(Still from William's point of view)
When I re-entered the banquet hall, Bordon asked, "What was that all about?"
"What was what all about?" I replied testily.
"Why did Cornwallis pull you into his office? God and everyone else knows you are not to be called upon before eating."
"He wanted to tell me that O'Hara did indeed push Mary down the stairs; he had admitted it to Cornwallis at gunpoint. Cornwallis also said that O'Hara couldn't be killed for what he did because the evidence was not concrete. However, Cornwallis has allowed a duel between O'Hara and I, not to the death of course, but a duel just the same, and when I'm through with him, O'Hara will have Hell riding mercilessly atop his back."
"You're that confident are you?"
"Don't affront me, Bordon, of course I'm that confident. O'Hara is a lamb when it comes to sword fighting, and even worse at firing arms."
Bordon laughed wickedly and I smirked.
After breakfast I brought food up to my quarters for Mary, who was sitting in the armchair when I entered the room. She looked tired; her eyes were bloodshot and she was still in her nightdress.
I walked over to her and gave her the food. To my mild surprise, she accepted it.
After Mary had finished eating, I took the tray from her. Then I took the chair from my desk and placed it across from the armchair where Mary was sitting, and took a seat.
"I have a duel today." I said quietly.
"Against whom shall you duel and what is the reason?" Asked Mary.
"Against O'Hara, and I do not believe an explanation is needed." I replied. "It is not a duel to the death, so you needn't be concerned about that aspect; also, it is to commence at camp just before supper in front of the British army. Cornwallis shall proclaim the victor."
Mary nodded, and in a quiet voice, said, "You shall win, William."
"Indeed, losing is not an option."
Mary gave me a tired smile. I moved closer to her, placing a hand on her cheek and gently caressing it.
"Are you alright with it, with the duel?" I asked softly.
"I don't really know." Replied Mary. "I agree that O'Hara deserves to be punished and publicly humiliated in the least, and it comforts me that you can't be killed. However, what has been done cannot be undone, and no punishment O'Hara is given will ever be enough to justify the death of our child."
I ran my fingers through Mary's hair.
"I understand, but at least O'Hara will receive some punishment."
"I suppose so." Said Mary in a sad tone.
I placed my hands on Mary's arms and said, "I promise you Mary, eventually we shall have another child, and O'Hara will get what he deserves in the end."
"How can you be so sure William?"
"Trust me, Mary, just trust me."