A week and a half later, I found myself not only working for Lord Cornwallis, but General O'Hara as well. My task was primarily to keep their quarters clean, serve them meals and launder their clothing. The general O'Hara picked up on my writing skills and asked me to write reports he dictated when he didn't feel up to composing them on his own.

Thursday evening, I was in the general's study beginning such a report when Col. Tavington strode in, unannounced, his own reports in hand.

"Colonel, I am occupied," O'Hara addressed him sternly, barely offering his subordinate a glance as he turned back to me; I looked down, hiding a smirk.

"My apologies, General." Tavington said tightly. "I have reports…"

"Very well. Set them on the table, and I shall get to them later."

The colonel stepped forward, placing the sealed parchment next to me, purposely brushing my hand, with a subtle leer.

"Colonel…" O'Hara warned, noticing the gesture.

"A fine lady you have here, General," Tavington spoke smoothly. "But… such company, I would think, for a man as… esteemed as yourself?"

"Colonel," The general snapped. "insinuations will get you nowhere."

"Very well…. General."

"Colonel, you're dismissed."

Tavington turned to leave, giving me one final predatory glance before skulking out of the room.

"My apologies for his behavior," Gen. O'Hara spoke sympathetically as soon as the door closed behind the Dragoon commander. "Lucky bastard has yet to be court martialed and I cannot see why. He'll earn himself a hanging if he ever gets back to England." He sighed, releasing the rest of his annoyance. "Now, where were we?"


After I had finished writing the report, I hurried to the kitchens to help prepare the evening meal. It was to be a roast, and it was currently in the oven, almost done baking. I was slicing a loaf of bread when the servant, Sidney, sidled up to me.

"You appear to attract some attention around here," she said slyly.

"Attention, or trouble," I replied shortly. "Please, I must finish cutting the bread."

"Oh, but wouldn't you like to have the dalliances of one of the officers? Col. Tavington seems to pay you mind."

"Hardly," I said sternly. "He's a beast."

"Dear dear, we shan't have words like that…"

"I will speak as I please," I snapped.

"You are a servant here and will remember your place, Miss Webb!" Sidney spoke haughtily.

I turned away, finished slicing the bread, and set it on a silver platter before taking it out to the officers. In slight surprise, I eyed Col. Tavington sitting next to O'Hara, looking expectantly back. Without thinking, I blurted out, "You're here? Don't you have patrol?"

Col. Tavington raised a brow.

"Milady, your tongue…" he said, eying me up and down.

"I am so very sorry…" I replied smartly before lowering my voice to a whisper, "William."

Tavington gripped the table, making to stand up, but O'Hara shot him a glance and he remained in his place.

"That is enough," The general said tersely.

"I'm sorry, General, sir. May I be dismissed?"

"Yes, you may. And do change the bedsheets before you finish for the night."