Chapter 92 - Mrs. Lilly Merry:
Mid September - Fresh Water Plantation
The sun shone overhead but as it was two weeks into Autumn, it was not as searing as it once had been. Bordon would even call it pleasant, now. It hadn't been shining for long enough to dry the ground though; the paths were a churned up mess from the rain during the night. Mud coated the skirts of the camp followers, dragging garments down, making them heavier. It caked the boots of the soldiers, one could not walk easily in that slop.
Richard's task was finished. He'd called three different units to muster for a surprise inspection. It was time to return to the house, where he would sit with the other Officers, with a glass of brandy in one hand and his pipe in the other. That was what passed for bliss for him these days, he enjoyed those simple things, his blessings were so few and far between.
Tipping his helmet to a camp follower - a doxy he'd bedded once or twice what seemed like a lifetime ago - he continued on down the path. More drudges filed past him, but one woman was heading the opposite direction, and there was something about her that struck him. Something familiar. The girl glanced over her shoulder, and in that brief moment, Richard saw her face.
Linda Stokes.
Jesus fucking Christ. Her auburn hair was coloured black, but still. He'd recognise her anywhere. He'd screwed her a time or two himself, back in that other life. Of course he'd recognise her. Not seeing him, she turned back and continued to walk up the churned up path. Bordon followed her. The area was familiar, Harmony had shared a tent with her husband here not that long ago. The tent was still there, and Bordon stared at it, though he knew it would be housing someone else by now. He couldn't help but stare at it with longing, he used to visit Harmony there, when her husband was gone. And when he was not, Harmony would tell Farshaw that she was visiting Mrs. Andrews and Miss Cordell, only to meet Richard in Mrs. Merry's tent, further along the avenue.
He had to push the memories away for they were too painful, and because he was following Miss Linda Stokes. He saw her up ahead of him and he quickened his stride, closing the distance just as she ducked into one of the tents. He frowned, for he was certain that was the one Harmony used to take him too, so they could be alone. As painful as if was to enter the hallowed ground of their lovemaking, Bordon lifted the tent flap and strode in after Linda.
Linda whirled around, she was alone in Mrs. Merry's tent, but appeared to be acting like it was hers.
Everything clicked together and Richard said, "you're Mrs. Merry." Coming face to face with Bordon, Linda drew in a sharp breath of dismay. Richard, however, was now staring down at her increasing stomach. "And you're pregnant," he breathed, reeling. Slowly, he lifted his gaze and met her eyes. "Is it William's?"
"Sweet Lord above," Linda swayed. Her hand went protectively to her stomach. "Yes and yes, Major. It's William's."
"Does he know?" Richard asked, voice going up an octave. "I can't believe he didn't tell me! You're pregnant and in camp - Lord, he hasn't been coming down here to see you has he? He isn't…"
"No, he is not unfaithful," Linda said bitterly, eyes brimming tears. "He doesn't even know I'm here."
"How…" Richard was staring at her, utterly incredulous. "We went to that house, Harm and I. You were gone - the woman said some fellow came to visit you a few times and on one of those occasions, you left with him. The fellow - he was a soldier. I thought he had deserted, and taken you with him! Is he here too, then?"
"Yes, he is," Linda began moving around the tent, folding clothes and packing them away, tidying. "He wants me to marry him. He's a good sort," she shrugged, "I suppose. But he's no William," this last was whispered and finally, the tears spilled over.
"Here, sit down and tell me," Richard curled his fingers around her arm and guided her to the only stool. He remained standing.
"He left me," Linda whispered, forlorn. "I knew he'd marry her, but he promised he'd stay with me too! I'd be his mistress, he said. Christ I love him so much. It hurts, so much. How could he make those promises and then just… leave me? How could he expect that I'd stay away from him? As if I ever could!"
"Oh, I see," Richard nodded, pondering. "That's why you returned…"
"He's going to need me soon," Linda predicted, voice feverish. "That stupid chit can't keep him happy forever. I doubt she's giving him any pleasure. She'll be too priggish to take him into her mouth - she wouldn't kneel on the floor, she wouldn't sully her skirts!"
"All right!" Richard held up one hand, he did not need any more of that sort of talk. "Linda, I am sorry that you're in pain, but you must believe me when I tell you that Colonel Tavington is contently married. I know he made promises, but when you love some body…" He trailed off, thinking of Harmony. "If you love deeply, then only that person can fill that void."
"Don't I know it? That's why I haven't taken Private Cox up on his offer of marriage. I couldn't be with anyone but William."
"But that's just it," Richard argued. Marriage? Jesus, this old whore had been offered a proper life and respectability, and she'd turned it away? Keeping this thought to himself for now, he continued, "William has found the woman he loves and as I said, he'll not stray from her."
