"Laurette! Come inside this instant!" Hurriedly, Laurette sped towards Aldercy's voice. Aldercy was a medium sized lady, with curls of hair, that was always tied in a tight bun. Her voice acquired immediate attention, and could never be ignored. Laurette knew, because she had tried so very hard to do so many times. Aldercy had been Laurette's personal servant for as long as she could remember. Aldercy was very educated and had taught Laurette everything about being a lady. "Laurette!" Aldercy yelled again.

"Coming!" Laurette smoothed her skirt down, made sure there wasn't any paint on the fabric, and ran her finger's through her straight red hair. Then with her glance down she walked into the doorway of the mansion.

Aldercy's cool green eyes stared at her, and suddenly they were warmed. She glanced at the girl and stroked her hair gently. Laurette looked at her surprised, Aldercy didn't look angry at all. Usually, she was always telling Laurette to do something this way or that. Her voice however stern, when Laurette looked into her eyes, she could see the hint of warmth in them, even when she was angry. Today, though, those eyes were the warmest green. The green of life, and of the plants in the gardens. Laurette had never seen Aldercy's eyes warmer except for the day they came to America, from London. Laurette had cried and cried about leaving. She hadn't wanted to go to America. Aldercy had calmed her down. She reminded her that her mother and father were there, and she'd have to go sometime. Aldercy's eyes had been warmest then.

"I was serving at the sewing circle your mother had yesterday, as you may know," Aldercy explained. Laurette nodded. Sewing circles were a popular get together for women, that wasn't very much about sewing as it was gossip. Her mother threw one every month, but Laurette hadn't been to the most recent, she was in the park the whole day, just looking for her lost inspiration, and reading Mr. Calloway's poems. After she read his poems she painted the picture he had drawn with words, and immediately found her inspiration. "Your mother and I heard some things..about you.and.she feels that now would be a good time to..talk," Aldercy spoke as if she had chosen her words with great care.

Without speaking she gestured with her hand to follow and led the way into the parlor. Laurette followed slowly. She knew her mother loved her, but she also knew that her mother didn't understand her. It was easy to love someone, but oh, how difficult it was to understand them. Laurette didn't look like her mother at all. Her mother had hair the color of early honey, while Laurette's was a rich dark red. Laurette's eyes were a purple brown, while her mother's was a sparkling night blue. Her mother was sitting on one of the armchairs, her back slightly forward. The graceful way to sit, Laurette recalled the previous week's lecture, when her mother had been to the market and had overheard that Laurette had an ungraceful slouch.

Silently, Laurette had listened saying "Yes, mother," and "No, mother," when her mother wanted her to say it even though she had asked a yes or no question, that could be answered any which way. Secretly, Laurette had wondered if it was lady-like to "overhear". She had had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing loudly and to suppress unwanted giggles. As she walked into the parlor she wondered what this week's lecture would be about.

"Sit down, my dear," Mrs. Blakeley said motioning to an armchair beside her. Laurette sat obediently. "I know that you like to paint, dear. It's just that. Catherine Miller, said.." Laurette, although she seemed to be listening had stopped after her mother had mentioned Catherine Miller. Catherine was a very jealous older girl about the age of seventeen. She was always spreading nasty rumors about any young lady, she thought was better in some way than herself. Catherine thought she was perfect in every way, with her long fair hair in neat locks, heart shaped face and cool sky blue eyes. Cold blue eyes, thought Laurette, very cold. She almost shuddered thinking about them—almost, but she didn't dare; in case her mother was watching. Catherine had started rumors, of practically every girl in Maryland, especially Laurette. The slouching back, the loud laugh, the wicked smile, and then there was that whole thing about the corset. It was unbelievable, but the worst thing was that her mother believed Catherine, or Caity as Catherine had said to call her. Her mother actually liked her!

What did she say this time? She started listening to her mother again. "My dear, I know you are only fifteen. I know that you aren't yet wise enough to understand, but where did you get this silly notion of wanting to be an artist, and never wanting to marry?" Mrs. Blakeley said. Laurette couldn't help but smile, the smile that every lady had complimented, and Catherine had called wicked.

"Mother, for once Catherine has spoken the truth, I just am not the marrying type. Besides, I've already been a bridesmaid three times. Once at Cousin Evelyn's , once at ..." her mother cut her off.

