"Mary, wake up! We must leave; they're here!"
I arose sleepily from my bed and was about to snap at my older brother, Samuel, for waking me when I saw them. A column of at least fifty British Green dragoons was riding toward our plantation, lit torches in hand, glowing in the darkness. Leading the dragoons was the notoriously cold-hearted Colonel William Tavington, who rode atop his equally famed stallion, Asmodeus, who was known for trampling soldiers to death in battle.
I ran downstairs to the kitchen, toward the cellar. By now, the dragoons were just outside the house. Just as I was getting to the cellar where my brother was waiting for me, the front door opened and Col. Tavington stepped in. He was a tall, solid, athletically built man who looked to be about thirty years of age. His eyes, like shards of ice, glinted with malice in the moonlight as he stared in the direction where I was hiding, crouched in the darkness, unable to reach the cellar without being detected. Col. Tavington took out a pistol, cocked it, and began to wander around the kitchen, searching for any sign of life. His spurred boots clinked as he walked across the floor, breaking the eerie silence with their metallic ring.
My heart pounded with fear and my breathing became shallow as he got closer and closer to where I was. Right when I was sure he would find me, Col. Tavington suddenly turned away and began to leave the kitchen. Unfortunately, he had only gone about three feet when I sneezed. The colonel doubled back and wrenched me by the arm, placing his pistol to the side of my head.
"Well, well, well, what have we here?" He sneered, a wicked smile playing across his lips.
Before I could reply, Col. Tavington pulled me outside, still holding the pistol to my head.
When we were outside, he quickly bound my wrists. One of the other officers came up and, almost timidly, asked, "Sir, what shall we do with the house?"
Col. Tavington glared at the officer, who shrank under the penetrating gaze of his superior, blubbering fearfully to himself.
"You daft fool; what the hell do you think the torch in your hand is for! Fire the house and while you're doing that, fire the barn and take any good horses you find there before doing so. Also, fire any other buildings you find on the property."
I stared in horror at the colonel, daring to say nothing. He noticed the horrified look on my face and his lips curled into an evil grin. He hoisted me onto his horse, climbing into the saddle behind me.
"Where are you taking me; why are you doing this!"
Col. Tavington didn't reply. He just gave me a look that made me even more uncomfortable and fearful of him, if that was even possible.
The colonel urged his horse into a canter toward some nearby woods and dismounted, waiting for his men to finish their dirty work. I dared not move from the horse, for Col. Tavington still had his pistol in his hand and was keeping a watchful eye on me.
"You are Mary Selton, are you not?" The colonel asked, breaking the eerie silence between us.
"Yes, I am; what are you doing to me? Let me go, please!"
Col. Tavington smirked.
"You have no right to hold me here!"
"My my, we're feisty." Said Tavington, an evilly amused look crossing his face.
"I demand an explanation as to why you are holding me captive!"
To my surprise, he didn't act angry or affronted by my outburst, but answered in an amused tone, "I believe your father, Charles Selton, has some valuable information that I need. So, what better way to force it from him than to hold his daughter, one of the most sought after women in these parts of South Carolina, captive until he cooperates and gives me the information that I need."
I stared in horror and dismay at the devil holding me captive. As far as I was concerned, my father was fiercely loyal to the colonies and the men he was fighting with. I wasn't sure if even holding me captive would get the colonel his answers. And even if the colonel ended up demanding information from me, I was not about to expose my father under any circumstances.
Col. Tavington's men arrived where we were waiting for them in the woods. The colonel got back into the saddle behind me, holding the reins in his left hand, and with his right hand, he held me firmly against him. We then left the burning house at a gallop, which grew smaller and smaller as we rode farther and farther away from it; as I looked back at it, my thoughts turning to my brother. Was he alive? Or was he trapped in the burning inferno, dying with it?
After what seemed like hours, the dragoons, after torching several more houses after mine, and killing about a dozen more people, reached their destination, an estate they were using for headquarters, with me in tow.
