**If you're reading this story for the first time, please bear with me because I am reworking each chapter, editing mistakes (God there are loads of those - its embarrassing!) and fixing the dialogue and descriptions, etc. The changes shouldn't be too confusing, I hope. It'll take some time, thats for sure!**
Disclaimer - I do not own the Patriot, book or movie, or the stories characters. I do not earn money from my stories.
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Caught Between Three Colonels
Chapter One - Burwell Flees Charles Town
Charles Town: May 1780
With a heavy heart, Mrs. Charlotte Selton gazed out the window to the street below. Though the windows were closed, the sounds of panic and strife came to her clearly. She watched as many Patriots - many of them of her own acquaintance - rushed along the street to flee the bustling township. Charles Town had fallen to the British and the Redcoats would be moving in. She pressed her hands to her stomach and tried to quell the flood of tears. When she gazed out her window the same time tomorrow, she knew it would be to see Coats of Red rather than Coats of Blue.
The Continental Army had abandoned the township and was in the process of retreating, taking many prominent Patriot families with them. Those elitist individuals who had, until now, governed all of South Carolina. If they remained, they risked becoming hostages to the British.
Though she was a Patriot from a prominent family herself, Charlotte Selton did not feel she was in any danger of being taken captive. She held no political power, had no ties of marriage or blood to any who did. Well, except for Benjamin Martin of course. Charlotte gnawed at her bottom lip fretfully and glanced at her young niece, Benjamin's daughter - Beth.
Miss Elizabeth Anne Martin, Charlotte's late sister's oldest daughter. Beth had lived in Charles Town these past four years - the first two with Charlotte, the last two with Charlotte's brother, Mark Putman. Both Mark and Charlotte had been entrusted with the protection of the girl and they took their responsibility toward her seriously.
Beth reclined on a chaise, seemingly absorbed in the leather bound book she held propped against her knees. Though she seemed oblivious to what was occurring beyond the parlor out on the street - Charlotte knew better. Beth had been staring at the same page for half an hour now. She sat tensely rather than at her ease and she was a little too pale, her dark brown eyes strained. She hid it well, but Charlotte clearly saw that her niece was not insensible to the turmoil outside.
As an Assemblyman's daughter, Beth could be of interest to the British... The enemy was well known for taking key members of prominent Patriot families into their 'protection'. These 'guests' were then used as the British saw fit. As pieces on the game board of war.
After much consideration, Charlotte dismissed the thought. While Benjamin spoke frequently for the Patriots when the Assembly convened, at the very last meeting four years ago he had spoken against war with Britain. That alone might prove enough for Sir Henry Clinton. Besides, Benjamin did not hold any political power beyond the Assembly - not like the Rutledge family or the Simms.
No, Beth was in no danger, Charlotte decided as she turned back to the window. The view had not changed, she saw men galloping by, others driving their carriages. Not an unusual sight in and of itself, but there was an urgency about them that had never been there before.
Then again, Colonel Harry Burwell, commander of the Continental Army had been courting Beth these past two years...
Charlotte's agitation returned.
"I've been thinking, Beth."
"Yes, I could hear you from here," Beth replied. Charlotte ignored the quip as she strolled over to a chair and seated herself, arranging her silk skirts around her legs just so.
"Yes, I believe it might be time to leave Charleston," she said hesitantly and waited for the explosion. When Beth said nothing to contradict her, she continued, "I am not so certain that Charles Town is the place for us right now. Besides, I miss Drakespar."
Drakespar... Charlotte sighed wistfully. Although she loved Charles Town, she loved her country home even more. Besides, Drakespar Plantation was much nearer to Fresh Water Plantation than Charles Town was. Much closer to Benjamin... She smiled warmly and a glow spread through her stomach.
"If you think that is wise, Aunt," Beth said finally.
Charlotte's eyebrows climbed her forehead.
"No argument? I'm surprised at you, Beth. You fought your father ferociously to stay here four years ago."
"And I will miss it, for a certainty. But Gabriel will be gone now, he will leave with the army. Many of my friends will have to leave, their families are already planning their departure to their plantations. No, I do not believe Charles Town will be the same place now. I'll miss Cilla of course. And Mary. And Sarah. And Rebecca..." She smiled wistfully. "Though I suppose Uncle Mark will depart Charles Town also? Perhaps Cilla will be nearby after all."
Beth and her cousin Cilla had always been close but the past four years had strengthened their bond. They were more like sisters now. Their resemblance was strong also - people often mistook one for the other.
