Roses of Stone

Tavington and four other Dragoons rode into Lord Cornwallis’s headquarters for a meeting that had been called about the state of the war. William had no desire to be here, or within 25 miles near here. He knew that at some point, Katherine would come up. It was a sore enough subject without someone pouring salt in the wound. The chances of her being found alive, or even in good health had diminished almost completely, and the prisoner they interrogated hinted that she was taken somewhere to be put to death. But Tavington refused to believe that until he had proof, such as seeing her body.

As suspected, the Colonel was met with glares of disgust and horror. His deeds had spread throughout the entire British army, and the Colonies themselves. It was not as if it was anything new, he had been getting such glares for years. But somehow, it seemed to add insult to already devastating injury now. When the meeting was over, the officers were of course invited to dinner and to stay for the night since it was quite the ride back to their camps and it was already very late.

The two men who stood out as hating each other the most, were Colonel Botts and of course William. Since William had threatened Jeanette the day she went to his camp, Andrew had wanted to challenge him to a duel, or just a straight hand-to-hand fight. However, the General advised against it considering their officers were becoming the first targets to fall at every engagement. He could not afford to lose any men with petty squabbles such as this, and Tavington only threatened, he didn’t actually harm her.

“Colonel Tavington.” General Cornwallis said, stopping the Colonel from adjourning with the rest of the officers. William turned holding his helmet under his hat and walked back to the General as he was ordered. Cornwallis just looked at him for a moment, barely even able to see him as a man anymore. “The esteem in which your family was held may have been squandered by your father, but you are certainly managing to take brutality and heartlessness to a new height.” Tavington just looked at the General thinking about what he said seriously for a moment. “So tell me now, not as General to Colonel, but Man to Man . . . have you become this notorious monster because of Katherine and your son?”

“I don’t see how that has any relevance whatsoever to my performance in the field, My Lord.” He said instantly, not wishing to discuss this subject now or ever again with anyone outside himself alone.

“I do. Your tactics to begin with in this war have always been quite extreme and unorthodox. I may have given you license to do what is necessary in exchange for a bit of land, but I had no idea just how non-existent your morals were when our deal was made.” Tavington clinched his teeth, not wanting to hear anymore. “You try to diminish your pain by inflicting unspeakable tortures and suffering on others.” Cornwallis continued, “It will not bring back Katherine, nor young William, nor peace to your life. I hope that you do not believe that it will.”

Tavington’s expression changed, to a very dark and angry one. “Begging My Lord’s pardon, but I do not consider it to be any of his business what I do and do not believe. I said that I would do what was necessary to advance your position in this war, to make to end quickly and efficiently, and to bring the Ghost to you. It does not bring into light my personal affairs.”

“Promises that have not been kept.” Cornwallis said snapping an answer at him still quite irritated by the constant insubordination that Tavington still managed to display.

“Thus Far.” Perhaps bringing up the conditions of their deal was not the brightest thing to do. It was true that they had nearly exhausted their leads and informants on Benjamin Martin’s whereabouts, and that William had been side tracked with his concern for Katherine since she disappeared. But he had not forgotten his obligations, and continued to work as he said he would.

This particular line of conversation had nowhere to go, and Cornwallis knew that all to well. “There is another matter that needs to be addressed, before a smaller war breaks out in my own ranks. I want you to stay away from Lord Botts and his wife. Your threats and rough handling of the Lady Botts has brought Colonel Botts to me requesting permission to challenge you. I will not have any such nonsense at such a critical juncture in this war. However, he is quite right.”

Tavington narrowed his eyes, “Then would My Lord be so kind as to ban her completely from my camp? She has no business there and it disrupts the duties and work of my men.” Cornwallis stopped for a moment. The Lord and Lady Botts had failed to mention that small detail. Perhaps Tavington might have had reason to treat her in such a way after all. It wasn’t an unreasonable request.

“Very well. I shall speak to Colonel Botts and make sure that it is understood. Wives of officers should not be anywhere near my military encampments in the first place.” A thought occurred to Cornwallis and his voice took a different, not so commanding tone. “Of course, I think that it was Katherine who made it a habit to do that sort of thing.”

