Chapter 14
THE KIDNAPPED BELLE OF THE BALL!
Bordon awoke. It was now late September. The couple now shared a thick blanket to ward off the fall chill. He rose from the bed slow so he would not disturb his sleeping wife. He went to the window and pulled back the cover to look outside. The new day was dawning.
The leaves were bending against the soft breath of air carried on the breeze. They had lost their bright greens and were now dull green or already in their brown and orange hues. The grasses were brown and noisy as one tread on them.
He looked back at the jewel in his life. The soft early morning sun cascaded down and shone on her beautiful face. She did not seem thrilled by this. After a moment she turned in her slumber so she was no longer facing the hated light that disturbed her.
He smiled as he let the cover fall back into place. He crawled back into bed.
He pulled her into his embrace gently. His hand moved to the swell of her belly automatically. He rubbed it gently. A soft smile crossed his fair one's face.
He smiled and kissed her cheek thinking how life had been. He would leave early on patrols and come home in the evenings. Sometimes he would be gone several days. They would miss each other terribly. They would eat dinner and then retire. He would make love to his young wife hungrily. He then would watch her drift into slumber as he caressed her body lovingly.
She turned and looked sleepily at him. "When do you leave?" she asked softly.
"An hour. Will you join me for some breakfast?" He always seemed concerned that she was not getting enough nourishment for the baby and herself. She was tired more often and needed naps.
She smiled and sat up, the blanket falling from her body. Her alabaster skin glowed in the near darkness of their sanctuary.
She rose quickly and pulled on her nightgown and then a robe. Bordon fetched her some socks. She sat gingerly on the bed as he slipped them over her legs. He caressed them gently and looked up at her. She rose and walked into the next room and was surprised to see her brother seated with breakfast laid out on their table. He was sipping some sort of warm drink as he was sitting in the full splendor of his uniform.
He looked at her and smiled as she closed the door behind her so her husband could dress privately. Tavington was amused at that. He had seen Bordon many times that they were in camp where no women were about.
He rose and folded her into a hug. He felt her belly against him as he kissed her cheek. He looked down and touched it through the fabric. "Bordon is feeding you too well." He remarked. She smiled. She was yet to tell him of her pregnancy. Cornwallis was extremely happy when she told him and was already making comments about having little Bordons on each knee. She was still afraid of what her brother's reaction would be. She could not wait much longer or he would hear the news from somewhere else or he would know it just by looking at her.
"I think I'm not feeding her enough." Bordon commented as he stepped from the room in a tucked white shirt, riding breeches, and boots. He was busily pulling his hair back for the regulation queue that he would have Amanda wrap in a few moments since she was awake.
"Oh?" Tavington asked looking down at the visible swell. He was wondering how he had missed her. Bordon was fattening her up. Surly he wanted to keep his commander's sister well fit as a trophy wife.
Amanda moved into Bordon's embrace and hugged him. She looked into his eyes for reassurance. He smiled and nodded knowing exactly what she was thinking about doing.
She turned and Bordon wrapped his hands about her. "William…" She began trying to find the words.
He took a sip from his drink. She had a curious look on her face. Almost as though what she was going to say troubled her. "Amanda you can tell me anything. I'm your brother and we have no secrets between us." He eyed her. "Now what is the problem." Mentally he went over what it could be. It had nothing to do with Bordon because she would not dare to complain about him in his presence to him. What was it then?
"There is no problem." She met his icy gaze and held it as he took another sip. "William, I'm pregnant." She said bluntly knowing she could not dress it up as she had with her husband and Cornwallis.
His eyes widened in shock. He spat out the contents in his mouth in utter surprise. "You're what?" He asked. Had he just heard what he thought he had?
"She's three months with child, William." Bordon said as he rubbed her belly.
Tavington's mouth moved as he tried to talk, but could not. He finally resorted to sitting in a chair and burying his face in his hands. He knew that it was a possibility. They were newlyweds and had each other almost every night, but by God, did it have to happen so quickly?
She moved and went to her knees before him. She rested her hands on his knees and looked up at him. "Aren't you happy for us? You'll be having a niece or nephew soon." She said.
He lifted his hands to look at her. "I can't believe you would do such a thing to me." He whispered. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" He demanded in his harsh commander tone. "Either of you?" He asked shooting a look up at Bordon.
"Because I was afraid that you would take it badly." She said. He reached down and touched her cheek.
"Amanda I love you, but why do you find ways to injure me?" He asked.
Her blood boiled at that comment. Her brother's pride was tainting her happiness and she would not allow it. She rose from him with tears in her eyes.
"Why are you always such a monster when it comes to things making me happy?" She yelled. She promptly turned and went into the bedroom.