"Give it time," Linda curled her lip. She dabbed at her eyes. "Have you seen her? Stalking about here like she owns the place -"
"Well, her family does own it…" He said but was ignored.
"Making all the other camp followers like her. She bribes them, that's why they like her. She comes down with blankets and food and smiles and says kind words but it's all a lie. I see right through the bitch, I do."
"You've spoken to her?" Richard asked, alarmed.
"She doesn't know who I am if that's what you're worried about, and I've a few friends in camp, and they will not tell. They worry about me, being all alone and raising a child, so they won't tell Mrs. Tavington a damned thing," Linda spat the name like it was a curse. "In case she demands William send me away. When she came down here with her stupid book, taking all the names of the women and asking what we do and how best she can help… Ech, she makes my stomach churn. Anyway, as you have already guessed, I gave a different name. I'm now the pregnant widow, Mrs. Lilly Merry, though there's nothing fucking merry about me! Not without William."
"Sweet Lord," Richard rubbed at the bristles on his cheek. "All those times Harm bought me here… She kept saying we could trust Mrs. Merry implicitly and I realise that is the case. But I can't believe she didn't tell me the truth."
"I begged her not too," Linda shrugged.
"Linda, there's nothing for you here. Either marry that fellow who wants you, or leave. You need to forget William, he won't take you back. If he learns your here…" He shook his head. "The whole reason he sent you away was out of respect for his wife. This is her home, Linda."
"And I sully it with my presence?" Linda shot back, offended. Richard's silence was reply enough. After a moments anguish, she pleaded, "don't tell him. Please, Major. Just let me stay here. He's going to need me one day, and I need to be close by when he does. I pull my weight. I do chores, just like the other women. I don't eat any more than those others. I'm not a burden to no one. There's no need to tell him…"
"Of course there is," Richard sighed. "He'd have my hide if he found out I knew where you were and didn't tell him. He has been worried, you know. You just disappeared, of course he was worried about you. And then there's the money he promised you… You know, it would serve as a good enough dowry for this soldier of yours…"
"I'm not marrying him," Linda shrugged. "If you tell William… God. What if he sends me away again? Please, Major. I need to be close by! I might not be able to be with him at the moment, but at least I can see him walking about camp most days! Those glimpses of him are all I have, they've stopped me from going mad!"
"I know the feeling," Richard said, thinking of his own troubles. With Harmony living on the next plantation over, he was denied even that much! "Harmony is wretched, Linda. Why haven't you visited her? You must know some of what she's been through - you would have heard the rumours. And she has been worried sick about you, she'll want to know you're alright."
"Who says I haven't been to see her?" Linda asked, arching an eyebrow.
"You…"
"I go to the Ferguson House regularly. Well, Mrs. Merry does anyway. I have to be careful because that fucking bitch goes to see her as well, and I don't want to be there when she shows up. Harmony is wretched, like you said, but she's getting through each day. Which is more than I'll be doing, if you tell William I'm here. He'll send me away again and I don't know what I'll do, then. Please, won't you please keep my secret, Major?" She pleaded, wringing her hands.
"I am sorry, Linda, but I can not. You're going to bear his child!" There were other reasons, as well. Yes, William was a friend, but he was also Richard's Commander, his Superior. He could not keep secrets such as this from him. Richard was not above withholding information from his Superiors but it would have to be of far more import and for a far more worthy cause, than Linda Stokes. "I can't keep any of this from him."
With a sullen sigh, Linda hung her head.
The duties of a camp follower were never ending. Usually, it entailing the caring of a group of ten or fifteen men, cooking and cleaning, sewing for them. At times, she was required to assist in the medical tents, or to carry messages from one section of camp to another, if no Private was available. It was late afternoon now and Linda was on her way back from visiting Private Cox. She could have served his unit where she would be close to him, but she preferred to be reside Mrs. Andrews and Miss Cordell, both for their friendship and because they were situated closer to the Great House and William. Besides, she didn't want to encourage Cox more than she should - she went to him twice weekly, more out of duty than anything. And because Mrs. Andrews said she should. Mrs. Andrews thought Linda was a damned fool, for not taking up Cox's offer of marriage. Perhaps she was right, perhaps Linda was a very great fool. Still, she couldn't bring herself to accept him. Not when, with that accepting, all her hope of being with William again would be dust. Just look at Harmony, who'd been so close to marrying her man. Only for her worthless husband to show up and ruin everything. Still, if Calvin Farshaw had died, for true this time, Harmony and Richard could still have been together. But now Richard was married also, further narrowing the slim hope for their future until it was dust. Linda wasn't going to make that mistake, no sir. When Tavington was finally free of his wife, Linda intended to be available to him.
