CHAPTER 11 A Dance With An Officer

"Alright. Fine patrol, men," Bordon commented with a smile. "Always good when there are no rebels to deal with." Low manly laughter arose from the small group of dragoons assembled around the second in command. The group was a little fidgety, but respected the Major, so stood politely waiting for him to finish.

"See Captain Wentworth for your new assignments," he said in closing. "Dismissed!"

The tired group fell out without any conversation, ready to hit their beds. The stable boy collected their mounts as the men walked wearily toward the tents.

Major Bordon yawned as he looked with exhausted eyes around at the bustling on the estate. Groups of soldiers were finishing up breakfasts and readying to leave. Servants were going about chores here and there. The din seemed somewhat muffled to Miles. The overnight patrol always seemed to leave his senses dull in the morning.

While waiting for his horse to be taken back to the stables, Miles extended his arms over his head, stretching with a low groan. He shook the cobwebs out of his head, trying to stay awake long enough to make the trek up to the house. The aide de camp sighed, thinking about how good his bed would feel.

Wondering if the stable boys had forgotten him, he began to lead his horse back to the barn himself. He heard Mrs. McKinnon calling after him. The officer stopped, turned slightly, trying to wake up enough to at least appear alert.

"Yes, Ma'am," he acknowledged as she made her way to him.

"Major, the kitchen staff is in need of Miss Laura," she began, "and I sent her down near the creek to fetch some flowers. Do you have any men available to collect her and bring her back?"

Bordon looked around, amazed at how fast his dragoons had scattered. "No," he answered wearily, "but I'll be glad to go get her myself."

"Thank you," answered the lady as Bordon put his riding gloves back on. He nodded his head with a tired smile then mounted his steed.

As he started to walk away, the lady called back to him. "Oh, she has Miss Stirhaley with her," she added.

Bordon nodded again as he let out a sigh. What was another few moments awake, thought Miles. He'd already been up riding all night.

Taking off at a trot, he pushed his heels into the horse's ribs urging him to a gallop after he cleared the barns and outbuildings. He looked out for the two ladies as the horse made its way across the fields. After some time he neared the perimeter of the estate, a log fence, where he surveyed the wood line, hoping to see the two women making their way out.

"Where are they?" Miles looked up and down again, then back across the meadow, not seeing anyone. He shook his head and sighed as he urged his animal toward the pathway into the woods.

Miles ducked his head as he moved under a low branch as the horse walked into the woods. The officer could hear only the babbling of the creek and some birds as he walked along the path.

"Oh, blast," he swore as he stopped along the path. Looking up and down the creek, he was alone. Bordon clicked his tongue twice, moving the horse down through the shallow water. Once on the other side, he walked a few more feet before realizing he was now off the estate.

The Major was puzzled, and a little irritated as he looked for Karen and Laura. Mrs. McKinnon had made it sound like the ladies were just around the corner—or at least that is how Bordon's tired mind perceived it.

He trotted out and hit a cow path within a few moments. The officer looked cautiously up and down, then crossed it, always aware that rebels or bluecoats maybe on the roadway. Once on the other side he dismounted his horse then moved into a thicket to relieve himself.

After taking care of nature, he grabbed the reins and walked the horse down a narrow path. He listened for a moment, hearing girlish laughter to one side of him. Miles spotted some movement a few yards down and recognized the girlish figure of Laura. As he did, he felt a vibration in his booted foot on the ground.

He listened again then pulled his long glass quickly from his saddlebag. Training it down the road, through the foliage he could see men on horses, galloping his direction. His horse was tied into the thicket, aptly hidden. The officer ran quickly and quietly toward the two women, who went on giggling and talking, unaware of the approaching danger.

Miles reached Laura first, grabbing her quickly, putting his gloved hand over her mouth. Her eyes widened to see him. He put his finger to his lips, "Shhhhh…" he motioned, almost no sound escaping as he did. The servant girl complied as Major Bordon grabbed her hand. He mouthed, "Where's Karen?"

Laura pointed silently to her companion. Bordon, still holding Laura's hand, lead her softly and silently over to where Miss Stirhaley was standing.

