Complications of War

As the months passed, Caroline slowly adjusted to and accepted her marriage to William Tavington. Though he’d spent most of his time when at the fort with Jane Thompson, Tavington had devoted some effort getting acquainted with his young wife and, to his surprise, came to enjoy her company. Equally to her amazement, as she learned the different facets of his personality, she found parts of him she could actually admire and even respect. Though she’d never forgotten what he’d done to her that day, it gradually became less and less important to her as the time for their child‘s birth approached. Though she still missed her family terribly, she’d adapted to her new life with resilience.

During the times that the dragoons were away from the fort, Caroline typically spent her days knitting and sewing baby clothes. Quietly disregarding Deborah Wilkins’ advice, she occasionally visited Jane Thompson, and the unlikely pair slowly became friends. As the time drew nearer for each woman to give birth, Jane became pale and weak, while at the same time Caroline glowed with good health in the anticipation of motherhood.

About a month before Caroline was to give birth, they’d been invited to a ball in honor of General Cornwallis’ widowed sister, who had come to South Carolina to spend the Christmas holidays with him. Tavington hated such affairs, but usually attended them as befitted an officer of his rank. This party would be his first as a married man, and, as such, this gathering would also serve to formally introduce Caroline to local Loyalist society.

Though well aware that her husband attended the ball only grudgingly, Caroline had looked forward to it after months of near isolation. Wearing the new gown she’d had made for the occasion, the young wife looked around eagerly at the other women’s outfits as she entered the ballroom on Tavington’s arm.

“Why don’t you mingle for awhile,” ngtongton suggested as they entered the room. “I need to discuss a few things with Captain Bordon, but I’ll join you shortly.”

“All right,” she said. “Go ahead; I’ll be fine.”

After Tavington had walked off with Captain Bordon, Caroline browsed around the room, not stopping to join any conversations. Spotting Deborah Wilkins standing alone near the punch bowl, she walked over to join her.

“Your gown is lovely,” Deborah Wilkins said. “I saw many heads turning in admiration when you entered the room.”

“Surely you jest,” Caroline responded, blushing furiously. “If heads were turning, it was most likely ladies looking at my husband.”

“Oh, I’m sure that is also true,” Deborah conceded, giving her a sly wink. Gesturing with her hand, she said, “Why don’t we go sit down. “That’s a fine idea,” the younger woman said. “We can watch the dancing from there.”

As the two made their way through the crowd, they passed a group of women, Anna Culpepper and Sally Baker among them. Caroline’s ears pricked up as she heard her husband’s name mentioned as they walked by.

“……brutal barbarian. It’s because of Colonel Tavington that we have such trouble with the rebels in the first place,” Sally Baker said. “I don’t know why Lord Cornwallis keeps such an incompetent in charge of the dragoons.”

“Shh, ll hll hear you,” Anna Culpepper warned as saw spied Caroline Tavington.

“Ignore her,” Deborah whispered in Caroline’s ear as the young woman stopped abruptly after hearing Sally’s comments. “It’s not worth it.”

“Excuse me, I didn’t quite catch what you were saying about my husband,” Caroline said, disregarding the older woman’s advice. She moved to stand face to face with Sally. “Did you just say that Colonel Tavington was incompt?” t?”

“As a matter of fact I did,” Sally Baker sneered. “It’s only truttruth -- General O’Hara has said the very same thing to me many times.”

“Is that so?” Reaching out to take the glass of champagne from the older woman’s hand, she asked, “Are you enjoying this?” Not waiting for an answer, she put a finger on the expensive fabric of Sally’s gown, then asked, “Where did you get the cloth for this most exquisite gown?”

“I ordered it from England, of course,” Sally answered.

“Which means it had to be brought here from Charles Town once it arrived,” Caroline noted. “Much of the territory between here and Charles Town is patrolled by Colonial militia, a most dangerous area.”

“Yes, I suppose it is,” Sally conceded. “What of it?”