"No, Mark has made no mention of leaving for the Santee," Charlotte informed her. "But still, I believe it would be for the best. We will not leave right away, of course. It will take me some time to organise the departure, perhaps a week or two? That will give you plenty of time to spend with your friends - I suspect Mary will miss you most of all."
"Yes, it will be a sad leave taking."
"We'll have a farewell dinner," Charlotte smiled. "And invite all your friends and mine. We shall leave in style, you and I."
"Miss Martin!" A man shouted from the front door downstairs. Beth and Charlotte shared a startled glance as they heard the front door slam, then urgent, heavy footfalls thudding up the stairs.
"Is that Colonel Burwell?" Beth marked the page her book and placed it on the table before her.
"It sounds like it," Charlotte replied.
"Miss Martin," the panicked shout was closer now.
Beth rose from the chaise, straightening her hair and her silk skirts as she did so. She thought she did a fair imitation of her Aunt Charlotte who had also risen from her chair to greet their unexpected guest, polite and dignified as always.
"Miss Martin," Colonel Harry Burwell burst into the parlor. "Oh, thank the Lord, there you are. I went to your Uncle's house first... I couldn't find you." His sword clinked at his side as he strode across the chamber to stand before her. He reached for her hand and pressed his lips against the back of her fingers.
Beth had never seen the Colonel look so disheveled or distressed, even during the last harrowing days of the siege. His ordinarily immaculate Continental Bluecoat was creased and dirty, even his hair was coming loose from its queue, long strands framing his face in a messy array. Beth's breath caught with worry. He was always stolid and dependable! If he could be fearful now, she should be terrified!
"Colonel Burwell, what has happened?" Charlotte asked in a calm voice. Beth did not think anything could ruffle her Aunt. "Are the Redcoats in the streets already?"
"Mrs. Selton, please forgive me the intrusion," Burwell's voice was quieter now, almost back to normal as he addressed Charlotte. His fingers wound through Beth's, a strong grip that he clearly did not want to release. "As you are aware, Charles Town has fallen. The British are already coming into the township from the south side, there is very little time."
All eyes turned to the door as another man entered the parlor, equally winded. Burwell, in his haste to find Beth, had outrun the younger Corporal Gabriel Martin.
"Sir, there is not much time, we have to leave," Gabriel declared urgently. Beth sensed her brother was fighting for calm. "Beth, Aunt Charlotte, are you well?"
The women spared Gabriel a glance and a nod. It was Burwell, however, who held their attention.
"Another moment, Corporal. Mrs. Selton, we are leaving. I am escorting Governor Rutledge to safety. I have come to ask Miss Martin," Burwell cast a quick glance at Beth. "To come with me."
Charlotte's eyes widened, at a loss for words. Beth was just as stunned.
"Colonel, Benjamin entrusted Beth into my keeping. I can not, in good conscience, allow her to flee with the army with no more than her brother for a chaperone. Gabriel's duties will keep him away more often than not. An unmarried woman has no place in camp -"
"I am sorry to interrupt you, Mrs. Selton," he said abruptly. "I understand your concerns. Please hear mine. It is common knowledge that I have been courting Miss Martin these last two years. With so many Loyalist families remaining, it will only be a short time before the British discover my..." Burwell glanced at Beth, he was becoming panicked again, she noted. "...Affection for her. I fear they may try to use her against me. Clinton and Cornwallis are not above taking hostages to control the Patriots fighting against them. Miss Martin must leave, for her safety."
"Yes, I couldn't agree more," Charlotte nodded gravely. "Beth and I were only just now discussing it. With respect, Colonel, I do not believe you are thinking clearly."
"No?" He asked incredulously. "Mrs. Selton - there is no time -"
"Sir," she over rode his protests firmly, with Gabriel and Beth watching anxiously. "You say you are escorting John Rutledge? I do not know much of these matters, but wouldn't that make you a target? You will be riding hard, I am certain, to put as much distance between you and the Redcoats as possible. I am sorry, but it simply will not do!"
Burwell opened his mouth, then snapped it shut and tightened his lips.
"Have no fear, Sir," Charlotte continued. "I have no intention of continuing to reside here. I will close my house and although it will take some time, we shall travel back to my plantation. Beth will accompany me."
"When? How long before you leave? Mrs. Selton, Miss Martin must leave now -"
"Surely Miss Martin should have a say in this?" Beth asked tartly, suddenly irritated with the both of them. Neither of them had thought to include her in the discussion!