Bordon and Tavington watched her. "Mandy?" They whispered after her.
Tavington felt horrible about what he had just done, but his pride would not allow him to apologize just yet. He realized that he was not so much unhappy with the coming child as he was fearful of it. He feared its birth and the possibility of losing Amanda because of it. This was something he knew he would have to tell her. Something in him stopped him every time. It would destroy who she was and what she thought she was.
He swallowed hard and looked up at his confused brother-in-law. "Go to her." He whispered and left the room. He went to his own rooms and shut the door.
God now I've done it. She won't want anything to do with me.
About a half an hour later he saw Bordon come out of the fort with his helm on. He went to him.
"How is she?" Tavington asked concerned.
Bordon looked up at him. "She'll be alright. She really had hoped you would take it well."
"I guess I took it about as well as your wedding hummm?" he asked.
"Worse." Bordon said. Tavington flashed him a look.
Tavington steadied himself against a remark he was going to tell his subordinate. He was talking to him as his brother-in-law not his major. They mounted and rode off as a few specks of snow began to fly.
Amanda watched from her window. She was not really all that surprised by her brother's reaction, but it still hurt to hear his selfish claims that she was doing it to injure him and not that it was the fruit of her love with Bordon.
Sarah knocked and come in. She made the bed and helped Amanda dress. "There is a package for you." Sarah told her. "Lord Cornwallis has it in his office. He told me to fetch you to see it."
Amanda pulled on a lavender and white-stripped dress. Sarah helped her put on her silk flower choker. Amanda brushed out her hair and pulled it back from her eyes. Last to go on was her mop cap.
Amanda walked down the hall and nearly was run over by Captain Fredickson as he came out of his rooms. He reached out and steadied her.
"Sorry." He said with a cheerful smiled. He looked at her. "Your baby grows everyday." He commented. He released her with a grin. "Where are you off to?"
"Cornwallis." She said.
"I'll take you there." He offered his arm and they walked down the stairs.
Some of the men raised their eyebrows, but the officers knew Fredrickson too well. He was escorting her somewhere. Most likely because of the number of enlisted men in the building on this day they assumed.
Harry Price was off running Cornwallis business it seemed for he was not at his desk.
Fredickson went and knocked on the door and opened it. Cornwallis was speaking with General O'Hara.
"Excuse the interruption sir, but Mrs. Bordon wishes to speak to you." Fredickson said. He stepped out of the way to let her pass. She smiled her thanks and he shut the door behind him.
"Ahh Greetings Amanda." Cornwallis said with a large grin on his face.
She bowed her head slightly to him. He had told her she need not show him such respect, but she did regardless.
O'Hara smiled at her. "You look very lovely this morning Miss Tav…I mean Mrs. Bordon."
She smiled at him. Cornwallis came forward and took her hand. He kissed her gently on the hand before leading her to a seat.
He looked at her. "I have a question for you." He said awkwardly.
"Yes Charles?" she asked leaning back comfortably with her hands resting on the swell of her child.
"May I touch your stomach." He met her eyes as he flushed slightly. "My wife never blessed me with children."
"I would be honored." She said. She lifted her hands and gently took one of his. She pulled him a step closer and laid it on her. He moved his hand to feel the swell of life within her. He was strangely fascinated with it.
He smiled. "It is so amazing how an act of love can bring another being into this world." He said softly. He met her gaze squarely. "I will do all in my power to keep you and this child safe." He pledged.
O'Hara stayed back. He held a package in his hands. Cornwallis moved back and smiled. "I hope to see this child grow strong and happy. I'm hoping for a girl to spoil." He confided in her.
She smiled. Cornwallis seemed to ache to be a grandfather. She loved him like a father and was glad he was happy.
"I have something for you." He said. He retrieved the package from O'Hara. "I sent for this a while back and it has just arrived. Just in time for the Harvest Ball."
He opened it and lifted a perfect dark blue dress of satin. The stomacher was blue with pink bows and fringed with white lace. The cuffs of the dress were lovely lace as well. She gasped. It was from France she knew.
"But Charles…" She began.
He hushed her. "You are my daughter here and thus I will present gifts to you as such."
She touched the fabric as it showed different shades of blue in the sunlight according to the fold. It was simply lovely.
"Thank you." She managed.
He looked over at a privacy screen. "Go try it on. I want see you in it." He said.
She smiled and lifted it. She lifted the pinner cap and shoes and made her way behind it. She undressed to her shift and pulled on the lovely dress. She put the pinner cap on her head. Last she stepped into the shoes. It all fit so wonderfully. There was even an allowance for her distended belly.
"I'm coming out. Don't laugh." She said.