“Even more reason for her to stay out of my camp. Wouldn’t you say?” Tavington growled. “Katherine was at least married to the commanding officer, Jeanette has no such tie or any other.” The Colonel waited a few moments more before deciding he had had enough of this nonsense. “Is there anything else, My Lord?”

Cornwallis considered William to be a lost cause by now, there was nothing anyone could do to change him, or his mind set. There was nothing more to be said. “That will be all Colonel Tavington. For now.” William made his salute and turned exiting the Generals office. Cornwallis sighed slightly and shook his head before moving to sit down at his desk and look over a few reports. It was as though he was selling his soul for the sake of his honor and the glory of victory . . . or at least, selling Tavington’s soul.

William made his way down to the dining hall and found his place beginning to eat. He didn’t say a word to the other officers whose conversation stopped so all could stare at Tavington when he came in. Yet the Colonel was hungry and paid little or no mind to the glares, and began his meal. For the rest of the time, the dining hall was deathly silent, and not a word was uttered. William and Andrew found themselves starring each other down more then once. It was not going to be an unresolved issue, and William was certain that if someone didn’t kill him on the battlefield, William would sooner or later.

When the meal was finished, he stood without a word and retired to his quarters for the evening. Conversation was never pleasant and a waste of time in his eyes. If there was nothing else to be said of this trip, at least he got to spend a few hours in a real bed instead of what passed as a bed in his tent. He put his uniform things aside and took of his boots before moving to the window. He stood quietly just looking out over the moonlit countryside, listening to the soft sounds of crickets and other creatures that enjoyed the night air.

Young William, would have been a fine young man. Tavington was sure of it. Katherine would have seen to that, and made sure that he did not follow in his fathers footsteps. Although, he was sure that more then once he and his son would have gotten into some sort of adventure that Katherine would have disapproved of. Just thinking about how it might have been made William smile a little. Just looking at their son, you could see both Katherine and William and that was cause for awe in itself. It made him look at Katherine a different way, as well as life. If she was found alive, if she was willing, he was more then ready to try to start a family a second time with her. This was something he had thought about and was sure of.

A slight knock came to the door and Tavington sighed, “Yes.” He called out as he continued to look towards the horizon. The door opened, and then closed but no word was said. William was tired as it was and was really in no more for nonsense and he turned around. “What is it?” He didn’t recognize the woman who stood before him, no doubt a maid or some sort of servant to be in Cornwallis’s headquarters like this.

“I wanted to ask the Colonel if he’ll be wanting anything else for the evening?” She said with a slight light in her eyes. Tavington raised a brow and just looked at her. Couldn’t these women try something besides being so obvious and literally offering themselves to him on a platter?

“There are 16 other officers here this evening who I am sure will be more then happy accommodate your wishes. So leave me alone with my thoughts before I throw you through this window.” He said without a twitch. The woman’s smile fled and her eyes went wide feeling that she was in very real danger. She had heard the roomers, and she quickly left closing the door behind her without another word. Tavington rolled his eyes and turned back towards the window. Honestly, being alone with his thoughts weren’t doing him a bit of good as it was, so he closed the shutters and retired.

In the dark corner of a crowded Tavern, Katherine sat silently with Maddy in her lap. Both of them knew not to say anything, and Maddy didn’t recognize a single face in the entire building and just clung to Katherine. To avoid anyone recognizing her, the Assassin managed to secure her a cloak, which had a large hood that concealed Katherine’s face well enough to keep anyone from seeing her. It was nosey and loud, and some soul attempted to play a tune on his instrument to entertain the patrons.

After sometime, one of the ladies who worked there brought over to plates of food that had been paid for and walked away. Katherine looked at it with her eyes wide. Presentation wasn’t exactly something these people specialized in. It was more like, they cooked it and threw it on a plate before serving it, regardless of what it looked like. Maddy sat up and started eating hers right away, fast enough that Katherine had to watch her yet again to make sure she didn’t choke. Carefully, Katherine cut into the large peace of meat and starred at it, not sure if she could eat this. But she was hungry and closed her eyes putting it in her mouth trying not to think about how it looked. However, when she started to chew it, it was so good that the way it looked didn’t seem to matter as much now. Then she went to work on her own plate of food, more then happy to have something hot other then chicken or turkey, or something that just plain resembled mush.

