Ch. 3

A/n: To one of my reviewers Badassgothicgirl, yes you have seen this story before. I had it published on this site a couple of years ago but took it down when I realized I wasn't going to be updating it. But I am now.

Disclaimer: See the first chapter

Colonel Tavington dismounted his horse then assisted Anna in dismounting as well. She was shaky on her feet and he offered his arm to escort her to her father. Upon seeing that his daughter was injured the look of disapproval melted into one of concern. He held out his arm to Anna and she gratefully took it before he pulled her into a hug, quite uncustomary for him to do in front of his men.

He then held her at arms length, "You don't seem to be injured too bad, I am glad those Rebels did not harm you." He took her arm and led her towards the main house, "Let us go inside for some tea"

As she walked away Anna turned to give Colonel Tavington a small smile as if to say thank you. She followed her father into the plantation house, which served as his headquarters.

" I've arranged a suite of rooms for you upstairs, I hope you will find them suitable," he said in a conversational tone. "There are also some dresses made by some local women, very fine work if I do say so myself and in light of recent events I shall arrange for them to make you more. To make up for your lost wardrobe."

She gave him a warm smile, a smile that he said always reminded him of her mother, "and you are to kind father, I am just glad to be here with you safe. Though I feel most regrettable that I was not able to save your beloved dogs or the uniforms I made for you. "

He patted her arm as he escorted her and said, "Do not trouble yourself with that, while I shall miss the companionship of the dogs the uniforms are no great loss. I know you can always make me more, you were also so good with sewing."

Anna could feel herself blush at the compliment to her sewing, throughout her life all she wanted to do was make her father proud. "I would be most pleased to make you new uniforms, it will give me something to do other than sitting around all day chatting idly with the old biddies that seem to be around."

They came to an elegantly carved oak door, which her father held open for her, "These will be your rooms. There is a siting room, a bedroom, a washroom and a dressing room. I hope you like the decorations, Mrs. Gibbs the housekeeper did it for you."

She let go of her father's arm and walked into the room, it was light and airy. The walls were covered in fabrics of sage green and lavender and there were paintings covering the walls of country scenes and playing children. Giving a warm smile to her father she said, "It is lovely, my compliments to Mrs. Gibbs."

Lord Cornwallis smiled, "I shall pass that along next time I see her. But for now I believe you should rest. I shall have a girl up here in a minute to help you get settled in." He placed a kiss on her cheek and exited the room, shutting the door quietly behind him.

After the departure of her father Anna took a seat on the padded windowseat and gazed out at the grounds below. Some soldiers were on guard duty, others were simply milling about as if they had nothing to do. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted the Green Dragoons. Instantly she could pick out Col. Tavington, he carried his head very high and his walk was a bit arrogant.

There was a light knock on the door and Anna bade the person to enter. It was a young slave girl who had been sent to help her settle in. Anna showed her what needed to be done and was rather pleased to see that it was done quickly and efficiently. She dismissed the girl with orders to return in 2 hours time, she would have more tasks for her.

Anna lay on the bed, pleased at the softness of the pillows and the mattress and closed her eyes. It felt like only a couple of minutes when she heard knocking at her door and the voice of the servant girl calling her name.

Two hours had not passed already, she had been more tired than she thought. The girl entered with a basin of water so that Anna could freshen up for supper. Anna changed from her dirty dress to a new one that her father had made for her. After she finished dressing the girl took her other dress to be washed and her father showed up to escort her down to the dining room.

Smiling she took his arm and he led her downstairs to the main dining room. Many of his top officers where to be dining tonight including to her delight Colonel Tavington, though to her dismay he was seated at the end of the table farthest from her. She was seated next to General O'Hare, a good man but reduced despite his family connections and rank to her father's lackey.

Thankfully they talked about very mundane topics such as the latest novel that was published or some classic Greek work. She kept her mouth shut through the entire conversation, not wishing to let on that she actually knew more from her private studies than these highborn gentlemen. Much to her delight Col. Tavington was a very well read man and was quite able to keep up with the conversation.

After dinner was finished the officers retired to the parlor for brandy and wine and being the only woman Anna excused herself. In the hallway however someone touched her arm, she turned to meet the cold blue eyes of Col. Tavington.

"My lady you are looking well considering all that has happened. It is a amazing what a few hours rest can do for one's beauty." He hesitated a moment then continued, "I was wondering if perhaps tomorrow afternoon you would like to go riding in the country with me. Do not worry it will be in British held territory so there will be no danger."

Anna considered it for a minute, she did love to ride and she did want to see more of the local area. Smiling she replied, "Colonel I would be delighted to go riding with you, as long as we have a chaperone." She may be a widow but she was still young and bound by convention.

The Colonel on his part did not falter at her condition, "Of course my lady, I am sure you have someone in mind of course." He then bowed and kissed her hand, "Be ready at 3." Then he turned on his heels and walked into the parlor with the rest of the officers.