The Winter's Ball, 1780: Aspen

I sigh as my lady's maid adjusts my corset and cinches the deep blue gown with the gold embroidery. I'm not normally one for fancy dresses and I absolutely refuse to wear one of those silly powdered wigs no matter if they are what is in style. However, I suppose I can put up with the tight ball gown tonight, considering it's his Excellency General Washington himself hosting the party. 

Even in war times people have to have a bit of fun. Plus being able to dance the night away boosts moral for our soldiers. 

"Are you sure you wish to go without a wig tonight, Ms. Laurens." My lady's maid asks for the third time.

"I'm sure, Emma." I say. "Thank you for asking, though."

"Very good, Miss." She says as she starts doing my hair in a simple braided coil that frames my face quite nicely. 

I hear the sleigh pull up and I slowly head downstairs. The footman opens the door to the sleigh for me. I thank him and sit down beside Molly. She gives a warm smile as the footman settles into the seat in the front. He flicks the reins and the sleigh starts moving with a gentle jolt as the horses pick up and easy trot. 

"I think you'll have fun, Aspen." Molly says, smiling softly. "The Washington's always throw the most amazing parties and the food it to die for. The men aren't so bad either."

I playfully tap her elbow with my fan. "Oh, Molly, you're terrible." I say, letting out a soft laugh.

The rest of the ride is full of jokes and laughs. As we pull up to the old Ford Mansion where he Excellency and his wife are staying, along with all his aides. There's already quite a few people walking in and out. Young women with elegant gowns and powdered wigs that tower almost a foot tall. This is going to be quite the party. 

The footman helps Molly and I out of the sleigh. I spot John and Alexander strutting over to us. Their uniforms have been cleaned and the brass buttons have been polished. They both wear the green sash of an aide de camp and golden epaulets on their shoulders.

"Ms. Laurens, Ms. Ball. You both look absolutely radiant this evening." Alexander says, kissing the back of my hand.

"Always the flirt, Alexander." I say, smiling.

"You know me." Alexander grins and looks up when another sleigh pulls up and a dark haired beauty steps out, also without a wig with an elegant burgundy gown. "Ah. Excuse me ladies." With that, he hurries off to greet the dark haired girl.

John extends his arm for me to escort me into the party. I smile and take his arm.

"Am I correct to assume that's Miss Elizabeth Schuyler?" I ask, watching Alex interact with the young woman.

"You are." John says. "After spending the day with her the other day, he came back to headquarters and couldn't remember the password."

I laugh softly. "Is that so?" I say, smiling. "That's very sweet."

John nods a bit. I sit at one of the tables on the side of the room. Dancing has already started. Soldiers in buff blue uniforms dance with younger and older women alike. John somehow ends up dancing with a young lady, definitely French from her aristocratic face and the French style lavender ball gown she wears. As well as the exceptionally tall wig. How that thing stay up on her head is beyond me. It's towers almost two feet over John's head.

I look up when a young soldier walks up and bows gallantly. I smile when bright blue eyes look up to meet my green eyes. 

"Why, Colonel Williams." I smile, slowly standing up. 

"It's very nice to see you again, Ms. Laurens." He says, taking my hand and kissing the back of it. "I was hoping I'd get to see you tonight."

"Is that so, Colonel?" I say, smiling as him.

"It is indeed." He states, standing up straight again.

"Well it's very nice to see you as well, Colonel." I say smiling.

"Do you think I could trouble you for a dance?" He asks.

"I'd love to." I say, smiling and slowly resting my hand in his extended palm.

He leads me onto the dance floor and slowly rests one of his hands on the small of my back. I rest my own hand on his shoulder and the music starts up for another reel. The music is upbeat and happy to match the occasion. 

He lead with ease and elegance. He turns me on beat with the song and follows the steps to perfection. 

"You dance beautifully, Ms. Laurens." He says, turning me again.

"Thank you, Colonel Williams." I say and add. "I have a good partner."

He chuckles soft. "Thank you." he says softly. "I've always wondered how everyone seems to know the steps to these dances, including those with little to know dance experience."

"I suppose they get more and more practice at every ball they go to. Most of these things are open to everyone." I say.

He goes to say something else, but a complicated set of steps comes up, causing us both to need to focus. He leads me and I try to hit every step, but my eyes catch his and my heel lands on the arch of his foot.

He bites down on his lip hard to keep from crying out in pain, but his grip on my waist tightens just slightly.

"Oh, dear, I'm so sorry." I say, worriedly. "I didn't hurt you badly, did I?"

"N-no, no, it's quite alright." He says quickly. "I uh, have a high pain tolerance."

I raise and eyebrow but choose to believe him and we continue to dance the night away.

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And so the love story begins! Love y'all!

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