Karen was pulling some berries from a bush, unaware that the servant was no longer doing the same. Miss Stirhaley jumped as she felt a gloved hand clamp down over her mouth, and was pulled backward into some bushes. Scared, she struggled against her assailant, who was strong.

Bordon, his hand still over Karen's mouth, was afraid that the group on horseback that would soon pass them, would either hear the lady's muffled cries or see her struggling in the brush. The officer, still holding Karen, pulled her around slightly so that she could see it was him, never removing his gloved hand from over her mouth.

He saw realization and relief in her eyes, then felt her sigh and stop struggling. Bordon turned loose of her as he motioned for her to be quiet and stay down. He was between both Karen and Laura, arms about both, as he urged them to get as low as possible to the ground within the bushes. The major made a silent, pointing gesture toward the road. Within an instant, a small band of rebels thundered by on horseback, stirring up dust, in which the hidden trio tried not to breathe in lest they cough.

After a minute or two, Bordon peered both directions down the roadway, trying to catch sight of any stragglers. When he saw none, he let the two women up then broke the silence.

"Mrs. McKinnon sent me out to find you. What are you doing out here without an escort," asked the officer angrily. "There are rebels and bluecoats all around here!"

"We were gathering berries for Mrs. McKinnon," Laura began timidly.

"Yes, I know why you're out here," he swore in an annoyed voice. "You shouldn't be out here without protection."

Miss Stirhaley looked down and noticed that Bordon was absently holding the girl's hand. She smiled and said nothing about it. She had seen the way the officer and Laura sometimes exchanged glances in passing.

"Yes," Karen spoke up. "She wants to send two pies to the ball at the Middleton's tonight."

The tired officer stopped and stood stiffly. "Oh, is that tonight?" A sour look crossed his face.

Karen nodded. "Why? You don't want to go? William said that you and the other officers were going."

"Yes,…but," stammered Miles, caught off guard, "it's just that we are never asked to go, we are just expected to attend. To show up in our finest, be gentleman, and exchange boring pleasantries with the Generals." The officer bristled then continued. "We stand by quietly while the Lord General and O'Hara accept all the accolades for 'a job well done'."

The two ladies smiled at Bordon's discomfort. Only then did he realize that he still had ahold of Laura's hand. He discreetly dropped it, hoping not to make a show of it in front of Karen.

Realizing that they were still off the estate, his irritation at the two ladies returned. "Listen, you two," he began, "you've just seen with your own eyes how close the rebels are getting. It's not safe for you to be out here. The enemy is getting brave, raiding loyalists farms, and drawing ever near to the fort. I am not going to tell you what militia does to unescorted loyalist women, because it wouldn't be proper. But just use your imagination and think the worst."

Both women looked down sheepishly, then back up at the officer. They had apologetic looks on their faces then smiled playfully at each other.

The officer wanted to bring them back to seriousness. "Don't let me catch either of you out here again without an escort," scolded Bordon. "Or else…."

The last two words hung ominously for an instant, but disappeared with Karen's playfulness. "Or else what…" she challenged with a mock look of concern.

"Or else Colonel Tavington will have my head on a platter," he answered sternly.

"Shall we call you 'John the Baptist', then," Laura asked shyly.

Bordon let out a sigh as he grabbed both women's wrists and led them back toward his horse. "You can call me a 'dead man' if I don't get you back to the house now."

The trio made their way across the road and creek, glad to be safely back on the estate. As they neared the house, Karen broke away to speak with a group of people. As she did, Bordon caught Laura's hand and pulled her into the barn.

There alone with her, he stole a kiss from the girl. Then he pushed her against the wall, pinned her there and kissed her again, sensually. Laura tried to push him away, knowing the mistress would be looking for her.

"Major…please…" she gasped as kissed her again. She felt his hand slip under her skirt and move up her leg. Laura sighed as he slipped his fingers into her. She kissed him ardently, then protested.

"You were sent to fetch me," she said as he continued to tease her, nuzzling her neck. "Mrs. McKinnon wants me now."

"I want you now, too, darling," he teased through his kisses. His fingers raked back and forth softly over her wetness.

She was finally able to push him away, reluctantly though for her. "They'll be looking for me," she insisted.

