Chapter Fourteen - In Beth's Room
"Perhaps you should ask her to dance with you?" Bordon advised. Harmony snorted indelicately.
"I would not recommend it, myself," Harmony argued. "If I were her, you would be rebuffed."
"Don't I know it," Tavington managed a smile. "How many times have you rebuffed me? You are one of the few."
"The one of the few with taste," Bordon laughed and pulled Harmony close.
"Don't think I was not tempted," Harmony eyed Tavington up and down with flirting eyes. "You are ever so handsome, and quite... Well set up." Her eyes lingered on the font of his breeches. Her flirting had the desired effect, Tavington laughed aloud. Bordon began to berate her for her wandering eyes. His tone was teasing however, both were merely trying to lift Tavington's spirits.
"Would you like to dance, Miss Jutland?" Tavington offered her his arm.
"Why not, Sir? But keep your hands to yourself, if you don't mind, Richard may become wroth with us both."
"You have my vow," William smirked. He led her to the centre of the hall and joined the lines of couples. They stood facing each other, waiting for the next set to start. Tavington spied Beth further up the line, standing across from Colin Ferguson. The musicians began and Tavington and Harmony began to dance.
"You are full of surprises, Miss Jutland - you are an exceptional dancer. Very graceful."
"Thank you, Sir." Harmony smiled brightly. "You are not bad yourself."
He quirked his lips with a brief smile, though his eyes darted to Miss Martin.
"Is she looking back at you, Colonel?" Harmony asked.
"No. She has not looked at me all evening, unless it was perchance. And then she averts her gaze."
"I have to admit that I am surprised it bothers you. Richard explained the stakes of the wager, I thought you were simply to..." She paused and glanced to either side of her. Others were close enough to hear her words and she continued carefully. "Win the wager and move on."
"I am surprised also. She is not the first Lady I have tried to seduce here in the Colonies. Nor is she the first to reject me. But somehow..." William trailed off, his eyes again searched for Beth.
"Guilt?" Harmony ventured.
Tavington snorted. "Hardly that."
"Hmmm. There is only one other explanation then, my dear."
"And what is that?" He met her gaze with amusement.
"You have fallen hopelessly, helplessly, head over heels in love,." Harmony's tone was light and teasing, though she suspected it was quite true. Even if he was too dense to know it.
"Love, hmm?" Tavington mused. "I admit I regret making such a mess of things. It bothers me that I hurt her. But love?" He shook his head.
"She is very beautiful..."
"So are you, my darling," Tavington smiled and kissed her hand lightly.
"Yes, so am I." Harmony laughed and changed the topic. "How long now, until we leave Charles Town?"
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Tavington and Arthur Simms began making their way up the street toward their favourite tavern, ready to continue the night with drinking and rounds of cards. And perhaps a doxy or two. That would be just the thing, William decided. He did not get far, however, before Bordon came trotting up.
"William, a moment," he called. Then he took Tavington by the arm and steered him away from Simms to speak discreetly. "You might wish to retire for the evening, Sir."
"Oh?" William's eyebrows shot up. "Afraid I'll beat you at cards and win all your money?"
"Well, yes, I am," Bordon snorted. "But that is not the reason. I just saw Miss Martin and her comrades piling into Mary Tisdale's carriage. They were speaking of the fun they had ahead of them - it seems the Ladies have organised a stay over - at the Tisdale's."
"Jesus," William breathed. "Beth too?"
"All of them," Bordon affirmed. "I am not certain where she will be sleeping, but I don't think it would be too hard to discover with a few discreet questions."
"Yes, I think you are quite right. Very well - thank you, Bordon," he turned to Simms and raised his voice. "Sorry, Arthur, something has come up. Perhaps tomorrow night?"
"Yes, Sir," Arthur replied and Tavington left Bordon and Arthur and headed directly for the Tisdale's.
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"Oh, so tired!" Sarah stretched her arms above her head and yawned. "What a night."
"I know, it was wonderful," Rebecca murmured. "I'm sleepy now, though."
"And me. Time for sleep and dreams, I think." Alice climbed off the bed.
The girls had been sitting on Mary's bed for the last few hours, eating sweets and gossiping about the night. For Beth, it had been a pleasant diversion from her anguish over Tavington.
