Complications of War

Benjamin Martin rose early the next morning. He had not slept much the night before, spending most of the night pacing the floor as he contemplated the horrible mistake he’d made by marrying Caroline off to William Tavington.

Shortly after dawn, Charlotte Selton came outside and found Martin on the porch watching the sun rise Noting his exhausted expression and unshaven face, she realized he’d spent most of the night brooding.

“It’s time for breakfast,” Charlotte said softly. “Have you been out here all night?”

“Most of it,” he admitted. “Every time I closed my eyes and tried to sleep, all I could see was Tavington dragging Caroline away to do God knows what to her.”

“Havmethmething to eat,” she urged. “Then you can go check on Caroline.”

“I’m afraid I haven’t got muf anf an appetite,” he said. “But I’ll try to eat something.”

Twenty minutes later, Benjamin Martin walked resolutely toward the building that housed the unmarried officer’s quarters. Charlotte followed hesitantly behind him, feeling distinctly uncomfortable. Reverend Oliver had gone to the wagon to prepare it for the journey home.

Colonel Tarleton and Captain Bordon stood on the front porch drinking their morning tea as Martin approached. The dragoon officers exchanged knowing glances as they each noted the determined expression on Martin’s face.

Facing Tarleton, Martin said, “I would like to see my daughter, if you please.”

Ban Tarleton raised an eyebrow at Martin’s peremptory tone of voice, but did not reply. Instead, he leaned back carelessly against the porch rail, regarding Martin with an amused, tight grin. Turning to Bordon, he said casually, “Help the man, Bordon.”

Bordon nodded at Benjamin Martin. “I will go check and see if Mrs Tavington is ready to receive visitors this morning,” he said. “Please wait here.”

Caroline Martin Tavington had passed the night in intermittent, fitful slumber. Every time she’d heard someone coming up the stairs she would jolt awake, afraid it was her new husband coming back to brutalize her once again. Sleep had eventually won out, however, so she was fast asleep when Captain Bordon knocked loudly on her door.

“Mrs Tavington!” Bordon’s voice was muffled as he called through the door. “Are you awake?”

“Just a moment, please,” Caroline said. She spied Tavington’s bathrobe hanging from a hook and went to put it on before going to the door.

“What is it?” she said, opening the door a crack. “I’m afraid my husband isn’t here and I don’t know where he went.”

“I’m not looking for Colonel Tavington,” Bordon said with a reassuring smile. “Your father is waiting outside to see you.”

Caroline brightened immediately. “Just give me a few moments to get dressed and I’ll be right there.”

“I’ll wait out here for you,” Bordon said. “Take your time.”
___________________________________________________________________

On the other side of the fort, William Tavington sat on Jane’s bed waiting for her to finish dressing. The dragoon commander gave his mistress a lazy smile as he watched her fuss with her hair.

“You’re only going to the fort store, not to a grand ball, you know,” he teased.

“I know,” she said. “But I want to look my best, no matter where I’m going.”

Rising to stand behind her, he took the hairbrush from her hand and set it down gently, then bent to kiss her on the neck. “Ah, but’d l’d look beautiful even if you showed up to market wearing a burlap bag.”

“Flatterer!”

“I try.” Moving to the tent flap, he opened it and held out his arm for her. “Shall we?”

“I’m ready,” she said, as they walked out into the morning sun.

“I’ve been thinking,” Tavington said as they began walking toward the fort’s main compound. “Now that you’re carrying my child, I don’t want you living among the other camp followers any more. I don’t want to chance you getting involved in an ugly scene should some other officer decide that he desired your services.”

“The other officers haven‘t chosen me for a long time.” she told him. “They do not choose me out of respect for you.”

“Respect?” Tavington laughed heartily. “Don’t you mean fear?” Squeezing her hand, he continued, “Nevertheless, new officers are assigned to the fort all the time, and I don’t want to chance one of them choosing you for a night’s pleasure. I doubt if any of them would care that you are with child, even if the father is the commander of the dragoons.”

“Where do you want me to live, then?” Jane asked.

“My quarters,” he said. “I’d feel better if you were not sleeping in a tent. And, of course, it will be easier for me to protect you from there.”

“But what about your, err…..wife?” Jane asked. “What are you going to do with her? Surely, you don’t expect all three of us to live together?”

