CHAPTER 7 Cruel Words
Weeks later…..
On a small hill overlooking the battlefield at Camden, Lord General Cornwallis and Brigadier General O'Hara watched the English Army battle the Colonial Regular Army. They were winning, and Cornwallis was delighted.
O'Hara surveyed the action through a long glass. He could see Colonel Tavington charging in before they had made the call for him to, with his Dragoons not far behind him. It never ceased to amaze O'Hara how Tavington chased glory.
During the cavalry charge, William led his men bravely. He did not fear death on the battlefield and felt his place was always to lead the charge and set an example of bravery and valor for his men to follow. Tavington was a natural born leader.
The officer was also a fearless warrior. Swinging his heavy saber as he rode, he hacked at the limbs and bodies of the Colonial regulars with no mercy. He knew this was the way of battle, and had it have been him on the ground, kindness would not have been shown to him. William was there only for one thing: Victory.
Atop the hill, O'Hara closed his long glass and put it away. "Well my Lord, it appears that the field is yours."
General Cornwallis spoke honestly and blatantly to him, as was his usual manner. "These rustics are so inept," he commented with aplomb. "Nearly takes the honor out of victory…Nearly."
General O'Hara smiled broadly and laughed heartily at his commander's blunt comment.
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Hours later, after the English victory at Camden, Major Bordon and Colonel Tavington took leave of their unit to ride to Cornwallis' camp and join the Generals there. He thought for sure that they'd be delighted to see him, his cavalry unit having helped in taking the field in the battle. They could all celebrate together.
As William and Miles rode into the Generals' camp, a small unit of Redcoats was moving out to the strains of "The British Grenadiers" played on the brigade's fife and drum. The officers saluted the departing unit as they continued their ride into the camp.
The two men dismounted outside the door of the tent and entered. Bordon followed his superior in, helmet in hand. Once inside, they were met with disdainful and silent stares from the Regular Army Generals.
The Generals looked down on Tavington and his Green Dragoons. Although he was a good and fearless soldier, they did not think he was made of the same mettle as them. They thought he was inferior and an officer of low character from low breeding. They thought his military tactics as crude, brutal, and not gentlemanly, and directed part of the blame for their 'stained' reputation at him. Also, it was no secret that the Tavington family had fallen from grace in the eyes of British society due to William's father squandering the family name and a sizeable part of its fortune—save for what William could salvage in selling off some business interests—away with drinking, questionable morals and exploits. This was a prejudice that William fought against most of his life, being an officer. He felt that he would have to be the one child of the family to redeem the Tavington good name and reputation.
Tavington and Bordon, dirty and blood stained from the battle, noticed the stares but were too tired to care. They were also famished, having gone since breakfast without a meal, and that meal was a meager one. Spread out before them on a table in the tent was a sumptuous banquet. All the leaders were drinking wine. William saw Cornwallis in the back part of the tent having his uniform straightened as he stood before a mirror.
Colonel Tavington greeted the group proudly. "My Lord General. Gentlemen. Glorious day for his Majesty and England!"
The leaders just stared at Tavington and his second in command, and let Cornwallis speak as he entered the main room. "Colonel Tavington. Always too early. Always too eager for glory."
"For victory, my Lord," Tavington gently corrected, trying to stand up for himself in a subtle manner. "I believe we took the field." Tavington watched as Cornwallis took a piece of meat from the platter and fed it to his two Great Dane dogs, Jupiter and Mars.
"Next time," admonished Cornwallis, "you'll wait for my command." He was always upset by Tavington when he could not sit still on his horse long enough for the command to charge, and he seemed to be doing this more and more. Cornwallis' patience with his dragoon commander was dwindling.
"It appears that Colonel Tavington prefers to follow his own commands," General O'Hara remarked.
This made William's blood boil silently within. He thought that apparently, it had been so long since O'Hara had commanded his own regiment, that he had forgotten that commanding officers should use their initiative at all times. After all, William would watch the progress of the battle and enter when he felt the cavalry was needed, whether ordered to or not. All by his initiative and all to help gain victory for England.
