Roses of Stone

Tavington rode in silence at the head of his Green Dragoons, a far away look in his eyes as the hot and dusty road seemed to go on forever. Tavington’s second in command wanted to say something to him, but stayed silent not knowing what to say without having dire consequences attached to such an action. But something was going to have to be said before to long. They had wondered far off of the scheduled patrol route, and they followed their commander anyway. It didn’t really seem as though he knew where he was going, just that he was going there. It had become a wide spread rumor that the Lady Tavington was dead, and there was no use in looking for her anymore. It had simply been to long since she was abducted. Yet it didn’t seemed that Tavington wasn’t ready to give up on the possibility she was still alive quite yet. He wanted to see her body with his own eyes, before even considering that the rumors might have some truth in them.

“It’s getting late sir, if we don’t head back to camp now, we shall have to make camp behind enemy lines.” Tavington knew this, and at the moment he simply felt numb to the situation. Falling into a skirmish with these rebels would be more then welcomed, they should be punished for splitting up what was left of his family. Slowly he stopped his horse looking towards the horizon and silently turned his horse to start riding back.

It seemed like hours before they arrived at the Dragoon camp, and Tavington still hadn’t said a word to anyone. When he went back to his tent, he put is things aside on the table. Then he paused realizing he wasn’t alone. “Damnit Woman, I grow tired of this. Katherine coming to my camp whenever she felt like it unannounced was one thing. You have no business here whatsoever!”

“I have as much right to be here as any other. My husband is a Colonel as well you know.” Jeanette said as she sat at Tavington’s table with a dark look in her eyes. It was obvious she was angry and upset about something.

“This isn’t his camp, this is my camp. Go pester him if you feel the need to endanger your life. I have had a rather long day of work and I intend to turn in immediately.” He growled as he took off his jacket and vest tossing them on his vanity. Then sat down and removed his boots.

Jeanette rolled a coin around between her fingertips as if trying to calm herself from the anger that was burning inside of her. Tavington Stood and pulled his hair down out of the ribbon that held it. “Is Tawnie a regular employee of your camp, or your own personal concubine?” She hissed at him. William paused a moment and turned to look at her. Jeanette stood to her feet and threw the coins she had confiscated from the young girl at him as hard as she could. Tavington closed his eyes when they hit his face to avoid the injury that would be caused by a coin striking his eyes. “So this is how you search for Katherine? How you try and show that you have “Changed” for her as she so strongly tried to advocate for you!?!?! And with a child no less, that hasn’t even finished her schooling!” Jeanette snatched her cloak up from the chair. “You don’t deserve to have Katherine back you disgusting pitiful excuse for a man. To think I came here in an attempt to aid you in your search.” She threw the garment around her shoulders and clasped it at the neck. “Only to find a girl waiting here in your tent, ready to do your bidding and perform whatever sin that was your current whim.”

“What do you mean, ‘aid me’?” He asked looking at her for a moment; before it struck him that she knew something. “Tell me what you know woman.” He demanded. Jeanette just stayed silent as she picked up her handbag preparing to leave.

“I will give the information I have to Lord Cornwallis, and my Husband Colonel Botts. They will find her, and they will bring her back. Then we shall take the first ship to England where she will be safe from you and the humiliation and shame that you bring to her.” She started to walk past him but William reached out and grabbed her squeezing her shoulder so tight that her arm began to turn white. There was a wild look in his eyes, one that let her know that he could kill her right now and the consequences be damned.

“You are going to Tell me what you know Jeanette, and you are going to do so now. Or by God, You will never be seen again, and will be marked down as a casualty of war.” Jeanette looked into his eyes and a chill went up her spine. He meant what he said.

“You . . . you wouldn’t dare.” She said in a quiet whisper. “You would be found out, they would know it was you. You would lose everything for it.” Tavington said nothing and just squeezed her arm even tighter causing tears to roll down her cheeks. He did mean it. Jeanette swallowed the lump in her throat and gathered what she was going to say. She didn’t want to give him what she knew, she didn’t want to tell him anything but it seemed she had no choice. “The colonial Militia has her and refuses to release her. The one called Benjamin Martin and another, a French Major commands them. Three men found her, only one made it back and lived long enough to tell what he knew.”