However, she managed to keep herself graceful and eating like a lady, never using her fingers and cutting small bites. They were left in the tavern alone to eat, and once again their ‘escort’ had disappeared. They both were careful to keep to themselves, and try and ignore the commotion that went on nearby. She had never been around so much drunkenness at the same time. Usually she just had Tavington to deal with, and she considered that to be disgusting enough.

When Katherine was finished she leaned back against the wall. Maddy had eaten until she could almost pop and fell asleep resting against Katherine. Katherine held her close with her arm around her, so she would feel safe and could sleep comfortably. “I wish I could have said goodbye to you.” A voice came from the other side of the corner they were sitting in. Katherine opened her eyes recognizing the thick French accent. She didn’t turn to look at him, and felt extremely uncomfortable all of a sudden.

“Jean . . . please. If he sees you near me, he’ll kill you. He was ready to do so when he took us.” She whispered, looking about.

“I know, I got your letter. It still doesn’t change the fact that I would have liked to say my goodbyes to you. Where is your escort back to the British lines?” He asked looking about noticing that she and Maddy were alone.

“This is the fourth time he has left us like this. In my opinion he takes himself far to seriously. Yet he always shows up to claim us and then we are off again.” Katherine looked about and actually felt a shiver go up her spine. “Please . . . go before he comes back and sees you. I could not bear it if you were to be killed by that man.” She said with a slight break in her voice.

The Major smiled a little, “Oh?”. After a moment he moved around the corner and kneeled down beside her. Katherine started to panic and looked around quickly. “Kate, I know you have to go back. You have to go back to him for your sons sake, and for your marriage vows . . .”

“Jean . . . someone will see you, please go. Go now . . .” The Major shook his head and took her by the hand letting her know that he wasn’t about to go anywhere.

“No, Kate I have to say this to you.” He said, holding her hand tightly in his. Looking into her eyes, he reached up and gently rested his hand gently against her cheek. “There is a war on Kate, and if there comes a day when you want to start a new life . . . I’ll be waiting.” She couldn’t say anything, but closed her eyes leaning a little into his hand. There were tears in her eyes when she opened them. Jean leaned closer to her and kissed her one last time. He looked once more into her eyes, and whispered a goodbye to her in French before disappearing into the sea of humanity. Katherine reached up and quickly wiped the tears from her eyes before holding Maddy tight.

The next morning, Tavington had awoken rather early and sat at the desk in his room to read a few reports and some new orders that Cornwallis had issued. A knock came at the door. “Yes.” He called out, wondering whom it was going to be this time. Jeanette walked in without hesitating and closed the door behind her. Tavington closed his eyes and clinched his jaw before going back to writing a few things.

“The General spoke to myself and Andrew when I got in last night.” She said in a soft voice. Tavington didn’t say a word and barely acknowledged her prescience. Jeanette walked around to the other side of his desk and sat down in the chair closest to him facing him. “I know you are going through a difficult time . . . and . . . perhaps I haven’t been fair.” She said in a quiet voice. “There is little more you can do that you have not already done to find Katherine. I am very grateful to you for that.”

Tavington gave an annoyed sigh. As if he needed or wanted her approval for his methods. His efforts were for Katherine’s sake, not to put this pests mind at ease. Jeanette looked down for a moment, before moving a little closer to the Colonel. “I’ve heard a lot of talk . . . around the court and a few of the ladies that live in the Quarter house in Charleston. I couldn’t help but wonder . . . how much of it was true.” Tavington still said nothing and Jeanette moved even a few inches closer. Reaching up she placed her hand gently on William’s hand. “I know you must be lonely.”

Tavington stopped cold from what he was doing, realizing suddenly that she was attempting to seduce him. He turned and looked at her with a look of complete and utter disbelief, “You must be joking.” Jeanette quickly pulled her hand back like someone who had just been caught trying to steal something. “You have completely lost whatever small amount mind you possess!!” He stood and reached for her wrist jerking her up out of the chair and almost dragging her to the door. “I have loathed you from the moment that I first saw you, even before I entered into negotiations with Katherine’s father! There is nothing else I would rather hear then the report of your death, or public torture and humiliation!”