"Is it not bad enough that we've become accustomed to speculating in which direction your…..initiative….would take you and what outcome it would have on us," O'Hara remarked dryly, "but we've also been informed of late that these actions have caused the country folks to label you with monikers that aren't the least bit amusing or flattering."
"Yes," Cornwallis acknowledged. "They've taken to calling Colonel Tarleton 'Bloody Ban."
Miles' jaw dropped as he heard this, wondering why he hadn't learned this from intelligence in the area. He was embarrassed that the ranking officers knew the situation of the area before her did, making him feel as though they might doubt his ability to do his job.
Bordon didn't know what to say, but figured he had to say something—anything—to justify his ignorance of the developments. "General….I—" he stammered, only to be interrupted by O'Hara.
"You're known as 'Brutal Bordon'…for your…interrogation techniques…" O'Hara announced, his words slow and pronounced. "That gentlemanly quality of yours only lasts so long, doesn't it?"
Miles drew in a sharp breath and looked downwards. Bordon knew in his heart that he was guilty of sometimes "stong-arming" male rebel prisoners for information and for sometimes 'looking the other direction' when questionable tactics occurred. He felt like a child having just been caught stealing red handed.
The surprise attack of words continued on with the Lord General. "Colonel," Cornwallis began, "O'Hara tells me you've earned the nickname 'The Butcher' among the populace."
William opened his mouth to speak up in his defense but was waved off by Lord Cornwallis.
"We'll discuss it tomorrow," dismissed Cornwallis. He then turned to the Generals that surrounded him and toasted them with his glass. "Gentleman, my compliments!"
General O'Hara raised his glass in return to lead another toast. "To victory!"
Tavington turned to leave. He and Bordon looked at each other, dumbfounded. Even Bordon, who had listened to Tavington complain about the constant reprimands of his leadership, had thought that Cornwallis would at least be happy that they had another victory under their belt. Instead, he belittled one of his best Colonels in front of his team of Generals. Bordon thought it disgraceful. William heaved a sigh in frustration.
Once outside, they mounted their horses in silence, and looked at each other, both rolling their eyes and shaking their heads. After they had ridden a few feet from the command tent, Bordon turned to Tavington and tried to lighten the mood.
"Hey," he said. "Sod this! Let's go to the pub. There's got to be a good loyalist tavern around here somewhere," he wondered aloud. "I'm sure it would be an honor for any Tory to serve ale to the infamous 'Butcher' and his aide-de-camp 'Brutal Bordon'," he quipped .
Tavington knew his friend was trying to lighten the mood. Bordon's humorous quips always harkened back to when they were young dragoons with freshly purchased commissions, and would often remind him that they sometimes were hooligans in those younger days. Everything was so serious now that they were older and at war.
Bordon put spurs into his horse's ribs and cried "Hiyah!" as he rode ahead. Tavington did the same and followed, quickly leaving the camp behind.
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"Good Morning Miss Stirhaley!"
"Hello General O'Hara," she replied, as she let him politely take her hand and bow to her.
Karen Stirhaley had gone with a wagon and driver to Fort Carolina Headquarters to pick up some badly needed supplies that had gone missing from a recent shipment for the Green Dragoons . Since there were no extra soldiers at the time to spare, she had volunteered to collect the supplies. And while inside the main house, she had run into General O'Hara, immediate aide to General Lord Cornwallis in the hallway. There, they exchanged pleasantries briefly.
Karen, knowing that Cornwallis and O'Hara sometimes went to the battlefields with the men, wondered if William had come back with them. He hadn't arrived back at the estate that morning. "Are the Dragoons back here yet?"
"No," answered O'Hara. "Lord Cornwallis and myself are only back because we excused ourselves early from a victory celebration. We didn't get in until very late last night. You may not see Colonel Tavington's bunch for two or three days. I believe their plans were to search and raid while out that way."
Karen nodded her head and bid him good bye. She walked to nearly the end of the hallway to Lord Cornwallis' massive office. Miss Stirhaley wanted to greet and congratulate him on the victory at Camden. At that moment, he was indisposed. His office door was open and she could hear him dictating some letters to his secretary. She decided to wait a few moments to let him finish, then she would peak her head into his office.
