Howdy –

I know it's been a reeeeeeeally long time since I updated but don't hate me – I just started college and so I have been performing a balancing act for the past month now…. I only own what you don't recognize….damnit……oh well….I will continue The Uncle soon!

- Aragorn4ever

"No – You can't they need me – it's not –"

"I don't remember giving you a choice in the matter – now either I can take you where I can ensure your safety or I can let my men take you to Fort Carolina and interrogate you – there are your only two choices. I would recommend the first rather than the latter if you want to survive – they aren't known for their interrogation skills…"

"Fine – I'll cooperate – am I allowed to say my goodbyes?"

"Fine."

"Margie – here – take this – it was Mama's –"

"Lizzie no-" Margaret said in protest but Elizabeth shushed her and placed a beautiful necklace in her hand.

"Susan – you'll be fine and I will see you soon okay?" She said to the little girl clinging to her dress refusing to let go. She picked her up and gave her a kiss on the forehead and a hug, "Boys," she said as they gathered around, "I am expecting you all to behave in my absence okay – I don't want any bad reports from Margaret or Susan alright?"

"Be careful Elizabeth – I'll come for you soon – these are dangerous men so please-"

"Papa – I promise I will be careful." She said as she kissed his cheek.

"Michael – "

"You don't have to say anything – I saw this coming – I still want to marry you when you get back – I love you." That is when reality really sunk in for her – she might never see any of them again. She began to cry as two redcoats lifted her onto a horse and bound her hands and feet to the saddle and then handed the reigns to Colonel Tavington.

1st person- Elizabeth:

I don't really know what happened after that – it's all kind of a blur. I think it was a combination of sheer exhaustion from everything that had just happened and what I knew was waiting for me – I just didn't know when or where. I stopped trying to figure out what could possibly happen to me and focused on the here and now. I was surrounded by his majesty's finest with no way of escape and no way of figuring out where I was considering it was pitch black. That's when we stopped – they thought it would be best to set up camp. That was good for them and bad for me – it could mean interrogation or nothing - I have always been a pessimist and always think the worst of people – maybe that was why it was so hard to find someone who would want to marry me, but Michael – he was different – he understood me and I always felt – feel safe when he touches my hand. 'I'm not dead yet' I told myself – 'not yet'.

I was unceremoniously pulled off of the horse and over the shoulder of, well – I don't really know who…

"Put her in my tent – that way I can make sure that there will be no midnight visits…I expect all of you to be on your best behaviors – there is a lady present."

'How ironic' I thought to myself as I was placed in Tavington's tent. As if on cue he walked in and I realized my hands and feet were still bound and I felt extremely vulnerable. His gaze pierced through my façade of strength and like a mountain I crumbled to the sea. He then pulled out his pocket knife and bent down. His eyes caught the soft light and illuminated in such a way they were clear as glass. His hard exterior softened in this light but I kept telling myself that it was only the light and behind the beauty was the beast. He made me promise I wouldn't run and then cut the ropes. He then wet a cloth and began rubbing it against the rope burn.

"I'm sorry we had to bind you but we had to make sure you wouldn't run or try to do anything clever. You will still be bound for the rest of the journey but it will be much looser than today."

I was speechless – his touch surprised me and made me break my chain of thought – his hands were surprisingly warm to the touch.

"I did not mean to startle you –"

"It's alright – I was just thinking."

3rd person:

They continued their journey until they reached Middleton Place. Elizabeth took in the beauty that surrounded her minus the barricade put up around it. The interior was as stunning if not more so than the exterior.

"Your room will be across the hall from mine so that way I will be able to ensure that there are no midnight visitors and no midnight escapes. These are not safe times and while I am trusting you to know that there are harsh consequences for trying to escape," Tavington said as she followed him wordlessly listening vaguely while looking at the paintings, "Ms. Elizabeth – did you hear anything I just said?"

"Yes – escape bad – room across from yours..."

"Fine – here is your room – dinner is in two hours – someone will be in to help you get ready." She began to protest going down to dinner let alone someone else dressing her in English corsets and then sending her off to eat even though she wouldn't be able to breathe. He put his hand up and said, "While you are here you are considered a guest and will attend meals and outings you are invited to." and with that he walked out and shut the door behind him. Her jaw practically hit the floor. Just as she was beginning to recover there was a small knock on the door. Elizabeth opened the door and was met by an older woman.

"I will be caring for you for the duration of your stay – my name is Rebecca. Dinner is in a little under two hours – that should be plenty of time for you to get ready." She said as she entered the room and started scanning over Elizabeth. Elizabeth just stood there too petrified to move.

"Don't be afraid dear – I don't bite." Rebecca said as she tenderly touched Elizabeth's forearm, "Now, what to wear tonight? Hmmm..." Rebecca walked over to the bureau and picked through a few of the dresses and then looked back at Elizabeth. "I know...how about this lovely green dress – it matches your eyes perfectly – but first a bath – it must have been a long and arduous journey."

After Elizabeth's bath, Rebecca began getting her into the dress. As she began to lace up the corset, Elizabeth inhaled sharply at the new found pain that is a whalebone corset.

"Oh dear – you've never worn one of these have you – well, it hurts the first few times but you get used to it – we'll keep it loose today," Rebecca slipped the dress over everything and laced up the back, "Well – aren't you a sight – you will give those other girls a run for their money, but we need to do something with you hair."

Rebecca gathered up Elizabeth's loose tendrils and piled them onto her head into a tasteful arrangement and then pinned it all in place leaving a few loose strands around her face.

"You will wow those gentlemen at dinner tonight..." Rebecca said as she looked over her masterpiece. That was exactly the reaction Elizabeth didn't want.

"Thank you..." Elizabeth replied meekly.

There was a knock on the door and Rebecca snapped out of her daze placed by Elizabeth and ran to the door. When she opened it there stood Colonel Tavington in all his glory.

"I am here to escort Ms. Elizabeth to dinner – is she ready?"

"Yes my lord." Rebecca said as she stepped to the side and prompted Elizabeth to come forward. Tavington extended his arm and she tentatively took it. They exited the room and seemed to walk down the hall for what seemed like an eternity to the top of the grand staircase.

Well – what do you think? I will be continuing with The Uncle soon but this just hit me….