Tavington laughed again. “I think I’d rather face Washington’s entire army by myself than deal with the prospect of living with both of you together.” Serious once again, he said, “I will move her to the married officer’s quarters, now that I am eligible for them. I will retain my old quarters for your use.”

“I can just hear the gossip now,” Jane pointed out, sighing.

“I don’t care what anyone thinks or says,” Tavington snapped. “I am doing what is best for my future children and their mothers.”

“I know,” she said, putting a gentle hand on his ar___________________________________________________________________

Caroline Tavington dressed in record time, eager to see her father.

“I’m ready,” she said as she emerged from the room. James Bordon was standing by a window at the end of the hall waiting for her.

“He’s waiting for you right outside, Mrs Tavington,” Bordon told her.

“Do you know where my husband is?” Caroline asked as they descended the stairs. “I haven’t seen him since….uhh…late yesterday afternoon.”

“I really couldn’t say,” Bordon said blandly, though he knew full well where William Tavington had spent the previous night. Indeed, he himself had spent a better part of the night in the tent right next to his commanding officer with a lovely young woman named Phyllis.

Just before they reached the front door, he said, “I would imagine Colonel Tavington will be back soon, however.”

A moment later she stepped outside and found her father standing near the entrance to the porch looking expectantly at the door. Banastre Tarleton was still on the porch drinking his tea, now having an animated conversation with his second in command, George Hanger, each man relating how he’d spent the night before.

“Father!” Caroline hurried down the steps as soon as she saw him.

“Caroline!” Ben hugged her tightly. “Are you all right?”

“I’m as well as can be expected under the circumstances.”

“Where is Tavington?”

“I don’t know, Father,” Caroline said. “He didn’t spend the night with me.”

“He didn’t --” Martin began.

“Yes, he did,” Caroline said quickly, knowing what her fathes abs about to ask. “But he got up, got dressed, and left right after and I haven’t seen him since.”

“Did he hurt you?” Ben took a close look at his daughter.

“Not really,e sae said, embarrassed, not wanting to talk about it.

At that moment, both Ben and Caroline spotted Tavington kissing Jane Thompson as they parted in front of the fort’s store Tavington’s shirt was hanging out of his breeches and his hair was loose, unqueued. Ben Martin frowned in disgust, as it was now obvious where his daughter’s new husband had spent his wedding night.

William Tavington sighed in exasperation as he approached and saw Caroline holding on to her father for dear life.

“I see that you didn’t waste any time rushing over here this morning,” he said, as he reached and pulled Caroline out of her father’s embrace. Taking her by the shoulders and turning her around, he said, “As you can see, she is none the worse wearwear. Hardly any bruises on her at all.“ The cavalryman laughed harshly. “And now that you’ve ascertained that I didn’t kill her during the night, you are free to leave the fort.”

“This marriage was a mistake,” Martin muttered, shaking his head. “I don’t know what I was thinking, bringing my daughter here to be married to the likes of you. I only hope God will forgive me for this.”

Regarding Benjamin Martin with utter contempt, Tavington said, “I had to pay for my mistake, now you’ll be paying for yours as well. I‘d say that makes us about even.”

The dragoon commander took Caroline’s hand and began to lead her away from her father. Turning to Bordon, who still stood on the porch, he said, “See that Mr Martin is escorted out of the fort and make sure that he actually leaves the area once outside the gates.”

“Right away, sir,” Bordon said.

“I love you, Father!” Caroline called out as Tavingtonled led her up the steps. “Write to me!”

“I will,” he promised. “I’ll write and I’ll see you as soon as I can.”

Captain Bordon left the porch to carry out Tavington’s order. “If you’ll come this way, sir,” he said briskly, indicating in the direction of the stables. He gestured to a couple of dragoons standing nearby to join him, to ensure that Martin and Charlotte Selton would comply with a minimum of fuss.

After taking one long, last look at Caroline as she disappeared inside the building with Tavington, he reluctantly obeyed the dragoon captain, his heart heavy with regret..

As the door shut behind them, Tavington turned to his young bride. “Have you eaten breakfast?”

“No, Father came before I awakened this morning, and I went right outside, so as not to miss him,” she said.

Leading her to a table in the common room, he said, “I will have Mrs MacKenzie bring us something to eat.” After seating himself at the table and indicating a place for Caroline to sit, he continued. “I have a few things I need to discuss with you, so we might as well do it over breakfast.”

