They had two entire days for themselves and they made the best of it; talking and making love. It was just as if they never parted. They were now getting ready for the dinner Charlotte's father, General Cornwallis, had organized for her to meet others wives. She was nervous, meeting new people for the first time, but it was a good idea.
Tavington was holding her in his arms and was trying to kiss her neck as she was trying to finish putting her hair up.
"Oh William, love, give me a minute to finish my bun, we'll be late for dinner," she said laughing.
"I don't care about those other officer's families. All I want is you, Lily. Our two days are over and I'll be leaving for a patrol tomorrow. I want to enjoy every minute with you," he sighed, not letting her out of his embrace.
"I know, me too. I'm sure it'll be a good evening. Are you ready?"
He turned around and put his jacket on. No need for sword and pistols for this evening. She pinned her last strand of hair up, and they were out. They were the last one to reach the ball room, which had a big table on the other end, ready for 12 people. General Cornwallis walked to greet the couple.
"Ah, let me present to you my daughter Charlotte," the proud father said, smiling.
"Lady Charlotte Tavington" the colonel corrected.
He went on to present three generals, one colonel, and their wives. She only knew General O'Hara, her father's friend, and unfortunately could not remember the names of the other guests. She held on to her husband arm while taking a glass of white wine. Colonel was quiet; he never truly enjoyed social outing, but he knew his wife had to meet friends since he would be gone most days.
Soon, the meal was served and everyone took their place. Charlotte was placed between her father at the end of the table and her husband. She felt it was quite representative of her situation; squeeze between the two men. They used to get along quite well before the war, in England. Her father would have never giving him her hand otherwise. Something changed, but she could not put her finger on it. She felt tension between the men. They were both her family, but her loyalty should be to her husband. She felt torn; her father was always there for her since the death of her mother. He was understanding and quite protective of his only daughter.
Cornwallis looked at his daughter; he was so proud of the woman she became. She was educated, could discuss any topic and spoke perfectly french. She was a musician, playing the pianoforte like no other, would enjoy literature and visit art galleries. It was hard to believe she was married to him. The Butcher. The general could not wrap his mind around it since O'Hara broke this news. When he saw the look in her eyes while she looked at Tavington, he could swear he hadn't told her anything yet. But she would learn it soon enough, probably by those women sitting at this very table. They seemed keen on gossip. /span/p
The dinner was over and the men retired to the office for one last glass of bourbon. The women gathered in the living room. Charlotte and her husband concluded to have only one drink before getting back to the bedroom. He kissed her cheek just before letting her join the wives.
She entered the room and the women were laughing. She enquired as to what was so funny.
"Oh my dear Charlotte, you had to be there to understand it. Anyway, we are so glad to have you here. We always like to have some british aristocracy around here," Margaret said.
"Well, thank you for you warm welcome tonight. I am glad to be reunited with my husband," Charlotte answered.
"Exactly, let talk about your husband for a moment. You two look absolutely dashing together. What lovely children you will have, with blue eyes inevitably. I never picture Colonel Tavington having a wife. He surprised me tonight." Margaret added.
"What do you mean by that?" Charlotte asked
"Elizabeth, how was your trip to the city yesterday?" Margaret changed rapidly the topic of conversation, as Charlotte was tempted to roll her eyes to the woman.
Charlotte surely didn't like the woman. She would question her again later, but for now, all she was thinking is how fast she could drink this glass to retire from them. She looked at the open door, and saw Tavington silhouette in the hallway. She finished her glass and excused herself, putting the blame on the tiredness of her recent travel.
The couple met at the bottom of the staircase. She went on the first stair but he caught her hand to spin her around. Standing on this step, she was the same height as him and he always enjoyed to kiss her like this. After a quick, but passionate kiss, they almost run to their bedroom to find each other's body.