the difference

Chapter Nine

William had to depart early for an unexpected meeting with Lord Cornwallis. He was huddled up with Evelyn in her bed and it pained him to leave her without notice, he did write a note saying where he was. Unfortunately the meeting was just an excuse to slate him about his recent failure to capture the Ghost. Stephen tried to keep his spirits high but that responsibly, unbeknownst to William, had fallen onto Evelyn's shoulders. 

Once they were back at the manor, William took his horse to the stables and handed him off to the stablehand. William sighed at the amount of stairs and for a moment thought about just lounging in the drawing room. But then he remembered that Evelyn would be upstairs. Stephen patted William's shoulder and started to ascend the staircase. William sighed and eventually started following him.

"It seems that Miss Anderson is awake" William smiled slightly and glanced over his shoulder at Evelyn "It seems our Colonel is taken by the woman" Stephen laughed and swatted his friends shoulder "Talk to her, don't stalk her like a creep"

"What do I say?"

"I don't know, my wedding was arranged" Stephen shrugged "or is it simply just a matter of wetting your wick?"

William remained quiet before glancing back at Evelyn "no...I do not know..."

Stephen sighed and looked over at Evelyn "Miss Anderson?" He called, causing her to turn around in a hurry "The Colonel has been looking for you" William quickly looked up at Stephen and slapped the back of his head "Please hurry, I fear he will murder me"

Evelyn smiled and walked over towards the officers "Hello..." William smiled and flushed a slight pink. He noticed that she was only in a dressing robe and nightgown.

"good evening" she beamed and looked up at him, resisting the urge to pull him into an embrace there and then.

"hi..." he repeated before clearing his throat and shaking his head "Right Stephen get lost"

"No, I think I shall stay" William scowled slightly and discreetly punched his lower back "...a-actually I have a report to write, good day sir, miss" he dipped his head down before limping back to his room.

"There was no need for that muffin"

"There was full need, he's been annoying me all day" he smirked and brushed some hair from her face before dipping down and pecking her lips.

"My bed was cold without you this morning" she mumbled and ran her hands over the front of his coatee "perhaps you could make it up to me?"

William lustfully growled and smirked when she took his hand and lead him towards her room. A short time later, he turned to face Evelyn before taking her into his arms after closing her bedroom door behind him.

"finally, alone at last" He muttered and brought her into an unhurried kiss.

"I take it you missed me?"

William nodded and gently kissed her forehead "more than anything"

"It was strange being away from you, we've been inseparable the past few days-" her voice caught in her throat as she lowered her gaze.

"You are adrift without me?" His tone was a bit mocking, not intentionally but she still caught on.

"please don't mock me" she blushed a slight crimson out of embarrassment.

"I do not and I shall never do so" he kissed her once again before lifting her into his arms "it's equally hard to function without you" Evelyn nuzzled into his neck and hugged him tightly. he deposited her on the bed and kissed her softly  "anyway, I've got a few letters to write to my...friends back home"