Earlier that evening, when they had come out of the hall, the girls had seen Tavington and Arthur Simms strolling up the street away from them. Beth had sighed with relief - at least that part of the evening would go according to plan. She could enjoy herself at Mary's house knowing Tavington as not there, knowing she would not see him in the morning. Chances were, he would never even know she had been there.
Now Mary escorted them all to their rooms. First Sarah and Rebecca who were sharing, then Cilla and Alice. Lastly, Beth. They stood outside of Beth's door chatting for a few moments, before Mary headed back to her room next door.
When she entered, Beth locked her door behind her. With all the Dragoons in the house - especially one in particular, she thought it prudent. Just in case he did discover she was there.
It took a few moments for her eyes to adjust to the dim room. There were very few candles lit, only enough for her to find her way to the bed. She took off her night robe and draped it over the chair. However, as she pulled back to covers to climb into bed, she finally realised she was not alone.
William had been standing by the window, outside of the circle of light, waiting for her to retire.
She stared, her mouth hung open and she was frozen to the spot with utter shock. He began to stride slowly toward her, his boots barely making a sound on the thick carpet.
"I... I thought you were... out... playing cards..." Beth whispered when he stood before her.
"Not tonight," his voice, a soft drawl - sent shivers along her spine. "Not when I discovered you were spending the night here."
She had to crane her neck to gaze up at him.
"It was not hard to discover which chamber was to be yours," an even softer whisper, his eyes burning blue fire. "Right down the hall from mine."
His dark hair, unbound from its usual queue, framed his handsome face. His white ruffled shirt open down the front of his chest.
"How could I attend some card game in some tavern, knowing that?" A small smile played around the corners of his mouth as he stared down at her.
"Your room is not far from mine?" Her knees felt weak, it was difficult to breathe.
Visions of him laying in his bed whirled through her mind. Would he sleep as he was dressed now, in his shirt and light breeches? Or did he sleep naked. A quick indrawn breath and Tavington's smiled broadened, seeming to read her thoughts.
"Right across the hall, my darling," his soft drawl held a trace of amusement.
A small voice in the corner of her mind screamed at her to send him away, but she could barely move and could not break her eyes from his hot gaze. He was so close, she could smell his clean scent. His hair was still wet from his bath, the smell of apple pomade lingered in the air.
"I can hear your heart beating, little Beth," he took her soft hands in his and Beth lowered her eyes to his chest.
"Sir," she whispered, "you should not be in my room, you need to leave..."
"I know, I should not be in your room..." Tavington's voice was still soft, and he made no move to leave. "I can not leave, however. We have unfinished business."
He leaned down to nestle his nose in her hair, inhaling with a deeply contented sigh.
"You are so beautiful, Beth, I have longed to see you with your hair down... I had not realized it was so long," He gently brushed a stray golden lock from Beth's face, letting his fingers glide along her cheek, down to her chin. He tipped her face up to his and Beth swallowed hard.
After several deep breathes, she tried again.
"Why are you here? If you are discovered... You need to leave!"
"I am here to apologise, Beth," he leaned down to brush his lips along her neck. Beth shivered and leaned closer to him. "It was poor judgement on my part," another kiss, "I should not have treated you so."
"No, you should not have," She murmured. Tilting her head to one side, she bared her neck to him. His lips felt so good... When he removed his lips from her neck, she sighed with disappointment. Glancing up, she met his gaze. "You hurt me, Sir."
He flinched to hear the raw pain in her voice. That heavy weight settled on his chest again.
"I know." He said softly.
Banastre had apologised to her, had shown remorse, Beth had told him earlier. Tavington cupped her chin with both his hands, his pale gaze intent.
"I am sorry, Beth," he said sincerely. He bent his head to hers, stopping all further speech, all further thought.
The voice that had been screaming in the corner of her mind was only a weak whisper now. It disappeared completely when he gently brushed his lips along hers. Beth sighed and stood on the tips of her toes. She pressed herself to him, wrapping her arms around his waist, holding on for dear life.
Tavington relished how soft and warm her lips felt beneath his. He rocked his head to the side and she sighed again as he deepened the kiss. He groaned with pleasure and she opened her eyes to gaze at him, his usually cold eyes were warm and bright.