A short time later, they were sharing their first meal together as a married couple. Though the provisions was plentiful and delicious, Caroline didn’t taste a thing, as she forced down lum lumps of food. She was fearful of Tavington, even more so now that her father had left and she was totally at his mercy.

“Later today, you are going to move to the married officer’s quarters,” he told her. “There will be a bit more room there, enough space for a nursery, plus your belongings.” Looking down as Caroline’s wrinkled, limp dress with a curled lip, he said, “Hmm, we’re going to have to do something about that. It will take my men at least another day to get your belongings back here. I simply won’t have my wife walking around the fort looking like a common slattern.”

“I can’t help how I look,” she whined. “This is all I have. I didn’t expect to have to stay here and live with you.”

Tavington sighed loudly. “Ah, well, I imagine it isn’t really your fault,” he conceded. “I’m sure the idea of compelling me to marry you came from your father, and as an obedient daughter, you had no choice but to comply.” Not waiting for Caroline to reply, he demanded, “Did Mrs MacKenzie bring you any nightclothes last night?”

“Yes, she did,” Caroline said.

“Well, I will if sif she can find you another dress to wear, then.”

At that moment Mrs MacKenzie returned to clear away the plates. “Will there be anything else, Colonel?”

“Yes,” he said. “I will require a tub and hot water brought to my quarters as soon as possible.

“Right away,” she said.

Tavington stood, after folding his napkin anacinacing it on his plate. “Come along, Caroline.” Leaning over her and sniffing deeply, he said, “You most definitely could use a bath.”

Caroline reddened in humiliation as he followed her husband up the stairs, hoping no one had heard whe sae said.

As soon as the door to their quarters had shut behind them, Tavington immediately began stripping off his uniform. Caroline sighed loudly, figuring she was about to be brutally used once again.

Hearing the sigh, Tavington gave her a knowing smirk. “I could use a bath, myself,” he said softly as he dropped the last of his clothing onto a chair. Picking up his robe from its hook, he put it on, tying the sash neatly. Turning back to Caroline, who hadn’t moved since they’d entered their room, he said, “Take off your clothes, so that you can bathe as soon as I’m done.”

The young woman complied readily, realizing that Tavington did not intend to take her to bed now. She donned the nightgown she’d worn to bed the night before, then sat on the bed to wait for the bath tub to be brought.

Tavington leaned casually against the wall, gazing intently at his young bride as she sat demurely at the end of the bed. She shifted uneasily under his scrutiny, which reminded her of a predator toying with its prey.

“Ah, you are truly lovely to behold,” he said, noting how the sunlight glinted off her long, golden hair. Shaking his head ruefully, he said, “And it was precisely that loveliness that got me into this unfortunate situation.”

Before Caroline could comment, a knock came at the door. Tavington opened the door to let the slaves in who had brought the tub and water. As he began to close the door, Mrs MacKenzie rushed up, holding a couple of towels.

“Here are some towels,” she said, out of breath. “I had forgotten to send some with the bath tub.”

“Just as well, Mrs MacKenzie,” he said as he took the towels from her. “I’d forgotten to tell you about something else I needed.” Grabbing some money that was on top of the dresser, he said, “I need for you to acquire a dress for Mrs Tavington to borrow, as it will be a day or so before her own clothes arrive.” Handing her the coins, he said, “Here is something for your trouble.”

“I’ll find her something within the hour,” the woman promised, taking the coins and slipping them into her apron pocket.

“Thank you.”

“I’ll leave you newlyweds to your privacy, then,” she said, blushing as she hurried away.

Once the Tavingtons were alone together once again, Tavington went directly to the tub. Turning to face Caroline, who still sat on the bed, he unbelted his robe and let it slide to the floor. As he climbed into the tub, he noted that Caroline had automatically swept her eyes over him from head to toe. He smiled tightly as she unsuccessfully tried to disguise her prurient interest in her new husband’s body. The expression on her face was clearly that of avid arousal.

“Bring me my razor and soap,” he directed after settling himself into the hot water. “Both are on the dresser.”

She slowly crossed the room to do as he asked. After retrieving the items, she approached him warily to hand them to him.

“Come closer,” he said. “I don’t bite.” Looking at the bite marks he’d left on her neck the day before, he chuckled and said, “Ah, well. I guess I do bite, but I promise I won’t do so now.”