The hallway was deserted. Most of the soldiers had not arrived back yet. It was quiet except for the faint sounds coming from Cornwallis' office, and the more audible sound of a group of women close by. They were seated in a sitting room near the General's office and the door was open
Karen thought she recognized the voices as those of some of the officer's wives. Tea was being served. She decided not to join them as she guessed the General would be done soon, anyway.
A couple of moments passed with Karen still waiting in the corridor. The women enjoying the tea continued conversing in subdued tones, unaware of anyone but their immediate group. Their conversation, however, carried into the hallway where Miss Stirhaley stood.
"Well, I must confess that I've always thought him very handsome," said a voice.
"Yes, Colonel Tavington is a dashing officer."
Karen smiled to herself, momentarily flattered that the officer's wives thought her William to be good looking.
"A bit rough, though, wouldn't you say?" asked another voice.
"Yes. He is a rogue."
"You know his superiors don't have much respect for him or the Green Dragoons."
"Teddy says they call him 'The Butcher'."
"Really? Why?"
"His practice is to kill the surrendering or wounded enemy."
"No!"
"Oh, Yes! I assure you, it's quite true."
"I've also heard that he has killed women and children."
"No!"
"How disgraceful!"
"Yes! And what he did to that woman up in Charles Towne!"
"What happened?"
"Why, it is so shameful—as women we shouldn't speak of it."
"Maybe we should talk of it to be mindful and weary."
"Well, word is that his legion suspected that woman of giving money to the rebel cause. When she wouldn't admit to it or give them any information he let his officers have a turn with her."
"No!"
"He did indeed. All the officers, including Tarleton's had their way with her."
"General Cornwallis ordered them to let her go. But the girl was a mess when they were done with her."
"A scoundrel."
"What a fiend!"
"He does not fight like a gentleman and doesn't follow the rules of war."
"He also doesn't follow orders."
Karen could no longer concentrate on the activity in Cornwallis' office upon hearing the conversation coming out of the sitting room. A look of disbelief and shock clouded her face. Are they really talking about my William, she thought. My William?
"He is constantly insubordinate, but they keep him around because he is a fearless warrior."
"And what do you think of his fiancée staying there in the same house with him unchaperoned?"
"Scandalous!"
"They probably sneak in and out of each others' rooms at night." There was a hushed and naughty laughter.
"Yes-while the whole house is asleep." More laughter.
"And making her wait so long to get married!"
"Well, I have my doubts about that. Maybe she's really his personal whore that he keeps, only masquerading her as his fiancée."
There was a loud cackle of laughter that came from the room.
Karen's eyes rounded and her mouth dropped open. She could hardly believe what she was hearing. Her heart broke and she felt sick. She swallowed hard and walked quickly down the hallway toward the door, not stopping to greet Cornwallis.
When she stepped outside and arrived at her loaded wagon, she said nothing and managed to keep her composure as the wagon traveled home.
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Mid afternoon of the same day, a couple of days after the English victory at Camden, Colonel Tavington and Major Bordon stopped at Fort Carolina as the rest of the brigade rode on home to the plantation behind Captain Wentworth. The officers needed to check in quickly at the Headquarters to let them know they were back, and pick up new assignments for the men. Once inside the hall, William and Miles split up, hoping to take care of things twice as fast so they could get home. Both were exhausted and dirty.
Colonel Tavington entered Lord General Cornwallis' office. Cornwallis was showing something on a map to General O'Hara. Tavington bowed his head to his two superior officers and stood quietly as they finished up. William listened to the two men as he slid his riding gloves off his hands.
"It skirts the mountain then extends down toward the headwater here," said Cornwallis, trailing an imaginary line across the map with his index finger, "and right across to the far bank of the Ohio River. It's one hundred thousand acres."
General O'Hara was impressed looking at the tract of land on the map. "It's an imposing land grant, my Lord. You will be a country unto yourself." He smiled at Cornwallis and Tavington, then left the office.
Tavington grinned and spoke up. "His Majesty is most generous, my Lord. Though, of course, your service in this war more than warrants such a gift."