She came out straightening the dress as she walked. She looked shyly up at Cornwallis and O'Hara. They both stood together watching her. Cornwallis smiled admiringly. O'Hara's mouth was open. He had never seen anything so lovely in his life.
She turned around. "I feel so dressed up. Even for a ball this seems to be too much."
"Nonsense. You will be the belle of the ball." Cornwallis said.
"Are you sure my belly is not to big for it?"
"No." Cornwallis said. He came to her and put on the pearl necklace that he had given her to wear at her wedding around her neck. "My wife smiles in heaven when you wear this. I feel it." He said.
"She touched it as he tied the ribbon. "I can't wear this. It was your wife's."
"She lives on when her memories and treasures are worn by another."
Amanda embraced the Lord General as she would her father to comfort him. O'Hara had never heard so much emotion from the Lord General. He watched the two embrace and he could see tears wetting the Lord's cheeks as he reminisced on his wife.
Quietly the general left the two.
The next two days were busy at the fort as servants went back and forth between the fort and Middleton Place. The dragoons returned early and Amanda was happy. She when out and embraced her husband and brother.
She showed off her dress to her husband who was totally amazed at how she looked and the Lord General's generosity.
A knock interrupted the fashion show. Amanda went and opened the door. Tavington stood there already in his formal uniform. She looked at him and he her.
"You look lovely." He said softly.
"What do you want William?" She snapped. She loved him, but her temper had not cooled from his comments. He had spent the past few days avoiding her.
"I came to beg forgiveness for my foolish behavior." He said softly. "I should not let my personal feelings interfere with your happiness." He reached out a hand to touch her. She intercepted it and held it. "Mandy…" he began. "Please forgive me my pride."
She eyed him. There was hurt in his gaze that she did not allow him to touch her.
"Accepted." She said softly.
"Now may I say hello to my nephew?" He asked.
"What is it with men and boys?" She sighed. "The only male I have met who wants a girl is Cornwallis."
She opened the door and let him walk inside.
"You are sure the ball won't tire you too much." Tavington asked as he laid a hand on her belly. "Hello in there." He said. "This is your Uncle William."
Bordon who was belting on his dress saber was trying his hardest not to laugh as Tavington stooped and laid his ear to her belly. Amanda smiled. "William…"
"What's that you say? Tickle your mommy? But why little one? To cheer her up you say. Alright." He reached up and tickled her sides. She laughed and tried to escape as Tavington held her.
Finally when she was out of breath he stopped. She sat down and glared at him. He smiled and kissed her brow.
Bordon came over and smiled at his brother-in-law, who had lightened the mood considerably.
When she had breath enough she stood. Tavington watched as she went and drew the satin ribbon around her ponytail. Tavington made a large beautiful bow.
Together they walked out to the carriage. O'Hara was riding with them. Bordon and Amanda sat side by side. He held her hand as the carriage started off. She leaned against him and dozed off. The three men did not speak for fear they would disturb her.
When they finally pulled up to Middleton Place, Bordon nudged Amanda awake. O'Hara stepped out followed by Tavington and lastly Bordon. Amanda went to step out and was greeted by several hands holding her arms so she would not fall.
A young man came with a message for Tavington. "Excuse me Amanda. I must go attend Lord Cornwallis. I will join you shortly." He said with a nod to Bordon. He walked in to the house and upstairs. Amanda walked with her arm encircled with Bordon's.
They walked out into the back lawn and met up with Captain Wilkins. He bowed and kissed Amanda's hand. "I do declare that you are the most beautiful woman here." The Captain said. "That dress is stunning."
She smiled and looked up at him. "You are welcome to look Captain." Look, but not touch, she thought.
Bordon smiled inwardly. She was toying with him knowing full well that she could with a major for a husband and a colonel for a brother. He was not overly fond of the man. She could tolerate him, which was more than Tavington normally did. The Colonel had always sent him on missions of little importance so he and Bordon could do the real work.
He smiled at her. God, he was flirting with her. Bordon sighed and let him know his princess would not fall for his charms by how she was toying him.
Captain Fredrickson came over to her. "Mrs. Bordon good of you to come." He kissed her hand. Shall I fetch you and your husband a drink?"
"Wine." Bordon said.
"I'll see what the Lord General has." She said. She gave her husband's arm a squeeze as she walked with Fredrickson. "Thank you." She said when they were a ways away.
"I know he is quite a strange chap isn't he." Fredickson said wrinkling his nose.
She came to a table and took some fruit juice. Fredickson lifted two glasses of white wine. "How are you feeling?" He asked her.
"Well enough." She said.
He smiled. Ban Tarleton joined them. "Well, well. What light from yon window breaks?" he said as he bowed and kissed her hand.