Jeanette grew as hateful towards him as she had always been and jerked her wrist away from him. “I hate you. As I have always hated you! How Katherine can defend such a monster, live with you, tolerate you, is a mystery!!” William’s eyes narrowed as he took a step towards her.

“I don’t know what game you are playing, but it shall not work.” He looked over her with disgust, “What a fine example of someone who pretends to keep Katherine’s best interests in mind. Yet as soon as you are sure she would never learn of it, you attempt to become a harlot like all the other women of the court and take advantage of her absence.” He spat at her. Tavington grabbed her wrist and flung his door open, pushing her out without care if she fell on her face or not and slammed the door locking it.

He ran his fingers through his hair trying to calm down. William was tempted for a brief moment, to give her exactly what she thought she wanted. As brutally, viciously, and violently as possible, to hurt her in the most damaging way imaginable and leave her with scars that would stay with her to the grave. Yet there was enough conflict surrounding the scandals that were associated with the Tavington’s, and Katherine would never forgive him for such an immoral and horrible act.

“What do people think I am running, a bloody bordello!?!” He hissed, growing tired of this. Of course . . . it was associated with his old habits back in England, and most of these women remembered those days, and took Katherine’s disappearance as an open invitation. William could barely take anymore of all of this. It was already gnawing on his mind as it was, and for someone he considered to be his mortal enemy coming to him and propositioning him made it even worse then before. He walked over and picked up the small silver plate that held Katherine’s portrait, “All of these years you have never forsaken me when the rest of the world has. I shall not forsake you now when the world has turned it’s back on you.” He whispered.

Katherine and Maddy sat quietly on the blankets they were to sleep in for the night as their escort milled about seeing to a few of his weapons. She noticed that his coin purse had managed to grow a bit. So that was what he was doing when he left them alone, taking occasional jobs of his profession and not feeling the need to tell Katherine of them before he disappeared. Maddy yawned and Katherine covered her up with a blanket patting her back gently to help her rest.

“This time tomorrow you will be with your husband again, M’Lady. Safe and sound, without the company of any rebels to cause you concern.” Katherine narrowed her eyes a little starring at him. His manor, his walk, the way he talked, and the way he acted caused her to dislike him immensely.

“Well after such a holiday, I suppose that one would have to return home sooner or later.” Katherine snapped at him in a sarcastic yet sharp tone. The man paused a moment and glanced at her as the small smug smile he had disappeared and he continued to work on a few instruments he had before him. Perhaps he didn’t fully understand what had happened in the past few weeks, that he could talk of it so lightly.

“Never the less, M’Lady” he said gaining a dark and sarcastic tone in his own voice, “We shall arrive tomorrow evening, and I expect to be paid in full for my services.” He turned around and walked over to her kneeling down on one knee, pressing the tip of his sharp blade against her throat, “Or else I might have to take my payment from some other source.” The drug the sharp point down her skin pausing it just between her breasts, and he moved the cloth of her collar aside slightly.

Katherine’s eyes twitched with anger as she reached up and smacked his hand away, hate and fire in her eyes, “If you want to merely live to get your filthy money, You had better keep your distance from my person. Otherwise I will save my husband the trouble of cutting your throat.”

He smiled spitefully and clicked at her with his tongue disapprovingly, “ A proper lady like you, using such vulgar language? For shame.” Katherine really hated him now, he was arrogant and patronizing and the first one in existence that she knew of that was worse then William in everyway. He stood and walked back over to his things to finish whatever it was that he was doing. Katherine just glared at him. “Don’t worry, tomorrow you will be rid of me. And I will be more then happy then to be rid of the two of you.”

“Likewise.” Katherine said in a low voice. Their captor just smiled and began to clean one of his weapons. Katherine rolled her eyes and moved Maddy over covering her with a blanket to keep her warm. She decided that even though she did not trust this fool that kept their company, she should try and rest too.