Burwell and Charlotte's eyes fell on Beth, both seeming so surprised that she had spoken, Beth wondered if they had forgotten she was there!
"Beth..." Gabriel murmured from the doorway.
"Perhaps not," Beth ignored her brother's warning. "The both of you are planning my future just fine without me, perhaps I should simply sit down," she suited her words by sitting on the chaise and arranging her skirts about her. She placed her hands in her lap. "And you can let me know what you have decided, when its all settled."
"Forgive me, Miss Martin," Colonel Harry Burwell, high ranking officer of the Continental Army and veteran of the French and Indian war, sounded suitably chastened. "Please know it comes from my great affection for you and concern for your welfare, that I speak so rashly. Could I have a moment of your time, Miss Martin? Alone."
"Yes, Sir, you may," Beth glanced at Charlotte, who nodded and swept from the room, taking Gabriel by the arm to lead him away.
The silence stretched. Burwell began to pace back and forth, his thumb stroking the sword at his waist. He spun to her and opened his mouth, seeming about to speak, then clicked it shut before pacing again. Finally, after taking a deep breath, Burwell strode forward and knelt before Beth, taking her small, soft hand in his. Beth's eyes almost bulged from their sockets.
"Miss Martin, will you marry me?" The words tumbled out in a rush. Although Beth knew it was coming, had known for some time now, she could not help feeling shocked to her core.
"Marry you...?" She breathed, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Beth, I am no great orator. I am a simple man, in my way. A simple soldier."
And one of the most powerful, well respected men in the Colonies. As well as one of the wealthiest... Beth's mind raced, thwart with indecision. He is handsome... But he is so much older! Wouldn't it be like marrying my father? I do care for him and it is important I marry. There would be no greater match for me and my family... Oh Lord... What do I do?
"But you must know by now that you have quite stolen my heart," he continued. "I have been widowed for such a long time now, I thought never to love again, until I met you. From the moment I saw you, our first meeting four years ago, I have loved you dearly. I know I have made mistakes along the way, but you must know I would never hurt you, nor would I treat you poorly."
"You are no great orator?" She laughed down at him.
A chuckle escaped his lips, a release of tension, despite his panic and need to be away. "No, I am not. You bring out the best in me." His tone became serious again. "Beth, I was not exaggerating. It is going to become a very dangerous place for you here in Charles Town. Too many people are aware that I have courted you. The British would find the smallest excuse to seize you, and use you against me. They have done it before - it is a tactic that has served them well..." Finally words failed him. He shrugged his shoulders and breathed deeply in an effort to steady his nerves. "I love you, Beth. Will you marry me?"
"You do love me?" Beth whispered. He had said so before, but gazing down at his earnest and open face now, she finally understood the depth of his feelings for her.
"Indeed I do," he said quietly. "I could not stand it - knowing you are here, under their very noses. Beth, if they took you... Lord, the very thought. I would give any concession to have you freed, of course. But I am answerable to a higher authority - it could very well be that you would languish in their possession. Washington would not authorise me to meet the demands that would see you freed. It places me in a compromising position - but it could all be avoided if you would simply come away with me now!"
"Colonel, I understand your concerns, I truly do," Beth said carefully.
Fear twisted her stomach, Burwell had painted a bleak picture for her indeed. Especially if he would not be allowed to meet the British demands to free her - how long would she be their prisoner? Would they place her in a cell? Would it affect Burwell's ability to continue his campaign?
Still, to steal away with him this very hour? A mad dash from Charles Town on the back of a horse, to live in tents for goodness knew how long? And with only her brother as chaperone? How long would it be before Burwell married her? Weeks, at best - the Banns had to be read after all. By then, Beth's reputation would be in tatters. Her virtue would be utterly destroyed!
All of this flashed through her mind in mere moments and Beth made her decision.
"Colonel, Aunt Charlotte and I will be leaving Charles Town shortly, we truly will," she assured him. "I will not linger, especially now I know the dangers. I am sorry, but I do not believe marriage is the answer. You are leaving this very moment, how could I possibly come with you? My maid is at my Uncle's home and I will not leave her behind. I have no dresses here, no belongings to speak of," once Beth began, more arguments against making such a rash move came to her. "How long will it be until we are married? No banns have been announced. My father is not here and while I am aware he approves of you what would he think of you spiriting me away? He would be furious! And I will not be married without him to give me away," Beth shook her head adamantly. "I am sorry, Colonel, but I will not marry you all in a rush without my family present. Besides, what of my respectability? I have no desire to be shunned from polite society because of malicious gossip!"
