"What do you plan to do with that, now?"

It had been quite startling to see Major Bradford suddenly appear.

When Matilda pointed to the laundry basket, the young woman started to believe that Arthur might actually be utterly rediculous. A quirky character trait of some sort. He was unpredictable, and ever so slightly grumpy. Much like a little grey cloud.

An endearing cloud

For God's sake Matilda

"And my ankle is absolutely fine, thank you. So, if you could just give me that back - I can finish what I started."

Unlike you

Was Matilda angry? Anger was probably too strong a word. Frustration. Exasperation. They would both go someway to explain how she was feeling. Her head was telling her that Arthur was to be left well and truly alone, but her heart thought quite the opposite. In the two week absence, she had thought of him often. Subconsciously, the blonde settled her hands on her hips.

"Why are you even out here?"

"And my ankle is absolutely fine, thank you. So, if you could just give me that back - I can finish what I started."

Maybe in his awkwardness he had come across a bit strong, but now with the laundry basket in hand he was too much of a stubborn fool to relinquish it.

“Of course not,” he replied as he made his way towards what looked like a washing line. “Two weeks ago you could hardly walk. Hanging a little bit of washing will be of no inconvenience; a little unconventional, yes.”

George Farr in the past two weeks had been a regular visitor to the Hollyworth’s and he hardly expected that to change over the following months. His actions that Friday night had been inexcusable, an all he wanted was to return to some form of normality between the two of them.

"Why are you even out here?"

“Because I couldn’t spend another second in that same sitting room without having apologised for my inexcusable behaviour.”

That and needing to escape her Mother, but he wasn’t going to mention that.

"You really are the most stubborn man that I've ever come across."

An astonished laugh escaped her as she looked at Arthur. Why did he have to be handsome? This whole situation would be made far easier if there were no redeeming factors at all.

"If you hang them out, your red coat will get covered in water drops..Then you'll have to go back looking like you found the only rainstorm in Leicestershire."

Matilda put her hands on the edge of the basket, and perked an eyebrow at the Major. She bit her bottom lip in thought, and cocked her head to one side. It was indeed a curious pose, and one that was quite often dangerous. A cursory look about confirmed that nobody was about. Besides, there was a rather large linen sheet blocking them from view.

With a small tug - Tilly made a claim on her basket. But before Arthur could protest, Matilda had kissed him. It was a soft, lingering peck on the lips, but it was a kiss all the same. The action made her feel warm and fuzzy, and she looked at him unapologetically.

"Apology accepted."

And with a playful wink, she retrieved her linen from the basket that Arthur still held, and continued to peg it up as though nothing had happened.

Arthur had expected anger, frustration or maybe even silence from Matilda, but her kissing him was the last thing he expected. The feeling of her soft lips press against his, the scent of her breath and the slight sweet taste of her on his lips lingered on after she turned away and proceeded to hang out the washing.

Arthur stood their motionless not knowing what to say so he didn’t say anything. His heart pounded away in his chest.

"Apology accepted." Matilda said with a playful wink.

He was confused, and emotionally wrestled other whether he should kiss her back or snap back at her in frustration. He wanted to feel her lips again, to get lost in her fragrance and for her to melt in his arms. But how dare she play with his emotions like it is a game. He had felt wrenched for the past 14 days and all she did was brush it off with a kiss.

“Is this a game to you?” Arthur could feel his anger build. Before he could say something he would regret he turned and stormed off down the path. He paused as he turned the corner. She knew who he was and the reasons for not proposing, yet she kissed him. He seemed to care more about his status in life than Matilda did kissing a destitute soldier.

Arthur turned around and marched back; he forced himself through the clothes line. Arthur swore as the line caught him in the face and his limbs got tangled in the white linen. He stumbled towards her kicking the basket over with pegs flying everywhere. With two hands he cupped her cheeks and kissed her.

Is this a game to you

Matilda had absolutely expected Major Bradford to be outraged. He appeared to be constantly consumed with the opinions of others and honour. Of course that was admirable, but it needed to be moderated. How could one possibly live any kind of enjoyable life when consumed with semantics. You couldn't. It was that simple. So, Tilly was glad that she had kissed him, and as she watched him stonk off - she nodded to herself.

"Stuffy as a hare, that one."

The blonde shook her head, but the kiss still lingered. When had she suddenly become so bold? Perhaps it was a morning spent in the heat of the kitchen that had done it. Lack water leading to delirium... She didn't feel delirious. No. Matilda felt eerily calm about her actions.

As she went about pegging out the last cloth, the sound of gravel crunching under boots caught her attention, but she didn't dwell on it. Dougal was probably in search of Harry and Clementine, passing through the courtyard to the barn.

What the young woman really hadn't bargained for, was for Arthur to come stumbling through the line of laundry that she had so carefully pegged out only moments before. The male swore, and the spectacle got too much for Matilda, and she laughed at him.

"What on earth are you trying.."

And that's when he kissed her. He had his hands on her cheeks, and he was actually kissing her. It momentarily stunned Matilda, who had been sure that he would have stalked his way back to his Billets again. But no, here he was. Almost instinctively, Tilly melted as her hands settled on his chest.