Col. Tavington showed me to my quarters.
"You'll have no chance of escape as there are guards everywhere and my quarters are right across from yours." He warned. "Mind you, if you do try to escape and I find you, there will be consequences to pay depending on how I feel."
I glared at the colonel.
"Very well, you may be excused from my quarters, Col. Tavington."
He smirked and stalked out of the room. Though he was intimidating, I couldn't allow the colonel to take advantage of me. He had ill intentions. I could tell by the way he acted, and I wasn't going to let him break me.
I stayed in my quarters all day until late evening. Then, I crept out of the estate that the colonel and his dragoons had taken me to. I crept silently outside past the guards, taking shelter in some nearby woods. Some guards; they seemed practically asleep! As I began creeping further into the woods, I heard rumbling off in the distance. The dragoons were returning from another raid and were headed straight for where I was!
I hid behind some bushes praying I wouldn't be discovered in the light of the torches they carried. The dragoons halted and I choked down a scream as the colonel halted his horse just inches from where I was hiding.
"Bordon, Men, well done this evening." Commented Col. Tavington.
"Thank you Sir." They replied.
As the dragoons turned and began to leave, I was exposed in the firelight and one of the soldiers caught sight of me.
"Colonel." He called, pointing to where I was. I tried to run but I wasn't fast enough. Col. Tavington grabbed me roughly by waist, pulling me back.
"You are dismissed for the evening." He said to the soldiers.
The dragoons left, but Tavington stayed, tightening his grip on my waist.
"Let me go, I can't breathe!" I gasped.
"You don't deserve to." He whispered icily, his breath warm against the side of my face.
"Please, Colonel, let me go!"
He didn't release me, however, he did loosen his grip.
"Foolish girl, why did you not heed my warning?" He asked in mock pity, running a gloved hand through my ebony hair.
"Get your wretched hands off of me, you devilish cad!" I snapped coldly.
"So, you have fire in your belly do you? Well, don't think I can't and won't put it out."
I began to get frightened. I was in the woods at midnight with a dangerous, untrustable and unpredictable man whom I could do nothing to defend myself against without getting hurt or killed. Col. Tavington saw what I was thinking and said in a smoothe, yet slightly cocky voice, "You show fear of me. The breaking begins."
He bound my wrists, hoisted me into his horse's saddle, mounted behind me in the saddle, and rode off.
Through the entire ride back to the estate, I silently cursed myself for showing my fear. I had handed the colonel complete control over me by doing so. When we arrived back at the estate, the colonel dismounted, lifted me off the horse and led me, still bound, to my quarters.
"Don't even think of running away again." Said Col. Tavington stiffly, undoing the bonds on my wrists. "Or you may expect harsher treatment in the future."
With that, he slunk out of the room. Now I knew I couldn't try to escape, at least not for a while. I had already been unnerved by Col. Tavington's actions tonight; I couldn't imagine how frightened I would be if his actions toward me became even more threatening and provocative.
I walked over to the bed in my quarters and laid down on it, not even bothering to get under the covers, and fell into a troubled sleep.
Part 2. Dancing with The ButcherI awoke around seven the next morning and was just leaving my quarters when I wasn't paying attention to where I was going and walked into something solid.
"And just where do you think you're going?"
I looked up and my heart sank. Col. Tavington stood leering down at me.
"I was just going outside; why do you care anyway?"
"Pardon me, I have plenty of reason to care! You almost got away from me last night. However, I have been relieved of my duties for a couple of days, so, along with General Cornwallis' consent, I have taken it upon myself to watch and monitor your behaviour here so as to make sure you don't try to run away again."
"Oh, so now I've got my own guardian."
"If you didn't run away, I wouldn't have to. So, are you still going to go outside?"
"No, not if it means having to have you accompany me. I'll just stay here."