Cornwallis wondered what Tavington was getting at. He spoke up, cautiously. "Yes. This is how his Majesty rewards those who fight for him as gentlemen."
"I dare to presume my own meager contribution will be rewarded one day?" William smiled eagerly, hoping for that long lost word of praise from his commanding officer.
"You may presume too much," Cornwallis answered immediately.
This was not the answer William wanted to hear, and it made the anxious smile fade from his mouth. Cornwallis moved from the map table across the massive office back to his desk.
"His Majesty," the Lord General continued, "like history, judges us not only by the outcome of the war, but the manner in which it was fought."
William was a bit lost. "My Lord?"
Cornwallis went on. "We serve the Crown and must conduct ourselves accordingly." Then, he cut right to the point he needed to make. "Surrendering troops will be given quarter. These brutal tactics must stop!" Cornwallis' words were very firm and his tone of voice served to emphasize his serious stand on that issue.
"Is it not enough, my Lord, that I have never lost a battle?" Tavington pointed out in argument.
"You serve me, and the manner in which you serve me reflects upon me!" Cornwallis explained in an irritated voice. The General paused for a moment, realizing he was about to lose control. Wanting to maintain discretion, he spoke with a calm and composed voice as he continued on. "I would have thought that a gentleman from a family as esteemed as yours would understand that."
"My late father squandered any esteem in which we were held along with my inheritance!" Tavington shot back. He then remembered himself, that he was addressing his superior officer. The colonel regained his own composure then spoke in a quiet voice, one that pleaded with the General to understand his position. "I advance myself only through victory."
"You advance yourself only through my good graces," disputed the General, correcting William.
Tavington sighed. There was just no dealing with Cornwallis.
The General continued. "These colonists are our brethren and when this conflict is over, we will re-establish commerce with them. Do you understand, Colonel?"
"Perfectly, my Lord," William replied with forced humility and hurt embarrassment.
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The Dragoons, led by Captain Wentworth, roared onto McKinnon House Estate later that day. The men were starving so they ate first thing. Colonel Tavington, accompanied by Major Bordon were the last in, nearly two hours later, after having stopped at Fort Carolina Headquarters.
The two of them took dinner together at the recently vacated dining room table. A map of the area they had covered in the battle and their subsequent raid and patrol was spread out before them. Though both were weary, they alternately ate and discussed the outcome of their patrol, verifying points on the map of where they had been in order to aid with the Dragoon's report to Cornwallis. After a glass of wine, Bordon excused himself as Tavington bundled up the materials and took them to his room.
William was in a sour mood from being reprimanded, to add to his fatigue. Although tired and melancholy, he wanted to greet his fiancée, if only for a few moments, before retiring for some much needed rest. Earlier when he had first arrived, he noted that she hadn't come out to embrace him immediately when he returned, but deduced that she had been busy and hadn't seen him come in.
The officer went up to her room and knocked on the door. After doing this twice, he called through the door and waited for her voice. Nothing. He decided he would take just a few moments to look for her before turning in.
It was nearing sunset and the house was being prepared for evening. Colonel Tavington headed downstairs and ran into the estate's mistress in the foyer. "Good Evening, Mrs. McKinnon," he called.
"Good Evening, Colonel," she replied.
"Have you seen Miss Stirhaley," he queried.
She thought for an instant. "No, not lately. As a matter of fact, I haven't seen her since she returned with the wagon this morning."
The Colonel sighed and looked mildly concerned.
Mrs. McKinnon called to her servants in the dining room, who were busy clearing the officers' dinner dishes and lighting candles. "Have any of you seen Miss Stirhaley recently?"
"No, Ma'am," a pretty young servant answered in a cockney accent. "She didn't take lunch or dinner."
Tavington thanked Mrs. McKinnon for her help and headed outside. Entering the stable, he saw that Karen's horse was gone. He questioned the stable hands and none of them knew where she went or saw her leave, but only that her steed had been gone for quite awhile.
The Colonel, worn out and in a bad mood, sighed heavily in frustration and concern. He stood quietly in the stable for a moment, trying to decide what to do. His head ached and he just wanted to close the door of his room and lay down.