Besides, he was going to need her soon, she'd meant what she said to Richard Bordon. She felt it in her bones.
As she walked along, Linda realised too late that she'd taken the wrong path and was now about to walk through the section of camp where Mrs. Salisbury was quartered. She stopped dead in the middle of the avenue, her eyes searching for the horrid woman. If Mrs. Salisbury saw her, she'd likely tell Mrs. Tavington, just to curry favour with the new Matron of camp followers. And Mrs. Tavington would raise hell, she'd ensure Linda was booted from camp, for certain.
She was about to turn on her heel, when she saw a caped woman approaching Mrs. Salisbury. The woman had her face hidden deep within her cowl but as Linda was facing her and as the late afternoon sun was slanting in her direction, Linda saw her face. To her horror, she recognised Mrs. Emily Wilkins. Now there was a person who would definitely tell Beth Tavington, should she see Linda there. This time, she turned on her heel and did not stop walking until she was behind a tent, where she turned to peer back at the pair. They were talking now, neither of them had seen her, thank goodness. They were thoroughly unaware that they had someone watching them, though the still hooded Emily did keep casting her gaze about, as if worried she was going to be seen.
That they were up to no good was without a doubt. Though she feared being caught back in camp by these two women - especially Emily - she stayed where she was, watching to see what the hell was going on. .
As Linda watched, Emily pulled a purse out of a pocket and she dropped a few coins into Mrs. Salisbury's hand, before disappearing into the woman's tent. Still outside the tent, Mrs. Salisbury counted the coins before pocketing them and then striding away.
What the devil? It seemed to Linda that Emily Wilkins was paying Salisbury for the use of her tent. But to what purpose? Mrs. Salisbury was still walking away, Linda watched the woman until she turned a corner and disappeared from view. Emily Wilkins though, she was still in the tent and Linda was dying to know why. Curiosity taking over her need to not be seen by either woman, Linda strode boldly up to the tent. No scurrying or lurking that would alert the casual observer that she was someplace she shouldn't be. Careful of the guide ropes, she made her way down the side of the tent to the rear of it; she could hear Emily talking so Linda knew she was not alone. Remembering the time she and Harmony had followed Emily in the dark of night, and considering Emily had paid for the use of this tent, Linda strongly suspected that Emily had taken another lover. They had heard her with an Officer that night, the damned trollop. And Linda could hear her now.
Fortuitously, there was a basket filled with wet washing, waiting to be hung on the line. Picking up a shirt from the basket, she began pegging it to the clothes line. If any of the soldiers questioned her, she'd tell them she was helping Mrs. Salisbury. But in truth, there was no reason for anyone to question her. She positioned herself close enough to hear the goings on inside the tent.
"…the poor dear is dreadfully ill, she has been for the last few days. It's much more than her pregnancy, it could be yellow fever. I do hope not. Bordon has been sharing a room with Brownlow. I joked with Mrs. Bordon, I said at least her husband is sleeping elsewhere now, leaving her in peace. She even smiled, when I said it, but I'm so worried for her, she is dreadfully ill. She really doesn't want him anywhere near her. And he her, I believe. Like my husband, Major Bordon takes any opportunity he can to be away from the Plantation. Which is wonderful for me, because I get to be here with you. And it's wonderful for Mrs. Bordon, too, for when he's away, she doesn't have to share his bed then, either."
"You told me she was refusin' to fuck him," the fellow said. Linda frowned, surprised by the coarse speech. It didn't bother her, such language, but why the hell was up-her-own-arse Emily Wilkins bothering herself with this sort? Linda pricked her ears, she focused until all the surrounding noise faded to the background, so she could concentrate better on what was being said in the tent, for Harmony would want to hear this. She was distraught enough that her man had married elsewhere, but she was tormenting herself with fear that he was bedding his wife, when he promised he never would. And Linda also wanted to know who the fellow was, why should he care about gossip from the Great House? Perhaps he was just indulging Emily, getting the preliminaries out of the way before he was able to fuck her?
"Oh, yes, she's refusing to bed him alright, though I don't think he's bothered to try, either. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, it was a good few months before James came back to my bed after our first time and Cilla and Bordon have only been married a month. Still, Cilla is far more content when he isn't here, she has the bed to herself and feels far more comfortable when he's not around. When he's there, she is so much more… guarded… than when he is not. I feel quite dreadfully for her."
"The fuckin' prick should do her a favour and go live in the cabin he set up to fuck Harmony in," the male voice said and Linda paused, shocked, curiosity building. "I know Mrs. Bordon prefers that he don't touch her, but I'd prefer it if he was fuckin' her. Or anyone else."
"Well, he can't, for that cabin is in use by someone else now. But you don't need to worry, Cal. There's no way possible he'll ever be able to start an affair with her again."