“Well, you can thank my husband and his dragoons that you have food to eat and clothes to wear,” she said. “He keeps the supply lines open and free from militia disruption” Turning to point at General Cornwallis’ sister across the room, she said, “Because of my husband, the Lord General’s sister was able to safely journey here to visit her brother.” Narrowing her eyes at the other woman, she concluded, “My husband remains in command of the Legion because General Cornwallis knows he’s the only one of his officers who consistently wins battles. I doubt your General O’Hara could fight his way out of a paper bag!” With that, Caroline Tavington spun on her heel and stalked away from the group of stunned women.

William Tavington returned to the ballroom just in time to hear his wife’s last words. Pausing to give an amused smirk to O’Hara’s mistress, he followed Caroline to the terrace outside.

“Caroline!“ He’d caught up with her at the far end of the terrace.

“I suppose you heard all that,” she asked hesitantly.

“Yes, and I must say that I’m quite surprised,” he said. “I never expected you to ever speak up in my defense about anything.” Taking her hands, he said in a lower voice, “I have to say, though, that I am pleased by your loyalty.”

“Those women were horrible,” Caroline him in a whisper. “The one woman said that General O’Hara had told her that you were incompetent.”

“I am already aware of the General’s opinion of me,” Tavington told her, pressing his lips together tightly. “His doxy’s words are no surprise to me.”

Unexpectedly erupting in low chuc, he, he said, “The look on that woman’s face was absolutely priceless when you told her O’Hara couldn’t fight his way out of a paper bag.”

“It was pretty funny, wasn’t it” she said, joining her husband in laughter.

As their laughter faded, they gazed intently into one another’s eyes for a long interval. After a few moments, Tavington leaned down to kiss Caroline. As their lips were about to meet, their privacy was interrupted.

“Begging your pardon, Colonel Tavington,” a young servant said, nervously twisting his hat in his hands “But you must come right away! Mrs MacKenzie found Jane Thompson in a bad way.” Lowering his voice, the young man said, “The baby is coming; Mrs MacKenzie told me to be sure to tell you that you haven’t a moment to lose.”

“Tell her I’m on the way,” Tavington said.

“Right away sir.” The servant hurried off.

“She wasn’t feeling well this morning,” Tavington said, frowning in concern. “I should have never left her alone.”

“You couldn’t have known what would happen,” Caroline said, putting a gentle hand on his arm.

“I must find Bordon,” he said. “He’ll see you home.”

“Let me come with you,” she said. “I might be able to help.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Very sure.”

“Let’s go, then.” He took her hand, leading her down the terrace steps into the courtyard.

A short time later, they hurried up the stairs to where Jane Thompson was writhing in hard labor.

Mrs MacKenzie stood at the top of the stairs, urgently beckoning them forward. “Hurry! She’s been calling for you, Colonel.”

Tavington hurried into the room where he found the fort doctor bent over Jane Thompson, who was moaning in pain. As he rushed to her side, she turned her head, trying to s.
.

“William,” she said, extending a weak hand to him.

“I’m here.” He took her hand, bringing it up to his lips to kiss.

“Might I have a word with you in the hall, Colonel Tavington?” The doctor has straightened up and was looking at the dragoon commander with urgent expectancy.

Tavington looked at him, then at his obviously suffering mistress and hesitated.

“It’s important,” the doctor said. “I prom thi this won’t take more than a moment or so.”

“All right,” Tavington said, slowly releasing his lover’s hand.

“Don’t leave me, William,” Jane begged in a weak voice.

“I’m not leaving,” he assured her. “I will be back in a moment.” Gesturing to Caroline with a jerk of his head to indicate that she was to keep Jane company, he stepped out into the hall with the doctor.

“What is it doctor?” Tavington said, a low undercurrent of worry in his voice.

“I must be frank with you, Colonel,” the doctor began. “Mrs Thompson is having an extremely difficult time and I’m afraid she will not survive the ordeal.”

“Are you sure?” Tavington had turned away and was gazing aimlessly down the corridor.

“Not certain, but fairly sure, yes.”

“What about the baby?”

“I can’t promise anything, but hopefully, I’ll be able to at least save the baby.”

“Do what you can, doctor,” he begged.

“I’ll do my best,” the other man said. “But I’m afraid it’s in God’s hands now.”

