Innocence Lost

Chapter Four

The dragoons arrived back at its headquarters shortly after dusk. The large Sizemore plantation and estate had been host to two dragoon units for several months. As they entered the gate leading to the mansion, Anne saw a tent encampment in a field not far from the mansion. After Tavington had dismissed his men for the night, most of them had turned their horses toward the encampment. Tavington, Bordon, and Wilkins, however, headed toward the mansion. As the three ranking dragoon officers, they were quartered inside the Sizemore home, as was the commanding officer of the other dragoon unit, along with his top officers. The Sizemores were a Loyalist family, who had gladly opened their estate to the British forces.

Anne was relieved to finally be off the horse, not used to riding for that long. However, she was uneasy as Tavington led her up the steps leading to the mansion, with Bordon and Wilkins following close behind. She noticed several soldiers posted at strategic locations around the house, dashing any hope of escape.

As they walked through the front door, a well dressed woman in her forties came over to them.

"Ah, Colonel Tavington," she said, smiling graciously. "You and your officers are just in time for dinner." She regarded Anne with frank curiosity, but did not comment.

"You are very kind, Mrs Sizemore," Tavington said. "We would be honored." Indicating Anne, he continued, "However, Mrs Martin is tired from our long ride. Would you please have someone escort her to my quarters and send up a plate of food to her?"

Mrs Sizemore, lifted one eyebrow imperceptibly, aware of what Tavington's request implied about his relationship with the young woman. However, she kept her opinion to herself. "Of course, Colonel." She gestured to a slave woman, who stood quietly near the stairs.

"This way, miss," the slave said. "If you please."

Anne turned to look at Tavington as she moved to follow the older woman.

"It's all right," Tavington said. "I'll join you shortly."

After following the woman up one flight of steps, Anne was directed to a large bedroom on the west wing of the mansion.

"Here we are," the slave said, opening the door to Tavington's quarters. "This is the colonel's room."

"It's very nice," Anne said as she looked around the comfortable room, decorated to suit a man's taste.

"Is there anything you need before I go get you some supper?"

"Not right now, thank you," Anne said. "What is your name?"

"Sally, miss," she replied. "If you need anything while you're here, jcallcall for me."

"Thank you, Sally," Anne said.

While Anne was getting settled in upstairs, Tavington went to the dining room, followed by Bordon and Wilkins. They found Colonel Ban Tarleton, commander of the other dragoon unit quartered at the Sizemore estate, along with two of his officers, already halfway through their meals.

"Tavington, good to see you," Tarleton said. "Have a seat." He gestured to the empty chair beside him.

Tavington took the chair offered him, with his officers seating themselves on the other side of the table. "I didn't expect to see you back so soon," he said. "Must have been an easy victory for you."

"You could say that," the other officer replied. "It's almost too easy at times."

"Quite."

"By the way, Tav," Tarleton said with a sly
grin. "Who was that girl with you when you first came in? Isn't she a little young for you?"

"She just happens to be the newly married daughter in law of Benjamin Martin," Tavington explained.

"The Ghost?"

"The very same."

"And you're hoping he'll come out of hiding to try to rescue her?"

"I'm counting on it," Tavington said.

"I almost pity the poor man," Tarleton said.

Both men laughed at this absurd notion.

"What do you intend to do with the girl in the meantime?" Tarleton asked. "Or is that a stupid question?"

Tavington rolled his eyes. "What do you think, Ban?"

Tarleton responded with more laughter.

"I'm sorry to cut this short, gentlemen, but the lady awaits." Tavington said as he rose from his chair. Looking down at Tarleton, he said in parting, "You know, it's an ugly business, doing one's duty. But just occasionally, it's a real pleasure." And with that, he left the room with no further comment.

A few moments later, Tavington found Anne finishing her dinner as heeredered his quarters. She jumped, nearing dumping her plate on the floor, when she heard the door open.

Tavington ignored Anne's nervousness. He knew she would soon become accustomed to him and to her situation.

"Ah, I see you've eaten," he said as he removed his jacket, then threw it over a chair. "Did you enjoy it?"

"Yes."

"Good." Tavington stood in front of the mirror as he unbraided his hair for the night. After removing his neck cloth and shirt, he picked up a hairbrush from the dresser and brushed his long hair vigorously.

Anne forgot herself and her situation ae ste stared openly at Tavington, wearing nothing but his breeches and boots. She sighed loudly.

Tavington turned and looked at her with a smug expression, fully aware of the effect he had on her. Moving to sit on the edge of his bed, he unfastened his breeches, then reached down and pulled his boots off.

"Come over here," he said, patting the bed.

The young woman reluctantly rose from the chair and slowly walked to the bed. Anne knew there wasn't any point of resisting Tavington any longer. She knew that she needed to make the best of it until Gabriel found her and took her home.

Anne sat down awkwardly beside Tavington, steeling herself for what was sure to follow.

Taking her hand, he said quietly, "It's time for bed, Anne," leaving unsaid the implication behind those words. He leaned over and took her into his arms. Anne sat stiffly in his embrace, neither resisting nor responding to him.

He took no notice of her discomfort, but begin to unlace her bodice in a quick, efficient manner. When she was finally naked, Tavington stood and shrugged out of his unbuttoned breeches.
An Anne inhaled sharply at the sight of Tavington's nakedness, thoroughly aroused in spite of herself. She looked away, unsuccessfully trying to rid herself of her thoughts.

Tavington pulled the covers back as he climbed into bed, pulling Anne with him. She attempted to remain in a sitting position, but Tavington pulled her down to him, engulfing her in his arms.

At this point, she couldn't control her emotions any longer. First one, then two tears came, until she was sobbing quietly in his arms. She turned her face away from him, her heart aching.

To her surprise, Tavington just held her for a long time, tangling his fingers in her long, wavy hair. His other hand slowly rubbed her back until she relaxed, sleep quickly creeping up on her. As she lay half asleep in his arms, she felt him raining soft kisses on her neck, moving down to her breasts.

"I won't hurt you this time," he murmured a little while later, as he moved to enter her. He kept his promise, as he took her gently, quickly climaxing, worn out from the day's events. There would be chances for more vigorous lovemaking in the future, but for tonight, he was satisfied with teaching her not to dread his touch.

For the first time that day, Anne was totally relaxed as they both fell asleep, still entwined.