Tavington had not bothered Maria for a month after what he did. She seemed to have gotten over it and was getting on with her life. It was only after the incident, that he realized how beautiful she was. Sometimes he wished he had met her at a ball or Sunday gathering. Then he could have had some kind of relationship with her. Even now it was too late, because Wilkins seemed to have charmed her. Every Sunday, he would wait for her outside, take her for rides, walk with her, sit with her at meals, and much more. Tavington even caught him giving her a kiss. Tavington felt his face burning with rage and jealousy. What wouldn't he give to get Wilkins away from her. He had said he wouldn't bother her, and he planned on satying true to his word. Only problem was that each day it seemed to be getting harder and harder. It was Sunday which meant another gathering of officers, women, friends,and wives. Tavington was having a brandy with Bordon, and was staring around the yard for Maria.

"Why are you suddenly so interested in her whereabouts?" Bordon had asked.

Tavington gave him the same answer he had been giving him for a month," She might try to escape again. I can't trust her."

"She's not going to run away," Bordon said," Captain Wilkins has seen to that."

"What do you mean," Tavington asked.

"You haven't heard," Bordon asked," He asked to court her. They plan on getting married someday."

Tavington dropped his glass," They what."

"You heard me Colonel," Bordon said with a hint of annoyance. Tavington stared at him and then back out across the yard.

He could see two people standing under a willow tree, but there faces were hidden under the low hanging branches.

"I think we've spotted your friends," Bordon said," Why don't we have go have a chat with them?"

The news of Wilkins courting Maria and a possible marriage drove his promise t stay away from Maria completely out of his head. He followed Bordon over to the willow tree to talk to Maria and Wilkins.

"Maria," Wilkins said,"I'm very happy that I didn't allow myself to be intimidated by Colonel Tavington. I don't know where I'd be right now if I wasn't seeing you."

"I was about to say the same about you," Maria said. They stared into each others eyes, and suddenly Wlkins' lips brushed against Maria's.

"That is so beautiful," said a voice behind Wilkins," Do I get one too?"

"You sure have a habit of coming up behind people," Wilkins said," What do you want?"

"You won't believe this," Bordon said," Colonel Tavington seems to be the only person who didn't know about you two."

Tavington had his eyes on Maria, and she was staring at him, the fearless look back in her eyes.

"I just wanted to congratulate the two of you," he said not taking his eyes off Maria.

"Thank you colonel," she said.

"Yes thank you sir," Wilkins said," We appreciate it."

Tavington looked back at Maria, who was smiling slightly.

"What," Tavington said.

"We plan on getting married next month," Maria said. Tavington noticed a wide smile cross Wilkins face.

"Why so soon," Bordon asked.

Maria put her hand on her stomache, and Tavington knew right away why. A look of fear crossed his face.

"You don't mean," he said," A baby?"

"Colonel Tavington," Maria said," May i talk to you?"

Tavington nodded.

"I'll be right back," Maria said.

Tavington followed her to an isolated spot.

"Colonel I know what you are thinking," Maria said," And I must tell you that this child is not yours."

"What," Tavington said.

"I waited a while," Maria said," I wouldn't let the Captain touch me until I knew. Then nothing happened, and I knew that I wouldn't be giving birth anytime soon. Then he asked to court me, and...well, now we have a child on the way."

"Maria," Tavington said," I hope we have no hard feelings towards each other-"

"No," Maria said," I'll make you a deal."

"Another one?" Tavington asked.

"Yes," Maria said," You will except the friendship I am offering you now, and attend the wedding, and I forgive you for everything, and I'll apologize to you for all the things I've done to you." Tavington smiled at her. If he couldn't have her as a wife, having her as a friend was just as good.

" It's a deal," Tavington said.

Maria hugged him," Then starting right now, we are friends, and every bad thing in the past is forgotten."

"Thank you,"Tavington said.