Linda's eyes bulged. Lieutenant Calvin Farshaw! The man in the tent was Lieutenant Calvin Farshaw! Hell, Emily was bedding Harmony's husband? Her arms raised to the clothes line, Linda's fingers froze on the peg. What was Emily about, having an affair with Farshaw? How could such a thing even begin? And why?
"Yeh, maybe. You two have become real close, haven't you? You and Mrs. Bordon?"
"Oh yes, and I'm quite worried for her, because she's quite ill at the moment. She hasn't risen from her bed for two days now; I do hope it's not that horrid illness that has corrupted Cornwallis' men - I'm loath to say it, but I worry that perhaps he bought that awful illness with him. As for closeness, I think Cilla and I are even closer than Cilla is to Beth now. They get along grandly enough now, as long as they don't mention her. But it's still strained, you know? Your bitch of a wife will always be between them, unless Beth finally chooses. But with Cilla and I, well, we don't have anything putting a strain on us. She confides in me and I in her. Well, not about you and I, of course," she giggled. "Though she does know I have taken lovers in the past. And she suspects I have one now, I think. But she hasn't asked me outright."
"Does she talk about her prick husband? Does she know if he's ever tried to make contact with Harmony?"
"No, she hasn't said anything like that, and she would tell me, if she did know. And I'd tell you straight away, the same as I did last time. No, Cal, I really don't think you have anything to worry about there. It's over between Bordon and Mrs. Farshaw." There was a momentary pause, then said with what Linda perceived to be forced lightness. "You're getting me a little worried, darling, with you asking all these questions about Cilla's husband and your wife."
"Jealous, aye?" Farshaw sounded amused. "Em, I don't give a fuck about Harmony. I just don't want to be embarrassed by them fucking again, you understand? I don't want to be the last to know, I don't want to be the fuckin' butt of the joke again."
"Oh, Cal," Emily said, sounding soothing. There was the sound of tender kissing, that went on for some time. Linda continued to put the clothes on the line, though she was working slowly, she was still only on her third shirt by now. Finally the sound ceased and the talk began again. "I was right, by the way. While Cilla hasn't confided her pregnancy to me, she's most certainly with child. Vickie, her maid, told me that Cilla has never had her menses since she came to Fresh Water, and she's been sick every morning, from that day. She's proper sick now, with chills and fevers and the like, but she was pregnancy sick before that, I'm certain of it."
"She's your dearest friend in the world, and yet you gossip about her to her maid?" Calvin laughed - it sounded fond.
"I know, I'm dreadful. But I can't help myself," Emily giggled. "But it confirms what I thought, Cal. Cilla was pregnant before coming to Fresh Water. It's why she had to marry Bordon, he got her pregnant back in the city."
"They were married a month ago," Calvin reasoned. "How do you know she wasn't pregnant from their wedding night?"
"Because she was already showing signs of being sick every day, from the first day she got here," Emily said. "Even if she fell pregnant on their wedding night, she wouldn't be sick after only a few days, Cal."
"No? But Mrs. Andrews said a women can be sick from the very first day of pregnancy," he said and Linda felt a sense of foreboding. She knew Mrs. Andrews had lied to Calvin about many things concerning Harmony's pregnancy, in order to make him believe she was not as far along as she actually was. If Emily said something to make him question that…
"Mrs. Andrews said that? I wouldn't have thought so, but I've never been pregnant so…" Emily trailed off.
"You think she could be mistaken?"
"I'm not saying anything," Emily said, sounding innocent.
"She had her menses, remember?"
"Yes, you told me," Emily said.
"But you're thinkin' something ain't right anyway?" He asked and Linda only heard silence, though she had the feeling that Emily had nodded, for Calvin continued as if she'd answered. "Em, you hate her. You fuckin' despise her, you proved that the day you sent Mrs. Salisbury to warn me about them. You were right then, but this time are you sure you ain't jumpin' at shadows, 'cause of you hatin' her?"
"Maybe," Emily said. "Maybe I just don't want it to be yours, maybe I'm just jealous that she's pregnant with your baby and I'm not."
"Maybe we should do something about then then, aye?" He asked and Emily laughed. The kissing resumed and Linda knew there would be very little talk now, they were going to get down to the business of rutting. She dropped all pretence with the clothes, she simply turned her back on the basket and walked away. Keeping a careful eye out for Mrs. Salisbury, she left that dangerous section of camp and began the long walk straight to the Ferguson house.
Linda closed the door behind her, then turned to face Harmony.
"Harm, you have to get out of here. Right fucking now." Linda even began picking up Harmony's belongings, ready to pack them for her.
"What's happened?" Harmony asked, her eyes widening.