Caroline giggled, in spite of the fact she was still very much afraid of him.

“Hmm, I think this is the first time I’ve seen you smile,” he said. “I like that. You should do it more often.”

“You haven’t given me much reason to smile.”

Tavington did not reply, but began to shave himself with quick, sure strokes. After a moment, he said, “Come here and wash my back for me while I finish shaving.” He extended the soap for her to take.

Taking it from him, she quickly dunked it into the water for a split second, then rubbed it awkwardly across his broad, muscular back. After working up a good lather, she put the soap down, then began massaging it into his skin.

Tavington arched his back in pleasure as Caroline continued to wash him. “Mmm, you’ve got gentle hands,” he said. “That feels wonderful.”

“I’ve bathed my younger brothers and sisters for years,” she told him, shrugging.

“And soon, you will have a baby of your own to bathe,” he said quietly. He turned to look at her, and for the merest millisecond, she regarded him as something other than a vicious rapist. But as she placed the soap back onto the dresser, she caught a glimpse of his bearskin crested helmet sitting on a nearby chair, and the truth of what sort of man he was came crashing back in all its ugly reality.

Caroline fell silent as Tavington rose from the tub a short time later. As he stood before her, vigorously toweling himself dry, he said, “I would suggest you get into the tub right away while the water is still warm.”

She obediently approached the tub, then modestly turned away from Tavington to slip out of her nightgown. Before she could step into the tub, she felt his strong hands turning her aroun fac face him.

“You are my wife now,” he said, his hands still gripping her tightly. “There will be none of this ridiculous modesty. It is my right to gaze upon you any time I see fit.”

The young woman did not reply, but quickly stepped into the tub and sat down. The water was beginning to cool, so she immediately began washing.

As he slowly dressed, Tavington watched Caroline washing herself, knowing it made her nervous. Though quite satisfied with what he saw, his mind had moved on, now thinking about Jane, whom he intended to move in here as soon as he got Caroline settled in new quarters. He sighed loudly as he marveled to himself at how he managed to impregnate two women at the same time.

After Tavington had finished dressing and had queued his hair, Caroline was still in the tub waiting for him to leave. She shivered as she heard the sound from his spurs as he walked up to the back of the tub. “I have some business to attend to now,” he said, as he reached down absently to stroke her breasts. “You will wait here until Mrs MacKenzie brings you a new dress. After that, you may go downstairs to the common room until I return. I shouldn’t be gone more than an hour or two.”

She trembled as his hands continued to lazily explore, whimpering when he rolled one nipple between his thumb and forefinger. Caroline held her breath, praying that he wouldn’t become aroused to the point where he’d postpone his business and force his attentions on her yet again. The young woman breathed a sigh of relief when he abruptly released her and began walking to the door.

As he walked down the steps, William Tavington chuckled to himself. He was well aware of Caroline’s fears, but he was confident that she would soon long for his touch as he gave her lessons in the art of lovemaking. He did not love his young wife, but considered thaw thw that he was married to Caroline, he might as well make good use of her.
_______________________________________________________

It had been a slow morning for Procurement Officer Samuel Norris. Not a single person had entered his office since he’d opened early that morning. He had not slept well the night before, as he’d spent most of the night coughing and sneezing from a bad cold. Now, as the time slowly approached noon, he was exhausted. He leaned back in his chair aroppropped his feet up on the desk, figuring that no one would be any the wiser if he took a short nap. Within a few moments, he was sound asleep.

Colonel William Tavington entered the Procurement Office and found Norris still leaned back in his chair, feet propped, and emitting raspy snores. Incensed to find the soldier so blatantly disregarding his duties, he quickly rushed up and kicked the chair out from under the younger man.

“Wha-?” Norris was confused to find himself on the floor. He looked up to find the furious dragoon commander glaring down at him. The hapless soldier quickly scrambled to his feet, gulping nervously as Tavington continued to glower.

“If you were one of my dragoons, I’d have you flogged for dereliction of duty,” Tavington informed him coldly. “However, I cannot be bothered reporting you to your commanding officer at this time, as I’ve got other, more important things to attend to.”

“T-thank you, sir,” Norris said, gulping again. “How can I help you?”

“I require a suite in the married officer’s quarters,” he said.