He drew back to gaze down at her for a moment. "You were wrong, my darling. I would not have discarded you," he said softly, sincerely.
"I will not be your mistress," her whisper deadly serious, even stern.
"Beth..." Disappointment rifled through him.
"No. It does not matter how strongly I feel for you. Whatever this thing is between us. None of it matters, I am worth more than to be some man's mistress."
He held her unblinking gaze.
"Yes, you are," he agreed reluctantly. He could not marry her, and she would not be his mistress. Whatever this thing was, it was doomed from the start.
With a heavy sigh, Tavington twined his fingers through her long hair, caressing the nape of her neck. Resuming the kiss, he urged her lips to part. Sliding his tongue into her mouth tentatively, he began to explore her.
"Oh..." Beth despaired.
With a whimper, she gripped his waist. He tightened his hold to hold her in case she swooned. Small pleasurable flips shot through her stomach and spread through her.
She had never felt anything like it before. So wonderful, her knees almost gave way. It was the most intimate thing she could ever imagine, his tongue gliding in her mouth, tasting her, stroking her tongue. She followed his lead. A flush spread through her body, chasing away all thought.
Tavington rocked his head to the other side and grew more bold. Kissing in earnest now, they clutched each other close. Their breaths mingled, growing deeper and more urgent with each passing second.
Hot thrills flared along her spine. An ache she had never known before bloomed between her thighs. And still it continued, his lips moving on hers. His touch harder now, their tongues dueling even as he walked her backward until her back was pressed to the wall.
With a groan he pulled his lips from hers and began an urgent trail of kisses from her jaw and down her neck. He breathed raggedly as he nipped and sucked the soft skin of her throat, moving down to her shoulder.
Beth was in heaven. It felt so lovely, warm, tingly, intimate. But after a short time, she began to need the feel of his lips on hers again. She reached up and gripped his hair lightly, tugging to guide his head back up to kiss her.
Tavington chuckled with gratification, pleased at her assertiveness, her willingness to take charge.
They both groaned and kissed for timeless moments, breathing heavily into one another's mouths. His hands on her hips now, he gripped a handful of her long shift, began to draw it slowly up her slim legs. Higher and higher her shift rose as he kissed her, the hem now midway up her thighs, above the garters that held her stockings.
Beth finally became aware again. The voice in the corner of her mind roared for attention and this time she listened and obeyed.
Placing her fingers over his strong hands, she stopped his progress wordlessly. Drawing away from their kiss, she rested her head on his hard chest, breathing raggedly and trying to gather her wits.
"Darling?" his voice...
Lord - that voice would be her undoing.
She could not allow it, it had to stop.
Finally in control of herself, she lifted her head from his chest to gaze up at him. He smiled mischievously and tried to kiss her, but Beth finally had command of her body again. And of her emotions.
This could not be allowed to continue, the bed was so close, so inviting. The ache between her thighs so strong...
No, she could not give herself to him, it had to end now.
With a strangled gasp, she pulled her gaze from his and sidled out from between him and the wall.
"Beth," his voice was ragged with desire. He placed his hand on her arm to stop her from walking away.
She swallowed, wanting to let him. Then she shook her head, shook his hand off her arm and continued her slow way across the room toward the door.
"Beth!" More insistently now. Beth was at the door now, turning the key to unlock it. "Where are you going? Beth!"
Finally understanding her intention, he began to walk quickly to stop her.
Not daring to meet his eyes for fear she would lose her resolve, she opened the door and slipped out into the hallway. Her legs where unsteady as she walked next door to Mary's room and knocked quietly. She tried the handle and the door opened, Mary had not locked it.
"What is it, Beth?" Mary asked sleepily from her bed.
"Nothing, I.. Uh... Can I borrow a ribbon to tie back my hair?"
"Of course," Mary rose and stumbled to her dresser, still fuddled and sleepy from being woken.
Beth took the time to urge strength into her weakened knees. She could hear the door to her own room open and shut, Tavington leaving.
Mary handed her a blue ribbon.
"Thank you, dear heart. I'm sorry to have disturbed you." Beth opened Mary's door and peeked up the hallway to ensure Tavington was, indeed, leaving and not playing some trick. She saw him disappear up the hallway so she slipped out of Mary's room and went back to her own.