Burwell bit his tongue on his protest and lowered his head to her lap with a groan. Beth smiled and stroked his hair tenderly, straightening the tangled mess back into its queue.
"Are you saying no, then?" His voice was muffled by her skirts.
"No, I am saying not now.. I am fond of you, very fond, and I do not mean to cause you pain by refusing you. However I can not accept a marriage proposal when I have doubts. And I do not want to rush into this just because the British have taken Charles Town and you must be away on the hour."
She heard him sigh as he nodded, accepting her answer.
"You truly will leave here, as soon you are able?"
"Yes, I promise you I shall," Beth assured him.
"Thank you. I could not bear it, Beth, if something bad were to happen to you."
Beth smiled warmly and began to laugh.
"I couldn't bear it either if something bad were to happen to me. I am not particularly brave, you know."
"Not brave..." Burwell snorted. "You are a lioness, dear heart."
"Colonel! We must go." Gabriel was in the doorway again, impatient and tense. His eyes widened at the scene before him, his Commanding Officer kneeling before his sister, their hands clasped in her lap. He had known Burwell would propose to Beth and hoped she would accept him. "Should we be celebrating, Sir?"
"No, not yet. Your sister is too sensible to marry me. And yes, we must be away," Burwell rose and helped Beth to her feet, he still held her hands as Gabriel disappeared through the door with a disappointed frown. His heavy boots thumped on the staircase as he ran down to the next level.
"Promise me you will stay safe." Burwell stroked Beth's cheek gently. He gazed at her intently, trying to memorize her features. It would be some time before he saw her again, of that he had no doubt.
"I promise, Colonel."
Burwell lowered his head to hers. Time seemed to slow for Beth, her breath caught in her throat as he gently brushed his lips across hers. Her first ever kiss and it was as much - no more - than she could have imagined. She closed her eyes and leaned into him as his lips moved across hers.
No, it would not be like marrying my father... She thought, before her mind ceased working altogether. Her heart began to race and her body grew warm from her stomach to her cheeks. Burwell tightened his hold on her, pulling her close and deepening the kiss. Just as Beth's knees began to feel weak, an urgent voice called up the stairs.
"Colonel!" Major Bryant shouted. "We have to leave, now!"
Burwell moaned against her lips and reluctantly broke the kiss. He drew back to gaze at Beth, then rested his forehead on hers.
"I love you, Beth," he whispered. "Please stay safe."
"I will," she said a little breathlessly. "You be careful out there, Harry. And write to me if you can."
"Harry..." Burwell's smile lit his face, making him appear years younger. "You've never called me that before..."
"Colonel!" The shout was even more insistent now.
"Yes!" Burwell's bellow could be heard clearly downstairs. "I know!"
After a last searching look and another powerful but quick kiss that left Beth gasping, Burwell released her.
"Walk with me to the door?" He asked. She nodded and wound her fingers through his. They made their way through the house, down the stairs, to the front door where Charlotte was waiting with many Bluecoat Officers. There were other goodbyes to be made, speedy through necessity. She embraced Peter Cuppin, a lad she had grown up with. Then it was Gabriel's turn. She threw her arms around his neck and held on for dear life.
"Stay safe and write to me, if you can," Beth said against Gabriel's ear.
"I will, I promise. I have to go, Beth," Gabriel unwound his sisters arms from his neck and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She brushed back his blonde hair and stared into his brown eyes, the exact same shade as hers. They resembled each other more than any of their other siblings, both taking after their late mother.
He embraced Charlotte next while Burwell said his last farewell to Beth. He did not kiss her again, no in front of Charlotte.
"Goodbye," Gabriel said simply, then followed Burwell from the house.
Charlotte clutched Beth's hand in hers and the two women stood on the front porch waving goodbye as the small detachment of Continental soldiers left the yard.
"He asked me to marry him," Beth said quietly. Her arm was raised high, she was still waving as the men retreated down the street.
"I know. And what was your answer?"
"I said no. For now. I will come with you, when you leave Charles Town."
"Wise decision, niece," Charlotte smiled. "To think! What a scandal it would have been, you rushing off in a whirlwind and marrying Burwell. What would your father say?"
"That's one of the reason's I gave Harry," Beth confide. "Though in truth, I daresay he would have been very pleased - he wants me to marry Burwell, remember?"
With a sigh, both women turned back into the house and closed the door behind them.