"Unfortunately for you, you can't escape me here or outside as I am to watch your every move. Oh, and if you think you can escape me by means of using the washroom, I shall give you limited time, and then I will enter the washroom whether you're finished or not. I will also enter if I believe something is wrong."
I scowled at the colonel. He smirked back at me.
"Fine, let's go outside."
We went outside to the gardens surrounding the estate. I was annoyed. Why did Col. Tavington have to be so irksome? I couldn't escape him no matter how hard I tried. The colonel was too fast and would overtake me before I had gone even two steps. However, it was my fault he was watching me, so I might as well endure his disturbing presence.
I was silent for a while as I gazed at a pond full of fish in one of the gardens. Col. Tavington, noticing my silence, asked in smoothe, mock concern, "You are silent and refined; where is the fiery demeanor?"
"Dormant for the moment." I replied tersely. "Why should you care?"
"I'd watch that brash tongue of yours if I were you."
"Why should I?"
Col. Tavington grabbed my arms, bruising them, and pulled me to him.
"Don't talk back to me, you foolish girl! You're lucky your tongue hasn't gotten you killed! If you're wise, you'll watch your tongue for the rest of your stay and especially at the ball this evening at the estate you will be attending with me because I cannot let you out of my sight."
"Yes Sir." I replied through clenched teeth.
Col. Tavington released my arms, glaring at me, and we continued walking, the tension growing heavy between us.
That evening, I went to the washroom, took a quick bath, and dressed in a dark green dress that complimented my green eyes.
"You have five minutes." The colonel called from outside the washroom. I quickly brushed through my thick hair and pulled it up into a bun and left the washroom to meet Col. Tavington. He was dressed in black breeches with gold studs up the sides of them, white stockings, black shoes with gold buckles, a white shirt with a laced front under a green vest, and his red and green uniform waistcoat over the shirt and vest with a sheathed dress sabre. His hair was flawlessly queued back and slicked with apple pomade.
"Well, let's go." Said Col. Tavington.
As we stepped outside, there were soldiers all dressed in clean, pressed, dress uniforms and women in expensive gowns wearing coiffed wigs. I was a little uncomfortable being around so many loyalists, but I decided to relax and enjoy myself as much as possible even though I received stares and gasps from loyalists that I happened to know from attending political conferences with my father and brother. They probably couldn't believe that I, the daughter of a well-known patriot, was here at a ball, surrounded by those who sympathized with the British, and was with the colonel of the British Green Dragoons at that.
Col. Tavington seemed to notice the loyalists' reaction to seeing me with him, however, he didn't seem to care that much.
"Would you like to dance?" He asked.
I hesitated but then, seeing that he didn't care that he was with me, I replied, "Yes, thank you."
He took my arm, leading me back into the estate and onto the dance floor and we began to dance. His steps were fluid and flawless and as I gazed into his blue eyes, I saw that there was something hidden behind the ice.
After we finished dancing, we went into the gardens. As we walked in the light of the full moon, I noticed that the colonel's features had softened and he seemed somewhat relaxed. The colonel stopped suddenly in the middle of the gardens.
"Is something wrong, Col. Tavington?" I asked, almost a little surprised by my concern.
"No, it's just that this place reminds me of my childhood before my father…never mind; you look lovely this evening."
"Thank you." I replied, deciding not to ask why he didn't continue on with what he was going to say.
"You look quite resplendent yourself."
Col. Tavington smiled almost shyly.
"Thank you."
"I mean no offense Colonel, however, why is it now that you choose to be decent rather than before; I know you're my captor but still…"
"Well, I don't like balls that much but I had to attend this one so as to impress the rather unimpressible General Lord Cornwallis, and since that meant that I couldn't be seen skulking about in a nasty mood, I decided to make the most out of the situation I was in."
"So, you just went to save face?"
"Yes, however, unlike the other balls I have attended, I had quite an enjoyable time. I don't usually do well with crowds but this time, I was with someone who didn't stare and gawk at me like a fool. Well, I know the ball isn't over, but it's getting late and we both need rest."
