(Back to Mary's POV)
Bordon arrived at the house at half past eight. William had left earlier that morning and wouldn't be back for three days due to business affairs, while Alastor stayed behind, and in the stables.
"How is everything going here?" Bordon asked walking into the sitting room where I was lying on the cot, propped up by pillows.
"It could be better." I replied. "Things have been stressful lately, with Alastor, and William's decision to return to active duty, it's a wonder no one in this house has gone completely mad."
"He's made his decision. How do you feel about it?"
"Well I'm not thrilled about it, that's for sure. But I know how important honour is to him, and how upset he was when he couldn't command his men after Cowpens because of his injuries, so I'm not going to try to stop him."
"I understand. I've made my decision as well; I'm going back to active duty."
"I figured as much."
"Well, anyway, enough of that; how are the children?"
"They are both well; they're probably upstairs."
"Are they aware of what's going on?"
"I think they know something is different, but I don't think they know what it is. And we intend to keep it that way."
"Certainly."
"Uncle Bordon!"
Both the captain and I turned to see Braden and Brielle standing in the entrance to the sitting room.
"Well if it isn't my favourite niece and nephew; come here!"
Braden and Brielle ran forward into Bordon's outstretched arms.
"Have you been good to your mother?"
"Yes." Replied Braden.
"Good boy." Said the captain. "And Brielle, how about you?"
"Yes Uncle Bordon, I have."
"That's my girl."
"Are you staying here until Father returns?" Braden asked eagerly.
"Yes."
"Then we don't have lessons!" Braden cried excitedly.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that, Young Master Tavington." I said.
Braden's excited smile faded.
"You'll still have your lessons, and if I can't give them to you then the captain will."
"But Mother…"
"Education does not cease just because your uncle is here for a few days."
Braden looked downtrodden and Brielle smirked.
"Brielle, you'll be beginning your own lessons as well." I said smartly.
Brielle's eyes widened.
"You're old enough, and you sit in during your brother's lessons, so you should already know some of the things that we will be going over."
Brielle opened her mouth so say something but thinking better of it, remained silent.
"Mother, may I go outside?" Braden asked.
"After your lessons." I replied.
Braden scowled and grudgingly replied, "Yes Mother."
After Braden and Brielle were finished with their lessons, they went outside while Bordon stayed inside with me; feeling lightheaded and unusually warm, I decided to lie down and sleep, while Bordon entertained himself with a book he had brought with him from his house.
One hour passed. I awoke feeling even warmer, to the point of discomfort.
"Mary are you well?" Bordon asked. "You look pale."
I tried to sit up but my strength failed me and I collapsed back against the pillows. Bordon raised his eyebrows, leaned forward, and felt my forehead.
"My God, Mary, you're burning."
Bordon picked me up and carried me upstairs to the master bedchamber, lying me down on the four-poster. Then he left momentarily and returned with a damp cloth.
"Here…" He said, pressing the cloth to my forehead. "Now rest, and I'll be up in an hour with some broth and water.
I nodded and replied, "I'll see you then."
A few minutes after Bordon left, I fell into a fitful sleep.
Shapes. Blurry shapes. I shook my head, trying to clear my vision. When it cleared, I was horrified.
I was in the stables; on the floor lay William, bound and moaning, his back crisscrossed with bloody red stripes.
"William!"
I moved to untie his bonds when I was roughly shoved aside by Alastor who held a whip in his right hand, a demonic look in his eyes. I tried again to get to William, but Alastor lashed out with the whip, catching the side of my head. Pain ripped through my head as I was knocked backwards. Alastor brought the whip back over William and proceeded to beat him until there was nothing left but a puddle of dark crimson blood, which began seeping through the floor, and the sound of cruel laughter ringing in my ears.
"WILLIAM!"
