Part 1. Scars

(Back to Mary's POV)

I held William against me, gently stroking his hair.

"I'm sorry William." I said softly. "No one should have to go through what you did."

"I have scars Mary." Said William, turning his back to me, revealing many angry-looking, jagged lines that cut across his flesh.

I had seen them before, but never inquired about them, for he was a soldier and even though it wouldn't be enough to say that he was an excellent fighter, William wasn't incapable of receiving wounds.

"The scars are mostly from the switch my father usually used for his beatings, for the crop usually did not leave scars unless Father was especially savage with it, and the cat of ninetails would have been too much if he used it frequently."

William turned back to face me, leaning the side of his face against my chest, and exhaled sharply; I wrapped my arms around him, gently stroking his back in an effort to calm him.

"Before Father caused Mother to miscarry, I didn't believe he would actually kill anyone. It was true, he was violent when drunk, but he only beat us; never before had he made any attempts to kill any of us, especially Mother, or the unborn child she carried. I knew he was drunk when he attacked my mother, but I was still surprised when he did. Why would he kill my unborn sister! He may have been drunk, but he still had sense enough to know that Mother was pregnant and that if he beat her in the manner that he did, she would miscarry.

I never though I would have to experience something like that again. When I saw you at the bottom of the stairs, unconscious with blood everywhere, memories of what happened in my past filled my head, consuming my thoughts. And when I found out that O'Hara had caused the miscarriage of my own daughter…oh God, Mary it was hell!"

William clung to me, tears forming in his eyes.

"Hush, my love, and let them fall, for even the greatest man has shed tears." I said softly, resting my head on top of his. "Relax William, you're safe here."

Part 2. Cranky Colonel

Later that morning at breakfast Cornwallis stood up to make an announcement.

"As of this morning, Gen. Charles O'Hara was officially court-martialed for the dreadfully horrid acts he committed against Col. William Tavington and his family, and in honour of the colonel's victory over O'Hara in the duel that took place yesterday, we shall celebrate in the banquet hall this evening! All evening duties, aside from guarding the estate, have been dismissed!"

Many of the men at the table, including Bordon, clapped or cheered, but William only nodded politely, still looking upset by this morning's events.

After breakfast, Bordon, William and I went into one of the many sitting rooms in the estate.

Bordon settled himself into one of the armchairs in the room while I sat down across from him in a finely crafted oak rocking chair. William settled himself wordlessly into an armchair to the captain's right, his face still wearing an upset expression.

"Sir are you well? You haven't spoken at all this morning." Said the captain, a look of concern crossing his face.

"I'm fine Captain." Said William in an unconvincing tone.

Bordon gave William a differential look.

"Really Captain, I'm fine!" Said William indignantly.

Bordon looked unconvinced but said nothing.

After about twenty minutes of sitting in silence, we left the sitting room.

As we were leaving, Capt. Bordon pulled me aside.

"What is wrong with him! He barely touched his food and he hasn't spoken all morning, save for the two times he attempted to convince me that he was "fine"."

"I understand Captain, but I cannot tell you anything, for it is not in my place to do so. William will tell you if he feels you need to know."

The captain looked disappointed at my answer. I reached up and caressed the side of his cheek with my hand.

"Do not be concerned about the matter Captain. William will be alright."

"Mary, he's like a brother to me, and he's also my superior; it's my duty to be concerned for him."

"Alright then Captain, be concerned, but don't press the matter upon him."

Bordon nodded.

"Yes Mary."

"Thank you Captain."

"Well I have work to do so I'll see you later."

I nodded.

"Mary, Captain, are you coming?" Asked William.

I nodded.

"I'll see you later Sir, for I have work to do."

"Well then, get to it." Replied William, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"Yes Sir." Replied Bordon, a flash of hurt glinting in his eyes.

Bordon walked past William and I and out of the estate. I walked up to William and laid a hand on his arm.

"William, you didn't need to do that." I said softly.

"Do what!" Replied William irately.

"The captain was only concerned for your well-being; you didn't need to be so short with him."

"He pries too much; I realise that Bordon already knows that my father killed my mother. And now, because of you, he probably knows why I'm in a mood this morning!"

My face reddened in anger.

"How dare you!"

"How dare I! Mary, he obviously wanted to know, and I saw you talking to him!"

"For you information, William Garrick Camden Tavington, yes, he obviously wanted to know however, I didn't tell him; I simply told him that you would tell him if you felt he needed to know, but not to press the matter upon you."

William's expression changed to one of mild surprise and shame.

"You…you didn't tell him?"

"No William, I didn't tell him."

I reached up and gently caressed the side of William's face with my hand.

"Do not pass judgement unless you have complete knowledge of the situation."

"I know. I apologise, Mary."