"I don't care if you've been a bridesmaid two hundred times, no one believes that rumor. You know perfectly well that your Aunt Martha." This time Laurette started talking before her mother could finish. "Aunt Martha married three people just as she was a bridesmaid, and each one died," Laurette said.

"How dare you talk about the dead like that? It is not.." Mrs. Blakeley didn't finish, but her daughter did it for her.

"Ladylike? Mother, you don't understand! I am...already married." She finished quietly.

Her mother gasped, and Aldercy eyes became wide, both were completely shocked. "To who?!" they screamed in unison.

"To whom, you mean, right? I am married to my art." Laurette said calmly. She was sick of all the talk about marrying somebody, and of all the annoying proposals that went along with the dull suitors. She was sick of her mother giving her hints, saying things like "You'll be a wonderful mother when you marry, my dear," or things like "You will make a great lady to a lord, someday," from Aldercy. She didn't want to marry. She wanted to become somebody, be somebody, and not change for anybody.

"Good grief! I almost fainted. Young lady, I was going to honor your wishes by not making you go to the ball. However, now that I see that you cannot honor mine, you will go," Mrs. Blakeley said. Then she looked at Laurette's hair, and plucked a strand that was bright yellow holding it she added "and you will look your best,".

Laurette got up and left alone, feeling the two great women's eyes in her back. She heard something about speaking to her father but she ignored it. Her father may own many ships and be a merchant, but he was very gentle with her, even though he knew her mother was right.

She glanced at the finished painting of the garden. Before she could call a servant to take the supplies back up into her room, one came out. It was Walter, the butler. He picked up the artwork and paints, then turned to her.

"Miss Laurette, your mother wishes you to start getting dressed for the ball at the lighthouse. She would like you to go to your room immediately. She informed me that she wants you to wear the yellow silk, with black sash, and your pearls," he waited as if for more instructions.

"Very well, thank you Walter," Laurette said sadly.

She went inside and started up the grand staircase. As she walked into the bedroom she saw her dress spread out on the bed. It was her favorite, only worn once. She had worn it when she had gotten her first compliment relating to her artwork. Her maid, came out of her wardrobe with her black beaded dance slippers. Laurette sighed, then willingly allowed herself to be dressed. She wore the pearls that her Aunt Martha had given her. She had liked Aunt Martha, always nice, with a lovely smile. Aunt Martha was always saying that Laurette was a copy of her. Laurette agreed, they had the same smile, hair, eyes, personality, and love of art. Aunt Martha, like her husbands had died too soon. Laurette sighed again then slowly descended the stairs.

Her father had just come in through the front door. "I never thought I'd see the day that my daughter willingly went to a social gathering, like a ball!" he joked.

"You look wonderful, my dear," her mother said. Laurette, despite her frustration smiled. Her parents looked so different, they looked like they had come from different worlds, except for that special glint in each other's eyes, that was so creamy and full of love. Seeing that glint now, she felt a wave of happiness. She would do anything for that glint to come into her eyes, and for someone to see her with that glint.

"Why is there a ball anyway, Papa. What about the war?" Laurette asked. Her and her whole family were loyalists, and she already knew that some patriots were going to be at the gathering.

"Oh, the war hasn't started, yet. They haven't declared it," her father replied, "Now you go and have a good time, alright?"

Laurette nodded in reply, and went out to the carriage. As she rode she thought about how beautiful the sun looked shining it's last rays before sunset. She realized that ever since she had come to America, she had had more freedom than under King George III's rule. She quickly shrugged off the thought, no, she was a loyalist, and she would remain loyal to the king.

As the carriage stopped and she walked up to the gazebo by the lighthouse, she could hear the orchestra playing a beautiful melody. Flowers filled the air, and pretty dresses of rainbow colors swirled around her, while the lighthouse's light loomed overhead, in the lilac and rose sky. Just like a painting she thought, beautiful! Her happy thoughts disappeared as Catherine walked towards her, two handsome young men stood at both her sides.
Laurette bit back a remark about how Catherine had an ungraceful slouch right now.

"Why, Laur..ette." She said with a pause in between each syllable. Obviously, she was looking Laurette up and down. Laurette gave her an amused smile; thank you mother, she thought, for your great taste. Laurette knew she looked attractive and very mature. Catherine suddenly grinned broadly.

"She's the one I was telling you about," She said sweetly. The young men immediately looked at Laurette's waist and then turned to Catherine in disbelief. Catherine started to talk, "You must be barely able to breathe, tell me how did you go from thirty to ..nineteen". Laurette's cheeks turned crimson. Catherine had told everybody that even with a corset Laurette's waist was thirty inches, but that was three weeks ago, why did she have to cling to every rumor, especially if it was so untrue.