When she lay down, she reached underneath her cloak wishing that her one and only weapon she carried on her person wasn’t taken away from her and she still had it. It gave her a comforting feeling, and she wanted more then anything to have that again. She didn’t enjoy hurting or killing people, but it seemed that few people cared that she was a woman once they found out whose side she was on, and whose name she wore.

Tavington was called to Cornwallis’s office during midday, and William was hardly overjoyed to hear of this. He made his way down the hall and into the General’s office stopping when he saw the company before him. The doors were closed almost as if blocking his retreat.

Andrew stood next to General O’Hara and General Cornwallis. “Colonel Tavington. A complaint has been lodged against you by Lady Jeanette Botts.” The general informed him, “You made unwanted advances to her person, and apparently did not take her rejection seriously.”

“I beg your pardon, My Lord?” It was like a dream he couldn’t wake up from. “I made no such advances towards that . . . woman.” He could barely get the word out, considering he did not count her has a human being much less a woman.

“She says otherwise Colonel Tavington. Her husband has requested satisfaction, and due to the circumstances, I am inclined to grant it.” This sounded slightly odd, before it occurred to Tavington that it was something Lord Botts wanted long before his wife showed up at his door in the early hours of the morning.

“I regret to inform you my lord, but it was she who made advances towards me.” He glared at Lord Botts a moment, irritated he would try something this completely idiotic, “She offered herself to me, and she grew angry when I turned her out. So much so that I was forced to expel her from my room by force.”

“Colonel, I have a difficult time believing that. Both her and her Husband, not to mention my own personal experience with your relationship with this couple, that she hates you and would rather be boiled in oil or beheaded then ever offer herself to you in anyway. I find it even more insulting that you would do such a thing to a woman who has been Katherine’s only friend and ally since birth.”

Tavington stood silent a moment, swallowing the knot of anger in his throat, determined to calm down before he said another word. “I have requested countless times that the privacy of my personal life not be analyzed and invaded by outsiders, and my marriage to be constantly criticized. That aside, does my lord not think it a bit strange that Colonel Botts has requested to you more then once to challenge me, and suddenly his wife attempts to slander me in such a way? A way that enables him to challenge me regardless of what my Lord expresses in the matter?” Tavington glared at Andrew again, “I can assure you that however much Lady Botts dislikes me, I loath and despise her 10 times more. Why to even imagine touching her in anyway turns my stomach.”

The General looked at the two men a moment thinking to himself. “Leave us.” He commanded everyone around him except Tavington. The others quietly left even though Andrew paused a moment starring pure hatred at Tavington. “Colonel” the General said warning him. With that, Lord Botts made his way out of the General’s office and closed the door behind. Cornwallis sat at his desk looking at Tavington in silence. William just remained in place, waiting for something to be said.

“For some strange and unexplainable reason, I am bafflingly led to believe you.” He said starring at William. Even Tavington was surprised at this announcement. He thought that the General would absolutely relish the chance to get rid of William once and for all. “Besides the fact that you and I have an agreement that has not yet been fulfilled. . . I have noticed a . . . . change in your behavior . . . since Katherine’s disappearance.”

“Despite popular belief, My Lord, I do have a soul. I know that Katherine has suffered for the things I have done, and I will not dishonor her whilst she is missing by doing such a thing. Especially not with that . . . . beast who calls herself Katherine’s sister.”

“Stop the way you speak of her immediately. I will give an order that Lord and Lady Botts are not to approach you or speak with you for the remainder of this war. In return I expect you to do the same and stay at a great distance from them. Am I quite clear?”

“Yes, My Lord.” Cornwallis gave a nod and waved his hand in dismissal before picking up a quill. Tavington gave his salute and left the General’s office returning to his chambers. This was getting ridiculous. How completely disgusting that that woman through herself at him. It left a bad taste in his mouth and kept butterflies turning in his stomach.

Katherine rode with Maddy on her lap and started to recognize some of the forest and trees surrounding the familiar road. “I know this place.” She said softly looking around. “We’re behind British lines are we not?”

“Just a few miles from the Dragoon encampment. Shouldn’t be to long now.” Katherine looked back to the road ahead holding the reigns tempted to dig her heels into the horses sides and race the rest of the way. She thought she would never make it back, nor see Tavington again. She was so anxious to see young William, and to hold him in her arms. Wanting to cuddle him close and sing him to sleep, as she had dreamt of doing for sometime now.