Col. Tavington led me back into the estate and back to my quarters.
"Now, if you give me your word on not running away, I won't watch you while you sleep tonight."
"Considering the wonderful evening I have just had, considering the circumstances, you have my word."
Col. Tavington left the room and I got dressed in a nightdress that I found in a wardrobe in my quarters. I got into my bed and thought of the evening I had spent with the colonel. He definitely had a cruel, arrogant, brash exterior, but that wasn't how he had acted this evening. There was something behind the ice that I must be careful not to pry too much at for fear of having his wrath upon me. His exterior was just a mask, a wall to keep people at bay from who he really was.
Part 3. Cracked Ribs and Court-Martial ThreatsThe next morning, I awoke early, got dressed, and sat down at a small desk by a window in my quarters that overlooked the property on the estate. Just then, Col. Tavington stormed in, his face contorted in what looked to be a look of rage and embarrassment.
"Come, Miss Selton, we are leaving."
I wanted to ask what was wrong, but quickly decided against it seeing the look in his eyes. He grabbed me by the arm and led me out of the estate, carefully avoiding contact with any of his superiors, or any other Dragoons.
Col. Tavington led me into the woods behind the estate. We walked about a mile into the woods to a stream that ran through them. Col. Tavington released me and sat next to the stream.
"What is going on?" I finally asked.
"Nothing that I can tell you." He answered in an edgy tone.
I was silent as I watched the colonel while he calmed himself down. He didn't look as formal as usual. His damp, almost black hair was unbound and hung just below his shoulders. His ruffled, white shirt was undone, partially exposing his muscular chest and his uniform waistcoat and vest were missing.
After he had calmed down enough, I asked tentatively, "May I ask why you cannot tell me what is wrong?"
"I don't find it easy to trust people Miss Selton, especially when they are Colonials."
"Well, it's not as if I have anyone to tell, seeing as you have been watching me so closely it has almost been overwhelming, and it is not in my reasoning to tell the secrets of another, even if they are deserving of being exposed."
I stared into Col. Tavington's eyes, willing him to tell me why he was so angry, and he stared into mine, willing me to back down. This went on for quite some time until, finally, he averted his gaze in submission.
"Alright, I'll tell you, though it may seem quite a foolish thing to become this angry over."
I nodded.
"Go on, Colonel."
"I had risen from a deep sleep this morning and was getting dressed after a bath when on of the aids to General Lord Cornwallis entered my quarters and told me that Cornwallis requested an audience with me, whether I was dressed or not. I gave the aid a displeased look, and he headed out of the room, mumbling something about his job almost being suicidal and how he should be better paid for telling soldiers, especially hot-tempered soldiers, information from the Lord General. I scowled, cursing Cornwallis under my breath as I left my quarters and headed downstairs to meet the Lord General.
When I entered the General Lord's office, he was seated in a chair next to his desk, scowling at me. I restrained the urge to scowl back at him, even when General O'Hara, General Lord Cornwallis' effeminate, prissy, porcelain-faced, dull-witted, pet of a subordinate, and unfortunately, my superior, stalked into the room, smirking maliciously at me. I ignored the urge to strangle O'Hara, and being as polite as possible, I asked General Cornwallis what he wished to speak with me about. He said that Gen. O'Hara had seen me grab your arms yesterday in the gardens and he judged that by my actions, I wanted to ravish you while no one was around. I became extremely embarrassed and enraged and tried to defend myself but it was no use. Cornwallis just ignored me, stating that if I let my desires overcome me again, I would be court-martialed and sent back to England. He then dismissed me from his office. I was furious. I had no intention or desire of ravishing you. You're a very lovely young woman, and I'll admit that without shame, but to even think of ravishing you is sinful. It isn't like I haven't got any morals. Even O'Hara knows that. However, my… my actions during battle and on raids have cast me in a bad light. Damn it; I am thoroughly convinced that my superiors are plotting against me! Cornwallis seems to find it amusing to point out my faults right in front of my other superiors when he's bored, and O'Hara, the little snitch that he is, reports only the things that occur when I'm in a nasty mood, or when I'm in battle. He never reports anything when I am in a decent mood. And when he does report something, he blows it out of proportion. I came to fight not only to crush the rebels but to regain respect for my family, not to receive damnation from every person I come across!"
