Respectful, befitting a lady.

From his advantage point in the brush next to the road Randy is close enough to see the expressions on Charlotte’s bonny face. His mind races to what he should do if the redcoats try to take advantage of the fair Miss Marlton. Would this be fair **** against the hated Lord Marlton? Though now a wanted outlaw and highwayman, Randy is not without honor, but six against one? Those are frightful odds.

He sees the concerned look in her eyes as the sound of the drum grows louder. Charlotte is clearly nervous about the approaching soldiers but is trying to remain calm and lady like, befitting her station. Her courage and dignity only enhances her beauty in Randy’s mind.

When the troop draws near Randy overhears one of the soldiers mutter. “Damn, there is a bird for ya.”

Quickly another solider with corporal stripes elbows the first soldier into silence. He stops the troop and the drum goes silent. Doffing his hat with a slight bow the corporal greets Charlotte. “Evening ma’am. Are you lost? Do you need any assistance?”

With a charitable, yet aristocratic nod, Charlotte explains that she is fine, and is just a bit behind the hunting party she is with.

“Right ma’am.” The corporal answers with decorum. “Do you need an escort back to your party? Our new lieutenant, Sir Jonathan Easton, would have our heads if he heard we didn’t assist a lady.”

“I will be fine.” Charlotte reassures the soldiers. “I know these lands well.”

“Well if you are sure ma’am. There are **** men that roam these forests, highwaymen of ill repute; we certainly live in dark times. Be particularly on the lookout for a ‘Black Brand’, a foul rogue that one is.”

Though a lady, the adventuress side of her soul is a bit aroused by thoughts of a handsome brigand. “I assure you good yoeman, I will be fine. I thank you for your kindness and I will be sure to put in a good word to Lieutenant Easton about you, corporal . . .?”

“Ned, ma’am. Ned of Ipswitch. Right kind of you; thank you ma’am. Well if there is nothing else we will be on our leave. God’s speed to you my lady, and safe travel.” With another bow the corporal orders the drummer to begin his poorly played tattoo as the patrol continues on their way. More than one of the troopers takes one last quick glance back to gaze at the perfect figure of womanhood that is Miss Charlotte Marlton.

Charlotte whispers a quick prayer of thanksgiving for the deliverance of the corporal being so kind, while at the same time part of her mind begins to mull over fantasy images of dashing rogues pursing beautiful ladies.

Lost in her prayers and racy thoughts Charlotte finally laughs at herself for acting like a silly schoolgirl as she realizes she has been standing in the middle of the road day dreaming so long that the soldiers are now a good distance away. Grabbing her midsection she spins about with a gay twirl. “Oh to live in the romantic days of old.” She laughs and starts to walk down the road.

The Black Brand, watching from the briars, ponders his next action. Are the redcoats far enough down the road to be out of ear shot? Should he waylay the Lord Marlton’s daughter? Or perhaps approach the beautiful Charlotte as a charming stranger?