“How soon do you need it?”

“Right away.”

“Major Wemyss’ quarters are still available,” Norris told him. “He moved back into the unmarried officer’s quarters after his wife returned to England."

“Fine,” Tavington said. “I trust that the suite has been cleaned since he moved?”

“Oh, yes sir!” the procurement officer assured him. “When will you be moving from the unmarried officer’s quarters? I need to have it cleaned for the next tenant.”

“I will be retaining those quarters as well,” the cavalryman told him.

“That is highly irregular,” Norris said. “You are not entitled to have more than one location at a time for your quarters.”

“Hmm, perhaps I can find the time to inform your commanding officer of your lack of diligence to duty,” Tavington said. Leaning over so that his face was only inches from that of Norris, he continued softly, “And I think he would also be most interested in what happened to all those supplies that have gone missing in the last few months. I can just imagine how he would react if he were to learn that you have been selling the property of His Majesty’s army to the black market, where it no doubt ends up in the hands of the people we are here to fight.”

“No need to bother him, sir!” Norris said quickly. “I’ll make the necessary arrangements to have both locations reserved for your use.”

Tavington regarded him with a feral grin. “That’s more like it.”

Norris opened a desk drawer and rummaged around for a few moments. Finding a set of keys, he handed them to the dragoon commander. “Here are the keys to Major Wemyss’ quarters. You can move in immediately.”

“Thank you,” he said, heading to the door. As he reached the door, he paused and turned back to Norris. “Oh, you will also provide a new shirt for each of my dragoons. You have a week to deliver them.” Without waiting for a reply, the dragoon commander left without another word.

A few minutes later, Tavington had entered Jane Thompson’s tent, where he found her tidying up.. Stridiner ter to her quickly, he took her into his arms and gave her a gentle kiss.

“No need to do that any longer,” he murmured after the kiss had ended, still holding her in his embrace. “I have made all the arrangements -- you will be moving into my present quarters just as soon as I get Caroline out of them and into new ones.”

“How did you manage that?” she asked. “Even Lord Cornwallis only has one suite here.”

“Ah, let’s just say that I was rather persuasive,” he said, grinning. “The procurement officer eventually came around to seeing that I indeed was entitled to more.”

Knowing his reputation, Janew bew better than to ask any further questions. Instead, she asked, “When will I move in?”

“As soon as you can pack up your things and have them brought to my quarters,” he said. “I am returning there to move my wife into her new quarters and, as she came to me with no more than the clothes on her back, it won’t take long. I shall return for you shortly.”

“I’ll be ready when you get here,” she murmured.

“Until then, my sweet,” he said, bending his head to give her a long, lingering kiss.

Tavington entered the unmarried officer’s quarters a brief time later, where he found Caroline sitting on the couch in the common room. He approvingly noted the sage green gown she wore; Mrs MacKenzie had chosen well for his young bride.

“Are you ready to go?” Tavington asked her as he walked up to the couch.

“Yes,” she replied. Gesturing to a cloth bag which rested on the floor on one side of the couch, she continued, “I have my night clothes in there and Mrs MacKenzie promised that she’d bring my other dress over to me once it had been washed.”

Reaching out to take her hand, he said, “Let’s go, then.”

As they left the building and were walking across the compound, Caroline idly wondered why he hadn’t brought along any of his belongings. Finally, she couldn’t contain her curiosity any longer. When they were finally alone in the new quarters and she noted that nothing of his was there, she blurted out, “Where are your things?”

“Back in my quarters, of course,” he said.

“You aren’t going to live here?” she asked, bewildered.

“I will d thd the night with you from time to time,” he told her. “But I will be spending most nights in my old quarters. I require my privacy.”

“Privacy for what?”

Tavington exhaled loudly, not wanting to have this discussion with her.

After a moment, Caroline suddenly understood what Tavington meant.

“Oh, I think I understand what you mean now,” she said. “You want that room to bring other women to. Like that woman my father and I saw you kissing this morning! You spent the night with her, didn’t you?”

“Don’t you think your jealousy is rather misplaced considering that you didn’t want to marry me in the first place, hmm?” Tavington said, sidestepping her questions. “It is not as if we are in love.” Giving her a hard stare, he continued, “Just because I was compelled to marry you does not mean that I will give up the life I had before.”

“But people will talk!”

