Tavington was so relieved that he was no longer enemies with Maria. He would no longer have to worry about that night when drinking got the best of him. Now he would go outside every day and say hello to Maria and go about his business. He had to admit that he didn't agree with the idea that it was not he who she would be marrying in a months time, but he wasn't going to ruin Maria's happiness with one of his own selfish thoughts. He and Maria were aloud to be around each other now, and Tavington did everything he could not to get too much in her way.
"Hello Colonel," Maria said. Her voice didn't have its usual cheery air.
"Hello Maria," Tavington said," You sound tired."
"I barely slept," Maria said,"Hot flashes, sickness, the effects os pregnancy."
"Why don't you go and try to rest," Tavington suggested.
"Heavens no," Maria said," On a day like this? Are you crazy?"
"No," Tavington said," I just think that you should have a good amount of rest."
"I appreciate your concern, but I am perfectly fine," Maria said.
"You are a stubborn woman," Tavington remarked.
"And proud of it Colonel," Maria said.
At that point, Wilkins came outside.
"Colonel Tavington," he said, not looking at him.
"Captain Wilkins," Tavington said stiffly.
Maria looked from Wilkins to Tavington, and back. She knew fully well that Tavingtons' dislike for Wilkins only increased when he found out that he had gone behind his back and courted Maria. His dislike increased even more when he founf out that he was going to marry Maria. If truth be told, Maria was extremely annoyed at the fact that they were both being a bit childish about it.
"So," she said, attempting to break the silence," How are you today Colonel?"
"Oh I'm doing fine," Tavington said,"There is a raid in a couple of days. I'm not really looking forward to it."
"You didn't tell me about any raid," Maria said, elbowing Wilkins playfully.
"I didn't want to worry you," Wilkins said," I don't need you stressed out at such a time."
"I won't get stressed," Maria said," It's when I don't know that I get stressed."
Tavington laughed. Wilkins shot him a hateful look. Tavington had, after all, treated him as if he had an uncurable disease, and it was just because he came to the British Green Dragoons from the continental side.
"Well Maria,"" Wilkins finally said," You promised me a walk."
"That I did," Maria said. Wilkins turned and began walking slowly away.
"Give him time," Maria said," He'll come around."
Tavington smiled at her. She turned and Followed Wilkins towards the lake. Tavington was happy that he and Maria were on speaking terms. Now he had to work on Wilkins. He wondered to himself whether things would be harder with another man instead of a woman.