I felt sorry for the colonel. I know I probably shouldn't have, but I did.
I sat next to him by the stream.
"You'd best mention what I said to no one."
"I told you, I wouldn't."
"Good."
Col. Tavington moved closer to me, laying a hand on my shoulder.
"Thank you for listening to what I have to say. No one listens to me around here unless I'm their superior, or my pistol is aimed at their head."
I smiled.
"You're welcome. You know, you're not too unbearable for a captor."
"Nor are you too unbearable for a captive. Feisty, yes, but that's nothing I can't handle."
Suddenly, a porcelain-faced man came bursting through some bushes behind us and knocked Col. Tavington to the ground, punching him hard in the ribs. The colonel threw the man off of him, hauled back, and gave him a crushing blow to the jaw.
"What the hell are you doing here, O'Hara!" Col. Tavington snarled at the man.
"Were you not warned of the consequences you were to receive if you let your erotic desires overcome you! Now you will most certainly be court-martialed and sent back to England!"
With that, General O'Hara stalked away, back towards the estate. Col. Tavington glared at Gen. O'Hara's retreating back.
"Let's get back to the estate before that bastard O'Hara causes any more trouble." Said the colonel, holding his ribs.
No sooner had we entered the estate and taken two steps than Cornwallis yelled from his office, "Tavington! Come here this instant!"
Col. Tavington and I walked to the General Lord's office. Just before he went in, the colonel stopped and whispered in my ear, "Wait here." Then, he stepped inside.
As the door was left open, I could here the conversation between Col. Tavington and General Lord Cornwallis quite well.
"Did I not warn you not to try ravishing Miss Selton!" Raged the Lord General.
"My Lord, I wouldn't dream of such a thing." Answered Col. Tavington, his voice calm but beginning to rise in anger.
"Your appearance would suggest otherwise." Retorted Cornwallis. "You are to be court-martialed and sent back to England, unless someone can bear an accurate account of the events that have occurred. However, seeing as there is no one present in the room at this time that can bear such an account, your fate has been sealed."
I grew angry at the extreme lack of justice the general was giving the colonel and entered the general's office. Both men looked away from each other and at me. Col. Tavington, for a moment, looked as if he had just won the war, but then his expression went blank.
"Please pardon my intrusion; I am Mary Selton. I couldn't help overhearing that Col. Tavington is to be court-martialed unless an accurate account is able to be given of the events he is to be court-martialed for. I can give you such an account if you'll grant me permission."
"Go on, Miss Selton." Said General Lord Cornwallis.
"Col. Tavington did not, or did not even try for that matter, to ravish me. He was simply discussing personal matters with me when Gen. O'Hara ambushed him."
I stared at Cornwallis and he stared back. This stare down seemed to go on for hours before the general averted his gaze.
"So, you swear on your life that what you say is true?" The general asked skeptically.
"Yes Sir." I replied.
"Well then, Colonel, by Miss Selton's grace you have been spared your fate. However, you are relieved of your duties for a week for your misconduct towards Gen. O'Hara."
Cornwallis dismissed us and we headed to our quarters.
I was about to enter my quarters when the colonel pulled me back.
"Why did you spare me my fate?" He asked.
"No man deserves punishment for something he didn't do."
Col. Tavington smiled.
"Thank you. I owe more than you know to you for what you just did."
I smiled.
"How are your ribs?"
"Cracked and sore as hell. Breathing is definitely not a pleasurable experience."
"Well then, take care of yourself and I'll see you later."