"Just the same as you go from forty to twenty-five all the time, Catherine my dear. Except I never went from thirty to nineteen. I was nineteen all the way," She smiled innocently at Catherine; who had immediately turned around with a swish of her gaudy gown, and murmured something about her favorite song being played. The young men followed, but grinning broadly.Laurette glared back at her; she could hardly believe that she had been brave enough to say such a thing.

Although she was happy about her victory, her mood had turned from bad to good to worse, very quickly, and she knew that her mood would stay the same. Now, she wouldn't be able to enjoy even the setting. She turned away from the party, determined to go home, even if she had to walk. As she started down the steps, she heard a voice behind her and the notes of a new waltz.

"Would you do me the honor, Miss?" the voice said. She turned around to find a young man in a black suit. He had dark brown hair, and deep green eyes filled with warmth, that reminded Laurette of Aldercy's eyes. She caught Catherine giving her a nasty look, and suddenly she found herself talking despite what she wanted.

"I'd be delighted to", she replied sweetly.

She was swept just as quickly onto the dance floor; soon she found herself enjoying the dance. "May, I ask who my lovely partner is?" the boy asked.

"Laurette. Laurette Blakeley," she replied.

"Sorry, but I asked who you are, not your name," he answered, "but my name is Alden Calloway. As for who I am, I am a patriot". So that's what he meant Laurette thought, and that's why Catherine had given her a nasty look. Despite Catherine's dislike for attention turned away from herself, she wouldn't want a decent girl loyalist to dance with a patriot, and neither would I, thought Laurette. She felt sick all over again.

"I am sorry to say that I am a loyalist," she answered.

"Why, are you sorry? Do you not want to be a loyalist?" This question startled her, a different young man had made his way over to her and Alden. The orchestra had picked up a new tune.

"May, I cut in?" he asked.

"Of course. 'Till we meet again," Alden handed her over to the other gentleman

Laurette studied her new partner, he had cold blue eyes just like Catherine's, and wavy blonde hair. "Fremont," he offered "Victor Fremont. I am also a loyalist, but may I ask why you said you were sorry to say you were, to that...patriot?" he said the word as if it was an insult to be said on his lips.

The rest of the night Laurette danced with gentlemen short and tall. She felt as if she was in a whirlwind, that never ended. Finally, the crowds began to die down; and she started to get ready to leave herself. As she walked to where the carriages were picking up, she saw the young man with the green eyes standing nearby. Alden! She wanted so much to ask him more questions, her curiosity was heightened by his mysteriousness. As she waited for her carriage she saw that he was writing in a journal.

She watched him, until finally he looked up. His eyes looking straight at her. She blushed again, and just by luck the beam from the lighthouse hit her face full. When the blinding light had moved away, he was right beside her.

"May I ask, Miss Laurette what you are doing here at this late hour, alone?" he said. She looked around, there was hardly anybody left, and all the carriages seemed to have left.

"My carriage hasn't come yet." she said embarrassed, that he had caught her staring at him. He glanced down at his watch.

"It's almost eight to eleven. You should go home right away! I know I do not share your opinions..however, I think you should let me escort you home" he said. He looked so anxious Laurette laughed. He stared at her confused.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself. You just looked so worried, and embarrassed. It was exactly how I felt.. I live at Avery Lane," she replied truthfully, "and please, call me Laurette". Alden looked at her for a moment, then started laughing himself. Laurette laughed with him, all her weariness forgotten.

Alden, still smiling spoke up, "What a coincidence! I live near the same street. By the way Laurette you must call me Alden," he locked his eyes on her face "You have the prettiest smile I have ever seen". He extended his arm "Shall we go then?"

Laurette took his arm, still smiling. It was a long walk, as they walked they talked about anything that came to mind. Laurette was completely lost to the beauty of the night. "Tomorrow, I'm going to paint the lighthouse just like this!" she exclaimed, talking to herself.

"You paint?" Alden asked. Laurette nodded her eyes sparkling. "You must really love it, to talk about it that way. I like to write poetry," he said.

"You don't mean..are you Mr. Calloway..as in..the famous poet? I never though you would be so young! I love your poems. Whenever I read them I see a clear picture, and I paint it right way," Laurette realized how much she had said and immediately bit her tongue.