Tavington couldn’t believe his ears, Benjamin Martin? His mortal Enemy, the GHOST had her? “Then she is alive. Is she well?” He questioned unconsciously squeezing her arm tighter as he grit his teeth.

“Yes,” She struggled to say without crying. “She is well cared for. At least from what he could tell. Unfortunately when they came upon them, they revealed her identity as Lady Tavington . . . he didn’t know what became of her after that.” Tavington’s mind turned over the millions of possibilities that this could mean. Jeanette struggled and tried to push him away, “I’ve told you all that I know now release me!” William let her go, before turning and dismissing her presence completely. This turn of events was unbelievable. Could the Tavington luck be any worse? Finding Martin wouldn’t be as hard as it seemed with there main supply line cut off, but for Katherine to stay safe during a raid . . . that would be the tricky part now that her identity was known. Perhaps there was another way.

Katherine sat in silence with a dark look on her face. She was sick and tired of this nonsense. She was tied to a tree with her hands behind her back, seated on the ground. Many of the men looked at her as they passed by or from where they sat. The Frenchmen and the Colonel stood at the other side of camp obviously discussing Katherine and what to do with her.

“Colonel. I can’t condone using her for any such hostage venture or for her to be molested or harmed in any way. She may be Colonel Tavington’s wife, but she is still a woman. If she says that she will not tell anyone where we are or the names of any of our men, I am able to believe that she is telling us the truth.” The Major said pleading Katherine’s case.

“All of these men have lost loved ones, their families, their homes, and their entire lives and will have to start over. And it is because of Colonel Tavington that so many of these innocent lives have been lost!! This is his wife! It might not be right but it would certainly give the men part of the revenge that they seek against Tavington.”

“You mean that it will give you YOUR revenge.” Jean snapped back at him. “You have lost sons and I have lost my wife and daughters, and yes all of these men have lost ones they love! If you allow this then we won’t be any better then the ones that we are trying to stop from performing such atrocities. Colonel. This woman had nothing to do with what her husband has done, and she most likely doesn’t even know half of his vicious deeds.”

“Why are you suddenly coming to her defense?” Martin questioned halting the endless reasons why she should be protected instead of punished. “ When we first acquired her company you wanted her dead. Now it seems that you are the only one in camp who wants her alive. She will tell him everything she knows wither or not she says she won’t. Do you think he won’t force her to tell him?”

“She reminds me of a Lion, with all of the strong ferociousness and pride that they have. I doubt that even the infamous Colonel Tavington could force her to speak what she doesn’t wish to share.” Martin looked at him for several moments turning things over in his mind and putting the pieces together. Jean sighed and looked at him, “You kept me from making a big mistake the first day, Colonel. You had me put my pistol away. I am simply trying to return such a favor and asking that you put away yours. It would be a grave evil decision for us to exact our revenge on someone who was as innocent as our families.” The Colonel sighed realizing that his second in command was right.

Katherine sat against the tree, rubbing the rope that bound her hands against the rough bark where no one could see, not quite ready to give up yet. The men all stared at her some of them twirling their knifes in their hands, and others holding their weapons at the ready. This was absolutely ridiculous. Katherine grew annoyed, and it soon turned into frustration. “Oh . . . If your going to kill me get on with it!” She shouted.

They would have happily given her the wish but the two men came back into camp before any could act. The Frenchmen walked to Katherine and started to cut her free, raising a brow when he saw she had half way rubbed through the rope. The men looked at each other and started to grumble. Benjamin Martin stood in the middle of them and began to talk and explain what was going on. Jean removed the rope and took her arm standing her up and left the clearing heading for the horses. The Major boosted her up on the one that she had riding these past days to before quickly mounting his own and taking her reigns, riding from the camp as fast as possible.

