a seat.” He snapped and then turned his attention to his companion.
“Go call for Miss Farr’s carriage immediately.”

The two of them remained where they stood.

“Excuse me, but who do you think you are?” the sturdier of the two responded. Arthur stiffened in anger.

“You fool. Look at what you have done,” spat Arthur, as he motioned to Matilda. He clenched his fist in anger.

“You have embarrassed Miss Farr in front of her peers, and you have the audacity to stand and watch like a blithering fool. How dare you call yourself a man and then show outward display of dishonor to this woman who has caused you no harm.”

The two men went from shock to be rebuked by a stranger, to anger to be mocked so openly. The larger of the two opened his mouth to respond but paused momentarily as he saw several more Officers make their way to the commotion. Conceding defeat, the two of them left humiliated to fetch a seat and call the carriage.

Arthur took a step back as the chair was delivered and Matilda was helped onto the seat by her Father and Alice. As he calmed himself down, he just wanted to disappear into the crowd.

“That could have gone better,” the Colonel whispered in his ear as Arthur stood by his side.

"Can you feel it?"

"Yes Father, do stop flapping. It's just a twist."

"You're a Doctor now, are you, Tilly?"

The young woman giggled at her Father's teasing, before attempting to stand up again. George went to object, but it was needless. Matilda had worked out how to distribute her weight so that she could atleast hold her own. It wasn't what one might call comfortable, but it was bearable.

"I should track your Mother down, and then we can all leave. Have you any idea where she is?"

Matilda glanced around and shook her head, "No, but she wont thank you for disturbing her. She's most likely with Mrs Thompson." The pair were frightful gossips when they got together. They wound each other up the wrong way constantly. It was an infuriating spectacle to behold.

"Well Henry then. I shall find Henry.."

"Father, I am fine..I shall just stay until you're all ready to leave."

"You look frightfully pale for a person that claims themselves to be fine.."

Arthur glared at the onlookers in content; even after the initial commotion the crowd did not disperse. Were their lives so dull and so meaningless, that a young woman spraining her ankle has suddenly become the talk of the evening thought Arthur.

The Colonel, overhearing the exchange between Mr Farr and his Daughter, stepped forward to interject.

“Mr Farr, I’m sure it would be of no inconvenience for my Major to escort Miss Farr home. We are strangers and guests here, and will not be missed like yourself and young Henry. Unless of course Miss Farr has no objections?” The Colonel asked glancing down at Matilda.

As he asked, one of the men that had caused the scene motioned to Arthur that the Carriage had arrived from the near by stable and ready to depart.

“No not at all. It would be a pleasure to escort Miss Farr,” He replied as he motioned for the young brunette to assist Matilda. Not wanting to cause further embarrassment and feed the gossips further ammunition by carrying the blonde to the carriage.

"Tilly, are you happy to go with the Major?" George Farr was a rather modern man. He refused to order the women in his family from pillar to post, and preferred to ask for their opinion before making a decision. That said, he cluld still be rather strict when he wanted to be. Although Anna would complain that he wasn't quite strict enough.

"Yes, of course." Matilda nodded and stood, with Alice standing at her shoulder for support of she need it, but she actually felt comfortable enough to walk by herself, albeit slowly. Never one to take life too seriously, she turned to the Major. Truth be told, she found him rather handsome.

"You aren't in a hurry, are you?"

The blonde let a small, yet quite delightful smirk settle itself upon her features. [b]"But, I feel like I should warn you - Friday evenings aren't normally so exciting in the Village."

It was a warm Summer's evening, and the light was dusky as they reached the carriage. The young woman stopped to build up the clurage to climb in. But in the meantime, she turned to look at the Major.

"Are you sure that you don't mind leaving so early? I don't want to inconvenience you."

"You aren't in a hurry, are you?" Matilda asked the Major with a smirk on her lips. Her question was playful and warm, a stark contrast to the stiff formalities that Arthur was accustomed to at these events.

“No, not at all Miss Farr,” Arthur said, not sure how to respond. Pausing for a second and lowering his voice so only she could hear. “Unless if you are in a hurry I can always swing you over my shoulder and march you out,” he said with a slight smile. As soon as the words left his mouth he regretted what he said; not sure if a joke in jest would be appropriate for a time like this. Not wanting to wait for a response he led the way to the awaiting carriage. All this time ignoring the onlooking smile of the Colonel.

Arthur made it to the carriage first and awaited for Matilda to slowly make her way to him with the Brunette assisting her along the way. The evening sun had just set, bathing the outside air in an orange hue and painting the sky a myriad of shades of purple, oranges and red. As Matilda approached he opened the carriage door.

"Are you sure that you don't mind leaving so early? I don't want to inconvenience you."

