The next morning dawned bright, not a cloud in the sky. A few soldiers with body and mind wrenching hangovers stumbled about, regretting the trading they had done the night before that earned them more drink rations. They would pay for their indulgence if they had to march or ride that day. The smells coming from the kitchens did not help their situation as the cooks prepared breakfast for thousands of men.
The Dragoon encampment was separate from the rest of the army. Since many of them had not returned from patrol until later in the evening it was still quiet. The grooms were already in the stables tending to the horses and a few men sat outside their tents shaving or enjoying a hot cup of tea.
A valet, carrying a tray, made his way down the rows of tents, heading for the largest. He entered the tent and noted its state of disarray. The dinner dishes still hadn't been cleared away and there were two baldrics, swords and sets of pistols sitting on the table. As a valet he was used to seeing things and having to keep quiet about the events he witnessed but that usually that involved whores, or someone else's mistress. His blood froze at the thought of what kind of secret he would now have to keep.
Captain Borden had seen the valet enter the tent and assumed that Colonel Tavington was up. Borden was just about to enter the tent as the valet stepped out and froze in his tracks. Borden took one look at his face and recognized the shock and surprise he saw there. The valet stepped to one side and Borden signaled silently for him to stay where he was. Borden carefully entered the tent. His first thought was that he would find Tavington murdered in his sleep, why else would the valet look so shocked? He took a few steps towards the center of the tent and looked around, quickly surveying his surroundings. There did seem to be signs of some kind of struggle but swords were sheathed and there was no sign of blood. Various pieces of uniform were strewn about the floor of the tent and one boot was thrown clear across the room.
Then his own blood ran cold as one thought hit him. Borden quietly moved to the sleeping quarters and carefully pulled the curtain open just enough to see inside. The bed was empty. The Colonel was asleep on the floor, covered only from the waist down by a blanket. His arms were wrapped around a person who was lying across his chest, also asleep. The person was most definitely a female, the small blanket didn't cover enough to hide the feminine figure beneath it.
Borden let out a relieved sigh as he turned to leave the tent. The Colonel found himself a whore for the night he thought but then something else struck him. Why were there two swords, two baldrics and so many uniform pieces? Borden crossed the room to check the insignias on the baldrics. One was a colonel, Tavington's. The other bore a lieutenant's insignia and two of the pistols bore the initials F.C., Frank Charleton. The Captain's mind raced and all of a sudden it all made sense. Borden was no idiot, the woman in the Colonel's arms and Lt. Charleton were one and the same. Everything made sense now, even the Colonel's behavior at Charleton's tent.
Tavington woke to the sound of shuffling footsteps in the other part of the tent. He reached up, swept Beth's hair from her face and kissed her forehead. She stirred but didn't wake. He grasped her shoulder and gently shook her. As she lifted her head about to speak, Tavington covered her mouth with his hand and with his free hand put a finger to his lips to signal her to be quiet. He lifted his head to her ear.
"There is someone in here." He whispered into her ear. "Get up, get dressed, quickly!" He ordered. They got up as quietly as possible, searching for their clothes. Both jackets were missing as was Tavington's vest and one of his boots, but Beth found enough of her uniform to dress sufficiently enough to keep her cover. Tavington stepped from behind the curtain, buttoning his breeches.
"You will say nothing." He commanded. Borden jumped at the sound of his commander's voice and turned to face the Colonel. Tavington splashed water on his face and then turned to face the Captain. "I have known for weeks and I also know that the men are talking. She will stay with us, she's too skilled a soldier to lose." He didn't give Borden a chance to speak. "You will not treat her differently from any other lieutenant."
As the curtain rustled both of the men turned to see Beth. The binding was back in place making her chest appear male again. She had her shirt and breeches on and was buttoning up her vest. This conversation involved her and she would be a part of it.
"Do you have anything to say Captain?" Tavington asked Borden.
"Only that, respectfully, Sir, I don't agree with having a woman here. She doesn't belong, she compromises our ability to…" Borden didn't get to finish his sentence.
