Roses of Stone

The physician stepped out into the hall and closed the door behind him moving to Colonel Tavington. “She’s resting now. I think it’s safe to say that she shall be spending the rest of her term in bed. I don’t think it’s safe for her or the child for her to be moving about. I’ll be back to check on her in the morning, I gave her something to help her sleep.”

“What’s wrong with her? What caused this?” Tavington asked a little impatiently. Of all the things in the world that could be going on, the war, the rebellion, the non payment of England’s taxes . . . Katharine’s life seemed to hang in the very balance.

“She nearly slipped into shock Colonel. This pregnancy is taking its toll on her body and has been for sometime. I wish she would have sought help sooner.” With that, the doctor gave his salute and turned leaving the hallway. Tavington just stood there for several moments, trying to let it sink in. Finally he moved to the bedchamber doors and reached for the handles.

“You are discharged. I shall give you enough money to buy passage back to England because it is what Lady Tavington would want. But I want you packed and on a boat by tomorrow.” Camille was shocked and she bit her quivering lip. Tavington hardly cared and opened the doors entering the room and closing the doors quietly so as to not disturb the sleeping woman.

He slowly approached her bed, and the little bit of candle light that was in the room cast shadows on her face to show how truly ill she had become. He paused at the first post of her bed just looking at her, wishing she was awake to call him a bastard or something else for having neglected to check upon her for so long when she was here in a strange place so far from home. There was nothing to do now but wait and see. He moved to sit down beside her and rest his hand on her swelling abdomen. She had grown quite large since she first came to the colonies, it wouldn’t be long now before their child would arrive.

There was something fascinating about her body this way, and the knowledge that it was his child she was carrying, only heightened the fascination. If it were a son, he would go to the finest schools and be skilled in the art of combat and become a solider just like his father. Someday to become and officer and of course a member of the royal court.

If it were a daughter . . . He paused for a moment thinking on this, before his eyes moved to Katharine. He’d always thought that when a child did come, it would be a son. It never occurred to him that a daughter might come into existence instead. What on earth could be done with a daughter?

Suddenly he pulled himself from these thoughts, and shook his head getting to his feet. He moved to the table and started to gather his things to leave, but stopped. Something wouldn’t let him leave just yet, something inside of him told him to stay weather he wanted to or not. He gave a loud sigh and tossed his things back down onto the table.

Looking about the room, he realized that he was not going to return to the camp tonight. He would stay here until the morning to find out what the doctor had to say about her condition. Perhaps she wouldn’t look as pale and sickly in the morning as she did right now. He picked up another blanket and spread it over her, to make sure that the chill of the room wouldn’t cause her more anguish then she was already in. Taking off his jacket he moved to the leaning couch that was in her room and positioned perfectly so that he could see Katharine clearly without anything obstructing his view. It had been a long day, but he was resolved to watch over her to make sure no more evil could befall her before daylight. Walking over to the fireplace, he put a few more logs onto the fire and made sure the flame was good and hot to keep the room warm.

Just then a slight knock came to the door and it opened, as the General entered the room and closed the door behind to keep the cold out. William put the fireplace poker back in it’s place and stood facing Cornwallis. The General walked over to the bed and looked at Katharine a moment. Obviously news had traveled of the Tavington’s soon to be addition to their family. “You knew of this?” he said solemnly.

“It was why she came here My Lord.” He said simply, as he looked at the General. For some reason, William felt a deep resentment that Cornwallis had come here, after the scene he had made in the dragoon camp earlier, scolding him like some adolescent schoolboy. Several moments went passed before Cornwallis approached her bed a few steps more turning his back to the Colonel as he studied the sleeping woman.

“I think you should return to your camp immediately Colonel Tavington, you have duties that need to be done, and the Green Dragoons are in need of command. There is nothing you can do here.” He said harshly. William was a little shocked at this and started to stay something but the General continued, “I’ll not have you neglecting your duties by staying here in the comforts and privileges of Charleston, whilst your men are out in the field doing what they were commissioned to do.”