“Caroline,” Jane said as soon as the men had stepped out of the room.

“I’m right here,” she answered, moving to stand by the bed.

“Please promise me something,” she asked with pleading eyes.

“Anything,” Caroline said kindly.

“I want you to raise my child after I‘m gone,” she said quietly. “I’ve seen how gentle and patient you are and I know you’d be a good mother to my baby.”

“Don’t talk foolishness,” the younger woman chided. “You’ll be up and about in no time and taking care of him yourself.”

“Just promise me you’ll do it,” she begged, grabbing Caroline’s hands in desperation.

“I promise,” Caroline said quietly.

“Thank you,” Jane whispered, just before she began to ride the wave of another intense labor pain. As the agony intensified, she clutched the sheets in a death grip as she howled in misery.

As the men entered the room, the doctor said, “This may take quite awhile. I’d advise you all to eat as it will probably be all night before the baby comes.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Tavington said firmly. Turning to Caroline he murmured, “But I want you to go eat something. You must keep up your own strength.”

“You nto eto eat too,” she pointed out.

“Nevertheless, I will remain here,” he said. “You can bring me a plate up here, when you’ve finished your meal.”

“I’ve got some leftover stew downstairs,” Mrs MacKenzie said. She’d just returned with the midwife, who had come to assist the doctor.

“That sounds good,” Caroline said.

“Well, come along then,” Mrs MacKenzie said. “I’ll warm some up for you and fix a plate for you to bring to Colonel Tavington.”

After the two women had left, Tavington pulled up a chair to sit by his lover.

“Stay with me until the baby comes,” she whispered.

“Of course, my darling,” he murmured, brushing a gentle hand over her feverish brow.

“I feel better now that you’re here,” she said. Her voice trailed off as another labor pain made her body go rigid in excruciating pain.

Tavington looked at her helplessly, knowing there was nothing he could do to ease her suffering.

As the pain eased, Jane noticed the stricken expression on her lover’s face. Squeezing his hand gently, she murmured, “It’s all right, love.”

“I hate to see you hurting.”

“It’s a natural part of bringing a new life into the worlshe she said. “There’s no way to avoid it.”

“Yes, I realize that,” he said. “But if I could take the pain and bear it for you, I would, you know.”

She smiled, her eyes regarding him with love. “I know,” she whispered. “This last year with you has been the happiest I’ve ever known. I wouldn’t have traded this time for anything” Sighing loudly, she said, “It grieves me to leave you now and to know I’ll never see our child grow up.”

“I do love you, Jane,” he said, his voice nearly cracking. He’d never before said the words to her.

“I know that, William,” she said quietly. “Even though you never told me so.”

“I should have,” he said. “I’ll always regret that I didn’t.”

“Don’t,” she said. “You showed me that you loved me, and that’s far more important.”

“I will always carry you in my heart,” he told her, a lump rising in his throat.

“Promise me something,” Jane said, gripping his hand.

“Anything, my sweet.”

“Please be good to Caroline,” she said. “Let her love you -- she does, you know.”

Tavington considered her words. “Yes, I think you’re right, though I don’t think she quite realizes it.

“Nor do you,” Jane told him gently. “Despite how the two of you came together, I think you can have a happy, loving marriage, if you both allow it to happen.” Smiling sadly, she continued, “And I want you to be happy. I’ll go to my grave with no regrets if I know you’ll be all right after I’m gone.”

Before he could respond, the door opened and the doctor returned, with Caroline coming behind him with a plate of food. Instinctively realizing that she’d interrupted a tender moment, she wordlessly handed him the food and went to sit in a rocking chair in the back of the room.

As Tavington finished his meal, the doctor said, “Mrs Thompson needs to conserve her strength for the ordeal ahead. I suggest you all get some rest yourselves.”

“I’d prefer to remain here,” he said.

“I really must insist,” the doctor said. “I will monitor Mrs Thompson’s progress closely and I will notify you if there are any changes.”

“All right,” Tavington conceded. “But I will wait downrs irs in the common room.”

