Early America

Isa

I hesitate before taking his hand.

Will

I flash a smile and glance at her, studying her.

Isa

I flash a small smile back.

Will

I take this as another hint and hesitate before kissing her cheek.

Isa

I blush a little and smile wider, looking down.

Will

I match her smile and wonder if it's too soon to kiss her. Before I can, the front door opens.

Isa

I look up when the door opens, swallowing.

Will

I look up and find Mother there, eyeing me disapprovingly.

"William, I would like it if you came back and danced with the Governor's daughter," she says.

I look at Isabel before facing her again, "Must I?"

"Humor me, dear," she sighs. "Come on."

She leaves and I sigh, frowning slightly.

Isabel

I hesitate before letting go of his hand, frowning as I look down again, "Go."

William

I study her, "I can come back. I mean, I'm a just a farm boy. The Governor's daughter won't want more than one tune with someone of the likes of me. I don't want someone who believes themselves better than I either. I'll only be appeasin' my mother."

Isa

I nod and keep looking down, tucking some hair behind my ear, but don't say anything.

Will

I kiss her cheek once more before standing, "Just.. wait for me, yes?"

Isa

I glance up at him, "Yes."

Will

I nod and hesitate before heading back to the party, being introduced to the daughter by Mother. She, compared to Isabel, is not even remotely appealing to me, and consistently speaks about herself and her father and her money. When the song is over, I quickly excuse myself and dodge Mother and Father and head for the abandoned tavern again.

Isa

I move against the wall when he leaves and slide down it, my redress bunching up at my legs. I close my eyes and sigh, thinking about random stuff.