"Calvin's mistress is Emily Wilkins," Linda said, laying it all out to an astonished and now frightened Harmony. "I don't know how or why. But I heard them together, they're like two peas in a pod. The good news is, Major Bordon isn't lying to you in those letters of his, he isn't have relations with his wife."
"Thank God," Harmony breathed. "How do you know that though?"
"Because they were talking about it, Harm. Because - and here is the bad news - Mrs. Wilkins and Mrs. Bordon have become stupendous and fast friends who confide to each other about just about everything. And didn't you tell me once that Mrs. Bordon knows that the baby you're carrying is Bordon's, and not your husband's?"
Harmony sat heavily to the bed, her hands on her stomach. She looked ready to vomit. "Yes, she knows the truth."
"So how long before she tells Emily, aye?" Linda asked.
"I don't… I don't know… I don't think she would…"
"Oh of course, because the two of you and stupendous and fast friends too, aren't you?" Linda scoffed. "Harm, Mrs. Bordon knows the truth. And Emily, who bares you no love at all, is suspicious that the baby isn't your husband's. Or at least, she's hopeful that it isn't."
"She said that? To Calvin?" Harmony squeaked.
"She said that, to Calvin. She thinks Mrs. Bordon was pregnant before she married Bordon, that they had an affair back in the city. She said Mrs. Bordon has been sick, ever since she arrived here. Calvin said 'but Mrs. Andrews said you can be sick from your first day of pregnancy', which is what Mrs. Andrews and you want him to believe, yes?" - Harmony nodded, white faced. - "To which Emily replied, 'i don't think so.'"
"Oh, dear Lord."
"He asked her if he thought something was wrong - as in, if he'd been lied too. She said she didn't know, but she was making sure to hint at you already being pregnant before he came back. He said it's his because you had your menses before he got here and that she's just jumpin' at shadows because she hates you. She said maybe she just don't want the child to be his, that'll she's jealous because she wants his get. That's when I left, because he said something about fixing that now and they started rutting. Harm, Emily does hate you. Even if she believes the child to be Farshaw's, she's still a danger to you. She's going to cause trouble, say things to make him suspicious. And if she does speak to Mrs. Bordon about it… If she realises there's a secret to be had and she starts doing a little digging there, she won't hesitate to tell her husband, the moment Bordon's wife tells her."
"Gods, I… you're right, I need to leave. O'Hara said he'd protect me but when Calvin loses his temper, he doesn't see reason, he'll kill the baby and maybe even me too, before O'Hara knows to stop him! He could hold a pillow over my face and they won't even know he's killing me until I'm dead!"
"Yes, there are a hundred ways he could hurt you without drawing attention to himself. Mrs. Salisbury is involved too," Linda said. "Which makes this doubly dangerous. Three women who have reason to despise you, and they are all together in some way or other, through Emily. Emily pays Mrs. Salisbury for the use of her tent, that's where she meets your husband for their little interviews. Oh, and I think Emily is the one who warned Farshaw about your affair with Bordon."
"What?" Harmony breathed.
"Just going by the things they were saying. He asked her if Mrs. Bordon has ever indicated that her husband has tried to make contact with you. She said no, and that if she ever heard otherwise, she'd tell him, 'just like I did last time'."
"Dear God."
"And later, when he was talking about her being suspicious that the baby isn't his. He said it's because she hates you, I guess he means that because of her hatred, her reasoning is clouded. Anyway, he said 'you proved how much you hated her the time you sent Mrs. Salisbury to warn me about them', or something to that effect."
Harmony swallowed hard and nodded mutely. "I think you are right then, it can't mean anything else. Oh, my Lord… That damned bitch. And she's still screwing him, she saw me that night after that beating! I could barely walk, for crying out loud and I was covered in blood and bruises and you'd think that was enough for her but oh, no, she has to go and start sinking her claws into Calvin good and deep!"
"I don't know how long it'll take Emily to work out that the baby isn't his. But as soon as she does, and it's highly likely she will, considering her friendship to Mrs. Bordon, she'll be telling Farshaw right off. Frankly, I'm shocked Mrs. Bordon hasn't told Emily already. I don't know how long they'll be at it, Harm; you need to pack a bag with as much as you can carry, and come with me now."
"Where will I go?" Harmony asked, frantic. "How will I leave the fort? Because that's what I'll need to do. I won't be able to stay here, I can't be where he can find me."
"One step at a time. First, the house. Pack your bag, I'll carry it. When we're in the hall, I'll thank you for the second hand clothes you passing on to me, that'll explain the bag. I'll leave, and in about twenty minutes, you leave as well, and if anyone asks where you're going, you tell them you're visiting Miss Cordell and Mrs. Andrews. You're allowed to do that, aren't you?"