After assuring Jane that he would be nearby if she needed him, he followed Caroline downstairs to the common room. Caroline, tired from the events of the day, immediately sank down on the couch. Tavington paced the room, unable to relax. He went to the stairwell several times, looking up, listening. Caroline watched him walk back and forth until she couldn’t stand it anymore.

“William,” she said. “Please sit down. You’re going to wear a hole in the carpet.”

“It’s been so long and the baby still hasn’t come,” he said as he sat down beside her. “I’m getting concerned.”

“The doctor said he’d call you if you were needed,” she reminded him. “And it usually takes quite awhile for a baby to come. I remember it took a long time for my younger brothers and sisters.” Putting her arms around him, she said, “I know it’s hard to just sit here and wait, but that’s all we can do. We have to put it all in God’s hands.”

Caroline rested her head on his shoulder and he drew her close. Neither of them spoke for a long interval and after a few minutes, she fell asleep in his embrace. As he held her, he felt himself nodding off. Though he fought it, Tavington dozed off several times during the long hours of waiting.

“Colonel Tavington!”

“Wha? Hmm?” He jolted awake to see Mrs MacKenzie standing over him.

“The baby is coming,” she hissed. “Come along, now. Hurry!”

Tavington was on his feet in an instant, wordlessly following the housekeeper up the stairs, leaving Caroline still sleeping on the couch.

As he reached the top of the steps and turned toward her room, he heard a faint crack, followed by the thin sound of a baby’s cry. Quickening his steps, he arrived at the door just as the midwife opened it from the other side.

“Colonel Tavington,” she said in a quiet voice. “You have a daughter.”

“Mrs Sanders,” the doctor said urgently as they entered the room. “Please take the baby and clean her up.” He did not wait for her reply, but thrust the newborn infant into her arms. Turning away, he immediately returned his attention back to Jane Thompson.

Tavington looked first at his daughter in the midwife’s arms, then back at the doctor, who was tending to his lover.

Seeing the expression on the doctor’s face, he asked, “What’s wrong, doctor?”

Without turning to face the dragoon commander, he replied, “She’s losing too much blood, just as I feared she would. I’m afraid she hasn’t got long.”

“William,” Jane called out weakly.

’I’m here, love,” he said, bending over her, taking her hand.

“Take care of our daughter,” she said. “Tell her all about me.”

“I promise,” he murmured. “I love you, Jane. Thank you for the happiness you brought into my life.”

“I love you, William,” she whispered. “Remember me.”

“Always,” he said, just as she breathed her last.

Tavington stood gazing down at her for a long moment, her features peaceful in death. Turning away abruptly, he looked at his baby daughter, cradled in the midwife’s hands.

“Give me my daughter,” he said, reaching out his arms. After the midwife had gently placed the baby into his arms, he stepped out into the hall with her and walked to stand by the window at the end of the hall. For several long moments, he gazed down at the small life that was part of him, oblivious to the activity around him.

“William?” Caroline had come up, unnoticed, behind her husband. She drew her breath in sharply as he turned, his eyes wet with tears. At that moment, something inside her melted and she quietly reached up with one finger to catch a tear before it fell.

For a moment, Tavington looked at his young wife as if with new eyes. After a moment, he said, “Look at my daughter. Our daughter now.”

“Jane?” she left the question unasked, afraid she already knew the answer.

Tavington handed her the baby, then turned away from her to the window. “She passed away shortly after the baby was born,” he said in a wooden voice.

“I’m so sorry, William,” she said Looking down at the newborn girl in her arms, she said, “Why don’t we name her Jane to honor her mother?”

He looked down at her in surprise. “I think she’d like that very much,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

“It’s settled then,” she said, leaning up to kiss him on the cheek. “Let’s take our daughter home, William.”
______________________________________

Two weeks after his daughter was born, William Tavington returned to duty, going out on patrol with his dragoons. The dragoons had gone out once in the interim, under the command of Captain Bordon, as General Cornwallis had granted Tavington a short leave of absence.

During the time he spent getting to know his baby daughter, he also grew closer to Caroline. They felt almost like newlyweds as they slowly realized that their feelings for one another had miraculously turned to love.