Bordon caught her arm and pulled her back to him, stealing another kiss. "Come to my chambers tonight after the ball," he whispered.

She kissed him back. "Very well, then."

After Laura left, Miles stabled his horse and headed to the house. Upon arrival in his quarters, he promptly collapsed on his bed, uniform still on, and slipped into a much needed sleep.

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Well! Here we are, AGAIN! Another ball at Middleton Place, AGAIN!, thought Colonel Tavington.

William Tavington and his fiancée, Miss Karen Stirhaley, stood in the company of Major Miles Bordon and Captain James Wilkins on the back terraced lawn of the grand estate, looking out over the Ashley River. They were the guests of yet another formal party, one of many, at Middleton Place. It was only an half hour into the thing and Colonel Tavington was already bored stiff.

He hated these functions, but, knew that as an officer, he had to attend. Will looked around at all the rich, haughty upper class people in disapproval. This was all so fake to him and the only things he liked about these events were the company of his own officers, some good quality alcohol, and enjoying how beautiful Karen was in a ball gown. He especially loved how the low plunging necklines of her formal dresses showed off the womanly curves of her bosom.

Likewise fellow officers Bordon and Wilkins stomached the parties. However, they liked the attention of the pretty young girls who liked to attend for the older, handsome officers like them!

"Oh, please forgive me," said William sarcastically and off the top of his head. "I'll try to contain my excitement. After all, this is the hundredth or so party we have attended since we've been here! Really, now. There are only so many of these things a General can throw in one lifetime, isn't there?"

He took another drink of wine as his fiancée looked at him. She gave him one of those sideways glances that seemed to say, "Now, William, behave yourself." Then she smiled at him and he grinned a devilish grin back at her.

Peels of laughter went up from a gaggle of young women in a group twenty feet away from them. Tavington's bunch turned to look and saw Colonel Banastre Tarleton, the center of attention in this group, surrounded by a bevy of young, pretty girls.

Bordon and Wilkins both shook their heads and sighed.

"Damn!" Bordon swore in frustration. "We haven't got a chance with him around!"

"Yeah!," agreed Wilkins. "How does he do it?" The major and captain were always astounded and incredulous at how many women Tarleton could attract in one night.

"Charm, my boys," William answered wistfully. "Charm."

Just then, one of the servants passed a message to the Colonel. The officer read it and let out an audible sigh.

"Would you please excuse me," said William. "Seems I am being summoned by Lord Cornwallis."

William took Karen's hand and kissed it, then turned to Bordon and Wilkins with a request. "Would you please look after her while I'm gone so that she, too, doesn't fall under the spell of that scoundrel, Ban!"

Tavington left his friends behind as his feet carried him into the mansion and up the stairs to the room where Cornwallis was readying himself for the party. There, he joined the General and his dresser and tailor, who were fussing about his uniform. Recently, a shipment of his Cornwallis' personal items, including correspondence, diary, and new uniforms, had been stolen by rebels. He had no formal party uniform to wear, so one had to be made for him at the last minute. He hated it.

"It is a horse blanket!" Cornwallis complained, looking at the wretched thing in his mirror.

"Oh, I don't know, my Lord," Tavington commented. "It's really quite nice." He thought the tailor had done a fine job on it, considering the pressure Cornwallis had probably put him under to get it done.

"Very well. It's a nice horse blanket!" remarked Cornwallis. He then turned away from the looking glass back at William. "Colonel Tavington. Why, after six weeks, am I still here in Middleton Place attending a ball in South Carolina when I should be attending balls in North Carolina!"

He continued on before William could answer. "First the theft of my personal baggage including my memoirs upon which I spent countless hours. Then, half the bridges and ferries between here and Charles Towne burned. Colonel, if you can't protect our supply lines against militia, how do you intend doing so against the Colonial Regulars or the French when they arrive?"

"My Lord, they won't fight like regulars," William spoke up. "We can't find them."

"Colonel, they're militia!" retorted Cornwallis. "They are farmers with pitchforks!"

"They're rather more than that, I'm afraid, my Lord." Tavington disagreed. "Made so by their commander…..this…..Ghost."

