Author's note: To Arsinoe, Jade7777, Just Duck, Tavingtionrose, Rachael, Clark Smith, Jenny, Vickie, K.R., and any others I may have missed, Thanks so much for staying with me throughout this story. I've had an incredible time writing it and hearing your thoughts on it!
Part 1. The Tavington BrothersThe week before William's brothers arrived passed quickly and before long, William and I were getting into the carriage to go meet Edward, Thomas, and Peter when their ship came into port.
"It looks as if everything is ready. Even Braden is here." Said William.
"Well let's go then."
(William's POV)
It took several hours to get to town and port. I stopped the carriage and tied the horses to a post. Then I had Mary and Braden wait in the carriage while I went down to the port to meet my brothers.
I was about half way to the ship they were on when I heard a voice in the crowd yell, "Will!"
I turned and saw ahead of me a man about my height, a little shorter actually, with darker hair than mine and a face not unlike my own, save for the fact that his features were softer and he had slightly darker eyes.
"Peter!"
I ran forward and embraced my brother.
"God, it's been so long Will!"
"I know. It's good to see you again."
"Edward and Thomas are still getting off; they'll be here in a couple of minutes. Where are your wife and son?"
"They're just over there by the shops waiting in the carriage."
Peter nodded.
"So how have you been fairing in New Brunswick?"
"Really well. It's perfect. Mary, Braden, and even the captain really enjoy it as well. Oh, and speaking of my wife, she's expecting."
Peter's eyes widened.
"When is she due to give birth?"
"In about eight months."
"Well, great timing then! Braden will be excited."
"He doesn't know, and I intend to keep it that way until she's really showing signs."
Peter nodded.
"Well well well, look who it is! It's little Will!"
Thomas and Edward pulled me into an embrace.
"It's good to see you again Will."
"God, it's been ages!" I said.
"Peter showed us the letter you wrote; a lot seems to have happened since you left England. One thing being that you have a family now, which is more than the rest of us can say, for neither of us have been courting anyone." Said Thomas.
I laughed.
"We should probably get back to Mary and Braden."
"Speaking of which, how are they doing?" Asked Edward as we walked back to the carriage.
"Very well, actually. Braden is a year old now, and Mary is with child; she's due in about eight months."
We reached Mary and Braden; I introduced my brothers to them and then we all piled into the carriage. I looked behind me at Braden, who was already beginning to warm up to his uncles, and then I looked at Mary, who was seated next to me. She looked pale and worn.
"Mary, are you well?"
"No. I feel like vomiting. But I think I can make it."
I nodded.
"Alright, but if you need to stop, we will."
(Back to Mary's POV)
I managed to make it out of town, but just as we were passing the captain's house, not even ten minutes from our own, my stomach lurched violently and I grabbed William's arm.
"William stop."
William stopped the carriage without hesitation and helped me out just as Bordon was coming outside. I ran straight past the captain, straight into the house, into the washroom and vomited. Shortly after Bordon and William arrived in the washroom.
"Feeling a bit better now?" asked William gently, placing his hands on my sides.
I nodded vaguely.
"Colonel, why don't you continue on to your home; I can bring her by when she's ready."
"Thank you Captain; you may stay for a while too if you wish."
Bordon nodded.
"Thank you Sir. We'll see you later then."
William nodded and left. Bordon bent down and helped me up.
"Mary you look dreadful; are you ill?"
"No Bordon; I'm surprised William didn't tell you."
"What did he not tell me?"
"Bordon I'm pregnant."
"I wondered if that was it." Said Bordon smiling. "When are you going to tell your son?"
"Not until I'm showing to the point where we can't keep it from him."
Bordon smiled.
"Well congratulations Mary."
"Thank you." I replied.
About ten minutes later, the captain took me back home, where we were greeted by Braden, William, and Williams' brothers.
"Come in; Captain, allow me to introduce you to my brothers, Peter Thomas and Edward."
"So this is Capt. Bordon?" Said Edward. "We've heard much of you from our brother, mind you, none of if has been discouraging."
Bordon laughed.
"That's good to hear."
"Let's go into the sitting room, shall we?"