William’s eyes narrowed, as he walked around the General and took a stand between he and Katharine and faced Cornwallis, blocking him off from his ill wife. “My Lord, you command me as a solider, and rightfully so. You are the one appointed by his majesty to see that this war is won and done for the glory of the crown.” Tavington did his best not to shout or raise his voice to his commander but it was difficult, “But he did not appoint you to be the guardian of my marriage nor the relationship between myself and my wife. As a solider, I would be inclined to click my heels and take your order to carry it out immediately, but as the husband of this woman laying behind me, I must tell you that I will not leave this room until I am good and ready.”

“You are out of Line Colonel . . .” General Cornwallis began, his voice was absolutely exasperated that this man would dare stand in front of him and challenge his authority. However, Tavington only asserted himself higher cutting off Cornwallis’s thought.

“As a Colonel of his majesties army yes, but here in these chambers, it is you that is out of line. Whatever she may be to you, she is my wife and it is my child that she carries inside of her. And I shall not leave until I am satisfied that both of them are out of danger My Lord. If you feel the need to discipline me for that, so be it.” The General just stood there for a moment, and would have never expected this from the notorious butcher, about anyone, not even his own wife. Still, it was more encouraging then he first thought, perhaps William was a bit more responsible in family matters then thought of. After a moment he decided what he would do.

“Carry on Colonel. I expect updates on her condition frequently.” His words came in a tone warning the Colonel that his insubordination was not being overlooked, merely tolerated under the circumstances. With that, he turned and exited the room closing the doors behind him. Once he was gone, William let out a sigh not realizing he had been holding his breath so tightly in his chest.

Turning back towards the bed he looked at Lady Tavington a moment, before adjusting her covers once more. “Damnit Katharine.” He cursed under his breath as he rubbed his temples with his hand, feeling rather tired and exhausted. “I’m in the middle of a war for the love of God, and here I am . . . . watching over you like some sort of . . .” He stopped and shook his head, before turning away and walking to the leaning couch to make himself comfortable. He watched her as long as he could, but the warmth of the room soon enticed him into sleep as well.

When the morning came, the doctor had returned just as he said he would, once again asking the Colonel to leave the room. Tavington more then welcomed the chance to step out of doors to get some fresh air. There was a great many things to do in his own outfit, but for some reason he couldn’t leave quiet yet, not until he heard first hand what was going on with Katharine and the baby.

After what seemed like an eternity, the physician’s aid came to retrieve the Colonel so that the doctor could speak with him before he left. The doctor was waiting outside of Katharine’s bedroom as William approached. “She’s doing much better. Still tired and weak, but a few days rest will do her some good. I’ve already instructed that she be brought breakfast immediately, Sir.” Tavington actually felt a sigh of relief deep inside at this news, but absolutely did not let it show.

“What about the child? Is he well?” He inquired hoping that nothing had gone wrong with her pregnancy that might have put it in danger. The doctor nodded a moment.

“Yes My Lord, but I have already explained that she is not to get out of her bed unless absolutely necessary. She won’t be but a few weeks before the child’s arrival, and after having examined her and found the details of the spells she’s been having, I would prefer it if she didn’t strain herself again.” He waited a moment looking at the Colonel who had been starring at the closed doors of Katharine’s bedchamber the entire time that the doctor had been addressing him. “She’s awake if you would like to go in an see her Colonel Tavington.”

William looked at the doctor and shook his head, “No. Perhaps another time, when she is strong again.” He preferred it greatly not to see her in such a state, it made him remember how fragile she was, and not the strong willed, tough woman that he had been married to and fought with these many years. “It will be a challenge to keep her in bed, she’s the most hard headed and stubborn woman in all of England.”

The doctor shook his head, “I believe she will. I explained to her in great detail the reason for my instructions. She’s very concerned about the child’s health. I think she will do as I say without argument, Sir.” Tavington did want to see her, but he knew he shouldn’t, not right now. They had left on such bad terms before, that it would only upset her. Placing his helmet he buckled the chinstrap as he made his way down the hall to return to his encampment.

Once back at his camp, he ordered the dragoons to prepare for patrol and intended for it to be a rather long one. Recognizance was required and it was widely known that they would soon be moving the enemy line back and advancing further into the colonial countryside. There was simply no need in waiting idly in the dragoon camp waiting for something to happen.