Cornwallis had had enough of hearing all his men talk about the 'Ghost' and his exploits. "Oh, Ghost, ghost, GHOST! You created this ghost, Colonel!"

"My Lord?"

"Your brutality has swelled his ranks without which this ghost would have disappeared and I would be in North Carolina or Virginia by now," the General pointed out.

William protested. "In my defense—"

"Oh, enough, ENOUGH!" interrupted Cornwallis. He waved off any comment from Tavington, not wanting any more excuses. "A fine soldier you are, bested by a bedtime story!" He turned back to his dresser and tailor. "Give me the horse blanket."

Colonel Tavington rolled his eyes. The General was taking any opportunity he could find to reprimand his Colonel. William headed back out to the party. He needed a drink.

An hour or so later, all the officers and guests were out on the lawn when Cornwallis noticed that a ship was moored in the shallow baywater across from the Middleton residence. He was pleased.

"O'Hara, Our supply ship appears to have arrived!"

"Yes! Yes," he answered nervously. "Yes it has!"

"Then why am I still wearing this rag?" asked Cornwallis. He wondered why his replacement wardrobe hadn't been delivered immediately to the house so that he may wear one of his uniforms to this event.

"My Lord," began O'Hara, "Your replacement wardrobe is aboard ship but Colonel Tavington thought it best to secure our arms and munitions first. They are being unloaded now."

Suddenly, there was the sound and vibration of a huge explosion. The ship had blown up, most certainly with supplies and Cornwallis' precious replacement uniforms still on board.

Tavington, standing with his group, downed his drink fast right after this happened, then threw the glass to the ground. He grabbed a drink off of the tray of a server standing nearby and downed that one equally as quickly, tossing the empty glass over his shoulder. He then took off in search of another drink tray. He was most certain that Cornwallis would find a way to blame the ship exploding on him, or to criticize him for having the munitions and weapons unloaded first, a wise decision he had thought, instead of the other supplies.

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Later at the party, Colonel Tavington and Miss Stirhaley were talking with Major Bordon and Captain Wilkins when a messenger handed William a note. He smiled and laughed aloud as he read it silently. The other three noticed that this was the first time his tense mood had eased since the ship had blown earlier in the evening.

"It figures," chuckled the Colonel as he folded the note and slipped it into his jacket.

The three looked at him inquisitively.

"They couldn't save the ship," he began, "but they bloody well saved the mail!" William was very amused and laughed aloud.

"Cheers," Bordon exclaimed wildly and loudly. He tapped his wineglass against Wilkins' as if to toast the fact.

"Yes. It has already been taken over to the Fort," said William.

"We can get it on our way home," Wilkins offered.

"There's three large bags," Tavington stated.

"Oh."

"We can take it back with us in the carriage if you two will help me load it," said William. "The men will be anxious to get their mail since it's overdue. We'll pass it out first thing in the morning. For God's sake, don't tell anyone or the men will be banging down our bedroom doors wanting it tonight!"

~/#/#/#/#/#/#/#/#/#/#/#/~

Within minutes, the group left the ball to return home by way of Fort and Bordon had ridden their own horses over to the ball, so they had to change from their formal uniforms back to their regular riding uniforms, not wanting to ruin the dress outfits. They were only a few minutes behind Tavington's coach and he was at the fort's storeroom waiting on them when they arrived.

Karen was waiting in the yard of the Fort alone. It was active this night. The store room clerks were busy unloading and inventorying everything that had come off the ship before it exploded. There were two different campfires going within the compound with soldiers huddled around them, occasional laughter rising above the flames. She looked to her right and saw a group of soldiers and civilian fort and camp workers milling about with instruments.

Within a few moments, the three men had the carriage loaded with the joined her fiancée, Wilkins and Bordon as they walked toward the coach. She said nothing and left them to their conversation, already in progress.

"Let me apologize again," stated Tavington. "Had I known the clerks would be dealing with all this tonight, I wouldn't have dragged you two from the ball for your help."

"We need to get back, anyway," said Major Bordon. "Captain Wentworth is on duty early tomorrow morning and we need to relieve him of his command so he can get some kind of sleep tonight!"

About this time, a lively Irish reel wafted through the compound. Karen looked in the direction of the music. It was coming from the group she'd seen earlier with instruments.