Bordon and I nodded and we all went into the sitting room. William and I settled ourselves into a settee; Braden climbed into his father's lap, and Bordon, Edward, Thomas, and Peter settled themselves in chairs around us. I eyed each of William's brothers as they sat down. There was a definite family resemblance between the brothers, for they all looked very much alike, save for minor differences in hair colour, facial structure, and build. They all had light, icy blue eyes in which only Peter's differed slightly from the rest, for his were slightly darker, Peter also had black hair; the other three had dark brown hair, save for a few flecks for gray in Edward's. They even shared the same solid, athletic build, and were all fairly tall. Thomas looked to be the shortest at about five feet eleven inches. Peter and Edward both looked to be about six feet tall, and William was the tallest at about six feet two inches tall.
"Very nice place you have here, Will." Said Thomas. "Smaller than the family estate, but definitely more warm and welcoming."
"Yes it is." Replied William.
Thomas turned to the captain.
"Captain Fredrick Bordon, is it?"
"Yes." Replied Bordon.
"My brother told us about you in the letter he wrote to us when he came here to New Brunswick. It appears that you have done much for him both personally and military speaking. I commend you for that. It takes much patience to be able to tolerate my younger brother."
Bordon, and even William laughed out loud.
"I won't deny that!" Said William, still laughing.
Suddenly Braden turned to me.
"Mama, food!"
"Alright Braden; come with me and Ill get you something to eat." I replied, rising from my spot next to William and taking Braden by he hand. "Please excuse me. My son is hungry."
"That is perfectly alright, Mary." Replied Edward. "There is no need to explain."
"Thank you."
(William's POV)
After Mary and Braden left Bordon turned to me.
"I should probably be going. You need time with your brothers."
"Alright, but you're welcome to come back later tonight if you like."
"I'll let you and your family have the night together, then, if it is alright with you, I'll come back tomorrow."
"Very well Bordon. I'll see you tomorrow then."
Bordon nodded.
"It's been a pleasure to meet and speak with your brothers."
"The same with you." Said Edward.
"Good night then."
"Good night Captain."
After Bordon left, Edward turned to me.
"You are a very fortunate man, do you know that Will? God man, you've got a warm and inviting, not to mention, large and very well kept home; you've also got a loyal friend who would gladly give his life for you without hesitation, and a wife whose beauty and smarts would put those of many to shame. And, you've also got a beautiful little boy who looks just like you with a personality that combines the best of each of his parents' traits. Not to mention, he won't be the only one here as your wife is pregnant with your second child."
I nodded.
"I know."
"Men would kill to have what you have. In fact, they do." Said Thomas.
"I realise that; in a way, I had to as well." I replied.
" You weren't the only one." Said Edward.
"I know that as well."
"Look Will I just wanted to let you know how far you've come. You've done more for our name than Father ever could, or would have."
"Really? I cannot return to England because of what I've done."
"That's not the point. You managed to go on and prosper, regardless of the damn war, or Father's shadow."
"Thank you, Edward."
"You deserve it, Will." Said Edward embracing me.
Just then Mary and Braden came back into the room.
"Papa, hos. Ride hos."
I picked Braden up and kissed his forehead.
"Not now Braden. After supper."
"Oh come now, Will, we have some time." Said Peter.
"I have to help Mary with supper."
"We'll take him then." Said Edward.
"Alright, but don't let him get used to you always overriding me."
"Now why would I do that?" Asked Edward, pretending to look shocked.
"I'm not sure. Perhaps because you're my eldest brother!" I replied smirking.
"Papa comes too!"
"I can't Braden. I have to help Mama. But you go with Uncle Edward."
After Braden and my left I went with Mary into the kitchen.
"You may go with Braden and your brothers if you like." She said.
"Nonsense Mary; it will take less time if we're both here."
"Very well. Thank you."
(Back to Mary's POV)
That evening after supper William came up to me and said, "Would it be alright with you if my brothers stayed here for the evening?"
"Yes, just as long as Braden still goes to bed on time."
William smiled and kissed me.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. I'm sorry William, but I'm really tired..."
"It's alright my love. Go on upstairs; you need your rest."
"Thank you William."
I was about to go upstairs when I felt William pull me back.
"Before you go, I just wanted to thank you for all that you have done today. I love you."
I smiled and kissed William tenderly.
"And I love you. Good night, William."
Part 2. Balls and Gossip
Four months passed. James Wilkins was holding a ball at his estate for the dragoons living in New Brunswick and had invited William and I, along with the rest of the Tavington brothers. Bordon had been invited as well, but decided not to attend and watch Braden instead; he didn't feel ready to be around so many people yet.