“People will talk regardless of what one does,” he pointed out. “And I care little for the opinions of other peop

Tavington walked over to where she stood looking out the window. “We need to get a few things settled about the way things are going to be. Yes, I am going to share my other quarters with that woman you saw me kissing this morning. And, yes, I spent last night with her. And before you inevitably hear it from the fort grapevine, she is also with child -- my child.”

“But she is nothing but a camp follower…..a fallen woman,” Caroline said, shocked. “And yet you treat her better than you treat me and prefer her company to mine.”

“I would advise you to guard your tongue,” he warned, his eyes narrowed in barely controlled fury. “Jane is the widow of anlen len dragoon and has done what she has needed to do to survive.” Gripping both her arms tightly, he shook her in anger. “Yes, I greatly prefer her company to yours. For, unlike you, she loves and respects me.” Now grinning malevolently, he continued, “I’ll have you know that you were nothing more than a momentary pleasure to me. It was so wonderfully satisfying to you you, knowing how angry it would make your father. Revenge is the ultimate aphrodisiac, my dear.” He laughed harshly when he saw her deflated expression.

“You are no gentleman!”

“I agree!” he said. “There are no gentlemen in war.”

“I beg to differ,” she said with a haughty sniff. “General Cornwallis is a gentleman. He was just as shocked and horrified as my father was when he heard what you’d done to me. And my father has always been a gentleman, regardless of the circumstances. Furthermore, you don’t know the first thing about being a gentleman, either as a soldier or as a man. I‘ve heard what the Patriot soldiers call you; the Butcher!”

“Are you quite through?” he demanded, rapidly losing what little patience he had.

She nodded nervously.

“I don’t know if you can comprehend this, but war is not a parlor game,” he said, speaking to her as if she were feeble minded. “It is deadly serious business and there is no place for gentlemen in war.” Moving to open a window, he continued, “My purpose here is to help win the war for the British side as quickly and efficiently as possible, and if some brutality must be employed to make this so, the be be it.”

He held up his hand as she opened her mouth to k. k. “You are naïve if you think that Lord Cornwallis is a gentleman,” he said. “Your so-called ’gentleman’ General knew that I’d ravished you the day it happened.”

“I don’t believe you,” Caroline said half-heartedly.

“Believe what you will, but it seems that one of my dragoons saw me taking you and ran to tell Cornwallis as soon as we returned to the fort,” he said. Turning to gaze intently at her, he added, “And if I ever discover who that disloyal dragoon was, he will rue the day he was ever born.”

Caroline shivered, knowing he meant every word he said.

“Even though the general knew whad dod done, he kept the entire matter quiet,” he said. “I retained command of the Legion then and I retain command of it now.” Tavington was now smiling. “Why, you might ask. It would seem as if having me in command of the dragoons is more important to him than the honor of a young woman, wouldn’t you say, hmm?”

“And if you think your father is a gentleman, then you’re more deluded than I thought,” he told her, laughing scornfully. “That man is even less of a gentleman than I am, it would appear.” Bringing his face close to hers, he murmured, “It seems as if your father has a fondness for mutilating corpses.”

“How could you tell me such a horrible lie?” Caroline cried. “My father is a good man, a much better man that you could ever hope to be.”

“Do you know what your father did r her he left you alone on the day I ravished you” Tavington demanded.

“He rescued my brother Gabriel from British custody.”

“Did he tell you how he accomplished this?”

“Not really, he didn’t want to talk about it.”

“Let me enlighten you, then,” Tavington said severely. “He ambushed and killed twenty men who were escorting your brother back to the fort. The last man he killed he hacked into chunks long after he was dead and had ceased to be a threat to anyone. When he was done, he was covered from head to toe with blood and gore. and had completely forgotten about his three sons who stood there and watched him do it. You see, his lust for killing had gotten the better of him.”

“You’re a liar!” she screamed. “You weren‘t there! How could you possibly know what happened?” Caroline’s lip quivered; she had a sick feeling in her stomach as she instinctively suspected that her husband was telling the truth.

Tavington was oblivious to her distress. “And that isn’t anything compared to what he did in the French and Indian War. Why, Captain Wilkins told me that your father participated in a massacre that included civilians, where he, along with others, cut off the heads and fingers of the people they killed.”

Caroline was sobbing. “I don’t want to hear t Pl Please stop!”

