Chapter Sixteen
Disclaimer: I do not own T.P.
A/N: These are the last few chapters, as I said before. Please, review!
"Colonel, wake up!"
"Colonel Tavington! Can you hear me?"
Faint voices were surrounding Tavington as he opened his eyes. The faces of Bordon and O'Hara were above him, looking down. O'Hara gave a sigh of relief
Tavington glanced at his open window. The sun was in the middle of the sky. It was well into the day.
"What happened?" he asked, dazed.
"Apparently, sleep happened," O'Hara said, hands behind his back, "We simply couldn't wake you up, colonel."
"Another rough night?" Bordon asked. Tavington forced a smile, and O'Hara rolled his eyes before leaving. Bordon watched him. "You know,"he said, "Sometimes I question if he's really a man," he said, snickering.
Tavington cocked his head. "So do I. Now, is there anything I can help you with?"
Bordon looked at him, confused. "No, sir," he paused, "Why?"
Tavington raised an eyebrow and waved.
Bordon, with an "Ah!" left the room so his colonel could get dressed.
About five minutes later, he came out, in his Dragoon uniform. His hair shone in the light as he walked. At his side were his sabre and pistol. He walked to the stables, and got on Adrienne, the French Ambassador's horse sent as a gift. Starting with a trot and breaking into a gallop, he charged across the fields before reaching the gates of the fort. With two or three Dragoons accompanying him, he ran.
Instead of going to the village, he was going to another fancy estate called the Lilac Manor. He wasn't on a raid, he was on a visit.
After half an hour, he reached it. Riding up to the door, he knocked and waited. A slave opened the door, and, recognizing the familiar face, called, "Sarah! William's here!"
He heard the footsteps of high-heeled shoes clunking down the wooden staircase, and all of a sudden, Lady Sarah Cardian was at the door. Tavington hopped off his horse, and Sarah pounced on him, smiling and laughing. Tavington, being the way he was, simply held her, quite unsure of what to do. She grinned at him.
"Ready to go?" she asked, breathlessly. He nodded.
He held out his hand, and she grabbed it and jumped on to the horse's back, a little nearer to the edge then usual so Tavington could get on. He climbed up, trying not to knock Lady Cardian off, and she held around his waist as they rode.
After another half an hour, they reached the fort. The gates opening, Tavington and the Lady trotted all the way into the stables and got off. Taking Sarah by the hand, as proper gentlemen do, he led her inside the Main Hall.
When inside, he brought her into Lord Cornwallis' room. He was smiling.
"Ah! Lady Sarah Cardian , daughter of James! How wonderful it is to see you again!" he shook her hand. "It is my greatest honor you are here."
Lady Cardian smiled. "Why, thank you, sir."
"We have your room ready, the suite, just as your father asked. You may go to it whenever you please, do not feel you have to wait for anything."
"Thank you, Lord Cornwallis."
Cornwallis turned to Tavington. "And, you, you should be rewarded for the safe retrieval of our splendid guest."
Tavington politely nodded. Rule one: Do not interrupt the lord's good mood.
Cornwallis, then, clasped his hands, fingers entwined, and looked at his desk, his tone suddenly growing serious. "Now, you two, about the upcoming"
Lady Cardian cut him off, apparently nervous. "No, it's fine, my lord. We have it all set straight."
Tavington looked at her and nudged her. "What are you doing?" he asked. She glanced at him and raised her eyebrows. Tavington got the message.
Cornwallis got it, too. He sat, silent for a moment, trying to think of what to say.
"Well, I'll leave it up to the both of you. Now, Tavington...and Lady Cardian, we need to have a talk."
"Sir?"
"This is about Patricia Kellings, the servant..."
Tavington felt a tiny drop of sweat roll down his cheek; he prayed Cornwallis wouldn't mention the minor ordeal he had with Patricia to Lady Cardian.
Cornwallis knew not to embarrass his colonel. "Lady Cardian, I am only saying I think you should keep an eye on her. She...well, she has affections for William."
Lady Cardian turned and stared at Tavington in shock. Tavington brushed it off. "However, the feelings are not returned," he said, curtly.
"Oh," said the Lady, but it was obvious she doubted him.
There was a moment of awkward silence between the three.
Tavington and Lady Cardian stood up. "Well, we think we'll be going," Sarah said, smiling at Cornwallis. "It was a pleasure to see you again," he said, and turned to face his fireplace.
As they left, Lady Cardian turned to Tavington and said, "Now, where is this Patricia Kellings you are so popular with?" There was a tiny bit of anger in her voice that couldn't be hidden.
"Will you kill her if I tell you?" he asked, his voice low, and slightly seductive.
She smiled. "No, I won't. But don't you think it be best I... give her some advice?"
He raised his eyebrow. "I can only begin to imagine..."he trailed off. "She's in the servants' quarters, room 283."
She nodded and without saying another word, left. Tavington watched her walk down the hall, her long dress flowing out behind her.
'Wow,' he thought.
All of a sudden, he remembered something. "Wait!" he called. She stopped and turned around about thirty feet away. "Yes?" she asked. He paused, then said, "Don't tell her... about..."
She nodded and left.