He really was impossible

Arthur was overwhelmed by the soft warm lips that melded into his. His heart melted when her hands rested on his chest. Arthur gently broke away from the kiss. His fingers softly tracing the contours of her cheek.

“What am I going to do with you Miss Matilda Farr?” He whispered into her ear. “That kiss could have broken any man’s resolve.”

With one kiss he had made his mind; all he wanted was to kiss her. What they were going to do in the future didn’t matter. Hell, if she slapped him, it didn’t matter. All he wanted was to kiss her like he should have done two weeks ago.

He released her and turned to remove the sheet that he was now wearing. Fate was not on his side that afternoon and as soon as he shook off the linen he tripped on the discard basket and sprawled backwards onto the ground.

“This is unbelievable.” He said thrashing off the wrenched sheet while on in his back. “This bloody house is out to get me I swear.”

For a man that could negotiate a battlefield and survive, apparently a linen sheet was just one step too far..

"I recommend you steer clear of laundry.. And washing lines.. And perhaps baskets too..

Matilda rolled her eyes in amusement as she picked up her basket, " This is Mary's best basket, she will be livid with you." The blonde gathered the discarded sheet and threw it into the basket, she then carefully set it down to onesid.

"I assume that you are able to stand? She teased, " I never thought you to be clumsy.. " Matilda admitted, the kiss had made her somewhat giddy. When he'd broken it, she had felt utterly disapointed. To gaze into his eyes, and just take in the moment, was mesmerizing. Still, she was sensible if a little reckless.

Arthur pulled himself off the ground, and brushed of the dirt and grass the best he can. Trying to rescue the little decorum he had left, he collected the loose laundry and began pegging them to the line. He too didn’t think himself as clumsy, but then he also didn’t think of himself as a man that would kiss a woman out in the open of her own backyard. At this very moment he didn’t even know himself.

“Quite frankly, don’t ask me what on earth I am doing, or what I am planning on doing.” He said as he pegged the laundry up. “Well except that I know that I would like to kiss you again.” He paused as he turned and smiled.

“As much as I would like to continue, this isn’t the most private location.”

The sensible, rational part of her brain, was screaming at Matilda to go back inside and do something productive. The kiss was wonderful, and there would be other opportunities for the pair to be close. But, there was the reckless part that didn't want to go inside and let this be over. The young woman stood there, deep in thought.. He was right, it was rather open.

No, absolutely not... No good could come of that..

Matilda was resolute in her decision to come to her senses and put a stop to it. But then she looked at him. Her stomach tied itself in knots, and the hormones were just rampaging, and she couldn't physically force herself to move away. Instead, she sucked her bottom lip in thought, before releasing it.

The blonde silently pointed behind her to where the old wooden barn stood. As children, the three siblings had played in there all day. Diving in and out of straw, building forts. All happy, wholesome memories. Sadly, all it housed now was an old plough and a stall of chicks.

"We could always relocate.."

What are doing?!

And without another thought, she took Arthur by the hand.

A few days later..

The past three days had been an absolute blur for Matilda, and her encounter with Arthur had been, and still was in the forefront her mind. Henry had often accused her of walking around the Manor in a daydream, and on this particular occasion - he was very possibly right. Unfortunately, they now had guests at Wakehurst. Hugo Bennett, and his Mother Emma. Hugo was apparently a connectuon of her father's from the City, and Emma a widower who went everywhere with her son. And from what Tilly could ascertain, she was the one that pulled the strings.

Anna had decreed that the Bennett's should be welcomed formally, with a dinner at the Estate. George wasn't so sure, but he went along with it for the sake of an easy life. The Colonol and Mrs Hollyworth had also been invited, and that invite had been extended to Major Bradford too.

The dining hall had been decorated with fresh flowers from the grounds, and Molly had rolled out the finest china. Henry was grumbling as he stood in the front lounge with his sister, tugging at his collar in discomfort. Tilly chuckled, but she too felt largely uninspired. In a baby blue dress, and her hair pinned up, it felt odd to be so well dressed within her own home.

"What time is the Colonol arriving?"

Henry asked in curiosity, "The sooner they arrive, the sooner we can get this all over and done with.."

Matilda nodded, and took a sip from her glass of wine. The pair were waiting for Hugo and Emma to be ready. An odd couple they were. Hugo was quite the smug type, and Emma was rather fussy. An evening spent in their company was largely uninspring.

The brother eyed his sister suspiciously. He wasn't sure what he suspected, but he suspected something. If he had to put money on it, it would involve Major Bradford, too.

"Looking forward to seeing the Colonol, Tilly?"

The blonde nodded in a nonchalent manner, "I enjoy his company. Why do you ask?"

"And what of Major Bradford?"He retorted, "Do you enjoy his company too?" Tilly felt sure that she was blushing, but she scratched the back of her neck absentmindedly. "Yes. Of course. Why do you ask?"

Henry smirked triumphantly, "No reason." He gave his sister a gentle nudge and sighed, "I wish they'd hurry.." He frowned, glancing to the ceiling, and Matilda nodded, "Hugo is probably admiring himself in the mirror, and has lost track of time.."