“It isn’t safe for you to ride with them anymore. We can’t keep an eye on all of them all the time.” Katherine rolled her eyes wondering what was going on now. Perhaps he was going to let her go or take her to a town or something where she would be safe. Or . . . he was just taking her somewhere to dispose of her quietly. Who knew what they were going to do to her.

Finally, they stopped at a small cabin. Just one or two rooms perhaps and he helped her down off of the horse. Jean took her inside and lit a fire. Katherine sighed and looked around. It certainly was nothing like home, but there were two beds and it was much better then sleeping on the ground outside. She walked over to one and sat down finding quite soft and comfortable, and such a change from what she had been subjected to since she became a captive of the rebel militia.

The French Major disappeared outside for a few moments, before returning with some blankets so that she could make up her bed, as she wanted to. Katherine took them and promptly went to making the bed into a suitable place to sleep, and then lay down to try it out. It was so soft and inviting and she could feel her body relax. It wasn’t long before she fell asleep.

Jean put some food and coffee on the fire to boil, knowing that she must have been as hungry as she was tired. It had been a long night for her, running from them as she did and trying to end her life. He stood and moved to her bed and covered her with a blanket, before swiping the hair from her eyes that was blocking his view. What he wouldn’t give to be able to touch her as he wished to right now. Yet it was not his place, and he did not have her permission. Although he felt as if he almost had it just the night before, but now with her true identity known, she would be more cautious then ever.

Hours went by before Katherine awoke, and forgot where she was briefly when she didn’t see stars and trees over her head. It was warm, and comfortable, and dark except for the fire in the fireplace. Turning on her side and resting her head on her arm she saw Jean resting on the other bed located across the room, even though he wasn’t sleeping.

“How long have we been here?” She asked in a very sweet voice. The voice she always woke with in the morning that very few people got to see. Something about feeling rested and the start of a new day just made her icy exterior seem non-existent.

“Awhile. It’s already nightfall. You must have been very tired considering how you slept so many hours without stirring once.” He said as he rose from the bed and went over to the fire to add some more wood.

“When will you be returning to your militia friends? I’m sure they shall have need of you in their missions and tasks.” She said softly starring at the flames a moment before looking at him again.

The Major half smiled as he turned to look at her, “Could I trust you to stay here unguarded by yourself?” He asked bluntly waiting for her answer. The look on her face more then answered his question. “You see?.” He finished building up the fire. “In a few days, when they are safely away from any paths you might know.”

Katherine sighed and closed her eyes making herself comfortable again. “All I want is to go home. Or at least back to my countrymen and family whilst I am here. I honestly do not care about the militia or the military that is after them. I want to see my son again. I have seen enough ugliness in this war and in people to last me a lifetime.” Jean looked at her a moment before poking the logs one last time and putting down the stick with which he moved them.

He stood and walked to her carefully, pulling the chair near her bed. “I understand.” He said simply, hopefully giving her an ear and a shoulder to cry on if need be. Katherine rolled over onto her back and looked towards the ceiling.

“No. I don’t think that you do.” She closed her eyes and sighed. “I don’t think anyone will ever understand, no matter how hard they try.” Reaching up she covered her eyes with her hands stretching her back a little bit. “The scars on my body will be a constant reminder for the rest of my life. Even though I suppose I could keep them covered with clothing, they will still be there and I will see them. So will my husband, and I know he’ll be repulsed by them.”

“They are only scars on your flesh. They don’t make up who you are. Besides, your husband has no room for accusing anyone of anything. Considering the atrocities he is responsible for . . .”

“Oh God.” She cried out before rolling onto her side with her back turned to him. He stopped talking and looked at her wondering what he had said to upset her. “I don’t want to hear anymore about what he has done! I don’t want to see it anymore!” She said almost shouting, even though her voice broke with sorrow. “My knowing and witnessing such things will not change the fact that it happened nor will it bring those colonists homes or lives back!”

She definitely had a point. All it did was torture her to know what sort of man her husband was and what he had done. It did not change anything. The Major looked at her wondering what there was to say now. Yet nothing was coming to mind. Somehow, he pictured the wife of the infamous Colonel Tavington to be much different. Not as intelligent or mature, blindly proud of her husband in every aspect, and hungry for the glory and positions that Tavington acquired by being the murder he was. Katherine was nothing like anyone could have expected.