I was in my bedchamber getting dressed for the ball; I had decided to war a royal blue gown along with the necklace William had given me the night he asked me to court him.
William was already dressed in black breeches with a white shirt, green vest and a dark blue waistcoat; he insisted upon having his hair queued back because he didn't like the way it looked in a civilian tie and also felt it was too loose if it wasn't in a military queue.
"You're so particular." I said after I finished putting my hair up in a braided bun.
"And you're not?" Replied William.
"No, not quite as much as you. I just have more clothing and thicker and longer hair to deal with." I replied simply. "Now let's go. Bordon is already here to watch Braden.
We arrived at Wilkins' estate at half past seven, and entered the ballroom just as our names were about to be announced.
"Col. William Garrick Camden Tavington and Lady Mary Katherine Tavington!" The announcer called loudly and everyone turned and began applauding.
As William and I made a move to go sit down, the announcer leaned over and whispered, "God you have a lengthy name Sir! Would you by any chance be related to the three men over there?"
"Yes." Replied William smirking. "They're my brothers. Weren't they on your list?"
"Oh, right…yes.. it appears they were." He replied going red in the face.
I shook my head and rolled my eyes at William's jest as we walked over to where Edward, Thomas, and Peter were seated.
"How nice of you to join us Will. Especially since we know how much you just simply enjoy social functions." Said Peter, an impish smile playing at the corners of his lips.
William scowled and replied sarcastically, "Oh yes, I just delight in social events; the empty conversation is so enlightening! God Peter, the only reason I'm here is because if wouldn't look well if I wasn't; Wilkins sold me land here!"
"Oh I see. You're here out of obligation." Said Peter, his impish smile growing even larger.
"Oh Peter, do shut up." Replied William.
"Peter enough." Said Edward. "I'm terribly sorry, but it appears that someone has forgotten their manners."
"He was the one who told me to shut up." Said Peter.
"You didn't even greet the lady!"
Peter's eyes widened.
"I'm terribly sorry Mary! Good evening."
I smirked.
"Good evening. Though I must say, it was amusing to watch you and William banter."
Edward chuckled.
"Anyway, how are you this evening?"
"Well, actually. And yourself?"
"The same."
William and I sat and conversed with his brothers for about thirty minutes. Then Peter asked me if I wanted to dance, quickly looking over at William who said, "That's fine Peter, you may dance with her; I'll cut in when I'm ready."
"Thank you Will." Replied Peter, and he led me onto the dance floor and we began to waltz.
"Thank you for dancing with me, Mary." Said Peter. "It will help create a cover against the rest of the women here; they're very empty headed."
I smiled.
"Do all of you brothers share the same dislike for empty conversation then?"
"Yes. It gets rather dull after a while. However, I must say that Will loathes is the most and is nearly anti social because of it, though I don't blame him in the least."
"So, I'm nearly anti social am I?"
I looked over my shoulder and smiled.
"Yes."
" I suppose you would like to cut in now?"
William nodded and cut in.
"It was a pleasure dancing with you Mary." Said Peter. "I'll see you later; I am going to get some food."
William and I danced for about ten minutes and then he asked, "How are you feeling?"
"Hungry and a little tired; I haven't received much sleep lately."
"Well, why don't we get something to eat and then, in about another hour or so, we'll leave?"
I nodded and we went to one of the banquet tables to get food.
As William and I ate, I overheard some of the women nearby gossiping.
"Did you see those three men over there in the corner?" Said one woman.
"Yes, I was told that they are Col. Tavington's brothers. The youngest one is named Peter." Replied another.
"Oh yes, I had a conversation with him earlier; he's quite charming and handsome."
"I heard he was looking for someone to court."
"Oh really? I hope he chooses me. His brother, the colonel, is quite dashing as well but unfortunately, is married; word he's it that he's a very faithful husband and a good father."
"Yes, I just hope that his brother is that same way; he told me that I was a "charming lady". If he really is interested in me, I want him to be good to me."
William snorted, trying to keep himself from laughing; the woman talking stopped abruptly and turned to us.
"Is something the matter?" She asked.
"No, I'm fine. Just..just choked on a piece of meat." Replied William, barely able to contain himself.
One of the women cast him a concerned look.
"Sir! Are you"
"He is perfectly fine." I replied, cutting her off.
