The Winter Encampment, 1780: Daniel

I pour over the papers I've been assigned. I'm an aide de camp under General Lafayette. I've been working with him, his Excellency Washington, and Washington's aides in preparing for war to resume come spring.

However, my work has been extremely difficult ever since I saw that beautiful red haired women in the window a couple weeks ago. I've also seen her around camp, passing out food and new uniforms. 

She has the beautiful emerald eyes and vibrant red hair. freckles are scattered across her cheeks, showing that much of her time is spent outdoors in the sun.

I just can't get her out of my head for some reason and I wonder who she is. She must be a Laurens or perhaps a Ball. Maybe even a close family friend. I've seen her with colonel John Laurens quite often as well as miss Molly Ball, the daughter of Elias Ball II. Mr. Ball is the man who owns the house I saw her in that day.

I sigh and shake my head, attemping to get back to work. Eventually, however, I end up going for a walk. 

Of course, I'm so lost in my own head, that I walk right into a young lady, causing her to drop the basket of clean uniforms she's carrying in the dirty snow. 

"Ah! I'm so sorry, Miss!" I exclaim, quickly picking up the basket and now dirty uniforms. "I suppose that's what happens when you don't pay attention."

"It's quite alright," She says, picking up a couple of the uniforms. "I wasn't entirely paying attention either."

As I hand her the basket, my eyes are met with the green eyes of the girl I've been thinking about over the past couple weeks. I blush in embarrassment. 

I bow formally and kiss the back of her hand. "Daniel Williams, at your service, Miss." I say.

"Aspen Laurens." She says, bowing her head slightly. "A pleasure to meet you, Colonel Williams."

"And to you as well, Ms. Laurens." I say. She gives a kind smile.

She looks down at the basket of dirty uniforms and sighs. "I suppose I'll have to wash these before handing them out." She says softly. 

"I am very sorry, Ms. Laurens." I say. "Please permit me to walk you home. Its the least I can do."

She looks up at me and smiles before nodding. "Very well." She hums.

I start walking at her side. She allows me to carry the basket for her. I can't help but smile. Who would've guessed I would finally get to meet her today. I'll have to ask Colonel Laurens about her. 

I bid her good evening and leave after walking her home. I can't help but smile to myself. 

I hope I get the chance to know her better.

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