Later that night, Katherine found it almost impossible to fall asleep again. So she got up out of bed and went outside careful not to make any noise with the door. She sat on the small porch that accompanied the cabin and looked out towards the trees. It was such a quiet peaceful place. The trees cast shadows in the moonlight, and a gentle breeze made them dance. The moon seemed huge tonight and cast a bright glow over the land, making it easy to see a great distance. Closing her eyes, she prayed that young William was alright and well taken care of, and even though Tavington had broken her heart so many times whilst she was away . . . she prayed that he was unharmed and well too.

Tavington was in one of his foulest moods of his entire life, and anyone with half a mind knew to stay away from him. He had already ordered several delinquent soldiers to be shot, as well as had quite a few of the camp whores to be whipped out of the camp, for the smallest and most petty infraction on the rules. Of all the people on this continent she could be abducted by, it had to be the very one that was nearly impossible to find as he had only been able to locate him once or twice. Katherine could be dead now for all he knew, and after her identity was known, it was even more probable she met a grizzly death by those who wished to take their revenge on him.

“Colonel Tavington.” A voice came from the door. William just shot his second in command a look, before continuing to write a few new rules for the dragoons in his camp on to parchment. “There is someone here that would like to speak with you.”

“If it’s any sort of female presence, escort her out of camp. I do not want to see another woman near the dragoons whilst on duty for the duration of my commission in this blasted war.” He growled, almost sure that it was someone he would hate to see that had no business there in the first place.

“No sir . . . I think it is someone you would like to see.” Tavington rolled his eyes and gave the slightest of signals to let whomever it was in. It was most likely not a female presence, for all those women he knew would have barged in without so much as announcing themselves much less asking for permission.

When he turned tossing his quill down he paused seeing a tall man standing in the doorway. He raised a brow, noticing the extremely dark clothing he wore, mostly black. There were most likely many more scars that couldn’t be seen, but the one that drew the most attention was the large one down the side of his forehead to his cheek on the right side of his face. “I have been told that you have issued a reward for the return of your wife. Is this true?” Tavington’s look darkened. He wasn’t entirely sure that he wanted someone such as this going anywhere near Katherine.

“And I suppose that you are anxious to clam the reward, hmm?” He snapped. The air about this man was rather . . . interesting to say the least. Without much care for manners he looked over the man once again. The weapons he carried were familiar ones, and Tavington’s eyes narrowed. “You are not a common bounty hunter. You’re an assassin.” He growled.

“I won’t deny it. But for the reward that you have offered, I think I’ll be able to deviate from my profession long enough to find your lost wife and bring her back. I am very good at what I do, Colonel.” He said with all seriousness. “I doubt that any of the others you have employed to perform this task has my qualifications or expertise.”

“It might surprise you to know that I want her back alive, and not in pieces or ready for burial.” Tavington snapped at him. Of all the characters found in this war, this was not one he felt compelled to let aid in his search for Katherine. There was a charm, and a certain swave way about him, that made William hate him almost instantly.

“I will not harm lady Tavington, and I give you my word on that. However, I can not extend the same promise for those who get between myself and my Lady.” Tavington just arched a brow at this. Of course it was a simple and common turn of phrase, but just hearing him say ‘My Lady’ made Tavington want to gut him. “All that I request is that my payment is ready on my return.”

“Give me a reason that I should not have you drawn and quartered right now for being what you are. I know all to well that your kind works for whichever side hires you for a task.” The man half smiled at the Colonel.

“Because you know that if anyone can get her back, that I can. British soldiers such as your self are far to recognizable, and high profile to approach someone like The Ghost. You would be seen and the entire band alerted of your presence with in a few moments. It would be impossible to get her back alive that way.” He said knowing that the Colonel didn’t have much choice. “Especially when one attempt was already made. They will be more cautious now, and on the look out for anyone else who might want her. If . . . she is still alive that is.” Tavington’s eye twitched.

