(This fanfic is about the film The Patriot, but for this fanfic to work I have changed a few facts. Firstly, Colonel William Tavington does not die. Secondly, Ben Martin does. Thirdly, and this is the largest difference, the Americans do not win the way and so their country remains in England's clutches of control. So, if you're going to read this fanfic bear in mind these three facts. Now, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. It's not very good though as unfortunately the plot is mine.

Also I do not own The Patriot or the characters within it, just so y'all know.)

Chapter Fourteen

That morning Susan ate her breakfast with William in his room, instead of alone in her own bedroom. She was grateful he allowed her to stay. He ate a lot better than she did. Together they dined on bacon, eggs and porridge. It was delicious. She was used to having porridge alone in her own room.

After eating, Susan had left to go bathe and get changed. When she returned to William's room half an hour later, she was surprised to find him dressed as well as up and out of bed.

"William!" She scolded him as she stormed over in a motherly fashion. "You should by lying down, not standing up. You're not well enough."

"I am well enough. The doctor visited whilst you were bathing. The doctor said I was allowed out of bed now, and seems I've been in bed for the majority of the last few weeks, I felt like a walk to stretch my legs. Care to join me?" William held out an arm for Susan to take, which she did graciously.

Together they left the house and wandered the gardens, admired the scenery and had wonderful conversations for a few hours until it was lunch time and they were called inside. After eating though they had to return to the gardens, as it was so splendidly beautiful outside they couldn't resist. So for several more hours they walked around, sat and talked, and looked at many amazing plants and views. Then they came across a small courtyard with a fountain in the middle, and wonderful rosebushes surrounding them. William led Susan over to a stone bench beside the fountain and sat her down. He sat beside her, turned to her and held her hand in his. His eyes traced her beautifully sculpted face as he began to speak, but after a few sentences his eyes left hers and fell upon their conjoined hands.

"My dear sweet thoughtful Susan. I treasure the memories of the last few weeks. Having this injury brought us closer together, so for that I am thankful to you. But now, I have to confess. I've had strong feelings for you for a long time, ever since you were a child. It wasn't love, no, not love, as that would be wrong for a man to love a child, but it was something else. An infatuation or something. Oh, I don't know. All I knew was I would return when you were older and win your heart. I had to do this because I knew you would be a wonderful wife," His eyes traced her beautifully sculpted face as he began to speak, but after a few sentences his eyes left hers and fell upon their conjoined hands. "So, I came to your house, as you know. From there it went downhill. You hated me for what I did to you, so you ran away. In anger, I caused you more pain, for which I am terribly sorry. Then you took revenge. That revengeful act resulted in this friendship. This friendship, which I have to admit, for me, has turned to love. I love you have loved you, still love you, and will love you always. I had to confess. I'm sorry." William finished his little speech to Susan. Tears were streaming down his face onto his lap. Susan saw him cry and cried with him. He was repentful, truly sorry for what he'd done, and he loved her. And she loved him.