They where on this patrol no less then a full week, and ventured rather far making sure that the path was cleared of all rebels that might try and resist. One house in particular captured his interest since the night before a battle had taken place. He was rather displeased to find that the enemy’s wounded laying along side the British troops that had been wounded as well. His orders where swift, cruel, and devastating but he simply had no time whatsoever to fool around with such petty things. If these were truly loyal to the crown, then they wouldn’t have done such a stupid thing as to let these rebels into their home. The house and barn where burned to the ground, the livestock was destroyed, but the horses where kept for the dragoons.

Amidst these scum he found a dispatch rider who was foolish enough to take responsibility for the documents found, and ordered him taken back to camp to be hung as a spy and his body to be put on display as a warning. This caused rather unexpected and unwanted resistance from the family of this home, but it soon came to an end when what seemed to be the oldest boy made an attempt to free the prisoner. William cocked his pistol and the boy fell to the ground, expiring a few moments later. The only comment he had for the father who seemed to fail at teaching his children the importance of loyalty, was a callus and heartless “Stupid boy.” With this, he and the rest of the dragoons left this house to continue on their journey to find anyone else who needed to be weeded out before the British lines where moved forward.

He didn’t give the destroyed home he left in his wake another thought, and simply counted it as a necessary step in the war efforts. After all, being soft on traitors only encouraged their numbers to grow. After two weeks out on patrol, they finally returned to their camp, and Tavington quickly sent off dispatches to inform the General and his staff that they could now proceed forward with no worry of danger or opposition. Then awaited some sort of reply so that the dragoon’s might start packing up their camp to get ready to move. He was impatient for this, even more so then usual as if he were trying to keep his mind preoccupied and his time spent.

Finally, the messenger came that he had been expecting. The solider hurried into the Colonels tent giving his salute and standing at attention. “Well?” The Colonel said impatiently. “Where is the dispatch? Just don’t stand there like a stuffed owl!” He growled. The corporal held out the papers and the Colonel instantly snatched it away. The very thing he had waited for had finally come, and he gave the order for the camp to be taken down and moved forward since the British line had moved quite far in the past few months.

This procedure took two days before they were settled into camp once more. A few skirmishes that they had on the way left a few of the dragoons wounded and needing medical care. Things would settle down now for a day or two, which was the very thing that William had been dreading most. It didn’t take him long to fill out his reports, and he was left with nothing but time to think about everything that went wrong with Katharine. Why did he feel this sudden ocean of regret where she was concerned? Of course, she had changed some how since she had come, but she was soon to be a mother and that tends to change many women. At least the ones who knew their proper place and cared about a family rather then keeping score of how many beds that they lay in, trying to increase their standing with the more powerful men in the aristocracy.

He found himself pacing back and forth several times, and he was becoming more and more agitated. The physician had said that she would give birth in the next few weeks, four weeks ago. Why had no word yet come about his child, or his wife’s condition? The more he thought on these things, the more restless he grew. “DAMNIT TO HELL!” he shouted out finally exploding into a monstrous rage as he stormed out of his tent.

Meanwhile, in Charleston, one of the wives of the lower ranking soldiers had taken to keeping Katharine company since her servant was sent back to England. Needless to say, Katharine was extremely upset to find that Camille had been discharged and was sent away by her husband. She had every intention of completely scolding him for such a heartless and mean action against a young girl who was still nothing more then a child.

The woman sat on the bed next to Katharine having brought her breakfast. “Are you feeling any better today Lady Tavington?” She asked knowing that she had been having a rather hard time these last few days.

“Just extremely exhausted Elizabeth, I suppose that my child will be along soon. Then perhaps I shall be able to get over this strange aliment. It’s strange, I’ve been feeling rather homesick as of late. Yet I don’t wish to go back yet, not without Lord Tavington.” The woman looked a little nervous for a moment before venturing to bring up a subject she felt was quite tender, but she had to know.

“Lady Tavington . . . .” She began, trying to think of a gentle way to inquire so that she didn’t upset her. “ . . . your husband . . . Lord Tavington . . . is he as brutal to you as he his to the colonists?” She asked rather abruptly. Her hands clasp over her mouth for a moment before lowering them. “Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say it like that.”