“How do you know of all this? How am I not to conclude that you are a spy? Few in this camp know such details about this travesty.”

“ I wouldn’t be half the professional I am if I didn’t know all the details that concern my missions. Wouldn’t you agree?” It was official; Tavington did NOT like him one bit. Yet everything else had been tried to get her back, one more attempt was not going to hurt anything. Turning back to his desk, the Colonel sat down a moment before he began to brief the newest member of Katherine’s search party on all the details he had received.

Katherine leaned against a post on the porch and watched the stars twinkle and the moon move slowly across the sky. “You really shouldn’t be out here.” The thick familiar French accent said breaking the silence. The Frenchmen stepped out closing the door behind him so it would stay warm inside for when they returned to it.

“I am tired of constantly feeling as though I am captive and cannot choose my own way. I would rather catch my death out here then lay in there wondering what horrid ordeal lies in wait for me.” It was a little cold, and her arms were wrapped around her trying to keep warm. It wasn’t exactly a good choice of clothes she was given considering the season, and failed to keep the cold sufficiently subdued. Jean sighed and shook his head, moving to sit down next to her as he looked up to see what caught her attentions.

“The moonlight makes everything almost as bright as day.” He said knowing the certain subjects that she wasn’t anxious to discuss, trying to find something else that might be acceptable to pass the time. “The winter is just around the corner again, in a few weeks the ground will be white with snow.”

Katherine sighed, she could have told him that considering how incredibly cold it had been the past week. She shivered slightly but forced herself to stop. “You really should go inside, it’s far to cold tonight.” He said and began to take off his jacket to give to her, but she stopped him and continued to gaze up into the sky. The Major was a bit frustrated with how stubborn she was, but it was obvious that there was no changing it.

“Do you ever think about what you will do when this war is over?” He asked before looking at her, “You’re family will go back to England I suppose.” Jean said as he looked up at the stars once more. Katherine wondered about that herself. It was rumored that she and Tavington could never return home after the things he had done in the name of the king here in the colonies. Yet she hadn’t been told directly by anyone. “I haven’t decided what I will do.” Jean said continuing on with the conversation. “With my wife and daughters gone, my home will never be the same.”

Katherine looked towards him for a moment before looking back towards the stars. She wished she could say something to comfort him, but it was obvious that they couldn’t trust each other. Katherine was even more concerned that she couldn’t trust herself.

“I don’t know.” Katherine said softly. “I suppose that will be up to my husband once the war is over.” She simply stated. “I just want to raise my son somewhere in peace. Somewhere that I can teach him right and wrong without all of the sinful influences of the aristocracy, and his father when he is home.”

“You really think you can do that? Keep him becoming like his father?” The Major questioned, almost knowing that most boys wanted to grow up just like their father so that they could earn their praise.

“I will certainly try. He will have enough difficulties growing up with the name that William has made for us. It feels as though we would have to go to the ends of the earth to find somewhere that no one will know what he has done.” She sighed looking down at her hands, seeing the mark on her finger where her ring had rested for more then a decade.

“You were condemned to such a marriage. With the sense of loyalty and propriety you have inside of you. What ever possessed your father to give you to such a man.”

“I loved my father, and I know he loved me. But when a man wants something, I’ve discovered that he can act much different then he really is. William fooled my father into thinking he was a good man who would love me and take care of me unconditionally. The things that William promised him about me were everything that my father wanted for me. Of course he arranged my marriage immediately.”

“Unfortunately I am far to familiar with this story, since it happens in every country to ladies of your position.” He looked at her a moment, “But it is a shame when a woman who is a treasure as you are, is wasted on a man like Tavington.”

Katherine took a breath and sighed, “You mustn’t speak ill of him. Everyone seems to around me. Perhaps he deserves it in your eyes, but he is still my husband. It is my place to stand by him and defend him, no matter what his sins. It grows more difficult as time passes but I shall continue to do so.” She said in a voice that confirmed she had chosen to accept the things she couldn’t change.

