I returned to my quarters, fed Braden and went to sleep.
The next morning, just after breakfast, I was on my way up to my quarters when I was stopped by Brielle.
"Mary the dragoons are back."
I nodded.
"I see. But I usually don't ride to greet them."
"I understand but this time you may want to make an exception. I overheard Cornwallis talking downstairs; Col. Tavington is among the wounded."
My eyes widened.
"What! Are you sure?"
She nodded.
"It doesn't seem like minor wounds either."
I went pale. I handed Braden to Brielle and said, "I have to go. Please take care of him."
Then, I rushed out of the estate to the stables. There were no spare horses, but fortunately Capt. Wilkins was there.
"Ah, good morning Lady Tavington."
I glared at him.
"Take me to camp, Captain."
The captain, sensing the urgency of the situation, took me to camp without question.
As soon as we arrived at camp, I asked Capt. Wilkins if he knew which tent his superior was in.
"I'm sorry, but I don't know." He replied.
I walked over to a nearby medic and said "Please direct me to Col. Tavington's location."
"Ah, you must be Lady Tavington."
I rolled my eyes.
"Yes, now if you would stop acting like a fool by stating my identity, I need to know where my husband is."
"He is in the last tent on the far left in the back of the camp."
I nodded and left toward the back end of the camp, not even bothering to say thank you.
It took me no time to find his tent, for it was right where the captain's tent had been. Inside the tent was considerably darker than it was outside. William lay motionless on a cot with the covers all the way up to his chin, his hair unbound.
I slowly approached the cot, afraid of what I would discover.
I touched the side of William's face. He did not stir.
"William?" I said softly.
No answer.
I pulled down the covers to check for a pulse at his throat and was horrified at what I saw.
There were stitches near the left side of his neck. The wound looked as if it had been cleanly made by a sharp blade.
Trying to keep my focus, I carefully pressed my fore and middle fingers to William's throat. He was still breathing. I let out a shuddered breath as I stared at the stitches encrusted with dried blood.
"Oh William." I said softly, closing my eyes. "I'm so sorry."
I kissed William softly as tears began to sting my eyes, and I laid my head down on the cot next to his.
Part 2. William AwakensI rested next to William for about ten minutes. Then I got up, kissed William's forehead and turned to leave when I heard a weak voice behind me say, "Mar...Mary?"
I turned toward the cot.
"William."
"I.."
But pain stopped him from finishing.
"Shh. It's all right William. I'm not angry with you." I said softly, stroking the side of his face.
"Mary?"
I turned and saw Brielle in the tent entrance, holding Braden.
"I'm sorry. It's just that Braden was hungry..." Said Brielle, her gaze instantly becoming fixed upon the ground.
"It's alright. Thank you Brielle." I said.
She placed Braden in my arms and left the tent."
"How..."
"I am fine, William, as is your son."
William gave me a small smile.
"Hold him closer to me."
I held Braden by the side of William's head.
"My son..." Said William barely above a whisper, gently kissing Braden.
Braden began to cry.
William swallowed painfully.
"Feed your son." He said, giving me a small smile.
I smiled kissing him gently.
"You rest then." I replied, placing my index finger on his lips.
William kissed it and nodded vaguely.
After Braden finished being fed I gently rocked him in my arms as his eyes wandered curiously around his surroundings and came to rest on his father. I smiled, gently kissing Braden and whispered, "I love you."
William didn't wake again until around eight in the evening; Brielle came to take Braden for the rest of the evening.
"Are you sure you want to do this? He can stay here." I said.
"It's fine Mary. It was my decision, and he'll be warmer in the estate."
"Thank you Brielle." I said embracing her.
"You're welcome. You need some time alone with the colonel."