Katharine just smiled a little bit, at least someone had finally asked her instead of just assuming. It only made it obvious that this woman wasn’t from the aristocracy. “No. Not in a physical sense. I’ve heard stories about the things he’s done in this war, the sorts of plundering and murders he has committed.” She paused a moment retreating into her own thoughts, “I never even dreamed that he was capable of such things until he came here . . .” She said in a quiet voice. Her eyes turned back to Elizabeth. “And what about your sergeant, does he treat you well?”

Elizabeth smiled and nodded quickly, “Oh yes. We’ve been married for nearly three years. Do you know, the night he asked my father for my hand, he was so excited that he jumped on his horse and road away, howling to the countryside he was so happy. It wasn’t until an hour later it occurred to him to come back and tell me.” Katharine smiled and laughed a little at this. “He’s a wonderful man, so handsome and kind. But, he’s strong as well, and very brave. John promises me, that we’ll start our family soon, when the war dies down a bit. I can hardly wait.”

Katharine just smiled remembering how she felt when she was a new bride, and was happy for Elizabeth that she wasn’t in the same horrible trap that she herself had fallen into ten years ago. Lady Tavington’s eyes closed for a moment, feeling strange sensations in her body like a painful squeeze that she had no control over but it soon subsided. “The doctor is late today isn’t he.” She whispered keeping her eyes closed.

“Yes, he is isn’t he? Would you like me to go and get him for you?” She asked wanting to help however she could. Standing she took the tray off the bed and waited to hear what Katharine wanted before she took the dishes away.

“I think you’d better.” Elizabeth smiled and nodded before leaving the room. Katharine bit her lip hard squeezing her eyes tight closed. She refused to make a sound, not a scream was going to be heard from her tonight.

Out on the road, it was late and it had started to rain. Tavington’s horse moved along the road at a high lope, half glad that it did start to rain since it would prevent having to move the troops another day or so. Whilst he traveled, another shoulder came around the bend just up ahead riding hard and fast. Tavington paid him little or no mind at all, but the solider brought his horse to an abrupt stop recognizing the passing officer who was riding. Turning his horse he hurried up to trot along side the Colonel.

“Colonel Tavington, I was sent with a message for you.” He called out through the noisy rain and the sound of the horse’s hooves striking the road beneath them. Tavington pulled back on the reigns bringing his mount to a stop and reached out snapping the letter away from the messenger. The look on his face changed drastically, as he quickly pushed the parchment into his vest and dug his spurs hard into the horse’s sides. The horse whinnied and William took off as fast as the lighting that had begun to strike overhead. The messenger hardly was able to keep up with him, but tried his very best.

They flew into the city only a short while after, and still Tavington’s horse didn’t slow. He jumped off of his horse in mid stride and hurried up the steps of the house, quickly heading for Katharine’s room. However, he was stopped just outside of the door by a solider that had been set at the door. “Sir, you can’t go in now.”

“The hell I can’t!” He roared at the solider, but the man wouldn’t budge an inch. Just then however, the struggle ended when the doctor opened the doors to the room. The solider stood aside and Tavington still shot death glares at him.

“I wasn’t expecting you to arrive so soon Colonel. You may go in and see them.” William stopped a moment looking inside of the room, before looking back at the doctor not sure what to say. “But please, don’t stay long. She needs her rest.” The physician stood aside and Tavington stood for a moment trying to regain his confidence. Something about walking through that door, made him realize that their lives would never be the same again. Clinching his jaw, he entered the room as if he were a man who had to face the entire rebel army by himself.

Inside of the bedchamber, several women were going about cleaning the room. It seemed that they had just recently finished changing the bed linins for clean fresh ones. They gathered up the laundry and left the room, leaving Colonel Tavington alone for a few moments with Katharine. Slowly approaching the four-banister bed, he looked to see Katharine looking pale and weary, but there was a smile on her face. One that he remembered only seeing there once 10 years ago. It was one of sincere happiness and joy, the same one she wore on their wedding day.

After a moment, Katharine looked up still smiling brightly when she saw the Colonel standing there. “Come and meet your son William.” She said softly looking down at the small buddle that she was holding close to her. Cautiously he moved towards them putting his helmet on the side table as he looked down. Katharine moved a little so that she could move the blanket back from his face that kept him warm so that William could see.