“You are far to young to give up on your life like this Katherine.” He said honestly, in a way that was a statement instead of questioning. Not asking or suggesting anything, but telling her instead. He reached over and gently touched her hair stroking the soft strands between his fingers. Katherine couldn’t take to much more of this, she had grown more and more attracted to this man since the days had passed by. He offered things that she had craved for a long time, and it was simply to dangerous.

“I think that it is best that we part company as soon as possible Jean.” She said turning away from his hand. The Major looked at her for a moment in shock. Katherine stood and sighed, “It has become painfully clear that we cannot be trusted with each other.” She stepped up on the porch and walked back inside, “Good night Major.” He watched her disappear and then closed his eyes giving a small sigh.

Tavington was called back to Charleston one Sunday afternoon by the order of General Cornwallis to attend a ball. William attempted to decline yet the General refused to let him out of his obligation as an officer of his military force. It was the first time since Katherine’s disappearance that he was forced to face the other officers and their families or sweethearts alone. Not that he cared so much about their opinions but the deadly and hateful glares he would receive tonight would only aggravate and frustrate him that much more.

Once at the ball, he milled about speaking only to the ones who spoke to him first and avoiding several specific persons to the best of his abilities. Yet he couldn’t hide forever and was finally sought out.

He stood looking out over the harbor at the new ships that had arrived today with supplies from England, sipping his drink and attempting to ignore everything else behind him. “Colonel Tavington.” A voice said from behind him. He winced and sighed before shaking his head taking a larger drink. A woman walked beside him and smiled looking at him a moment. “You are just as I remember you. It’s only been a few years but still, ageing agrees with you.”

“And what are you doing here Anoreia. The last I heard of you is that you were getting married and taking up residence in Spain.” He said not even looking at her, and barely acknowledging that she was there.

“I was. Until my father found that my future husband was already married and intended to make me his summer wife.” She said looking out towards the ships wondering what was so fascinating about them that he wouldn’t look at her. “Now I am here. My mother died and my father sent for me so that I would not be left by myself in England.”

“How terrible for you.” He said in a dismissive voice. Tavington was exhausted from hearing tales of woe and didn’t intend to hear anymore for the rest of his life. He finished his drink and intended to walk past her leaving her there and making it clear he wasn’t in the mood for small talk. However, she stepped in front of him blocking his retreat.

“I was sorry to hear about your loss, William. I know that losing a son has to be devastating for you.” Tavington looked at her and waited for his suspicion to be confirmed. “Is there anything I can do to help you?” Of course, she wasn’t about to speak of Katherine in any way and had no concern for her well-being. Not many of his women friends did.

“Absolutely not. I would rather be left alone instead of constantly reminded of my misfortune.” He snapped at her. “I’ve grown weary of being constantly confronted by shallow sympathy and pathetic attempts to comfort me when I require none.” He grumbled a little as he made another attempt to escape her. Yet she was persistent and wouldn’t let him pass.

“William . . . please wait.” She said. Tavington stopped and rolled his eyes. Obviously she was going to follow him around like a lost puppy for the rest of the evening. The only reason he was here was that he was ordered to come. Why should he have to mill about and listen to nonsense, while making meaningless small talk? “I know you would have made a good father, William.”

Tavington’s eyes narrowed and he starred into her eyes, “Just as Katherine would have made a good mother.” He said making sure that the fact Katherine was still very much a part of this drama. Weather he wanted her to be or not. Anoreia looked down a moment. It was definitely not a person that she wanted to discuss since she was quite jealous of her. “I wanted to see him when I arrived, but by then it was to late. I am very sorry William. Truly.”

Jeanette had caught sight of William and the other woman away from the crowd in a semi secluded space and her eyes narrowed. Honestly, these sexual antics of his had to stop. Katherine was last seen alive, and it made her angry beyond words to see him acting as though his wife had passed on along with his son. She was not going to tolerate this and excused herself from the group of women she was speaking with.

“I never wanted to leave, William. When my father informed me of my marriage I was crushed that I wouldn’t get to see you anymore. Now here I am, and I am not married and once again I have found you.” She said with a smile. “Please don’t push me away.”

