Many moths had passed. The war was over with the Continentals' unexpected victory. But there was still unrest in parts of the country and there would continue to be until the British had moved out. This made things very chaotic at the estate. Not only were people in surly moods, but also they had to pack up and leave; many of the soldiers, including William, had grown to love the countryside in South Carolina and were planning to reside in America once the war was over, but because of the unexpected loss could no longer do so. However, other than having to deal with the losses that come with being soldiers, William and Bordon were recovering fairly well. Bordon was already capable of performing normal military tasks for short periods of time. During the time of his recovery, he and Brielle grew even closer, and it was now knowledge to many of the British, including all of the dragoons, that the two were courting.
William, having suffered worse wounds than the captain, was taking a bit longer to heal, for he was only just able to get out of bed a couple of months ago, and he still exhausted easily, so another officer was in command of his duties while he recovered.
Braden had grown quite a bit since the battle at Cowpens, and was looking more and more like his father. Also like William, Braden had also begun to teethe early. This made him very fussy. Nursing, at times, was also difficult.
I was sitting in the gardens of the estate holding Braden who, after much coaxing, had finally fallen asleep. William walked up and sat next to me.
"Well, he finally fell asleep."
"Indeed, after fifteen minutes of coaxing." I replied.
William chuckled.
"Speaking of sleeping, Mary, you look exhausted; why don't you go back to our quarters and rest."
"I'm fine William." I replied.
"Mary, I insist. You've done nothing except care for Braden and I. Now it's your turn."
"Then who will take care of you?"
"I can, for a while." Replied William. "Now go get some rest. I'll take Braden."
"Alright." I replied. "Thank you."
I gently placed Braden in William's arms and kissed William on the cheek. Then I left the gardens.
It wasn't until I actually laid down that I realized just how exhausted I was and I immediately fell into a deep sleep.
(William's POV)
I sat with Braden in the gardens until just before supper. Then I went back to the estate to check on Mary. When I got there, she was still asleep. I was going to wake her, but decided not to, so I took Braden back downstairs with me to supper.
As I entered the banquet hall, I was greeted by the captain.
"Good evening, Colonel."
I nodded.
"Captain."
"I see you have brought Braden with you; where is Mary?"
"Upstairs sleeping. With all that she has been doing for Braden and I, I believe that she more than warrants some time to rest."
"I agree." Replied the captain. "So, Colonel, where are you planning to go now that the war is over?" He asked taking a chair at the nearly vacant banquet table next to Brielle.
I took a chair next to the captain.
"Well, we're not going back to England."
"Don't you have brothers there though?"
"Yes, but I haven't communicated with them since before the war. However, perhaps once we've found a place to live, I'll write them and invite them to come visit so they can meet Mary and Braden."
"I see. So where is it that you're planning on moving to?"
"Well, being as I can no longer stay in America without the threat of death upon my family and I, I was thinking about heading north to Canada."
Bordon nodded.
"That was what I was thinking as well. Perhaps we could pool our earning and together purchase one large plot of land on which to build out homes on and grow crops; I'm not planning on staying in the army. At least not on duty. I'm going on half-pay."
"So am I. I have a family to look after now. I don't want my wife to be without a husband and my son to be without a father."
"Yes, it is stressful on them."
"Indeed it is, and I do not wish to put my family, particularly Mary, through it again."
Bordon nodded sympathetically.
"When are you planning on leaving?"
"Within the next couple of weeks, when the next wave of ships comes into port."
"Then we'll leave with you."
"You're bringing Brielle with you then?" I asked.
"Yes." Replied Bordon smiling slightly. "We're engaged."
"Well then, congratulations." I said nodding to the pair.
Suddenly Braden awoke and began screaming.
"I'm sorry. I've got to go. He's probably hungry, being as he hasn't eaten in a while, and he's more fussy now that he's teething."
I took Braden back upstairs, along with some food for Mary. When I arrived upstairs, Mary was still asleep, so I gently shook her awake.
"Braden is hungry. And I brought you some food as well."
"Thank you William." She replied.
"You're welcome."
That evening, after I had just finished placing Braden in his cradle for the evening, Mary, who was lying in bed reading asked, "Have you decided where we will be moving? After all, you told me this morning that Capt. Wilkins already has several plots of land up in New Brunswick and was willing to sell you one of the plots, and that we could stay on a plantation house on his land while our home was being built."
"Yes I have considered it and I have come to a conclusion. Bordon suggested sharing a plot of land. I believe that to be a wise choice; it makes for less work during harvest. Plus, that way we can be sure we'll have good neighbours."
"Neighbours?" Asked Mary.
"Yes, Bordon and Brielle are engaged."
Mary smiled.
"Finally. Until Brielle came I always thought Bordon would be without."
"Mary!"
"Sorry. But he's almost socially incapable, especially around women. Admit it, you thought so too."
"Alright I admit it. But don't tell him anything."
"I won't. Now come to bed. It's late."
I climbed into bed next to Mary.
"So, it's New Brunswick then is it?"
I smiled and kissed Mary tenderly.
"New Brunswick and a new life."