"Yes," Harmony said, nodding. "But Linda," with her hands splayed across her stomach, Harmony fought against the roiling nerves. "Where would I go? To the tents? I can't just change my name and keep my head down like you did. I'm too well known and -"
"You won't be staying here," Linda interrupted, still filling the rucksack as she began outlining the details of her burgeoning plan. "I'll lead you out."
"How?" Harmony gasped.
"I do it all the time," Linda shrugged. "We forage in the woods for herbs and kindling, we snare rabbits, we even head into Pembroke at times. The soldiers on the pickets have no problem with letting me and the other women go through, we usually leave on camp business which means we have passes and an escort of soldiers to protect us. But they've let me go through, without a pass and without an escort. Not often, but I've done it. I'll get you out, Harmony. Trust me.
Linda had nerve… She always had. Harmony nodded slowly, believing her.
"I'll get you to Mrs. Turnbull's before they even know you're missing," Linda vowed. "No one will know where you are, except me. You can send word to Bordon when you're safely snuggled up at Mrs. Turnbull's. Have you got any money?"
Nodding, Harmony pulled the purse from the trunk, her fingers trembled as she handed it to Linda.
"Give me half an hour," Linda said, pocketing the money. "So that no one sees us leave this house together. Shh, Harm, all will be well," Linda grabbed Harmony's quivering fingers, encompassing them with her own, steady hands. She stared up into Harmony's terrified eyes, "you're no coward, so don't start acting like one now. You're doing this, you hear me? No one can protect you, you must protect yourself, just like you did to get away from Sumter. Remember that? How brave you were then? You're in danger again, just like before. Harm, you're not - staying - here." She pronounced each word succinctly and when Harmony finally nodded agreement, she dropped Harmony's hands and quietly left the chamber.
"Ah, young Farshaw," Major Fallows greeted his new clerk. Calvin gave a short bow and closed the door behind him. "What kept you?" The Major demanded somewhat testily as he placed his quill on the desk and leaned back in his chair. By the glow of candlelight flooding the chamber, he studied Calvin. The handsome Lieutenant hid his distaste well; Fallows did like to look at him, even more so now that his bruises had healed. Major Bordon and his comrades had not been gentle, he'd been a mess after his attempt to make off with Harmony. He sported two new scars from that beating, one above his left eyebrow, and the other above his lip. Even still, Fallows had stared. Calvin was becoming increasingly certain that Fallows preferred a nice tight bottom over a slick, hot quim. Backing up so his arse was hard against the wall, and therefore quite safe, he opened his mouth to tell the lie that was ready on his lips.
"It took longer than expected to find Captain DuBose, Sir. And then he made me wait while he read your missive, and then he made me wait longer again while he had his dinner, before replying to it," he said, instead of admitting where he had actually been. He would not tell Fallows he was screwing Captain Wilkins pretty wife. What a wild ride that lass was! Demanding too. He enjoyed that she wanted to fuck every night, but after nearly two months of it, his cock needed a break from it all. Not that he'd ever turn her away, he found he was enjoying her as much as he ever had Chastity Whitney. Emily took his mind off Chastity, he barely thought about his Charlestown mistress anymore. Emily liked to lay in his arms, chatting and snoozing, and then fucking again before returning to the Great House. Their little chats were as enjoyable as the romping was, really. The woman despised her husband and she was always filled with stories about Captain James Wilkins.
As affectionate as he was, he still didn't feel guilty in the slightest for using her to gain information. When she got started complaining about Wilkins, it was an easy thing to divert her, she gave all sorts of interesting information during those chats. No sooner did she leave him, did he slip away to pass on everything he learned, to Jack Statton and Eric Clayton. As deserting was far too risky, the remaining spies were trying to form a new spy ring, within the Legion. The only thing they were lacking, was someone from the Great House who could pass along tidbits to them. But then along came Calvin, and along came Emily Wilkins… Emily, with her tight quim and her loose tongue. Calvin tried to keep the grin from his lips.
"Damned DuBose," Fallows scowled. "Keeping my clerk waiting," again that perusal, that lingering study that made Calvin's skin crawl. "So you weren't off dallying with some pretty girl, hmm?" The Major asked in a voice thick with exaggerated mischief and false amusement. He had that voice down to a fine art, he even managed a twinkle in his eye. To anyone else listening, they would think the Major was being playfully shrewd, as though he would find it quite a riot, to discover his Clerk had been coupling with a woman, when he was meant to be on duty. Calvin knew the Major would be anything but amused, if he discovered Calvin had been with a woman. No, he'd be jealous, not amused.