Alden laughed "Yes, most people think I'm at least forty, but really I don't think I could be more than a year older than you. I'd like to see some of your paintings sometime they must be quite something."

"I'd like to think so. I really want to do something with my art someday. Really though, my best drawings come from your poems. It's like they're inspiration."

"That is the best compliment anyone has ever paid me, thank you" Alden replied then he added "I think that tonight I'll write a poem about your smile."

Laurette blushed brightly. She wished this night would never end. It was the first time she had talked to someone who understood her, and the sprinkled compliments were very nice. Then she remembered Catherine, and her nasty stare.

She looked up at Alden. "An acquaintance of mine says it looks wicked. She says that I should care more about my looks than my silly paintings".

Alden's smile vanished then suddenly returned. He looked closely at her in the darkness, then quoted from his poetry "A young girls beauty like rainbows far away, unlike talent, true genius, and Laurette's smile, it never seems to stay". They walked on in silence.

Both treasuring the walk with their partner. How can we be so alike and yet so different, Laurette thought. "Well, here we are. Avery Lane," Alden pointed to the street sign as he talked. Laurette looked in disbelief and disappointment. Suddenly, the door was thrown open to her house, and Aldercy familiar voice filled the air.

"Laurette, my goodness! Do you know the time? The carriage went, and you were no where there! Your father almost called the.." she stopped in mid sentence realizing that her mistress was not alone. Laurette knew she was shocked after everything that had happened that afternoon. Aldercy's voice warmed "Laurette, it is late. Say goodbye to the young man and come inside", the door closed softly.

Alden and Laurette looked at each other and burst out laughing. "I don't think I've ever laughed so much!" Laurette exclaimed.

"You're not the only one! That housekeeper of yours has a very authoritative manner," Alden replied. Laurette nodded. "When I was little I thought Aldercy wasn't a name but a thing. I actually looked her name up in the dictionary and guess what it said.." she paused, "chief!" Alden burst out laughing, and Laurette followed.

"If we don't say good bye and go our ways, I think she will be very worried. I hope to see you soon," Alden replied. Laurette nodded.

"Goodbye," she said as she started up the steps. Alden waved back.

Laurette went inside the house fully expecting tons of questions on the other side. Despite the late hour, her parents, and Aldercy were fully dressed and wide awake. Their eyes were filled with excitement. Aldercy had obviously told them.

"Who was that young man?" they asked together. They had a habit of speaking in unison most of the time.

"His name was Alden Calloway," she answered hiding a smile on her lips. If they knew he was a patriot they'd never let him even talk to her. As went upstairs, she heard whispers from her parents and Aldercy. That night her dreams were filled with Alden's voice reciting poems and floating images of her paintings .

When she woke up the next morning she had a wonderful idea. Feeling giddy she dressed and lightly walked out the door and into the gardens. Good, she thought. Walter had already set up her arts supplies in her favorite spot, between the white roses and the tall elm tree. She hurried over to it and started mixing different colors. She would need the perfect warm green.

As the early morning faded away into an early afternoon, Laurette's painting became more and more lifelike. Just as she was adding the finishing touches, she heard a branch snap. She whirled around, there was Alden smiling at her, his eyes dancing. She couldn't believe he was here. She gave him a big hug. Then realizing what she had done, she quickly stepped back and apologized.

"It's alright. I'm guessing you also felt like you've known me forever?" Alden asked.

Laurette gasped, "Can you read minds?" she asked astonished.

"No, no. I'm only a poet for now," Alden chuckled. He then noticed his portrait. "Well, you've been busy," he added.

"I...I just thought that if you were going to write a poem for me, then I should do something for you," she explained.

"I am truly honored. It's an identical likeness," he admired the painting. Suddenly, Laurette wondered why Alden had come at all. As if on cue Alden started to speak, "I came here wondering if..that is..have you heard of the art show?"

"Have I? Of course, it's supposed to be wonderful! With actual artists and many paintings, how could I forget?"

"Just as I thought. Would you like to go?"

"Of course, but it's invitation only."

Alden pulled out an envelope from his pocket and handed it to Laurette. Laurette pulled the gold seal up and carefully unfolded the letter inside. "How did you ever get one? I heard they were very selective," she said.

"Well, if you are along the lines of accomplished poet..In fact, I'm surprised you didn't get one your family is wealthy," Alden said.

"The art show is only for patriots and well..."

"I see," Alden replied, "Well, anyway you can be my guest to the art show".