As the mission was nearing its end, Tavington looked forward to returning to his wife and daughter at the fort, especially as the time was rapidly approaching for Caroline to give birth. The dragoons had met with little resistance during this foray into the countryside, with only a few minor skirmishes.

Tavington had hoped to encounter Benjamin Martin’s militia, but had seen no sign of them. He’d sent several sc off off to search for leads as to Martin’s whereabouts and activities but so far they‘d come up empty handed. The dragoon commander had decided that they would return to the fort if the last group of scouts returned without information.

“Sir?” Bordon rode up to Tavington,lowelowed by one of the scouts. “Henson has a report of possible militia activity. Known members of Benjamin Martin’s group were seen riding just north of Ninety-Six.”

Tavington listened carefully to Henson’s report, then decided to pursue the militia. General Cornwallis had made the elimination of Martin’s group as an effective fighting force a key priority,
a goal which Tavington intended to fulfill at the nearest opportunity.

After riding hard all night, the dragoons finally caught up with the militia just south of Cook’s Station early the next morning. As they emerged from a wooded area, Tavington spotted the rebel camp a short distance ahead. He observed about twenty men in the process of breaking up camp and getting ready to ride.

Holding up his hand for silence, he gestured to the group that they were to approach from behind and to wait until he gave the signal to attack. As they rode up to engage the enemy, Tavington could see that neither Benjamin Martin, nor his son, Gabriel, were among this group rebels they were about to fight.

Caught unawares, the rebels scrambled for their weapons as Tavington gave the signal to attack. The dragoons rode into the middle of the camp, sabers flying, as they spread out to cover the group. Tavington’s group quickly gained the advantage, cutting down several men before they could even reach their weapons.

After quickly sabering one man to death, Tavington turned and saw Wilkins riding after one man who was attempting to get to a horse to escape. Before Wilkins could reach the man, however, a musket shot struck his horse, throwing the dragoon from the saddle. Wilkins broke his leg when the horse fell and landed on him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Bordon fighting with the man who had fired the shot that had unhorsed Wilkins.

The rebel militiaman, seeing an easy chance to kill the downed dragoon, rushed at him with a tomahawk. Wilkins was able to unsheath his saber, but was at a distinct disadvantage with his broken leg.

Tavington rode over to the two combatants at an almost leisurely pace. He stopped the horse a short distance from the two men and settled back to watch as he unhurriedly loaded his flintlock pistol.

As he dodged blows from the rebel’s tomahawk, Wilkins saw his commander ride up and was puzzled when Tavington made no move to attack the militiaman.

“Colonel!” Wilkins said. “I need some help here!” After Tavington still did not move, but continued to watch the fight dispassionately, the other dragoon knew something was terribly wrong.

“Please!” Wilkins pleaded. “Help me!”

Finally Tavington spoke. “I think not,” he said. Moving his horse slightly closer to the beleaguered dragoon, he continued calmly, “I know that you’re the one who reported me to General Cornwallis about what happened at the Martin farm that day. Did you think that I would allow such disloyalty to go unpunished?”

“For the love of God,” Wilkins almost screamed. “ Help me! Don’t let him kill me!”

Tavington didn’t reply, but continued to watch until he saw that Wilkins was incapable of fighting back any longer. Quickly riding close to the militiaman, Tavington dispatched the rebel with a shot from his pistol. He leaned over and grabbed the man’s tomahawk before he fell to the ground.

Turning back to Wilkins who lay moaning on the ground, he said coldly, “You have been disloyal to me and to the group. For that, you must pay the penalty.” With no further ado, he threw the tomahawk at Wilkins, which struck him directly in the throat, killing him. As soon as Tavington was sure that he was dead, he quickly rode away. Looking around, he was satisfied that none of the other dragoons had seen him deliver the fatal blow.

Two day later, the dragoons returned to the fort. Tavington was pleased to see Caroline waiting outside for him, holding the baby.

“Did you miss me?” he asked after he’d dismounted, bending to kiss his wife on the cheek. “I missed you, you know.”

“Oh yes,” Caroline said with a shy smile. “We both did.” Caroline held up the baby for him to kiss.

“W “Where is my husband?” Deborah Wilkins asked, suddenly appearing at Tavington’s side.