"No, Sir," he forced a smile, trying for an amiable grin, trying to keep the mood light. Always light. It was a difficult balance, an intricate dance; Fallows wanted Calvin, of that Calvin had no doubt. He could not report Fallows to their superiors, for he hadn't actually done anything and besides, who would believe low life Calvin over a Major? And Calvin knew that Fallows had spoken on his behalf to O'Hara several times, whenever the topic of Calvin returning to Tavington's Legion arose. Christ, if he was forced back there, he'd be dead the next day. Fallows knew it, and he was doing what he could to prevent it. Fallows encouraged O'Hara to allow Calvin to stay, where he was protected. Of course, Calvin did feel the need to protect himself from Fallows, as well.
A difficult balance, an intricate dance. He absolutely did not want to encourage Fallows even slightly, but nor did he want to earn the Major's enmity. He knew where the true danger to him lay - with Major Bordon and Tavington and as Fallows was stopping him from being returned there, he smiled now, grinning for all he was worth. "I'm a married man, Sir," he said. "What sort of husband would I be, if I chased after other skirts?"
"I agree," Fallows lips quirked, tugging up at the corners. "You already have quim; what you're lacking is variety."
"Sir?" Calvin assumed an ignorant expression, as if he did not understand Fallows meaning. Fallows waved the comment away.
Fallows rose from the desk and approached him, and Calvin grew very still. Boldly, Fallows took hold of Calvin's hand to cradle it in his own. Heart pounding, Calvin resisted the urge to snatch his hand from Fallows' grasp. Holding Calvin's gaze, the Major began slowly tugging the glove from Calvin's fingers, the Major wore such a look on his face, as though he were pulling down Calvin's breeches, not peeling off the single glove. The Lieutenant ground his teeth together.
"Your hands," the Major said softly as he cradled Calvin's hand in his and traced Calvin's palm with the tips of his fingers. "Like silk." As though he were imagining that hand stroking his cock. "I recall when you first arrived here," the Major continued. Calvin clenched his fingers shut and pulled back his hand - slowly, because he could not risk offending the Major - out from Fallows' grasp. Calvin had hoped to free himself of the Major's touch but instead, Fallows reached up to trace healing bruises on Calvin's face. The Lieutenant drew a sharp breath, he clenched his fists and resisted the urge to smash one into Fallows' face. Gods, if he retaliated… Calvin swallowed hard, his heart beginning to pound with frustration and fury as he forced himself to stay still under Fallows' touch. The Major smiled warmly. "Does this still hurt?" He asked softly. Gods, he was using the pretence of probing Calvin's wounds as an excuse to touch him.
"No, Sir, I am recovered." Calvin said.
"It feels good then, does it?" Fallows asked. "This gentle touch?"
Calvin knew how he must answer, but he could barely breathe, he could barely form the words Fallow was digging for. He had to force himself, he recalled the balance that must be kept. "Yes, Sir," he said.
Fallows took a step closer, his gaze holding Calvin's, the tip of his finger tracing the scar above Calvin's eye. "And this? Does it feel good?"
"It no longer hurts, Sir."
"That was not what I asked," Fallows chided and again, Calvin swallowed hard. "I thought you would die on me, Lieutenant," Fallows confided, voice soft, eyes lingering. "I believe should O'Hara make the decision to return you to Tavington's Legion this time, you will most certainly be killed there."
The blood drained from Calvin's face and he was suddenly cold all over. "Is there renewed talk of returning me?" He asked, unable to keep the panic from his voice.
"My dear boy, the talk of returning you has never ceased. O'Hara's regiment will not be staying at Fresh Water forever," Fallows said smoothly.
"Yes, but, I am a part of O'Hara's regiment now," Calvin said. "I will be going with him, won't I?" He knew this had never been part of the discussions but he pleaded ignorance now, hoping to plant the seed. He couldn't stay, not if it meant being under Tavington's command, where he would surely be beaten again, or killed. It was better to suffer Fallows' constant flirting and touches, than that.
"O'Hara doesn't like your… rough edges," Fallows confided. "The latest talk is that, now that Bordon is married, O'Hara believes the threat to you to be diminished."
"It's not diminished. They'll kill me if I'm under their command," Calvin said bluntly.
"Yes, I believe that is true," Fallows replied. "However, you should not be so secure of your position here. Perhaps…" Fallows paused, breathing out slowly, as if about to play his gambit. "I have a lot of influence with the General, as you know. It is a patron you need. I could be that for you, for if I were to formally request it, General O'Hara would most certainly allow you to accompany us, despite his… reservations." Fallows reached down and enclosed one hand around Calvin's, giving it a squeeze. "I would not like to consider what might happen to you, if O'Hara releases you to Tavington." His eyes lingered on Calvin's lips, as though he wanted to kiss them. Calvin wondered what he would do, should he try. Five weeks ago, he would have murdered Fallows, higher in rank or not. But now… With the threat of returning to Bordon's command… "Would you like that, Lieutenant? Would you be grateful to me, if I became your patron?"
