Sarah was still waiting for a letter from her husband to plan her moving into Fort Carolina. It had been almost three weeks since she last heard from him. She could not do anything else than worry.
She decided to go to her home, the house she shared with James to gather some belongings. She made the trip with her brother Thomas and she was glad she did because British officers had established residence in their house. Jeremiah and Aberdeen wanted to let her know, but since none of them knew how to read or write and they had not a minute for themselves, they were not able to.
She introduced herself to the gentlemen sitting in her living room. They were pleased to make her acquaintance. The man occupying the master bedroom fetched his belongings and let the room clear for Sarah. Aberdeen came to change the bed sheets as Sarah walked in her room, her brother following.
"What is happening? I am so tired of this," she said, sorrow in her voice.
"Tired of what, little sister?"
"This war. Sometimes I wonder if Father had a good idea to move the family here."
"You would not have met James if he did not."
She sighed. It was true. But still, she was mad against the world for not being able to have a normal life. The fact she did not have any news from James was getting on her nerves.
"I don't know if it would be wise to stay here tonight, with all those officers in your house," Thomas said.
"As an officer's wife myself, I think I am expected to host them. I shall stay, but I would like you would do the same."
He nodded. They came downstairs and made plans for the evening meal with Aberdeen.
…
Back in camp, James was exhausted. With the militia, he would participate in punctual events, mostly short skirmishes and he would mostly be back to sleep in his own bed. But his life in the cavalry was much different. Colonel Tavington was sending them on watch patrol every day for the last three weeks, since the Ghost kill a whole unit of British soliders. The moment he had a day off, he would have to write reports. The camp was not so far from Charles Town, but the trip back and forth would take all the time he needed to rest.
He wished he had enough energy to plan Sarah's arrival at the Fort, but frankly, he slept every second he could. He shared the tent with many others dragoons and would wake up at every noise, never sure if they were called to battle or someone just got back from the brothel area of the camp.
That evening, they came early back to camp; the sun was not even down. He grabbed paper and a quill and started a letter to Sarah. He stopped after a few words; what could he tell her? How many men he killed? How many houses they burnt down? He jumped when Bordon called his name. He rose up and stepped out of the tent to talk.
"Do you speak French?" Bordon questioned.
"No, sir. May I ask why?"
"The scouts found French document, with France's coat of arms on it. We need someone to translate the message. This might be French intelligence. If this is true, the rebel might have secured an alliance with France. I need you help to find someone who can do this task, and quick. Tavington wants it translate by tomorrow."
"If we don't find anyone, I can take those letters to my wife in Charles Town; she does speak French."
"If you don't find anyone, you will have to bring your wife here. Those papers do not leave the Colonel's tent."
They searched the camp, and James never hoped as much to find French speaker, even someone with minimal knowledge so he would not bring Sarah here. He regretted having spoken about her the minute the words left his mouth. What if she made a mistake translating? What would the Colonel to do her? He had seen the man in action; he would not hesitate to harm women nor children.
The night had fallen and the two Captains met back the entrance of the tent.
"There is a good news in those searches," Bordon said.
"What is it?" Wilkins said, hoping he found someone.
"You will be sleeping with you wife tonight. Bring her at first light tomorrow."
Shite. But Bordon was still right, he would be with Sarah in a comfortable bed. He harnessed a horse in the stables and was about to get on his way when the Colonel came in the stables. He gave his rein to a young boy. His horse steered, but the boy still managed to get a hold of him.
"Wilkins, Bordon told me you'll be on your way to fetch a translator."
"Yes, sir. I'll be back tomorrow morning."
Tavington nodded and left the building. James was still unsure about his feeling toward the man. Although he was a great officer and never lost a battle, he was cold as ice. He tossed aside his thoughts and straddled his horse. The faster he would leave, the faster he would sleep in a bed.