The day the art show was to take place, was the day Laurette's life changed. She had a wonderful time, and when Alden drove her home she clearly saw the glint in his eyes. As they passed the lighthouse she saw the constellation Pisces in the night sky. Alden looked at the stars too.

"Laurette," he said softly. Her gaze turned to him, her eyes were glittering in the dim moonlight. "I know we some from different worlds, and I know that I've only known you for a few days...but I also know, that I feel as if I've known you all my life..I feel like without you I cannot write..." he paused, "Laurette, you are my inspiration, and I love you".

"I love you too, Alden" Laurette whispered. Alden's gaze returned to the starts, and then back to her.

"Let us make a promise. Whenever we see the stars Pisces, we will always think of each other," he offered.

She locked her eyes with his and said, "It won't be too hard. Seeing that we're both two fish out of water," she smiled.

"One thing that will never go old, one thing that is timeless, is your smile," Alden hugged her.

"and our love," Laurette corrected.

"Yes," Alden agreed , "Just like the British Isles. The sun will never set on our love!"

Days passed each on better than the next. The young couple talked hours and hours about art. Laurette painted and Alden wrote in each other's company, asking the other's advice. To every ball or gala they were seen dancing and laughing together. Secretly, Laurette had become a patriot. She realized that here in America there was more freedom, more chances for young women, though she still disagreed with the war. She thought there was another way.

One day, Alden told her that he was going to fight in the war. Laurette despite her concerns for him, didn't argue. She knew that she wasn't the only one that needed him. His country did, their country did. Alden told her to meet him by the dock. He was leaving by sea and he wanted her to be his last memory of beautiful Maryland before he left.

The next morning Laurette dressed in a peach chiffon dress, with a deep purple ribbon that was tied around the waist. Alden had nicknamed her Sunset, and she wanted to make sure that she looked the part today. As she walked to the docks, she couldn't help crying a little. She didn't want Alden to be hurt. Then she saw him; he was in his uniform. He tipped his hat when he saw her, and before she knew what she was doing she had raced into his arms tears and all. When she looked up into his eyes, she the warmth and the glint.

He knelt down and said, "I have talked to your parents. They have given permission. Will you marry me when I get back?" he took a silver ring with a smooth pearl out of his pocket. Laurette nodded she couldn't speak.

"I never liked diamonds, they looked to sharp and vain, but pearls were always soft and gentle". He looked at her and slipped the ring on. "We will, marry when I get back." The boat blew it's horn. He gave her one last hug and whispered, "Look for Pisces in the night sky." She smiled and a tear fell from her eye. He turned and boarded the boat, as it set sail. Laurette saw Alden even over the noise of the ocean she heard him yell, "The sun will never set on our love!"

Laurette sighed, it had been seventy long years. She remembered it all as if it were yesterday. Her parents had eventually found out the Alden was a patriot from Catherine. No matter how much she tried, none of her letters ever reached him, and all she got of his letters were the remaining ashes. Aldercy never had any warmth in her eyes for her any longer, and her mother cried every time she saw the ring. Then one day, her father had come home with the casualty lists, and though he had said it gently, she had run into the gardens and cried. She had yelled at them that Alden did not die, and wouldn't.

After that her mother, father, and Aldercy and tried everything for her to forget her dead fiancée; bringing in new suitors, and giving her lavish gifts. Aldercy's eyes had a new warmth of sympathy. Her father showed her the newspaper and how it was said that a young patriot had written the poem for the only one he ever loved before dying. She knew the wording to be Alden's when she read the title, "The Sun Will Never Set on Our Love", but still she ignored the fact that he was dead. Despite their efforts Laurette never married, only painted day after day. Catherine of course had married, and was living happily with her family.

Laurette had grown old, waiting every night by the docks at sunset for him to return. This night she had a feeling he would come home, home to beautiful Maryland, home to her. The sun set slowly, and just as the rays were almost gone. She saw him, he was standing in the water, in his uniform. He was so far away. She walked into the water towards him and he caught her in his arms. Then he softly whispered, "I told you the sun will never set on our love!."

The Revolutionary war had changed things forever. Torn apart families, and happy couples, both loyalist, and patriot, suffered from the aftermath. Lives were gone, and those that lived had different lives than before. Though the war had changed things for the worse, it had also changed things for the better. It had given a new country life, liberty, freedom, independence, and many more things. Although, the sun had seemed to finally set on the British Isles, it had never stopped shining on love.