A Friendships Love - Settler series book 1 (Wattpad version, first draft)

A Declaration of Love

A Declaration of Love

For the second time in one week, I found myself dressed up for a dinner party. I honestly hoped that I left this life behind. I looked down at Gracey, who was twirling around in the middle of the sitting room showing all the men of our house how pretty she looked. She, did look so, adorable.

 Walter popped his head in the front door and told us that the wagon was ready. Nash, Charlie, and Walter were riding horses, while Pa was driving the wagon with Gracey and myself in it.

And all too soon, we were off to the Townshends again. Lady Townshend wanted to make sure Will got a formal dinner to welcome his arrival. I hadn’t had a chance to go over to the Townshend’s as soon as, I wanted too. I had a lot of work to do. I couldn’t just slip away whenever I wanted. The fifty minute ride to Ashley’s by wagon would require a sizeable chunk out of my day, and it wasn’t practical, so I told my self.  Tonight will be as good as a few days ago to converse with Will.

The ride went by rather quickly, with Gracey pointing at everything and asking questions. Which was good, I was quite anxious to get this night over with, and the faster we arrived, the faster we could be coming home. Lady Townshend sent a message over with Nash a few days ago mentioning that she wanted me to stay the night, with Gracey after dinner, but that was not going to happen. It was hard enough sleeping under the same roof as Charlie for the last four nights. I was just starting to get into a routine, which worked around seeing him, as little as possible, and I was loathed to have to start all over with someone else, whom could possibly want to treat me with the same distain as Charlie had been. But I didn’t blame him, who could.

When we pulled up at The Townshends, Lord Townshend met us on the porch. He was in an exceptionally good mood.

“Come In everyone Please.” He ushered us into the large sitting room toward the front of the house, this was the biggest room from what could remember, from my brief stay. Lady Townshend then came in followed by Ashley and Will. Charlie and Nash seemed as though they were at ease. No doubt from having eaten here before over the years, but Walter looked completely uncomfortable. I could imagine that, at this moment, he would have preferred to be dragging hundred year old trees up hills in the rain. I smiled to myself.

“And what amuses you, Lady Payton? Am I allowed to know the secret behind your smile?” I pulled myself out of my thoughts and smiled at Will. He had come to stand just behind me, and I could feel him at my back. I turned my head slightly so I could address his question.

“I was just thinking how scared Walter looks to be here just now, he probably never thought he would be attending a dinner party such as this.”  I could hear him chuckle slightly.

“You are most likely right there.” Will moved more so he was situated by my side and peered down to the little girl holding onto my skirts. “Why, don’t you look pretty, tonight Grace. Did Lady Payton make that lovely dress for you?” Grace nodded her head. “I’m pretty sure I remember which dress that originated from.” Will smiled at me.

“Surely you can’t remember Will.” I said. Then from across the room I heard Ashley say,

“William Townshend, you couldn’t possibly remember which dress of Payton’s that was.” All sound quietened at Ashley’s remark, and now all were paying attention to what was transpiring between us.

“Those sound like betting words Lady Ashley.” Then Will bent down and held out his good hand for Grace to take.” Miss Grace, would you please come out from behind Lady Payton’s skirts and show me that beautiful, new dress of yours.” Then he cocked his head and said “please.” Gracey placed her hand in Wills and let herself be pulled away from me to stand in front of him.