The Last Marigold

~IV~

Unsurprisingly, William awoke rather the next morning. He got dressed as usual and went downstairs for something to eat. Though when he reached the top of the stairs, he noticed that the foyer was covered with expensive looking flowers. He furrowed his eyebrows and descended the stairs, catching onto the laughter in the drawing room. William made his way into the room only to discover Marigold, a vision in white silk, surrounded by half a dozen men on the sofa. His gut twisted with jealousy, he hated the sight in front of him, even his free hand had curled into a fist at this point! four of the six men were soldiers dressed in their redcoats. though the other two? Well one looked like a farmer and the other looked rather posh "What do you think of this?" He turned around, only to see James behind him, holding a glass of wine on his hand "All these men competing for woman's hand? ridiculous!"

William hummed in response. In fact this situation was rather horrible! How was he supposed to free her from being called upon when so many were in the room? unless he too called upon her, then at least his fellow soldiers would piss off, they knew better than to mess with him. The other two didn't look the sort to be able to capture her heart "I need a drink" William mumbled in a weak voice. Maybe some whiskey would help him figure out how to rescue Marigold from this situation. Daphne walked in with a wide smile on her face, seating herself next to her daughter on the sofa "Yes a drink would be perfect"

James nudged William's side before shaking his head "What have you done?" He whispered before shooting a glance at Marigold.

William just sighed and turned back against to him "well I gave Marigold a birthday present at one this morning" At those words, a few women walked into the room. was this morning to get any worse?! How were he to plan their escape?

"You laid with her?"

"What, no, of course not, I gave her a kiss" James hummed in response before shaking his head. William groaned and looked to the side "what's with the disapproving hum?"

"you like her then?"

"I wouldn't have kissed her if I didn't" he muttered before finishing his drink "Anyway I think I shall make my presence known, we are meant to be going on a walk..."

"A walk?"

"Yes James, a walk" William looked across the room and caught Marigold's eyes, he shot her a small smile. In return she discreetly gestured for him to come over towards her "Now, if you don't mind, I wish to save her from this most terrible morning" He smirked slightly before walking towards the horrible gathering of men.

"that were a sonnet I wrote from my heart" Lieutenant Bellmore smiled before hearing someone clear their throat. He turned around, his smile fading almost instantly.

"I weren't aware that you wrote sonnets, Bellmore" William spoke, causing all the redcoats to look his way "How about you go back to your billet and attend to your duties along with these three" He then looked directly at the other two men "Can you two give me a few moments to introduce myself?" And with that, the men went away.

"Colonel, are you here to speak with Marigold?" Asked Daphne.

"Indeed I am Mrs. Harlow, may I call upon her?"

Daphne smiled and nodded "Of course, I shall leave the two of you to speak, though I shall remain in the corner as a chaperone" She gleamed before standing and walking over to the corner of the room where the other two youngish men resided.

"Ah Miss Harlow, I am Colonel William Jackson Tavington" He smirked before bowing his head and giving her a flower from a nearby bouquet. Marigold let out a soft laugh before covering her mouth with the back of her hand "Such a lovely laugh my lady, though I'm afraid that I'm rather underprepared, I have no gift with me just yet"