"I would be grateful, Major," Calvin replied woodenly. Fallows smiled.
"I can help you to… rise… too, should you desire it," Fallows said, insinuating. "Through the ranks, and in… other ways," he gave Calvin's hand one last squeeze. Then he turned Calvin's hand over again, gazed down at his open palm. "With hands this smooth, there really is no excuse for your writing to be so messy. Take your time, my boy. It's never a good idea to rush."
"I'll do my best, Sir," Calvin whispered, sidling along the wall, keeping his backside well and truly away from Fallows' view at all times. "I will begin at once."
"I'll have some food bought to you," Fallows offered. He was staring into Calvin's green eyes. Never had Calvin despised being handsome - he'd always revelled in the good looks His Lord above had granted him - until meeting Fallows, that is.
"That's kind of you, Sir," Calvin said, quickly rounding the desk and taking a seat. He felt much more comfortable now his rump was safely fortressed by the chair. Fallows finally left the chamber and Calvin gave a great shudder, he even gagged. When he was recovered, he dropped his head to the chair back and closed his eyes. He won't force himself on you. He wants you willing, so will try to bribe and beguile. String him along until the Regiment leaves. And then they'll be too far away for them to send you back to Tavington. Calvin thought, trying to calm himself. And maybe when you're away from here, you'll be able to desert…
He gazed down at the letters on the table, left by Fallows for his 'trusted' clerk to copy. And copy, Calvin would. For those Fallows needed to see them, and for those Calvin wanted to. Jack was going to get his share of the information contained in these missives.
The candled burned lower, dinner had come and gone and Calvin's hand was starting to cramp well before midnight. And the stack was only halfway copied, for he'd had to do duplicates of each report and letter. With a stretch and a yawn, he picked up the next sheaf. Harmony was bound to be sleeping soundly by now. He'd calmed somewhat in the last few hours and was having second thoughts about waking her to spite Fallows. The Major would not even know Calvin had fucked his wife, and his cock was so damned sore after Emily riding him earlier… She was the much better lover, perhaps he'd just keep himself for her. He'd got a child on Harmony, he didn't need to fuck her anymore. Still, he found that as sore as he was after their mad coupling, he always recovered by the following evening, and was always ready for another round with Emily. Why bother with Harmony, when it might mean he might not be able to screw Emily? He laughed under his breath as he dipped the quill in the ink. What a stupid thought. Even if his cock was ready to fall off, he'd still stick it in his pretty noblewoman.
Fallows had got his wish, burying Calvin with such a work load. The youth's eyes began to grow heavy, they stung with the need to close. Just a few moments wouldn't hurt…
A tickling sensation on his cheeks caused him to stir. He batted it - whatever it was, a fly perhaps - away, but it continued, like a feather stroking his skin. Calvin cracked one eye open, then yelped like a little girl when he saw that Fallows, feather in hand, was standing over him. Calvin shoved away from the desk, toppling the chair over backward.
"My my, you are a skittish thing," Fallows observed, his eyes lingering on Calvin. "You have a piece of paper stuck to your face," he pointed. Calvin had been so startled to wakefulness, he'd barely noticed the paper clinging to his cheek. He whipped it away with his hand, then stared at Fallows. The Major was sliding the feather between is forefinger and thumb. So. It had not been his imagination, Fallows had been tickling him! Jesus Christ.
The candles had all burned out, sunlight filtered through the curtains. Calvin had fallen asleep at the desk and had been there all night.
"I'm sorry, Sir," he ground out between clenched teeth. "I fell asleep before I could finish."
"Oh, no matter," Fallows said, moving away. Thank the sweet Lord above, he moved away! "Perhaps you should go and freshen up? Return here in an hour and you can continue then."
"Thank you, Sir," Calvin backed away, then strode for the door. His pace quickened until, by the time he reached the door, he was almost running. It was fear that Fallows would haul him face forward over the desk that drove him. Calvin closed the door behind him and he took a moment, leaning back and breathing a sigh of relief. He stalked though the house, and finally entered his room. Harmony was gone. Up and about already, he suspected. She'd become quite the early riser and made every effort to make herself useful to O'Hara's staff. Calvin stepped deeper into the room. He poured chilled water from a ewer into a bowl, he needed to shave. Harmony had tidied, all his kit and bottles were placed exactly in a neat array. It was not until he had finished his shave - after cutting himself twice thanks to trembling hands from bloody Fellows spooking him - that he noticed the lid of her chest was thrown open, and that her belongings were no longer inside it.
Harmony was not up and about already, the damned bitch was gone.