"Compromises our ability to what?" Beth snapped at him, risking taking such a tone with a superior officer. "Have I compromised anything so far? I have done my job and I've done it well. As long as everyone still thinks I am Frank Charleton then nothing will change."
As long as we continue on as we have." Tavington's tone left no doubt that he expected his orders to be followed. Borden reluctantly nodded in agreement and turned to leave. "Fetch Hamilton, Davies and Thomson. I want them here in one hour."
"Yes Sir." Borden said as he turned and left. He hated being treated like a messenger but he was glad to leave the tent and feel the cool morning air on his face. The valet was still standing outside the tent waiting for further orders. Borden stalked past him.
"Sir?" The valet called after him. Borden just waved him off and continued towards the tents of the other officers. The hour until the meeting would give him the time he needed to think. The valet shrugged and returned to the kitchens. He would not be spreading any rumours, he knew better than that. He also knew Tavington's reputation.
William turned to Beth and held out his arms to her. She walked over to him and they wrapped their arms around each other.
"Well, we have an hour." Beth sighed.
"Lieutenant, what are you suggesting?" Tavington asked in mock surprise. Before Beth could respond he kissed her deeply. She pulled away, not being able to stop her laughter.
"I think we should figure out what we are going to tell them," She said, "but I did enjoy that kiss."
"The next few days could be very interesting…and difficult." Tavington stated.
"I know." Beth replied, releasing him and breaking free of his embrace. She stood up very straight, regaining the male posture she had perfected over the years. They nodded at each other and continued dressing in silence. Tavington took a look at the breakfast tray left on the table. The meal was almost cold but still edible. He offered to call for a second meal but Beth declined his offer.
"At this moment I'm so nervous I don't think I could eat." She said. As she watched Tavington eat, hunger got the best of her and she helped herself to a slice of bread from his plate.
"There is more if you want it." He offered. She sat opposite him and slowly ate the bread.
"No thanks, I'm alright."
"Hmm that's what you said before you started eating my breakfast." He smiled across the table at her.
Once he was finished eating Tavington picked up the tray and placed it on the ground outside the tent for a valet to take away. He turned back into the tent to see Beth starting to braid her hair. He walked up behind her and silently took over the task of braiding and wrapping her queue. Once he was finished she turned to him, circled her finger in the air as a silent signal to him to turn around. He did and she returned the favour, enjoying the feeling of running her fingers through his hair. They retrieved their stockings and boots and to complete their uniforms they slipped into their baldrics and belted on their swords. Tavington passed Beth's pistols to her, noticing the initials engraved on them.
"Who is the real F.C.?" He asked.
" My brother, he was killed at the start of this war. They sent his weapons back to me. I saw no reason not to use them myself." She explained as she strapped on the pistols. "My revenge is satisfied every time I kill a Colonial." The dark mood disappeared as fast as it had appeared. She turned to face William. "Well, presentable I'd say." Was her appraisal of them both.
"Not quite, one more thing before they get here." William stepped up to her and cupped her face in his hands. He looked deep into her eyes before he kissed her. The excitement of the kiss increased by knowing how this would look to outsiders; Two soldiers exchanging an intimate kiss. As footsteps approached they broke away and straightened their uniforms. Tavington walked to his desk and Charleton stood at attention suddenly thinking that this is how it must feel to face a firing squad. She hated that her future was no longer under her total control.
Captains Borden, Hamilton and Davies entered the tent. Borden had not told them why the Colonel wanted to see them but they could tell by Borden's mood that it was not good news. They all stood waiting for orders from Tavington. He made them wait an uncomfortable amount of time before he finally spoke.
"Be seated." He ordered without even looking at them. He turned from his desk and joined them as they all took a seat. Borden sat to his right, Hamilton and Davies to his left and Charleton sat at the end of the table facing Tavington. "I have noticed, over the last few weeks, that some have been whispering behind my back." He paused, the three Captains exchanging looks. "I am aware of what they might be thinking. I am going to reveal something to you that is not to go beyond this table." He leaned back in his chair.
Hamilton and Davies noticed that Lt. Charleton's eyes were lowered and that he didn't seem in the least bit curious about what Tavington had to say. Borden has a smug smile on his face. They knew he had prior information about the subject of this meeting and he looked confident that it would turn out as he expected.