"Matilda!!" A sharp voice echoed from the doorway. Anna was stood there, and she had overheard the jibe directed at their guest. The siblings startled somewhat, "Now, you two need to be polite! They are from a very well-to-do family. I won't have you being surly.."

Matilda sighed, and rolled her eyes, "Oh, Mother." And with an irritated snort, the young woman passed her Mother in the doorway, and wandered her way towards the Hall.

If only her Mother knew what had transpired in the barn that afternoon.

Perhaps the Colonol has arrived, Tilly thought idly to herself. Mrs Hollyworth's gossip was far more pleasing then her Mother's blustering. And of course, a certain Major, too.

Following their visit to Wakehurst three days prior, the Colonel was quick to notice a change in his Major yet again. The period of solemn isolation from the other Officers was replaced by a more jovial and upbeat Major that he hadn’t seen for sometime. The Colonel made no mention nor remark on the change of mood for the exception of an off-handed question he asked his Major while on their way to the Wakehurst Estate. In a second of rare silence inbetween Mrs Hollyworth’s near constant chatter, the Colonel directed his attention to Bradford.

“While at Wakehurst, Are you able to refrain from long walks in the Garden?” The Colonel asked with a smile.

“Walks in this weather? Are you mad Major? I dare say, my sister Penny took a stroll one evening, seven days later..” Mrs Hollyworth continued with one of her many stories.

Bradford turned back to the window and ignored the Colonel’s smirk. The last three days had gone in a blur. For the first time in a while he knew what he had to do. In the same way when he was fifteen he knew he was destined to be a Military officer, he knew now that his time in the Army had come to the end. A sense of duty to the nation had now been replaced with a longing for a life of some sort of normality with Matilda. His train of thought was interrupted by the carriage arriving into Wakehurst.

Hugo and Emma finally surfaced, dressed and ready for dinner. Henry hot footed it up the hallway in search of his Father and Matilda. He wasn't keen on the Bennets, and he felt absolutely no need to spend any longer with the pair than neccessary. Matilda and George were stood in the hallway chatting about anything and everything. Naturally, he'd reminded Matilda of the importance of being polite to their guests, and droned impossibly on about how fantastic of a Lawyer, Hugo was. Needless to say, she had very little interest in any of that.

Anna, was in hot persuit of her son, and in the company of their esteemed guess. Tilly had to resist the urge to roll her eyes. Hugo was just one step too enthusiastic for her liking.

"Isn't this wonderful?" He boomed, and clapped his hands together loudly. Nothing this man seemed to do, was ever quiet. Henry, who had been stood right next to Hugo at the time, cringed.

George nodded, "Yes, absolutely. I believe that the Colonol's carriage is here - so we will make our way into the dinning room shortly.

Emma huffed in irritation, "I have never favoured military men." She stated matter of factly, "Such a tedious endeavour to be a soldier."

Matilda perked her eyebrow incredulously. Tedious endeavour? What a woman.

Anna noticed her daughter's expression and jumped in to change the conversation, "What beautiful weather we're having.. Quite hot for the time of year, wouldn`t you agree, George?"

"Oh, yes. Quite right. Unseasonably warm."

Henry puffed out his cheeks in exasperation, and gave his sister a subtle nudge with his elbow. Tilly was pleased to know that she wasn't the only one that didn't enjoy the company of the Bennets. Hugo, however - who was terrible at reading people, tried to engage Matilda in conversation.

"Have you ever been to Eastbourne, Miss Farr."

The blonde looked at the tall male, with a crop of dark hair. He was easy enough on the eyes, she supposed. But he was incredibly irritating, and she had absolutely no interest in him; for obvious reasons.

"No, Mr Bennet. I haven't."

And with that abrupt reply, an awkward silence befell the group.

The three of them were greeted by the footman and were led through the house towards the dining room. Mrs Hollyworth was ecstatic as she commented on every little detail of the house, though usually negatively comparing to the ‘grander Hollyworth Estate’. The Major felt out of place as he normally did at these events. He may have grown up and attended many dinners such as these, but after joining the Army he had actively tried to avoid such occasions, usually at the annoyance of his brother William and the Colonel. Arthur would of normally attempted to rope in Major Hewson or even Captain Mathieson in his stead, but Hewson the blacksmith’s son, and Mathieson the womaniser usually left the Colonel favouring Arthur. In this case Arthur accepted without complaint, as he was willing to endure awkward conversations, and boring entertainment to catch a glimpse of Matilda.

They entered the dining room just as the everyone else did from the otherside of the house. The dining room was what one would expect of an Estate this size. The long table dominated the room however with plenty of pace on either side to move freely. Mr Farr was quick to introduce the three of them to their guests, Mrs Bennet and her son Hugo. Arthur bowed politely as his gaze crossed the room and fell upon Matilda. His eyes met hers for a mere second, but a second longer than anyone else’s. He tore his gaze away from her blue eyes before he attracted attention to himself.

Before the group could fall into an awkward silence, Mr Farr invited everyone to take a seat. The Major followed his Colonel’s direction and took a seat beside him.