"And who are you to tell me that Col. Tavington is fine?" Replied the woman, a look of disgust on her face.
"I am his wife."
The woman looked at me in surprise and then at William for confirmation.
"She is who she says she is. Besides, why would I sit with another woman if I'm a "very faithful husband"?"
The woman shot William an affronted look and stormed off.
I looked at William and in mock disappointment said, "William you really are an egomaniac."
William smiled and placed a hand on my growing middle, gently caressing it with his thumb.
"And how are you two love birds doing?"
William and I turned to see Peter standing with a smirk on his face.
"Don't you have a crowd of women to entertain and converse with?" Asked William.
"Well you see, I would have, but I grew tired of them fawning over me, so I left them with Thomas and Edward."
William nodded.
"Yes, leave Edward and Thomas to handle them."
"They should, they haven't had to deal with them all evening." Said Peter.
"Oh, a man for the ladies, are you?" Said William.
"Yes, if you want to put it that way; it seems that I'm not the only one though; I've heard much about you from the ladies as well."
"I'm married, Peter."
"And that's the only thing that's stopping them from making any form of advances on you." Peter replied evenly.
"Yes well, thank God for that."
Peter nodded and then walked back over to one of the banquet tables. William turned to me and said, "I know that we were planning on staying for another hour, however, being as I don't obviously really enjoy being here, why don't we leave right after you're finished eating; I have already spoken with Wilkins this evening."
I nodded.
"Very well; I'm tired anyway."
So, I finished eating, William and I said our good byes, and we quietly slipped out into the night.
When William and I arrived home, we found Bordon and Braden sleeping together in one of the chairs in the sitting room.
"Let's just leave them there." I whispered softly.
William nodded and we went upstairs.
Part 3. Second LabourOver four months had passed. I was nearly two weeks past my due date and William was nearly mad with nervousness because of it. Thankfully, both Edward and Thomas were doctors, so should anything happen, William wouldn't need to go very far for help.
It was half past five in the evening. William's brothers, along with Bordon, had spent the day at our home and I was preparing supper for them. I was just beginning to mince some vegetables when I felt a sharp pain in my lower abdomen and yelped loudly, dropping the knife I was holding and clutched my stomach. I was going to yell for William but he came without my calling, and with a very concerned look on his face.
"Mary?"
"William, I need to go to our bedchamber, and so will at least one of your brothers."
William's eyes widened; he stepped forward, picked me up and carried me out of the kitchen and up the stairs to our bedchamber. Then he went to get Edward and Thomas.
"So, today's the day then is it, Mary?" Asked Edward as he entered the room with William and Thomas.
"Mama!"
Braden darted into the room followed by Capt. Bordon who tried in vain to catch him.
"Braden, go with Bo!" Said William.
"No Papa!" Replied Braden defiantly.
"Yes Papa!" Countered William, who grabbed Braden and handed him over to Bordon. "Now you listen to your uncle!"
He quickly thanked Bordon who left the room with Braden in tow.
(William's POV)
After Bordon left with my son Edward turned to me and said, "Remove her clothing, Will, and get her in blankets; Thomas and I will leave the room so you can do this."
"Thank you."
I approached Mary and carefully removed her clothing and unbound her hair from its bun, placing it in a loose braid instead. I was just about to cover her with a light blanket when she grabbed my arm, her eyes glittering with fear and pain.
"William please, don't leave me; it…"
Mary inhaled sharply, squeezing her eyes shut in pain.
I leaned forward and kissed her forehead.
"I love you, and I will not leave you, Mary."
She nodded vaguely and closed her eyes, moaning softly.
"William, get your brothers."
I opened the door and ushered Edward and Thomas in.
"How is she doing Will?" Asked Edward.
Before I could answer, Mary let out a cry of pain.
"Edward, her water broke." Said Thomas.
Edward nodded quickly, removing his vest.
"Will, fetch me a pitcher of water and some cloths for her forehead. I don't need her overheating during labour."
I nodded and left the room.
I went outside to fetch the water when I was stopped by Bordon.
"I'm sorry to waste your time; how is she doing?"
"Her water just broke; she is in pain obviously, but it's too early to tell anything."
Suddenly I felt Braden tugging on the back of my trousers.
"Mama…"
I knelt down and patted Braden's head.
"She'll be fine Braden. Just stay with your uncle for now."
I stood up and faced Bordon.