"Lt. Charleton is a fine officer, a soldier of outstanding skill," Tavington paused, "and a woman."
The three men looked at each other, Borden was smug in his confidence that his fellow Captains would share his disgust with the situation. Hamilton and Davies were shocked, and for what felt like and eternity to Beth, had nothing to say.
"I have already expressed our misgivings with this disgraceful situation." Borden said. Hamilton's head turned toward Borden, a look of anger on his face.
"How dare you presume to speak for me Borden." Captain Hamilton snapped, "You have not been elected to speak for all of us." Davies sat in his seat, still silent, while Borden was so shocked by the outburst he couldn't find his voice. "Sir," Hamilton addressed the Colonel, then looked down the table to the lieutenant, "As long as Charleton keeps up the excellent work we've seen from her so far, I have no reservations about her serving with the Dragoons. I'm not sure how many others will feel the same way."
As he spoke, Beth raised her eyes to look at him, surprised at how this was not playing out like the execution squad she had imagined. Hamilton turned back to Tavington.
"You have my continued support and loyalty Sir." Hamilton said as he bowed to his commander.
"But we will be a laughing stock if this gets out. What do we say to the men who are already talking? What would Lord Cornwallis say?" Borden ranted. Davies still sat silently taking it all in.
"Tell them anything, make something up. Do not tell them the truth however, I doubt they'd handle it well." Tavington said. "Now that certain events have occurred," He looked down the table at Beth, "I'm sure my mind won't be as easily distracted by my imagination." Beth lowered her head, hoping her smile wasn't too obvious. Borden bore a look of disgust at what Tavington was implying, whereas Hamilton and Davies tried to hide their smiles. "The men will have nothing to notice or gossip about. As for Cornwallis, as long as we are victorious and he gets the credit he won't even notice."
Borden sat back in his chair, not happy that this meeting was not going as he had planned. He wanted the Lady Lieutenant thrown out before any mention of her could be connected with his career. "Davies." Borden snapped. "You haven't had your say in the matter." He was looking for support….and found none.
"Colonel, I have borne witness to the skill of Lt. Charleton," Davies finally said, his voice calm, his thoughts expertly expressed, "and I do not believe that her true identity is reason enough to run her out of the Dragoons." He turned to a surprised Beth. "You have my respect Lieutenant, it is an honour to serve with you." He bowed to her then added, "That is the last time I bow to you Lieutenant."
"Thank you Captain." Beth nodded. No one had asked her why she chose to fight, they had just assumed that she had the same motive as any other soldier, a desire to serve King and Country. Tavington was the only one who knew of her desire for revenge. The colour was rising in Borden's face, he was outraged at the turn of events.
"Something you wish to add Borden?" Tavington asked, noticing the temper of the Captain. His tone of voice making it clear that he did not want a response at all, only acceptance and silence. A healthy amount of fear for a superior officer was essential when in a position of command and Tavington knew they feared him.
"No, I do not Sir." Borden replied with as little emotion as possible.
"Good." Tavington turned to all at the table. "You will treat the Lieutenant as you have been, there will be none of the usual courtesies shown to a woman and the Lieutenant will be expected to continue her duties, with no exceptions." Tavington caught the expression on Borden's face as he used the word 'duties'.
"Yes Sir." All voices responded.
"Dismissed." Tavington said as he rose from the table. All stood to leave. "Borden, I need to speak with you." Borden stayed on his feet as the rest left the tent.
"I did mean her military duties as a Dragoon." Tavington glared at Borden who cringed when he realized his expression had been seen. "Anything that happens while off duty is none of your business, do you understand?"
"Yes Sir."
"You have served me well Captain." Tavington said with a distinct chill in his voice, "You have never given me reason to doubt your loyalty…until today." A shiver ran down Borden's spine. "Do not defy me, you know what I am capable of." He paused. "Dismissed." Usually he would turn away but today he watched as Borden slowly turned and left the tent. The icy blue eyes of the Colonel leaving no doubt in the Captain's mind that he was not immune from the wrath of The Butcher.