Sorry for not posting more often ! I am on a holiday now. Please let me know what you think by leaving reviews ! Hope you enjoy !
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Two years later, James was Captain in the loyalist militia and felt like he could do his duty toward his beliefs. The British had won over Charles Town and he felt Sarah would be somewhat safe for now. She had spent a lot of time at her parents' Manor, not wanting to be alone since the rebels would still be attacking loyalists' residences.
He was a successful officer although he preferred law. The fact he was known around the region gave him a great advantage; the men under his command would trust him and listen to him. After a victorious raid, the militia was celebrating in a tavern in Charles Town. James was sharing a drink at the officers' table. He was hoping to go back to see his wife he hadn't seen in a week now.
His friend Scott Moore had enrolled with him and was sharing the same victory, although he was in a different unit. The door swung open and British officers came in. Scott waved his hand and one man came toward them.
"You know him?" James asked Scott.
"Yeah, I want to introduce you," he replied. "Captain Bordon, meet my friend Captain James Wilkins. He is the one I told you about."
"Of course, please to meet you," said Bordon as he sat down. He signaled the bartender for a round of drinks. "I've hear you are an exemplary officer in the loyalist militia."
Scott rose from his seat, leaving the two men alone. He started to argue with the men sitting at the next table. Nothing to be worry so far, he was quite cocky when drinking. James would keep an eye on him though.
"Moore told me you've defended your beliefs after you were attacked in your own home, by neighbours, is that right?" Bordon questioned as he sipped from his whisky.
"Yes, it is. My wife almost got rape."
"How is she now?"
"As a wife should be, she is worried every day I am not with her," he said as he pictured Sarah in his mind, waiting for him. But at the same time, she was not expecting him tonight; he could still finish his drink before joining her at Stuart's Manor.
"Do you manage yourself on a horse?"
"Quite fine," James's thoughts were getting slower by the amount of alcohol he had.
"Would you like to prove your leadership's skills on a bigger level? Also, this could be a way to have you wife closer to you."
"What do you have in mind?"
"We have a place for you in the Green Dragoons. You know not only the area but everyone. Officers' wives can be hosted in Fort Carolina."
"Count me in," said James as he raised his glass.
..
He made his way to Stuart's Manor, arm in arm with Scott, both man barely standing on his own. The domestic help of the manor guided them to a different room. Scott could sober up in an unoccupied guest room, as James was led in Sarah's room.
She was sleeping on her side, her back facing the door. He tried not to make a sound, but his reflexes were slow motioned by his drunken state. He knocked a chair trying to move in the dark room. He stopped moving, thinking the sound would stop with his movement.
"Who's there?" Sarah said with a scary voice.
"It's me, my love," he said as he managed his way to the bed. He clumsily kissed her.
"You enjoyed your time at the tavern?" She said smelling his breath.
"Yeah, I met Captain Bordon. I'll be joining his unit," he said as he started to dress down.
"Another militia?"
"No, cavalry. The Green Dragoons. I'll buy my commission for a Captain post."
"You what?"
"That the way to keep us together, you will come with me…"
"James, you expected me to stay in camp with you?"
"Not in camp, you will be at the fort," he said as he slid in the sheets, his hands grabbing her body over her nightdress.
"Then how this will bring us together?"
"There is nothing to argue. Come here," he said lovingly hugging her. The second his head hit the pillow she heard his breathing change. He felt asleep right that moment. His wakening tomorrow would not be easy.
…
The next morning, he woke up with a strong headache, alone in bed. He had a few change of clothes in the Manor, splashed water on his face before getting downstairs. He joined Sarah, her parents and Anne in the dining room.
"Good morning! How's your head?" said Sarah as she held him a glass of water.
"Will get better, thanks."
"Sarah told me you'll join the Dragoons. I shall write to Lord Cornwallis today to inform him. I am proud of you, son, fighting against those rebels," the Earl said.
Every minute of last night came back to memory; he had indeed agreed to join the cavalry. When he woke up, he was not sure he remembered correctly.
"If you want to buy a higher commission than Captain, we would be please to offer this to you," Sarah's mother added.
"No, Captain is fine. I will learn on the field and we will see for the rest. Henri, you know General Lord Cornwallis?"
"Yes, we went to Cambridge together. We've known each other for years. We take turn hosting a yearly hunt with other families."
He felt reassured that his family had relations with ranking officers. He could not help but notice Sarah's silence, her gaze focussing on her plate. This was out of habit for him, taking decisions without talking to her first. But now, he had no choice. He could not turn back.
…
A couple of days later, James joined Captain Bordon in the British Camp. He was handed a uniform his size. He changed in a shared tent with others dragoons. Bordon told him to meet him in front of a specific tent when he'll be ready. He quickly introduced himself to the other men before he put on his uniform. He wished he had a mirror to make sure he was presentable. This made him feel weird; after two years in the militia, he was used to wear his own clothes.
He heard voices inside and looked inside, where Bordon signaled him to come in. He did not know the other man inside, but figured out he was Colonel Tavington, since his uniform had a gold trim. He sure heard his reputation and his presence gave him goose bumps.
"Bordon, take a patrol and capture this ghost before his exploits spread. Who is this?"
"Sir, this is Captain Wilkins. He was with the loyalist militia. I thought he might be of some use."
"Another colonial. Tell me Captain Wilkins, where do you loyalties lie?"
"To king and country sir."
"Why should I trust a man who'd betray his neighbours?"
"Those neighbours of mine who stand against England deserve to die a traitor's death."
"We'll see."