“My son?” He said a little shocked, just looking at the little one. Unclasping his belt that held his sword in place, he moved that away as well, sitting down next to Katharine on the bed. It looked so small, tiny, and red as a beet. “He’s only been here a short while, why is he sleeping?” Katharine half smiled looking down at the child once again.

“Newborn children sleep most of the day. They had a long trip coming into this world.” Tavington looked down at him a moment, studying the small ones features. He had a bit of dark hair, almost the same darkness as Williams.

“He doesn’t look a thing like me.” He said still trying to be his normal unconcerned and callus self. Still, his attention was definitely on the child, and he had the strangest urge to pick him up, but wasn’t going to.

Katharine arched her brow and had a rather smug smile on her face, “Well his frown he certainly got from you my dear husband.” William looked at her for a moment doing his utmost to suppress the smile. She looked down at their son once again, “And I’m sure he will be just as stubborn as his father when he’s old enough. So don’t count out shared qualities between you two just yet.”

Two of the wives who had been helping Katharine had some soldiers bring in a bassinet and then the women started fixing it up and putting it together for the baby. William turned back to Katharine and frowned. It seemed she had drifted off to sleep in the short time he looked away from her. The two women bid the Colonel goodnight and left the room closing the door behind them.

Tavington stayed there for a moment not sure what there was for him to do now. Suddenly the little one started to fuss a bit, and William looked about feeling completely alone and unsure of what he was to do now. Taking off his gloves and Jacket he set them with his other things and reached for the small child. He had to pry Katharine’s arm from around him, but once he had moved it away he swept the baby up into his arms as carefully as he could. He looked around a moment to make sure no one was there watching him. Then he moved the blanket from the baby’s head too study his small features.

Unwillingly a smile creased the Colonel’s lips as he held his son close. “I suspect you do look somewhat like me.” He said just looking at the child. He was light as a feather, and quieted at Williams touch. His eyes slowly moved to Katharine a moment, “And like your mother as well.”

After a few moments when the baby had once again fallen asleep, William moved to the bassinet and laid the child down, making sure he was covered quite well to keep him warm. Immediately he went to the fireplace building it up quite hot to chase the chill from the room. “What name shall we give you I wonder.” He said to himself as he looked towards the sleeping child. Moving over to the bed he looked at Katharine a few moments. Her appearance had changed so much since she had come here. She looked so tired, worn and pale. It seemed that every time he saw her, her condition worsened. But now that her pregnancy was over, she should start to look much better once she regained her strength.

The next morning, several of the women who helped with the delivery returned to help Katharine however they could and check on her. She had slept amazingly hard during the night, and surprisingly her condition had not improved. William studied Katharine, not saying anything just trying to figure out why she didn’t already start to regain her once young and healthy color.

One of the woman smiled and walked up to the Colonel, just looking at him for a moment. Tavington didn’t even glance towards her keeping his eyes on Katharine. “I shall not be leaving so you needn’t even ask.” The woman’s smiled faded a bit a little shocked. It was only common courtesy and good manners for a man to leave so they could attend to Katharine and the baby.

“But, Colonel Tavington. We’re going to change the bed linens for her and . . . and help her wash up if she wishes. Not to mention she’ll need to learn how to feed the little one today.” Tavington just clinched his jaw still keeping his eyes on Katharine. He wasn’t about to be moved or swayed in his decision. There was something wrong, and there was no one here that he trusted to have the intelligence or wit to see it or seek it out. No, he would stay and keep watch.

The woman looked at each other and nervously went about their duties. Husbands just simply did not stay when women went about their duties and rituals in such things. However, all where quite well versed in the Colonel’s reputation and escapades throughout the Colonies. They all had heard about his not discerning women and children from men. There was no reason to think that would change now should he be angered.

A woman went to pull Katharine’s quilt from the bed, but stopped cupping her hand over her mouth to muffle a scream. Tavington instantly walked up to the woman pushing her out of his way and lifting the quilt to see what she saw. The sheets and blankets were soaked in blood. “GET THE SURGON IMMEIDATELY!” He roared at the women, before he began to try and wake up his extremely pale wife. “Katharine, Katharine wake up. Open your eyes this instant. Katharine? For once in your life do as you are told.”