Once they arrived at the British encampment, Tavington took the girl into the manor house, down one hall, turned left, and shoved her into a room. He shut the door and locked it.
"Sit down," he commanded.
"No," the girl said.
Tavington pulled out his pistol," Sit down."
She glared at him, but did so. Tavington paced around her, taking in her dress, hair, face, every feature that showed.
"State your name," Tavington said. The girl had her eyes on the pistol in his right hand.
"Maria Culvaney," the girl answered. Tavington pulled a chair up to her so he could sit directly in front of her.
"Why did you attack one of my dragoon members?" Tavington asked.
"He touched me," Maria said simply," I don't like it when men I don't know touch me."
"Did he touch you in an unhuman like manner?" Tavington asked.
"He grabbed my arm and tried to pull me to the colonel, whoever he is," Maria said.
"I am the colonel," Tavington said," And you had no right to strike an officer for grabbing your arm."
"Oh yes sir I did," Maria said," For you see, he was a man, and men have germs."
"That is the most childish opinion I have ever heard," Tavington said," You will be punished for this."
"Yes so you told me through the entire trip here," Maria said.
The colonel stared at her. How could she be so stubborn? Did she not understand where she was, or what was happening to her? Or was it just that she didn't care?
"I think a night in the encampment prison will help you straighten out your lack of manners and cooperation," Tavington said.
"Oh joy," Maria said,"A night in the cage, what wonders that will do."
Tavington was losing his patience," You know your stubborness can be broken."
"What are you going to do, slap me?" Maria snapped.
Now Tavington was in her face," You know I just happen to be a lonely man, and would love to have a woman in my bed to keep me company."
"You wouldn't ," Maria said.
"Try me," Tavington said," They don't call me the Butcher for nothing."