William decided to make a quick sweep of the estate on horseback to look for her. He knew he'd feel better just seeing her for a few moments. And, although exhausted, he knew that he would sleep well knowing she was safe at the house. After all, there was a war going on, it was sundown and he didn't want to take any chances.
On his horse, he headed straight to the brook near the edge of the estate by the woods, thinking she might be there. When he didn't see her there, he skirted the wooden timber fence at the perimeter of the estate. He became concerned when he saw her horse tied to a tree outside the boundary, but she was nowhere to be seen.
Tavington tied his horse to the same tree and took off on foot looking for her. Still in a bad mood and tired, his frustration at her turned to anger the farther he walked from the horses.
This is not wise, he thought. She knows better than this. There is a war on, for God's sake! How could she be so remiss as to be off the estate at this late hour? She didn't tell anyone where she was going or when she'd return. She's alone. And the daylight's waning. She's smarter than that! What was she thinking?
Finally, in the glow of the sunset, he saw a figure sitting on a boulder beneath a large tree. As he got closer, he knew it was her even though her back was to him and her head was down. She seemed unaware that anyone was approaching. William, near her now and mad at her carelessness, opened his mouth to scold her, then stopped cold. His anger dissipated and turned to compassion when he realized she was crying.
He padded quietly around in front of her and knelt down. Her face was hidden in her hands, still weeping, never acknowledging his presence.
"Karen," he began as he put his hand on her knee, "What's wrong?"
"Oh, William….William," she sobbed.
"What's troubling you?"
She looked up at him and shook her head. The sight of her tears was a heavy burden for him to bear. He wanted to take her in his arms, but she got up and walked a few steps from him. William stayed kneeling on the ground for a moment and sighed.
"I don't even know how to say it," answered Karen.
"Say what?" Tavington stood up, but stayed back from her. "Just say it."
She began to cry again. "You're a butcher…..and…..I'm…..I'm…..a whore!" Her voice stammered and broke. She buried her face in her hands again.
His blood began to boil at the thought of someone saying anything that hurtful and derogatory to his lady. Caught up in his own anger, it was a moment before he realized that she was weeping again. He regained his composure and went over to where she stood. Colonel Tavington took her in his arms and held her, letting her cry for a moment.
He questioned her. "Now, why do you say that," he asked her, his deep rich voice filled with tenderness.
"It's been said," she sobbed, hiding her face in his chest.
"By whom?"
"By everyone. It is how we are known. People think I am your mistress—a common harridan."
He demanded the details from her and she told him about the incident at the Fort Carolina main house earlier that day. He continued to hold her, listening quietly and withholding all his comments.
When she was finished, he took her by the hand and led her back over to the boulder. He sat down, and since there was room for only one on the rock, he sat her gently on his lap.
"Karen, you know it's just gossip," he comforted. "Those women, being the elitists that they are, have nothing better to do than to talk idly of others. They could better be using their time by helping our surgeons with the wounded and taking care of the sick soldiers."
He continued. "I do not care what they say for I know the truth. And you know the truth, as well," he assured, looking in to her eyes. "You are not a whore and I haven't made you one by bringing you over here. I wanted us to be together and did not want for you to have to wait for me to come back to England-I had no idea how long I'd be posted over here. And, as for chaperones, my God, the house is full of them! There are plenty of proper people to keep us innocent! Jesus Mary Joseph! I'd be kicked out the house by Mr. McKinnon himself if I was found in your bed!"
William paused for a moment to let her talk if she needed to, but she said nothing. Instead, she laid her head down on his shoulder. He stroked her hair softly and tussled her curls with his fingers. His arm went protectively around her. With her head resting on his shoulder and her face very close to his neck, he turned his head to look down at her and craned his head backwards slightly to see her face. It hurt him that she looked so sad.
He was quiet for another moment, listening to the wind rustle through the trees. Then he kissed the top of her head lingering to breathe in the scent of her brown hair.
"I think they're very jealous of you," he pointed out.
"Me? Why?" asked Karen.
"Because you are so beautiful and innocent."
"William," she blushed, looking away from him.
"You are!"
"You think I am!"