It seemed like an eternity before she could see the white tents across the field and her heart stopped. The two horses came to a halt and the man looked at her and Maddy. “And this is where we part company Lady Tavington. Inform your husband that I shall return to claim my reward.”

“Are you not so anxious as to get your hands on the gold to at least escort me into the camp?” Katherine arched a brow, “Or are you afraid he will have you hung for your manner and arrogance?” The man rode closer to her, so close that his face was just inches away from hers.

“I would say that it’s been a pleasure, but it might sound disingenuous. Goodbye.” With that he dug his heels into the sides of his horse and rode off back down the way they had come. Katherine just watched him disappear before looking back towards the camp. Maddy reached up and tugged on Katherine’s dress a little before pointing towards the tents. “Yes, that is where we’re going. Hold on!” She said as she began to run the horse towards the camp. Maddy laughed loving riding so fast holding onto the horses mane excited as could be.

When Katherine rode into camp, everything stopped as the men hurried towards her a little in shock and down right relief that she was there, and she was alive. When she stopped in the camp the men crowded around her horse and she looked around. “Where is he?” She asked looking towards his tent.

“General Cornwallis called all of his officers to his headquarters. He won’t be back until tomorrow.” The joy in Katherine’s face fled a little at the news that he was not there. “Captain . . . please take me to him.” She said looking at him seriously.

“Yes M’lady, I’ll have an escort take you to Fort Carolina immediately.” Katherine nodded and smiled as a few of the men cheered. It was strange, she didn’t expect this reception at all. It was as though the men in the dragoons had changed somehow in the short time she was gone. Even though it seemed like an endless eternity.

Tavington was irritated, and had remained locked in his room since he was brought in for questioning on a completely false and ill-intended charge. He was tired of this cat and mouse game that was played from every side, including his own. Sitting back in his chair, drinking a glass of wine he looked out the window seeing the sun begin to set. It was beautiful, and breathtaking. In the distance, he could see something riding towards the fort. It was a small detail of Dragoons, most likely to report to Cornwallis of some attack or news of the rebel’s activities that was found during a patrol.

“That fool.” Tavington grumbled under his breath, as only one solider needed to be sent here as a messenger instead of six soldiers. It was absolutely absurd. He stood slamming the book closed that he was reading and tossed it aside, to go and scold whoever was in command. Heaven help the one that was left in charge if he was among them.

He found it strange that so many were running past him to get out into the courtyard, and wondered what exactly was going on. William was pushed and pulled with the crowd until they all emerged outside. Tavington froze on the steps as he saw Katherine standing next to a horse handing the reigns to one of the privates. She was alive.

Everything grew quiet as she turned and saw Tavington standing on the steps. After a moment, she walked towards him and he descended the stairs. Katherine almost couldn’t breathe seeing him, forgetting everything that she had been told and what she had seen in the past weeks. She was just overwhelmed with joy to see him standing before her.

Tavington was at a loss for words himself, and somewhere in the back of his mind, he had become sure that he would never see her alive again. Yet here she was, standing before him. They stopped standing close to each other in silence just looking into each other’s eyes.

Jeanette emerged from the building with her eyes lighting up seeing Katherine had returned alive and unharmed and she started to run down to greet her. However, General O’Hara caught her in mid-flight preventing her interrupting this moment. “I don’t particularly care for Tavington anymore then the next man Lady Botts, but this is something that even you should know, should not be interrupted.” Jeanette felt absolutely indignant that he would say such a thing to HER. Seeing that she wasn’t going to be very cooperative, the General handed her off to two nearby privates. “Please escort Lady Botts to her room and keep her there until further notice.” Jeanette’s eyes went wide and she started to say something, but the two men hustled her inside.

Tavington was still stunned, not sure what to do or how to react to this. “Katherine.” He whispered in a breath of relief. Not able to do much more then look into her eyes, his own filled with joy at the mere sight of her.

Katherine smiled a little bit feeling the same way, “William.” She said softly. It seemed like it was all a dream, but somehow she knew that this time, it was real.