"Well, Major. I should probably leave you in peace.."

Arthur said his farewell and watched her dragged by Henry onto the floor as the new dance began. He stood and watched as the couples made their way into the centre of the Hall. Dotted among the dancers were several of the officers in their red jackets. As the music began the couples moved as one around the Hall. Matilda’s comment stung. Was he really that unpleasant to be with? From what he remembered of his interactions with Miss Far, that it was one of stimulating conversations and the four of them playing cards well into the night. Now three years later, after a meagre minute of conversing with him, she looked for an opportunity to dance with her brother. Surely he must be such unpleasant company for it to end in such way.

Four weeks prior, many of these young officers had taken part in some of the roughest skirmishes their unit have ever conducted. Lieutenant Barnes, on one particular night after watching a dear friend of his bleed to death had vowed that we will never return back to the front again. Now four weeks later he is smiling with a handsome woman on his arms as they danced. Clearly, the memory of that night was far from his mind as he laughed and flirted his way through the evening.  Yet here the Major stood alone and ignored, watching the festivities from afar.

As Arthur watched the dance, his gaze kept falling upon the beautiful Miss Farr. He had contemplated taking his brother’s suggestion to court Matilda seriously. His conversations with her he found interesting and stimulating that was a change from the shallow small talk he was all too accustomed to. If he had pursued her, where would he be now? 

[b]“Major Bradford.[/b]” The Colonel’s voice behind him brought him back to reality. “[b]My friend, I can’t leave you sulking by yourself[/b].” He said as he slapped the Major on his back. 

Bradford turned round to greet the Colonel and George who had made their way to him. Mrs Hollyworth had now left the group after sighting an old friend, which Mrs Farr saw as the perfect opportunity to take her leave.

After re-introducing himself, Arthur was pleasantly surprised by his conversation with Mr Farr. His keen interest in the progress of the war along with his intelligent and wit was a pleasant change.