"Thank you for watching my son. I'll let you know if anything happens."
Bordon nodded.
I grabbed some cloths and headed back upstairs to the bedchamber.
"How is she?"
"Well, her contractions are strong." Replied Thomas.
"Place a damp cloth on her forehead Will." Said Edward.
I dipped a cloth into the water, walked over to Mary and gently placed it on her forehead. She moaned softly.
"William…"
Three hours passed. Mary was in hard labour.
"Come on Mary, keep pushing!" Said Thomas, who was holding her feet down.
"Keep going Mary, your doing excellently." Said Edward.
Another hour passed. Mary screamed as she was overcome with contractions.
"WILLIAM!…"
I closed my eyes at the pain in her voice; I took her left hand in my right and held it to my chest, caressing her moist cheek with my left hand.
Thirty minutes passed. Edward called Thomas over and whispered something to him. Then Thomas came over to me.
"The head is visible. It shouldn't be much longer now."
"Thank you Thomas." I replied.
I gently kissed Mary's cheek, brushing a lock of hair from her face.
"You're doing very well; it won't be much longer now; push hard Mary."
About ten minutes later, the baby was born.
"Congratulations, you have a daughter." Said Edward smiling.
I sighed in relief and excitement, and kissed Mary tenderly on the lips.
"It's over my love, I'm very proud of you."
Thomas came over with the baby and placed her in my arms. I held her close to Mary so she could see.
"She looks like you, Mary." I whispered softly, placing my daughter in her mother's arms.
And indeed she did. She was slighter in build than Braden when he was born, probably meaning that she had her mother's stature; her hair was coal black, just like Mary's as well. But her eyes; her eyes were of a very beautiful, yet unusual colour; they were emerald green with very noticeable flecks of icy blue, and they had icy blue rims. A combination of both Mary and I.
"She's the most beautiful newborn baby I have ever seen." Said Edward. "May I hold her?"
Mary nodded.
Later, after Mary and the baby had been cleaned up and the baby fed, Bordon, Peter, and Braden came into the bedchamber.
"How are mother and child?" Asked Peter.
"Mary is very exhausted and weak, but on the whole, well." I replied, glancing over at my wife who was sleeping soundly in the four-poster. "We have a girl."
Bordon and Peter smiled.
"Papa, up."
I smiled at Braden and picked him up.
"Who's that?" Asked Braden pointing at the sleeping form in the cradle next to the four-poster.
"That is your sister, Braden."
"Sis." Said Braden.
I smiled.
"I see sis."
"Not now Braden, she's sleeping.'
Braden gave me a disappointed look, but then turned his gaze to Mary.
"Mama alright?"
"Yes Braden, Mama is alright; she is sleeping right now though and you need to go to bed as well. She'll see you in the morning."
I was just about to take Braden to his room when Mary stirred and awakened.
"Mama!"
"Shh Braden." Said Mary softly.
Braden ran over to the side of the four-poster, climbed up and wrapped his arms around his mother.
Mary wrapped an arm around Braden and kissed him.
"Mama alright?"
Mary gave Braden a tired smile.
"Yes Braden, I'm alright."
"Good." Replied Braden.
"Braden, it's time for bed." I said, walking over to him and Mary.
Mary looked up at me and smiled.
"No bed Mama." Said Braden, pleading with his mother.
"Do what your father says."
Before leaving, Braden gave his mother a final hug.
"I love you Mama."
I put Braden to sleep and then returned to the bedchamber, taking a seat on the four-poster next to Mary.
"Well, the labour was obviously easier this time." Said Bordon. "It was also only about half as long too."
Mary smiled.
"So, Mary, what is my niece's name?" Asked Peter.
Mary looked at me, taking my hand in hers.
"You picked the name William, you tell them."
I glanced at Bordon.
"Her name is Brielle Damara Anabelle Davina Ebony Tavington."
Bodon's eyes widened and his mouth opened in surprise.
"Th-thank you Colonel. It means a lot to me; she would have been honoured."
Part 4. Behind The Ice(Back to Mary's POV)
That Evening, after everyone had gone to bed and William was lying next to me holding me gently to him, I looked into his eyes and saw what was beheld in them: A determined and dedicated man to what he believed in, a caring and loving husband, and a wonderful father to our children. There was no 'Butcher'. I had seen behind the ice.
"I love you William." I whispered softly, and then drifted off to sleep.
FIN