Her face lit up to hear the sound of Irish music. She looked to her right at Bordon and he was grinning brightly at her. Their eyes locked and eyebrows raised, each knowing what the other was thinking. In an instant, she and Bordon ran toward the music, hand in hand, being unable to resist the chance to dance an Irish reel.

When they got to the group she'd noticed it had grown. Aside from the soldiers playing, there were now three couples dancing to the music. She thought that the women must have been servants, wives of soldiers, or camp followers. But that made no difference to her—she just wanted to have a dance with Bordon. Soon, the two of them were dancing hand in hand with the other three couples. The musicians had launched into a raucous version of "The Bonnie Blue Flag," an upbeat jig.

"So, there is a provisional, sort of, third in charge," said Wilkins, continuing his conversation with the Colonel, "if need be?"

"Yes. For instance, when I was down with injuries awhile back, it was known I would be out for some time," Colonel Tavington replied. "So, at that time, we made Lieutenant Scott a 'provisional' third in charge. It was deemed needed as I wasn't even fit enough to sit and do paperwork and administrative duties. If I could have, we wouldn't have needed the third man. Sometimes, if Banastre Tarleton's regiment is in the same place, one of us, being of same rank, may give the other time off and take over command of both regiments. That is tremendous to get a few extra hours of sleep, write letters, get caught up."

Tavington took a pull on his liquor flask, then continued. "Usually, I handle most of the paperwork, but the three of us divide it up when we get behind. Bordon, here, handles all of our prisoner interrogations. He is expert at drawing the information out. In fact, I'd like you to go with him the next time so you may see how….."

His voice trailed off as he looked to his side and noticed that Bordon and his fiancée were both gone. William looked around the compound then realized the music playing was Irish. He knew right then and there where they were.

"Uh, …we seem to have lost part of our party," Wilkins stated.

"Oh, Bloody Hell! Those two can't walk past a bloody Irish fiddle without wanting to take a jig!" Tavington swore, his irritation at the two showing. He stopped and eyeballed the lively Irish group to the side.

"Sir?" Wilkins was confused.

Colonel Tavington pointed over to the group, demonstrating where they were.

"Oh," acknowledged the Captain.

"I swear," began William, "Bordon would leave a battle if Karen called him to come bleeding dance with her!"

William shook his head and rolled his eyes. "This always happens! Good thing we don't have Irish musicians around all the time or the Dragoons would never get a damn thing done!"

"Oh, a rival for her affections," Wilkins teased with a smirk.

"Hell no," Tavington swore, "They're both half Irish!"

The Colonel crossed his arms in disdain. "Important things to discuss and he'd rather dance!" Tavington quickly dismissed it as it couldn't be helped then turned back to Wilkins.

"So Captain Wilkins," he continued as he put his foot up on a bench, resting his crossed arms on his knee, "who do you think is our Ghost and how should we seek him? Opinion, please."

Wilkins thought for a second, then began. "Well, I have my suspicions. There is a fierce fighter that fought against the French and Indians a few years back. He fought at Fort Wilderness and was rough. He is a rogue, anyway. His name is Billings, but he's not much of a leader. Benjamin Martin is another one. He fought at Fort Wilderness, as well. He emerged as a leader there and is good at uniting people. Saw him awhile back in Charles Towne. But, he didn't want this war. Since he has a large family now and with his wife dead, he has become a pacifist."

Wilkins scratched his head and contemplated the situation, then spoke again. "Rollins. Well, no. He couldn't be. He is riff raff. I think the militia doesn't even want him. He's hard to control."

Tavington leaned forward and listened intently as Wilkins continued. "It could also be a regular Colonial army soldier disguised as militia, working covertly, but Burwell and Green would never admit to it. They want to appear as gentlemanly as the English!"

"Alright, well, let's come back to the identity of the Ghost later," Tavington said impatiently. "In your Loyalist view and opinion, how should we go about besting these rebels—within the….. 'gentlemanly'….. rules of war, as Cornwallis puts it!"

"Well, continue burning their homes and confiscating property. Cut off everything to them and destroy their livelihood. If they and their families are homeless and defenseless, this may draw them back home and away from the militia."