She closed her door behind her and went to lock the door.
Only the key was missing. The whole was empty where the key had been.
Beth's eyes widened with dawning horror - Tavington had taken it. He intended to return to her during the night.
She panicked, suddenly cold with fear. If he did return to her during the night... With a shudder she realised she could not trust herself. It had been hard enough to break away from him just now, there was no doubt in her mind - she would give herself to him if he came to her again.
It could not be. With haste, she threw her door open and ran up the hallway in the direction that Tavington had taken.
She caught up to him as he was about to descend the stairs - she could hear voices from the parlor below, someone laughed. Sweet Lord - if anyone saw her now..!
Her long blonde hair was in wild disarray, over her shoulders and down her back, and she wore only her shift.
"Sir!" Her brown eyes where wide with horror as she grabbed William by the arm. "Did you take my key?"
"Yes, I did," Tavington admitted carelessly. He smiled and slowly reached into his coat, to pull forth the stolen key. "It was cruel of you, to leave me so needful..."
Beth, ignoring his words, snatched it from his fingers in case he tried to tease her and pull it away. She cast panic stricken glances all around her, fearing discovery. With haunted eyes, she met his amused gaze.
"Why are you doing this to me?" Her voice was an anguished whisper, she held the key gingerly as though it burned her fingers. "First the wager, now this! Are you trying to destroy me?"
"No, of course not!" Tavington shook his head, suddenly contrite. He took a step toward her, his arms out in a placating gesture.
Beth held his gaze for another moment, accusation in her eyes, then whirled away as he reached for her.
"Beth, come here!" He hissed, but she ignored him and dashed to her room. Her hand was shaking as she locked the door behind her.
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He reached for her, but she was too quick. Like a rabbit, she darted away and ran swiftly down the hall. Chasing her was risky, but they were very much alone and so he did just that. He reached her chamber in time for the door to be closed in his face. He could hear the key being turned.
A gentle knock on her door produced nothing.
He was tempted to bang on her door, demand she let in him - he was certainly angry enough. His erection was painful, so hard and needful after their kissing. If he could just get her to let him in, perhaps he could charm her, coax her into pleasuring him...
But no, he could not risk being caught pounding on her door. It was not to be, she would not give herself to him. And she would not pleasure him to his own completion either, he suspected.
It was not to be.
Guilt and desire did not make for a happy bedfellows, it made him surly.
Rejected... She rejected him... His eyes glittered - two blue furnaces. He strode quickly toward Vera's room, she would take care of his need. She was not alone, however - her maid was with her, helping her undress for the night.
"This is a surprise," his lover eyed him up and down as her maid brushed her hair. "I was not expecting to come to you until later."
William tightened his lips, saying nothing.
He did not want to fuck his mistress. He wanted Beth.
His body felt weak from desire and unfulfilled sex. His cock ached - a deep hurt in need of relief. Despite her assertions that she would not be his mistress, he had been ready to take the girl, right there, against the wall.
But she had rejected him and now he had to settle for Vera. Who sat before him, gazing up at him with a small satisfied smile. He wanted to wipe it off her face with the back of his hand.
Her maid continued, stroking her mistresses hair slowly, carefully, gently.
Too fucking slow! He stormed forward, his pale eyes blazing.
"Get out!" He hissed down at the suddenly frightened maid. She trembled as he snatched the brush from her grip and threw it against the wall. She was already running from the room before the brush hit the floor with a thud.
"My, my - what has gotten into - eek!" Vera cut off with a yelp. Tavington had grabbed her arms and hauled her to her feet. She grunted as her back hit the wall. He pinned her in place with his body, giving her no room to sidle away as Beth had done.
A mere wisp of a girl, rejecting him! Lieutenant Colonel William Tavington! With a snarl he gripped the top of Vera's shift and jerked it open, tearing the precious silk all the way down the middle.
"William!" Vera bemoaned - silks where expensive after all.
"Shut it!" He growled, already working at the laces of his cotton pants, freeing his erection. His knee parted her thighs and he was pressing his hips forward, rubbing against her soft curls.
