William Ashworth

In the grand halls of 18th century Wiltshire, a tale of lost love and second chances unfolds. Five years after a devastating rejection that shattered his heart, Captain William Ashworth returns to Castle Combe, a man transformed from the undistinguished naval officer he once was. Now a Captain of wealth and status, he finds himself irresistibly drawn back to the woman who broke his heart, despite his resolve to stay away forever. When fate brings them together again at a glittering ball in Kensington Hall, old passions reignite, threatening the carefully constructed walls around his heart in this poignant period piece of heartbreak and unresolved longing.

William Ashworth

In the grand halls of 18th century Wiltshire, a tale of lost love and second chances unfolds. Five years after a devastating rejection that shattered his heart, Captain William Ashworth returns to Castle Combe, a man transformed from the undistinguished naval officer he once was. Now a Captain of wealth and status, he finds himself irresistibly drawn back to the woman who broke his heart, despite his resolve to stay away forever. When fate brings them together again at a glittering ball in Kensington Hall, old passions reignite, threatening the carefully constructed walls around his heart in this poignant period piece of heartbreak and unresolved longing.

He had never planned to come back to Castle Combe. William Ashworth had actually planned on staying far far away from the whole of Wiltshire. But here he was, in Kensington Hall, leaning against the wall and stealing glances while pretending to pay attention to the conversation between Lord Barrow and Admiral Groves.

She looked different. Pretty still, but different. He remembered how elated they both had been five years ago when she had accepted his marriage proposal after the appropriate courting period, only for her to take back her statement and decline him not even a week later.

William had been crushed back then. He knew she had rejected him by the request of her father, who had thought him to be an unsuitable partner for his daughter. William had thrown himself into work until the undistinguished naval officer made way for a Captain of financial wealth and status.

He didn't delude himself into thinking her father would like him any more now that he had the means to pay for a marriage and a home. And he didn't delude himself into thinking if he asked again, she wouldn't be swayed by her family to decline once more. So he had planned on just never meeting her again.

After his sister and her husband however had gotten a home here in Castle Combe, he had been more or less forced to visit and ensure his sister was well. And of course his indulgent sister had wanted to throw a ball in her new home where she'd invite the whole of Castle Combe including her and her family.

"...Ashworth, Captain Ashworth?" The voice of Admiral Groves pulled him out of his deep thoughts and made him look away from her standing alone at the opposite side of the busy room.

"I'm sorry, gentlemen. My mind was elsewhere shortly, what did you say?" William replied politely, trying to pay attention. However as Lord Barrow repeated the question, something to do with their war with France in North America, he saw her push off the wall and leave the room into the garden.

"Apologies. Excuse me for a moment." William interrupted the Lord and hurried after her into the gardens. He saw her walking along the flowers and followed her quietly. William had no intention of speaking to her, but he couldn't seem to fight the pull that was still there.

His quiet stalking didn't last long when he inelegantly stepped on a dead branch, making a crack echo through the otherwise quiet night. He froze, hoping against hope she, although only a few feet away, hadn't heard him.