Tavington had no concern for feelings at the moment, he had far to many of his own pent up inside. “I have no idea what gave you the impression that I wanted your company longer then the nights we spent exploring the physical possibilities of the human body. So allow me to make myself perfectly clear on the matter.” He said taking a step closer to her, “You were nothing more then a nights distraction that I occasionally called upon when no one else was available. There was never anything between us at any point in our acquaintance and I would advise you to put such ridiculous ideas out of you mind.”

“I know.” She said quickly, “It’s alright. I don’t want anything more from you then what we had before. I . . . I just want to be . . . there for you if you need me for something. Anything at all.”

“That is just my point, we never HAD anything before. Get it through that hard head of yours now before you give me more grief then I already have!” It seemed that Anoreia was not quite ready to give up yet and she continued to block his retreat looking for something else to say.

“What a pleasant surprise.” Jeanette’s voice came from nearby. Tavington and Anoreia both looked up to see her standing just a few yards away. William arched a brow when he saw the glare of hate in Jeanette’s eyes. “Anoreia, I hadn’t realized that you had come to the colonies? How good it is to see you again!” Lady Botts walked over between the two and made sure she was directly between them.

“Oh. Hello Jeanette.” Anoreia said as her eyes turned downcast, suddenly feeling ashamed of herself. “It’s nice to see you too. I had heard about Lord Botts’ promotion. Congratulations.” Her eyes turned towards Tavington, hoping that he might dismiss the intruder, but instead Jeanette stepped back and wrapped her arm around William’s.

“You’ll have to be good enough to excuse him for the moment, my husband would like to discuss a few matters with him.” The girl started to speak but Jeanette quickly cut her off. “I knew you would understand, you were always such a perfect and wonderful girl. Thank you!” With that she half pushed William and half pulled him with her as they quickly abandoned the scene.

In this one instance, Tavington was a bit grateful that Jeanette had come along when she did, as he was in no mood for the nonsense that was started to arise. Yet at the same time he resented her for her intrusion. When they were at a safe enough distance William unwrapped her arm from around his and pushed her away so that she wasn’t so close. “Has it occurred to you that being twice your age, I am not in need of a nursemaid!?!” He growled at her.

“How am I to trust you?” She said coldly, “Katherine’s blood still hot and not cold and you are returning to your old antics with everything that wears a skirt about you. I think I owe it to my sister to dissuade you from such vile carnal pleasures at least until she is found again.”

“You have such concern for Katherine, do you? Then I suggest you stop interfering with my ways to find her and bring her back unharmed! I am exhausted from your constant nagging and watchful eye! I am a full grown man and can look after my affairs with responsibly.”

“Oh and I suppose that my finding that child in your tent waiting anxiously to attend to whatever discussing adulterous needs was your idea of being responsible? What were you trying to prove, that you are more of a degenerate then I ever imagined!!”

“Hold that poisonous tongue of yours behind your teeth! I will assure you of one thing, which is not going to change. When Katherine is found she will be kept as far away from you as possible! When we return to England we shall be moving to a different estate as far as we can away from YOU!”

Jeanette was stunned for a moment and her voice quieted in pure and utter shock. “Katherine would never allow you do to such a thing. She would never subject herself to being moved away from Andrew and I.” She said with her eyes wide.

“I hate to disappoint you, but the final decision on that matter rests with me! I have been lenient so far and now I have finally run out of generosity! She will be forbidden to EVER see you again once she is found. Even if I have to move her to another country to keep you from her! You have enough new friends to replace her by now, with your new . . . aristocratic, arrogant standing, you will not need her anymore. Especially since all you’re new acquaintances will despise her.”

“That is not my fault nor hers. The responsibility for that misfortune rests entirely with you.” Tavington found himself regretting that sorely, and the guilt from his actions were weighing heavy on his shoulders. For this shrew to use it as a weapon only made things worse.

“Perhaps it does, but that is no concern of yours.” William growled ending the conversation as he made his way around her. He felt as though he had been seen enough for one night and decided to excuse himself from the ball.