I awoke to my annoying sister Mary's prattling.I groaned and placed my pillow to drown her out.
At least it worked until she forcefully pried it out of my grip and away from my head.
"Get up you lazy girl the Colonel is visiting today,and I will not have you disgrace me in front of him"her voice was like the hissing of a snake threatening and laced with venom.

"How about you do us both a favor,and help me sneak out.That way I won't be an embarrassment to you,and I won't have to listen to old war stories"I was practically whinning my offer, she could see however the benefits of me ridding off for the day into town or to the meadow to escape.

Watching her face as she pondered I noted the sour look and discomfort before she answered.
"Somehow and don't ask me how or why but the Colonel wishes to meet you,it seems father would often talk about you and he seems to be curious"she said with distaste.


Rolling my eyes I start to dress for the day,or rather Mary dresses me."If I remember correctly father did not seem to like the Colonel morals "I said implyingly.
Mary just smilled,twas no normal smile but one of complete adoration or rather in my opinio infatutation."He has the most handsome eyes"she said dreamily.

Whether it was her words or my corset,maybe both that at that moment made me want to vomit.That was it her defense for his actions was {he had handsome eyes}talking as if he had done nothing wrong.My mind screamed these thoughts as I turned away from her disgusted as shook my head before I went to put my hair up.

Deeming myself fit for a society social I made my way down the stairs,intending to sneak out and find the spare clothes I hid in the barn for such occasions.Notting that my mother was busy talking and writting letters in the library I made my way into the kitchen and out the back door.
All seemed well until I bumped into a man."Sorry"I apologized a little out of breath.

He had a blue suit with yellow strings and various badges on his chest,it was at this point I determined luck was not on my side today."It's alright Miss.........."he made a hand gesture to indicate that he didn't know my name."Anna"I offered not seeing any reason to lie.His smile widened and I suddenly felt very uneasy.

"Miss Anna is it.I am very honored to finally meet you"he took my hand and kissed it while giving me a slight bow in the process.I gave him a forced small smile.Quickly I put my hand back to my side wanting to avoid him being any where closer to me.His eyes looked me over wanting to change his focus I shifted my body in direction of the door."My mother and sister will be pleased at your arrival Colonel---"James"he said "I would prefer it if you call me James"I nodded and proceeded on with what I was saying."Forgive me James but I have some matters to attend to in town this morning,but I know that mother and Mary will keep you company"I said as friendly and politely as I could.



He frowned slightly at my words "I could accompany Anna you know it's not safe for a young beautiful lass such as yourself to wandering around alone,not with savages around"he stated.
I'd be safer with them than you I thought to myself."No,that's alright I'll be fine no need to worry,I won't be gone long"I said lying. Smilling he bowed again"Then I shall see you later"he offered.
I nodded as I gave him a slight curtsey .Walking to the stable I made sure to act like a proper lady,but after I was in the stable I ran to Midnight's stall.

Bless it all one of the groomsmen had him already saddled for me.Grabbing a pair of old baggy slacks I had used previously with a blue shirt I rushed into the empty tack room to change.Making sure the door was locked before I began to undress,the room had no windows something that father had down for me seeing how this was not the first time I sneaked out.
Folding the dress neatly I put in the far corner so no one would bother with it.Pulling out the bobby pins I place them ontop of the dress so that my straight hair was now free.



Making my way back to Midnight my heart was giddy with joy.The black stallion was pawing the floor.Almost as anxious as me to get out and run.I led him out a ways before moutning him,and then we ran.................