Oh God...What's to become of me... I thought to myself as I left the doctor's office.
"Did he tell you that you really were sick?" asked colonel Tavington in a sarcastic tone as he sat in a chair on the other side of the hall.
"Something to that effect." I replied distantly.
"What did he say?"
"Nothing! It's none of your concern! It's not like you ever cared anyway!" I exclaimed suddenly as I ran up the stairs, into my room, slamming and locking the door behind me.
(Tavington's POV)
I was slightly surprised at Miss Tarleton's outburst, but instead of following her to her room, I stayed behind to give her some time to cool down.
Poor girl... I thought, unable to form the rest of my thoughts into something plausible.
See, you do care! a jeering voice within me seemed to scream.
No, I don't!
Yes, you do, you egotistical bastard!
I sighed in frustration and stalked away to my quarters to go change, and perhaps, escape momentarily from reality...
It wasn't until late that evening, at around half past ten, that I saw Catherine again. She hadn't come out of her room all day, and although I obviously didn't like to admit it, I was growing a bit concerned, so, being as I still had the key to her quarters, I unlocked the door and went in.
Catherine lay in a heap on the floor, crying, her eyes puffy and red as tears continued to fall from them.
"Why! Why does it have to be this way! I'm ruined! Who will want me now?" she cried softly.
"Catherine, what happened? What is the matter?" I asked before I could stop myself.
Catherine shook her head and continued to cry in response.
"Catherine please..."
"I hate you! Don't you understand; I hate you!" she burst with sudden viciousness, pounding her small fists as hard as she could against my chest.
My eyes widened in surprise and I jerked my head back just in time as one of her fists nearly collided with the side of my face; quickly I grabbed both of her arms and held them fast until she ceased to struggle against me. Then, when I was sure she wouldn't try fighting me again, I let go of her arms, and she collapsed against me, her body wracked with sobs. Not quite knowing what to do, I slowly and tentatively wrapped my arms around her, trying to comfort her.
"I'm ruined... " Catherine sobbed quietly.
Something about this made me want to tighten my hold, but when I tried, she flinched horribly.
What has happened to her?
Relaxing my grip on her, I continued to hold Catherine until she finally exhausted herself into sleep. Carefully gathering her in my arms, I gently lay her on her bed, kissing her forehead softly, and left the room, closing the door soundlessly behind me.