(Bordon's POV)
Late that evening at half past ten, after Braden and Brielle had gone to bed, I went outside to check on Alastor in the stables.
"Alastor?"
"I'm still here." Alastor replied from a stall in the back end of the stables.
"It's chilly out tonight." I said, walking up to the stall.
"I'll manage. This isn't nearly as bad as what I thought it would be. I'm surprised I've even made it this far with William."
"You have his wife to thank for that. She would be absolutely hellish to him if he killed you here because she doesn't want their son and daughter exposed to that type of killing."
"It seems I owe a lot to his wife."
"Yes you do. The colonel is fighting his deeply seeded need to kill you."
"Why? Why does he allow is her so much control?" Alastor asked, then added, "Not that I'm ungrateful for it. I just want to know why."
"Because, Alastor, he loves her and he knows that she's right about letting you live. Still, you'd best not overstep the boundaries that have been placed upon your arrival here. He may not be on duty at this time, but Col. Tavington is still very unpredictable at times."
"I understand. I am very aware of my son's dangerous temper. He may not have fought me when he was younger, but I saw an unusual deadly and defiant look in his eyes, and I still see it today when he looks at me."
"I've seen that look before; he never directed it at me, but I've seen it."
"I'm sure you have."
"It's inevitable when one is put under his command and has to see the many ignorant people he works with on a daily basis."
"He's not a patient man either."
"No, but it has improved, probably because he has a family now."
"Speaking of which, how are they doing today?"
"Braden and Brielle are fine. They were a bit disgruntled this morning because their mother still made them do their lessons, but all in, all they are well. Mary on the other hand, is not. She is ill with a fairly high temperature, she's seven months pregnant, and she's recently been through some very stressful situations, so, needless to say, she's not in the best condition or mood right now."
"Good God, of course she isn't. However, she does compose herself very well; I wouldn't have known if you haven't told me."
"She holds her composure for her son and daughter, just as Col. Tavington does for her and the rest of his family."
"She's remarkable.. Strong, intelligent.."
"Of course she is. The colonel can't stand empty-headed women."
"It's a family trait. I can't stand empty-headed women either, and neither could my father, or grandfather. Thankfully I found Katherine, but…"
"Yes?"
"She… I came home drunk one night and.. I killed her.. I didn't know what I was doing; I was too drunk and foolish. But that's no excuse. William and his brothers lost their mother because of me."
"You really did soil the Tavington name. Tell me, why did you leave your sons with the shame?"
"I didn't think I could face them again, stand beside them and share their fate. But I should have been there for them anyway. I am forever branded a coward because I wasn't."
"That's the least of your worries. Right now you need to figure out how you're going to get Col. Tavington to really hear what you have to say."
"Not just him, but his wife and brothers, along with their wives as well."
"Like I said, cowardice is the least of your worries."
"I know." Alastor replied.
"Look, Alastor, here's an extra blanket for the evening. I've got to go back up to the house."
"Thank you Captain. Good night."
I left the stables and went back to the house and up to the master bedchamber to check on Mary. I found her awake, lying in bed with all the covers shed, save for a couple of thin sheets; she was sweating and shaking.
"Mary"
"The covers were too warm. I can't sleep."
"God Mary, you're on fire. I can see it from here."
"I can't sleep. I won't sleep. The nightmares are too intense."
I walked over to the four-poster and wrapped my arms around her.
"Bordon, I'm so tired; but I can't sleep."
I kissed her moist forehead.
"Just try Mary." I whispered.
"Stay here. Please, Captain, at least stay in the room."
"Alright. I'll sleep in the chair."
"Thank you."
"Now is there anything you need?"
"No. I just need this all to be over."
"Oh Mary don't trouble yourself with those thoughts. Just rest."
Mary coughed, moaning in pain afterward.
"Thank you Captain." She replied with a raspy voice.
"You're welcome. Now please, rest, and I'll be right here if you need anything."
Mary cast me a wan smile.
"Good night, Captain."