"And so do all of the Dragoons and many of the officers at Fort Carolina, and the women know this. If we weren't engaged, the men would walk over each other to be your chosen one. But, I'm the one lucky enough to have you."
She smiled a little and placed her head back on his shoulder. But, she worried because he hadn't refuted the "Butcher" name. "William, they said the Generals don't respect you."
"They don't sometimes," he laughed.
"Doesn't that hurt you?"
"No, but it is frustrating. I do my duty and sometimes I feel it isn't appreciated or that the respect for me and my men isn't there, but, we are at war, and the Generals are very distracted and sometimes don't realize all the details," he stated. He paused for a moment, then continued. "I keep a stiff upper lip and just go on because I am doing the best I can do. I am confident that respect will prevail in the end with our ultimate victory."
Karen wanted William to explain why the women had said what they did. She just felt the need to know. "Will, they said so many awful things."
"Like what," he asked. Will was met with a hesitant silence from Karen. The colonel urged her on. "Just tell me what they said."
"Oh…I can't," she answered. "It's not proper."
"Darling, just tell me what you heard," he coaxed. "At least give me the chance to defend myself."
"They mentioned an incident with a woman at Charles Towne."
Tavington let out an irritated sigh. My how fast gossip travels, he thought. William had hoped his fiancee would never, ever hear of some of the events they had to participate in during war.
"Karen," he began slowly, "War is an ugly business. Duty can be the same."
William sat back a little and looked at Karen, trying to read her face. She looked anxious, yet innocent and unassuming. He could tell that she was hoping for the best—wanting to hear something optimistic.
"With women, we usually are gentlemen. However, in the case of resistant female spies or prisoners, we have to employ….methods….to draw out information that we need."
Karen said nothing, listening intently. She did want to believe whatever William would tell her.
"In Charles Towne," he continued, "the woman that you refer to was uncooperative. She was offered many chances and different options. She chose to remain obstinate…so we dealt with her."
Tavington watched as Karen's face clouded over, as if with doom. She was surprised, almost hoping he'd deny the accusation.
She got up from his lap and backed away from him, shaking her head in disbelief. "So you let the officers….," her voice died away, as she was unable to voice the allegation.
"Yes," he answered as he stood up. "My officers and Tarleton's all had turns with her."
"Oh, William," she groaned, closing her eyes, wishing she hadn't overheard any of what the women said. Karen regretted it all the more having her fiancé confirm that it happened. She felt like crying again.
"Karen, let me explain," he said in a gentle voice, wanting to assuage her fears.
She looked up at him, clearly disappointed, but ready to listen to him. Miss Stirhaley had already made up her mind that she would not ask William if he had participated—she preferred not to know, and to think that he didn't.
William continued. "Female prisoners present different problems and circumstances then men. The threats and coercion are different. Women respond better to the loss of their virtue."
He went on after a pause. "Needless to say, she didn't have to be threatened a second time. It only took one go around for her to decide to cooperate. She was of use to us—even afterwards." Tavington recalled trading the battered and ravished woman for one of their brigadiers.
William sighed again and shook his head. "Karen, war is a dirty business. What man would want to come home and discuss this unpleasantness with his wife? I don't want to distress you with all the ugliness. I'm sorry you have to know of it and equally sorry that you had to hear of it from those old hens."
"I understand," Karen said in a subdued voice.
"Darling this war won't last forever. When it ends, so does all the unpleasantness."
His fiancee nodded her head. She could see why he—let alone Bordon or any of the others—had not mentioned these things and would be reluctant to discuss as such.
But still Karen couldn't get the 'Butcher' comment out of her mind. "They called you 'The Butcher'. They said you kill wounded enemy soldiers and don't fight like a gentleman."
"Don't fight like a gentleman," he retorted. "You should know that's not true. Have you ever seen me act, to you or anyone, any less than a gentleman?"