Truth be told, he welcomed the opportunity to leave the awkwardness and formality of the event. He had came at the request of his Commanding Officer to introduce himself to the local Landowners of Appleby. Furthermore, the only person in that Hall of any interest to him was now boarding a carriage to go home.

“Miss Farr, I know no one there tonight except yourself and my fellow Officers, and quite frankly you are far more pleasant company than any of them.”

Seeing her hesitate infront of the step onto the carriage, Arthur climbed in first and outstretched his hand.

Matilda couldn't help but laugh when the Major suggested throwing her over his shoulder. The young woman shook her head in amusement and straightened herself. "It sounds like an entertaining exit, but should you drop me, I'll be in even more trouble than I currently find myself." A small smirk crossed her features as they made their way outside. The conversation brought back many happy memories of times in Bath. They'd spent a great deal of time in one anothers company, and Matilda had no complaint of it.

"You'd think that they could design a carriage that runs rather lower to the ground." She eyed the carriage thoughtfully for a moment or two. "But I am no engineer.." When Arthur climbed in and offered his hand, she took it with a mild amount of hesitation. Of course the hesitation was not directed at Arthur himself, but at the pain she was sure would follow.

With wrinkled nose, Matilda braced herself and stepped up, and relief washed over her as she finally took a seat. With cheeks puffed, she shook her head.

"Well, I am pleased that I am better company, but I doubt that very much at this current moment. I feel as though I am ninety years old."

As soon as Matilda sat down opposite him, Arthur closed the door and called out for the driver to depart.

"Well, I am pleased that I am better company, but I doubt that very much at this current moment. I feel as though I am ninety years old."

As tempting as it was to fire back a quick retort regarding the company of Mrs Hollyworth, the reality was, as insufferable as she can be, her Husband had been a dear and close friend since he had joined the Army ten years ago.

The truth is, even in her discomfort, Arthur would rather spend the evening in the presence of Matilda Farr than anyone else in that Hall. Even if she didn’t utter a word, he would take pleasure in assisting her in her discomfort.

“Don’t think of yourself so lowly Miss Farr. I am certain that even at ninety, you would be splendid company.”

Arthur noticed the apparent discomfort on her face, the puffed cheeks and laboured breathing as she took a seat. Even in the pain she did not complain nor did her charm leave her.

“But of course, if you are not inclined to converse, please do not do so for my sake. I myself do not mind the silence”

"Well, I can assure you - that I do mind the solitude." Matilda smiled, "So, keep conversing or I shall probably pass out."

There was every chance that the young Lady was exaggerating her discomfort, but it served a purpose. On a normal occasion, Tilly would have been happy to sit in silence and brood - but she was grateful for the distraction.

"And, do call me Matilda. There is no need for formality. As you know, I am not married or titled." The blonde sucked her cheeks in, clearly rather curious about something.

"Alice, my friend. She was dancing with one of your officers. What's his name? I know that she will repeat it to me constantly over the coming weeks, so I think it would make sense to get a headstart." And with a waggle of her eyebrows, the young Lady relaxed into the seat.

"Is he a terrible scoundrel?"

"Well, I can assure you - that I do mind the solitude." Matilda smiled, "So, keep conversing or I shall probably pass out."

Arthur returned the smile. Even in this short period of time with her, the memories of those pleasurable weeks in Bath flooded back to him. As fast as those happy memories arrived, were they quickly replaced by regret. Three years had gone by; he had not once expressed his fondness nor desire to meet her since saying his farewell. He did not write nor seek her out when he arrived back in the country. To be honest, Matilda did not even enter his mind as soon as he stepped onto the ship, and when he was posted to Appleby, Matilda was far from his mind. For all he knew, she could be already spoken for and set to be married.

"Alice, my friend. She was dancing with one of your officers. What's his name? I know that she will repeat it to me constantly over the coming weeks, so I think it would make sense to get a headstart."

Arthur paused momentarily. He had no interest in spending the limited time they had together discussing the character of a potential suitor for her friend. However, to humour her, he answered her question.

“Alice, I presume is the brunette that helped you to the carriage. Lieutenant Barnes is his name. A fine officer from a good family. Now is he a scoundrel? Well whether he would be a scoundrel before or after a potential marriage is really determined by the size of her dowry.”

If she was from a wealthy family then Barnes would see her as marriageable material.

He did not like to speak ill of his friend Lieutenant Barnes. He was a courageous and loyal soldier who had on numerous occasions put his life on the line for his fellow soldiers, including himself. But the truth be told, as it was with many gentlemen and officers, he often allowed his hormones to think for themselves.

Wanting to direct the conversation away from the exploits of his younger officer he turned the question back onto Matilda.

“How about yourself Matilda, are there any terrible scoundrels in your life?”