"Oh God," Vera moaned - with desperate need now, forgetting all about her silks. She lifted onto her the tips of her toes and wrapped one leg around his hips. Tavington grabbed her beneath her buttocks and lifted her higher, then lowered her down onto his length. He impaled her with one stroke.
Fucking bitch, this was not who he wanted to be inside!
He slammed into her fiercely with frustration, hard and deep, his pelvis snapping back and forth faster. He grunted against her ear in time with his pounding. She turned her head, trying to catch his lips against hers but he jerked away.
She was not who he wanted to be kissing either!
Her fingers twined through his hair, grasping painfully. She squealed and squirmed, her hips jutting back and forth, writhing on his length.
Panting heavily now, Tavington dug his fingers into her buttocks, heedless of any pain. Intent on his own release, he did not care if she felt pleasure, was barely aware of her coos and gasps of delight.
She is a god damned farm girl. A bloody farm girl!
He thrust into Vera brutally as he thought of Beth. Of her sweet smell, her lips on his, her body - so deliciously pressed between his and the wall.
He thought of her rejection. Ice and fire scorched his veins as he pummeled back and forth.
I am Colonel Fucking Tavington!
He had not realised he had snarled the latter aloud against Vera's ear.
"Oh, yes, oh my God, oh you are! You are my Colonel, oh, harder, my Colonel! Oh William! Oh, dear heart -"
He grimaced with fury and covered her mouth with his hand.
No, no 'dear heart's', not from this whore. Not when he wanted to hear the words from Beth.
'Her Colonel?' Hardly! He could have laughed, if he was not in such a fucking rage.
"I said shut it!" he grated and the silly woman fell silent, almost swooning, lack of air and pleasure making her faint. He released her and she gasped frantically.
A few more brutal thrusts and Tavington threw back his head, almost howled like a wolf as the tingle of fire became a tidal wave, blazing from his cock throughout his entire body. His hot seed spilled in agonized bursts as he came - his climax lasted timeless moments, finally fading, taking his rage, his fury, with it.
He dropped his head to her shoulder, calm and sated, yet oddly empty. His guilt had not gone - only the anger.
"We are through, Vera," he found himself saying. "I am done with you."
He felt her stiffen, her entire body grew rigid. Withdrawing his spent member, he settled her back on her feet.
"What?" She breathed. "You can't be serious. No - why would you... You must be joking!"
"Not at all. I am done with you. I will settle for second best no longer."
"Second best..." She shook her head with disbelief, clutching her torn silk shift around her. "There is somebody else. I knew it. I've always known it!" Her voice drove up an octave.
"Yes, there is," he admitted. He tightened the drawstring and tied the laces on his pants. "Why don't you start shrieking Vera?" He taunted.
"You fucking bastard - why did you come here then? Why did you do this?" She waved her arms, indicating the two of them.
"I was in need. I could not have the woman I wanted," his voice was soft, cruel. "However, to my very great disappointment, you were unable to satisfy me."
"You fucking bastard! To flaunt her - who is she!"
"What does it matter? I am ending it with you now. I know you are a vicious little creature and I will not allow you to avenge yourself on her. No, you will not be told who she is."
"You will get out of this house, do you hear! I want you gone!"
"Oh, do be serious, you do not have the authority to have me removed."
"My husband does. I'll tell him of our affair! He will be rid of you!"
"And of you, you stupid woman." Tavington laughed in Vera's face as she paled with sudden understanding. Her lover had used her, was leaving her, and there was not a damned thing she could do about it. "Good evening to you, Mrs. Tisdale," the Officer bowed formally and turned from her, closing the door quietly behind him.
Vera was stock still against the wall. Her mind raced, twisted and turned, trying to figure out a way to avenge herself without exposing her affair to her husband.
She would lose everything. Her daughter Mary, her husband - who she did care for when it came down to it. The pampered life she enjoyed so well, her fine dresses. Her standing in society - all of it - gone.
There was nothing she could do - Tavington would continue to live in her house, mocking her every time she passed him in the hall, at dinner, in the parlor when they shared a brandy or two before bedding down for the night. And he would not come to her, not ever again. He would not kiss her, would not touch her, would not enter her.
Never again.
It was not to be borne. He must pay for this. He must! She would find a way... Some how...