"No," replied Karen. "But what about the wounded—"
"As I said before, I act as a gentleman as much as I can, unless put into certain situations. Sometimes I have no choice but to have to kill those who I perceive as a possible threat to our efforts," William interrupted. "And, sometimes, examples have to be made. It is my duty and I have to carry it out. I may not necessarily like to, but duty is duty. Besides, you know how conscientious and righteous Bordon is. You know that he'd never do anything that was questionable as far as duty is concerned nor would he let me carry out such," he prevaricated, trying to ease her mind. This was untrue; Bordon was his subordinate and had no choice but to abide by Tavington's orders, no matter what they were.
"Are you insubordinate," she asked.
"No, at least I try not to be," lied William once again. "But, as a commanding officer, I have to use initiative sometimes. And, the choices I make may not necessarily be those that another officer would make. I do what I feel is best and most fitting for the situation."
William hated talking about his duty to Karen. He felt, even though he loved her, that she nor any other woman was qualified to judge a man and how he carried out his military duties. And, out of love for her, felt that she shouldn't have to be told the details of his dangerous job. The Colonel knew that she, like all other military wives and women, already knew of the basic dangers and worried that he would be seriously injured or killed. He didn't want her to worry about the pressure of some of his actions and decisions. And, on a deeper level, he refused to justify his decisions and actions to a woman-he already had to do that enough with his superiors! Tavington only answered her questions this time because the cruel words those women had said, although some true, had upset her so.
William sat back down on the rock, pulling his fiancee back down with him. "Karen, we don't like to be harsh. We rather prefer to show leniency and are willing to make deals."
Miss Stirhaley was quiet for a moment. She had her face nuzzled into his neck, but lifted her head and laid it on his shoulder, looking outward over the land. Karen put her arms around him and sighed. She wanted to ask him about the darkest rumor of all, but didn't know if she could. But she tried to summon the strength. The girl needed to know that the man she loved was not a cold blooded murderer.
With one arm still around her waist, he gave her a reassuring squeeze. His other hand went up to the back of her head and stroked her soft hair. He loved how she needed him to protect her-and he wanted to. He'd go to war with the world to make sure she was safe. William would lay down his life for hers, if need be, in a heartbeat.
"Something's still bothering you," he observed.
"William," stammered Karen, "you don't kill women and children, do you?"
She hid her eyes in the hollow of his shoulder, sorry that she had to ask him that, and fearful of what his answer might be.
Colonel Tavington was silent for a moment as he thought. He remembered that farm from not long ago, before Camden. He recalled how the farmer and his family were treating the wounded of both sides from a battle in a field on his land.
The officer justified the decisions he had made that day in his mind. He stood by his decision to have the dispatch rider hanged, the family's home burned and property seized, all done to set an example that England would not put up with rebels or their sympathizers. William had no choice but to kill the wounded rebel soldiers, for, when mended, they would fight again. He defended killing the younger teenage brother of the dispatch rider and son of the pacifist farmer, for any young man with that much fire and emotion to fly at British soldiers to free his brother, would make yet another fierce soldier or militiaman. Tavington had to prevent one more man from fighting against the British. He felt no wrong or shame in his decisions that day, doing his duty for the glory of his King.
"No, Karen, of course not," he assured. "Only rebels." But, he did not declare his personal opinion to her that 'rebel' to him meant wife, son, daughter, father, mother, family— anyone— related to a rebel. Also to him, anyone aiding and abetting a rebel was just the same as one. They were all rebels to him and none of them could be trusted. For, anything that the rebel or his family member did, not matter how small, even if it was as insignificant as a woman giving a cold drink of water to a rebel fighter, was an act of rebellion, which was intolerable.
No. Colonel William Tavington kept this opinion to himself knowing that some things were better left unsaid.
"Oh, William, I knew you didn't," she exclaimed with relief.
"Look, darling, don't listen to anything that is said, for we know what the truth is," Tavington stated.
Karen looked into his beautiful, ice blue eyes as he said that and was captivated. She was always his prisoner when she gazed into them. Likewise, she had captured his heart long ago and he never wanted to be freed from her. They kissed deeply for a moment, forgetting themselves. He pulled back from her for an instant and studied her pretty face, softly illuminated by the muted hues of sunset, and smiled.
The twilight was fading quickly into darkness. William quipped, "We'd better get back to the house now, before dark, or there will be a new set of rumors to contend with."
