Complications of War

Three Years Later

Benjamin Martin looked around apprehensively as he arrived at a banquet that Francis Marion was hosting for a group of defeated British officers in the area. As he entered the large dining room, he carefully scanned the faces of all the British officers within.

“Who are you looking for?” Martin turned to see Lt. Colonel John Laurens standing beside him.

“Colonel Tavington,” he replied. “You see, he ---”

“Tavington!” Laurens said with a look of utter disgust. “Surely you jest. No man in this room would lower himself to sit at a table with that barbarian.” Looking at Martin with narrowed eyes, he demanded, “What is your interest in the Butcher?”

Martin exhaled loudly. “It’s a complicated story, but he’s married to my oldest daughter. I haven’t seen her since the day of their wedding three years ago.” Sighing again, he continued, “Nor have I seen my grandchild, who is now three years old.”

Understanding the implication behind Martin’s words, Laurens said quietly, “You have my sympathies, sir.”

“I was hoping that now that the war is over that I could find my daughter and bring her home,” he said. “Would you happen to know where the British officers are presently being quartered?”

“There are several large homes being used to house them,” Laurens said. “I believe the officers from the British Legion are being quartered at the Hunter Mansion over on Sycamore Street.”

“Thank you, sir,” Martin said. “I’m much obliged.”

“Good luck to you,” Laurens said. “I hope it all turns out for the best.”

A short time later, Martin arrived at the Hunter Mansion. As he paused in front of the large residence, the front door opened and Colonel Banastre Tarleton emerged, with a garishly dressed young woman clinging to his arm. Both were laughing uproariously at some private joke.

Ben approached the two hesitantly. “Excuse me,” he said. “Can you tell me where I might find Colonel Tavington?”

“He’s on the second floor, third door to the right,” Tarleton said over his shoulder, not breaking stride.

“Thank you.”

A moment later, he knocked at the door to Tavington’s suite.

“Martin.” Tavington stood in the doorway in shirtsleeves, his hair unbound. “I suppose that I shouldn’t be surprised to see you here.”

“I’d like to see my daughter, if you please.” Martin attempted unsuccessfully to keep the exasperation out of his voice.

“Come in, then,” Tavington said curtly, opening the door wider.

“William?” Caroline called from another room. “Who is at the door?” A moment later, she emerged to see her father standing awkwardly just inside the room.

“Father!” Caroline rushed into his arms. “It’s so good to see you!”

“I’ve missed you so much,” he said, holding her close. As he embraced her, he could not help but notice that she was again with child.

At that moment, a small boy came out of the other room. Noticing the strange man hugging his mother, he went and hid behind his father, his little arms wrapped around Tavington’s legs. But at the same time he stole stealthy glances at the stranger, wondering who he was.

Tavington reached down and picked his son up. The little boy trustingly wrapped his arms around his father‘s neck, resting his head on Tavington‘s shoulder.

Caroline reached out for her son, who obligingly released Tavington and came to her. “Will,” she said softly. “This is your grandfather.” She smiled broadly as she showed off her son to her father.

“Oh, he’s quite handsome, Caroline,” Martin said, reaching out a hand to the little boy. “My first grandchild.” Looking down at his daughter, he said softly, “And not the last, it would seem.”

As he spoke, Colleen Murphy, the nursemaid, came from the other room with a little girl, and a younger toddler boy.

“This is our other son, Joseph,” Caroline said. In a lower voice, she added, “And the little girl is William’s daughter, Jane -- now our daughter.” Beaming happily, she added, “And there’ll be a new baby come the end of March.”

Martin raised an eyebrow as he realized that Tavington had brought one of his by-blows for Caroline to raise, but didn’t say anything, as it appeared that, despite all odds, Cane wne was now happy with the man she’d been obliged to marry.

“I came here to take you home with me now that the war is over,” Martin admitted. “But am I correct in assuming that you want to stay with him?” He indicated Tavington with a jerk of his head.

“My place is with my husband,” Caroline said firmly, moving to stand by Tavington, slipping her arm through his. “And there is no other plan thn the world I’d rather be.”

“I’ll not stand in your way, then” he said tightly, looking down at the floor. “The only thing I have ever wanted for you is your happiness.”

“I love you, Father,” Caroline said, tears coming to her eyes. She reached out to take her father’s hand. “Say goodbye to everyone for me. We’ll be sailing for Nova Scotia within the week.”

“I will,” he said, his lip quivering. He reached up to brush away the tears forming in his eyes. “Write to me.”

“You can be sure of that,” she said, squeezing his hand.

Turning to leave, he said gruffly to Tavington, “Take good care of my daughter and my grandchildren.”

“Of that you can be certain,” Tavington replied.

Without another word, Benjamin Martin opened the door and left.

Caroline Tavington turned and embraced her husband, eager to begin the next phase of their life together.

END