In the Irish group, Major Bordon and Miss Stirhaley danced and stepped lively together to the jig "Paddy O'Carroll." The two of them laughing and singing with the music as they danced. The smile on her face was lovely. Tavington could see across the compound that she was having a good time. He continued on with his war strategy banter and let his fiancée step to the music.

"Also, up the ante for info from spies," Captain Wilkins carried on, "and keep them within the ranks of the Colonials and militia. Infiltrate both, as well, with a subversive to cause discord and mutiny within the ranks. This will weaken the lines."

James Wilkins concluded his requested speech of opinion. "And, lastly and as usual, cut off supply lines to the rebels and make examples of those who aid them. All this keeps morale low, and the rebellion should splinter and fade."

All of this Tavington already knew as military book tactics. He just wanted to ask Wilkins to feel him out, and hoped that he may have a new inkling that Will himself hadn't thought of.

General Charles O'Hara entered the Fort at that time and heard the Irish music. Being half Irish, he naturally filtered over to it. The group kept on dancing and singing as he walked up to join them.

He looked very nice, still dressed in his formal occasion uniform. O'Hara had just left the gathering at Middleton Place for the evening to come back to his office and finish a small bit of paperwork before retiring to bed.

Once within the group, he immediately noticed the lively Miss Stirhaley. He bid Bordon if he could cut in and dance with Karen, and Bordon excused himself from her without discord. He kissed her hand and thanked her for the dance. She surprised him by throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him affectionately on the cheek, thanking him for the dance and the company. O'Hara had let down his professionalism and was drinking from a bottle of his own Irish whiskey. He quickly thrust the bottle into Bordon's hands to hold as he jigged with Miss Stirhaley.

Bordon took his leave and headed back to Tavington and Wilkins.

Tavington couldn't resist making a comment. "Well, are you through imitating a leprechaun?"

Bordon laughed. "Yes!"

"Well, if you're looking for your pot of Gold, it's not here!"

"Right! Because I used it to bribe the rebels to give up the Ghost!" the major retorted comically. He took a swig of O'Hara's whiskey. Bordon and Tavington both were slightly tipsy.

Well, Good work, Major," Tavington bantered back. "But your gold was ill spent for they haven't given him up yet!"

Bordon offered the bottle of whiskey to Wilkins and Tavington. "Drink up, boys! Good Irish whiskey, compliments of Brigadier General Charles O'Hara!"

Wilkins turned to Colonel Tavington and commented wryly. "Maybe you'd like to spit in it, Sir."

"Actually, I'd like to piss in it," growled William, taking the bottle from Bordon.

"Not before I get a drink of it," said Wilkins, quickly grabbing the bottle from Tavington's hands.

"Play nice, children," Bordon chided in a sing song manner, "or I shall have to give our new toy back to its rightful owner!"

"Play nice?" William quipped. "Why, I was the schoolyard bully!"

"And that has followed you into adulthood, as well," Bordon smarted back to him.

"Well, one must use a firm hand in dealing with the rebels."

Wilkins, Tavington, and Bordon each took a couple of swigs from O'Hara's whiskey as they watched him dance with Miss Stirhaley.

Tavington added to his last comment. "There's nothing wrong with burning and pillaging—so long as you're on the right side!" This elicited laughter from the three men.

A familiar Irish tune was playing now, and Tavington and Bordon absentmindedly started to sing the catchy refrain put to the tune of 'Doran's Ass':

"Whack fal de ral la tu rah lawnee, Whack fal de ral la tu rah lee.

Whack fal de ral la tu rah lawnee, Whack fal de ral la tu rah lee!"

Tavingon, usually having disdain for Irish music and dance, sauntered over to the musical group with his other two men and joined in the singing of this rollicking tune, which he did happen to like. He even joined in to dance the last part of a jig with Miss Stirhaley. He had managed to pick up a few Irish jig moves from frequent parties with the Stirhaley family and their Irish relations.

Finally, as an end note to the night, at the request of Bordon, the musicians slowed the tempo down to a gentle Irish waltz, "My Lodging Is On the Cold Ground." William then waltzed with Karen, the last bit of music before the musicians packed it in for the evening.