"You are looking well Colonel."
"So are you. I hear you have a little Bordon in you." He said leaning towards her.
"Yes. It will be born in March." She said sipping her drink.
He smiled. "I can't wait to meet it." He looked down. "Uncle Ban will take good care of you."
"So will Uncle Will." Fredrickson said.
She looked up at him. "Your name is William as well."
"Yes." He said. "But the lads call me Sweet William or Will to keep me apart from the Colonel."
She walked with the two for some time. She turned and saw Cornwallis exit the house in an older looking uniform with new gold cord on it.
He was talking to O'Hara. Tavington was in the door. He walked down the stairs and was instantly surrounded by two women. He snatched a glass of wine and began to talk with them. Amanda walked to the outskirts of the party where there was a bench and a view of the events. Bordon nodded to her. An enlisted man stood nearby.
After her rest she went to Cornwallis who was talking to a man and lady. She stood back and felt hands encircle her hips.
She leaned back. "Are you enjoying yourself?" Bordon's rich velvety voice asked her as he leaned down. His warm breath teased her ear. She smiled.
"Yes."
"Are you tired?"
"No." She said. "I want to walk."
He nodded and offered his arm. They were on the third terrace when a bright light and thunderous sound caused them to turn. Amanda cried out as she watched the ship that was harbored on the river dock burst into flames, as there were several explosions from powder magazines.
Everyone was gasping. Bordon swung into action as he saw the enlisted men running for the dock. "I must go." Bordon said. He saw a man. "You there. Will you escort my wife back to the house?"
"Yes Sir."
Bordon went to join several officers who were running to investigate. The young enlisted man shepherded Amanda ahead of him as they made their way towards the house. No one else was about.
She suddenly felt a hand tangle in her hair and pull her head back painfully against someone. She felt cold steel go to her throat.
"Now if you're a good girl nothing will happen to you." A harsh whisper said in her ear. "Miss Tavington." He said in disdain.
"Who are you?' she managed. "Leave me be." She gasped.
She gasped for air as she felt herself turning. She watched a man with long brown hair bash a pistol into her guardian's temple. He and another man were dressed as infantrymen.
Her captor started to walk with her. She felt a shoe slip from her foot as the muddied earth there clasped hold of it. A younger blond hair man came forward also in uniform and bound her wrists with rope. He then gagged her mouth with a long strip of cloth. She was lifted into her captor's arms and carried into the trees. Her captor had long gray hair and bright eyes.
She was roughly spun about and her eyes were bound. She struggled as best she could, but in vain. She felt her other shoe fall.
She felt herself lifted onto a horse. A firm hand wrapped about her waist and held her firmly. "You are now under the arrest of the Continental Army." A deep voice said near her ear. "If you do not try anything I will not be forced to harm you Miss Tavington."
She whimpered and felt the horse gallop off.
About half an hour later Tavington and Bordon searched through the huddled mass of sobbing women for Amanda. They looked at every woman. Amanda was not there. Fear gripped their hearts as Bordon went to find Cornwallis and Tavington rode to the wounded tents. Less than an hour later they met up with no sign of her.
Cornwallis ordered a search of the grounds. The young private was found ten minutes later when a rifle was heard near the tree line. He was sitting holding his head after firing his weapon straight up in distress. Bordon and Tavington rushed to the scene. There were signs of a struggle and a lady's shoe in the mud.
Tavington leaned over him as he recovered. "Which way did the men go?" He asked coldly.
"I don't know Colonel. I just saw some boys come from the trees and grab Mrs. Bordon. They hit me in the head and here I am."
Tavington could see he was telling the truth. Sighing he rose. Bordon walked into the trees and found horse prints and Amanda's second shoe. There was also a note. He brought both to Tavington.
"Rebels." The Colonel spat.
Bordon took the note and read it.
ATTENTION GREEN DRAGOONS
YOU WILL PAY DEARLY FOR THE MURDER OF AN INNOCENT BOY. THUS WE TAKE YOUR SISTER TAVINGTON. IF YOU HOPE TO SEE HER AGAIN, STOP YOUR ATTACKS ON CIVILIANS.
LONG LIVE AMERICA AND LIBERTY
Bordon looked at Tavington. "There is no ransom demand for her." He said worried.
"All the more reason we must find her." Tavington said trying to control his panic. It was his fault that he put Amanda in such a position. He had to find her before the rebels did her in. Visions of her being raped to death, beaten, or shot flashed across his eyes.
He turned to Cornwallis who was not far off. "Sir." He came forward. "I will need a patrol of infantry." He said. "And about thirty Dragoons."
"Of course. Use whatever you need Colonel. I do not doubt you want her home safely."