Tavington finally relented and gathered his distraught wife into his arms to hold her as she cried. “You know I’m telling you the truth or you wouldn’t be so upset,” he said softly.

“I don’t b-believe you.” She didn’t want to believe him.

Tavington rose from the couch, taking Caroline’s hand. “Come on, there’s someone you need to meet.”

“Where are we going?”

“To the infirmary,” he told her. “There was one survivor from your father’s attack. He witnessed your father mutilating that soldier’s corpse and will corroborate everything I have told you. And, if it is still necessary, we will have Captain Wilkins tell you what he knows of your father’s activities during the French and Indian War.”

A few minutes later they entered the infirmary where Tavington led her to the bedside of a soldier whose wounds had healed into many ugly scars.

“Private Jones,” he said as the young man looked up at him. “This is Mrs Tavington. I wish for you to tell her everything in detail that happened the day you were injured. Leave nothing out.”

Jones looked at the dragoon commander in shock after hearing his strange request.

“Tell her,” Tavington urged. “That’s an order.”

The young man had told his tale several times in the months of his convalescence, so it didn’t take long for him to relate the events to Caroline.

“Please describe the man you called “The Ghost,” Caroline asked when he was through with his story. “What did he look like?”

After Jones had obliged, Caroline turned away in tears. The young man had described her father perfectly.

“Take me home,” she whispered, still crying.

Tavington nodded, leading her out of the infirmary without a word. He’d accomplished what he’d set out to do.

Once back in their quarters, Caroline looked at him with wounded eyes. “Why did you have to do that to me?”

“It was necessary,” he told her in an uncharacteristically gentle voice. “You’re married to me now, for better or for worse, and you needed to know the truth about certain matters if we have any hope of getting along.”

The young woman did not reply, so great was her anguish. She collapsed onto the couch, now sobbing in heaving waves.

Tavington looked away, his mind traveling back to the time when he realized that his own father was nothing more than a petty scoundrel. He turned to his young wife, and some of her anguish touched him. He sat down next to her carefully and took her awkwardly into his arms, uncomfortable with the unaccustomed sympathy he was feeling.

Caroline’s sobs lessened until she was merely sniffling, as her husband continued to silently hold her, his stiff posture betraying his unease. It slowly dawned on her that he was trying to comfort her, however clumsily, and she gradually relaxed and snuggled closer to him.

Tavington was surprised to feel Caroline’s arms going around him and he, likewise, began to loosen up. After a few moments he bent and gave her a gentle kisCaroCaroline raised her head and they regarded one another hesitantly for a long interval. Leaning forward, he kissed her again, this time with growing ardor, with one hand stroking her hair.

Caroline was not afraid when she felt Tavington’s erection pressing against her thigh a short time later, as she dimly registered her own feelings of growing arousal. Instead, she drew him closer, his hands now subtly working her bodice loose. An instant later, he took her hand and led her wordlessly to the bed, where they sank back together onto it, still gently kissing and touching.

When they were both naked together a little while later and Tavington was poised above her, Caroline reached for his rigid shaft to guide him inside her, giving herself willingly to him for the first time. Not a word was spoken, as neither ed ted to break the spell.

He penetrated her smoothly and soon, the only sounds heard were their soft sighs and moans as their lovemaking crescendoed to its inevitable peak.

Afterwards, he reclined on his back holding Caroline close, her head on his chest. Her hands tangled through his unbound hair, enjoying its soft, silky texture.

Tavington held Caroline until she fell asleep, then carefully disengaged himself from her embrace. He dressed quickly as the time has long since passed when he was supposed to meet Jane. As he was ready to leave, he paused to spare a glance at Caroline. He walked over to the desk, where he pulled out a piece of paper, a pen, and a bottle of ink. Tavington hastily scribbled a note and left it on the nightstand where Caroline would be sure to see it when she woke up.


Dear Caroline,

I will be away from the fort for the next few days with my men on a
mission. Please call upon Mrs MacKenzie for anything you may need
while I’m gone
.
Thank you for this afternoon.

William


Once he’d placed the note, his thoughts turned to Jane Thompson. Early the next morning, Tavington would be leaving with his dragoons on another patrol mission, and he was eager to spend his last night at the fort in bed with Jane. Taking one last look at his sleeping wife, he left with no further ado, quietly closing the door behind him.