Keeping the irritation out of his facial expression, he said, “I’m very sorry, Mrs Wilkins, but Captain Wilkins was killed in the line of duty. He fell in battle with a group of rebel militia near Cook’s Station.”

“Oh no!” Deborah Wilkins wailed. “It can’t be!”

“I’m very sorry,” Tavington repeated, exasperation creeping into his voice.

Caroline moved to comfort her friend, who was crying freely now. “I’m so sorry Deborah,” she said. “If there‘s anything I can do….” Her voice trailed off.

At that moment, the horse bearing Captain Wilkins’ covered body was led into the fort by another mounted dragoon. Deborah Wilkins turned away from the Tavingtons as soon she saw the horse and immediately ran to her husband’s body.

Not wishing to prolong this scene any longer, Tavington took his wife’s arm gently and said in a low voice, “Come along, Caroline. You need to rest. You don’t need to upset yourself.”

Caroline paused as she gave one last look of helpless sympathy to Deborah, who was now pouring out her anguish as she grabbed onto the horse bearing her husband’s body. After a moment, Caroline allowed her husband to lead her away.
________________________________

Three weeks later, Caroline Tavington awakened her husband in the middle of the night. “It’s time, William!” she said as she leaned over in bed to shake him awake.

“Hmm?” Tavington’s mind was still cobwebbed with sleep.

“The baby!” Caroline said. “I think it’s coming!”

Tavington was awake now. Sitting up and swinging his legs off the bed, he said, “Wait here. I’ll go get the doctor.”

Caroline laughed softly. “I’m not going anywhere.” As she watched Tavington quickly pull on his breeches, she added, “But hurry, please.”

“I’ll be back as soon as possible,” he said. “I’ll go get Colleen first and have her sit with you until I get back.” Colleen was the wet nurse they’d engaged to feed little Jane and was asleep in the next room with the baby girl.

By the time Tavington returned with the doctor and midwife, Caroline was well into labor. After a quick examination, the doctor turned to Tavington with a smile. “Everything is in order, Colonel and I can assure you that this will be a smooth delivery,” he said. “Both mother and baby are doing fine.”

“Thank you, doctor,” Tavington said, obviously relieved.

As they spoke, a cry came from the other room. Colleen, who had been sitting by Caroline, rose and said, “I’ll be back shortly, Mrs Tavington. I need to go feed the baby.”

“Take your time, Colleen,” she said. “I’ll be fine now.”

After the young Irish woman had disappeared into the next room, Tavington waited about fifteen minutes, then went in to check on his daughter. Colleen was sitting in a rocker in the corner with little Jane up on her shoulder, burping her, as Tavington entered the room.

“Give her to me and I’ll hold her for awhile,” Tavington said to the wet nurse. “Go make up the other crib and have it ready for when Mrs Tavington gives birth.”

“Right away, sir.”

Tavington rocked his daughter, holding her close, for nearly a half hour. As he gazed down at her little face, a lump caught in his throat. The baby girl had the same auburn hair as her mother and would no doubt grow to resemble her. He didn’t realize how much he still missed Jane until this moment. As he continued to rock her, memories of his time with Jane Thompson washed over him.

The sharp sound of a baby’s cry from the other room brought him back to the present. He rose, then gently placed his daughter back into her crib.

“You have a son,” the doctor told him as he returned to the bedroom.

“A son?” he said, a silly grin spreading across his face.

“Come see our son, William,” Caroline said as the midwife placed the baby in her arms.

Moving to sit by her on the bed, he murmured, “He’s absolutely perfect, Caroline.”

“He looks just like you,” she said. “He’s got your eyes.” With a shy smile, “I thought we’d name him after you: William Jeremiah Tavington, Jr.”

Tavington nodded in assent as he reached out with one hand to take the baby’s tiny hand into his own. With the other, he took Caroline’s hand. “Thank you, Caroline, for our son.”

Caroline did not reply, but looked up at her husband with complete happiness. A marriage begun in sorrow had now turned into one of love and hope. Seven months ago, she’d entered unwillingly into marriage with William Tavington, now she looked forward to spending the rest of her life by his side.