(Col. Tavington's Point of View)
"Really, a ball, at this time?!"
"Sir, we have had knowledge of it well in advance," Bordon replied, polishing the toes of his boots.
"And that makes it less awful, I suppose?"
"I don't see why you're so bothered; you, at least, won't have to be embarrassed without a lady on your arm. Though I'm surprised Sidney isn't attending."
"She bored me in bed," I replied crassly.
Bordon's cheeks reddened.
"You know, if you weren't so high-reaching-"
"Captain, I will have her."
Bordon scoffed.
"Really, Will, I would love to see you try. You might steal a kiss, but no more. Besides, she's the general's wife. Not mistress, wife."
"Makes it even more exciting," I answered with a caustic smile. "It's not as complicated as it seems. Really, she's like an abandoned fawn."
"Colonel, she's a lady!" Capt. Bordon hissed.
I ignored him and pondered a moment before saying, "I'll wager I can get her this evening."
"No, I believe I shall decline," the captain stated with an air of disgust.
"Do loosen up, Captain; you're spoiling the fun," I rolled my eyes.
"With respect, Sir, someone needs to be around to drag your cagey, drunk arse home when this is over."
I arrived tardy to the ball that evening; a delay at camp had disrupted my timing. Thankfully, I was not needed for a meeting, but the lord general saw fit to call me on my lateness.
"Colonel, the festivities began fifteen minutes ago," Cornwallis addressed with a scold.
"Supplies were late at camp, milord."
"Then perhaps you should have had one of your captains oversee the matter, hm?"
I sucked in a breath.
"Yes, milord."
Anxious to get away, I weaved in and out of the crowds, making myself invisible among the masses. There were women in fine, imported dresses dotting the courtyard; their strong perfume made me nauseous.
"Well, I've let my presence be known," I said to myself, and headed back to the fort.
Walking to an empty room, I sat down in an oversized chair, glad to be away from people; I was almost to a state of light sleep when a familiar pair of clumsy footsteps sounded nearby and Braden stepped into the doorway. Glaring incessantly at me, he made a furious buzzing noise with his lips.
"Yes, that's right, you little heathen."
I buzzed back at him.
Braden giggled, his face breaking into a delighted smile, showing a row of gums and new baby teeth.
"Oh no, you weren't supposed to like that."
The boy screamed ecstatically and rushed toward me, slipping on the floor and landing with a thump on his backside.
Bloody hell, I thought, shrinking inwardly as Braden's mouth curled into a grimace.
"Not now; don't cry…" I spoke awkwardly, giving him an uncomfortable stare.
The boy began to blubber, warbling to me with outstretched arms.
So, he wants me to pick him up…good…
"All right, here you go." I moved to pick Braden up, yet no sooner did I have Braden in my arms then he began to cry and his face turned red.
"Easy…" I tried to coax. "You'll be all right."
Braden continued to wail and struggled against me.
"Really, it isn't that awful; I've done nothing to you." I spoke in irritation, but the boy refused to settle.
With a sigh, I resigned to rocking him. It took a few minutes, but he stilled.
Finally, the thing has worn out!
I was more than ready to celebrate this small personal achievement when there was a disturbing bodily sound, followed by the smell of rotten eggs.
"Oh god, no you didn't!" I hissed, nearly prying him off me.
Braden was sound asleep against my shoulder. I had every intention of waking the cretin up but I did not fancy seeing him pitch a fit.
Enduring the stench, I managed to check him and found that he only had a little gas.
"Lucky sprite you are," I murmured into his sleeping ear.
Braden sighed and turned his head, burying under my chin. Never one for compassionate cuddling, I was at a loss for what to do. I couldn't prise him off, but having him so near put me in a realm of responsibility that I was less than eager to take.
"William?"
I left my state of reverie and looked over to see Kezia standing in the doorway. Her hazel eyes reflected gentility over an otherwise unreadable expression.
"Good, you're here-"
"Hush," Kezia put a finger to her lips. "I'm sorry; her ran off on me."
I scoffed but Kezia ignored the gesture as she took Braden from my arms. The boy blinked and awakened briefly before tucking into his mother. Kezia turned to leave but paused just outside the door.
"He does like you."
"I cannot." I replied instinctively.
"It would ruin your career." She said icily.
"It would." I answered in a cold voice.
Kezia shook her head and left. Rage bubbled within me.
"You wouldn't even give me the chance!" I howled.
There was no reply.
"Fine. I want nothing with that brat anyway."
Striding to a corner of the room, I stood idly, the silence crushing me with oppressive force. I left the room.
"Something satisfying, not too strong…"
As I passed by a washroom, I heard a horrible noise come from within. Someone was vomiting. Thinking it was one of my own men, I groaned and wrenched open the door.
"I said not to overdo yourself-"
Mary sat leaning heavily over a bucket, hair damp with sweat, shaking and pale.
"We really must stop meeting in situations like this."
She did not reply but heaved into the bucket.
"Where is your husband?"
"He is out," she replied after collecting herself.
"He shouldn't be."
"It's his duty."
"I suppose…"
Mary said nothing but looked as if she would be sick once more.
"Go. Leave," she spoke in a strained voice.
"You look like death."
"It isn't that bad; now go!" she ordered before retching horribly; her petite form quivered. "Get out! I don't want you watching me!"
"Stubborn-"
I didn't have time to finish; Mary had grabbed a nearby brush and hurled it at my shoulder, hitting a recent cut wound I had sustained while on patrol.
"Damn you!" I hissed.
Mary, looking like a crazed, sickly creature, reached for another object, a tiny, child-sized footstool.
"Fine, I'll leave. Some lady you are, flinging things madly about…"
I closed the door behind me and rubbed my shoulder, wincing as sharp pain coursed through. It was a shallow wound and hadn't needed stitching but was still tender. Looking angrily at the door, I decided to wait.
Five minutes passed, then ten. The heaving had stopped but Mary had made no sound to leave. I began to tap my foot impatiently.
"Really, woman!" I growled.
There was a sickened moan from behind the door and I forced my way in.
Mary was gripping the bucket with one hand, knuckles white, and had the other placed over her middle.
"I am through with this! But I feel so miserable." She spoke, closing her eyes.
"Would you like me to fetch the general?"
"No, I've had this before. He shouldn't be fretting right now."
"Then let me help you to your room." I said, hoping we wouldn't cross gossipers along the way.
Mary took a minute to gather herself and then allowed me to guide her back to her room, where I helped her into bed.
"You need water."
"Later."
"Be sure that you get it then." I replied before taking my leave.
"Colonel?"
"Yes?"
Thank you."
"You're….welcome."
Mary smiled, rubbing her belly absentmindedly.
"Kicking?"
"A little."
"May I?"
Mary grinned girlishly and motioned for me to come over.
"Right here."
Three little pulses hit the middle of my palm.
"Astounding," I whispered.
"I already love them, regardless..." Mary murmured wistfully.
"Of course," I replied barely above a breath; leaning closer to her, I brushed a kiss upon her forehead before ghosting my lips upon hers. She still tasted sweet, but edged with a finer depth.
Mary tensed at the gesture and I pulled away.
"It was my advance. You have done nothing wrong." I spoke. "Good night, Missus O'Hara."
