Beth was relieved to be outside. The cool morning air, proving that autumn was just around the corner, was refreshing after what she had just faced. Still the meeting had gone in her favour, she was still a Dragoon. She inhaled deeply and let it out in a huge sigh of relief.
"Difficult meeting Charleton?" asked a fellow Lieutenant as he passed.
"You could say that." She answered, her male alter ego firmly in place. Now that her anxiety had left her, she realized that she was starving and walked off to the kitchens in search of breakfast. They were still serving when she arrived and loaded her plate up with bacon, eggs and bread. The hot tea was relaxing, not that the effect would last.
An hour later, her stomach full, she left the kitchen tent and ran right into Captain Borden. He didn't look too surprised to see her.
"Lieutenant Charleton, you look pleased with yourself." Borden sneered. Beth's heart skipped a beat but she hid her shock well. "Off to see the Colonel?"
So that's it, she thought, looking for me, hoping to provoke me. We'll see who wins at this game. She'd played this game with her brothers and frequently won.
"No Sir, I thought I would go to the stables and check on my horse." She answered, calmly.
"Ah…yes. Your horse." He paused. "Does he give you a smooth ride?" Borden asked, a sly smile on his face. Beth did not fail to catch his insinuation.
"Yes Sir, he's a fine strapping mount, an excellent ride." She responded without a hint of embarrassment. "Excuse me Sir." She marched away towards the stable, leaving Borden speechless. Once she was around a corner, she smiled, she couldn't believe those words had actually come out of her mouth but she was not going to back down to the Captain, superior officer or not. She would show him that she could handle anything he could throw at her without running to Tavington for help.
Beth walked in to the stable, which was little more than a shed, hastily built to provide some shelter for the Dragoon horses. Grabbing a brush, she approached her horse, patted his neck and started brushing down his side. He was a huge horse for her, she could barely see over his back but he was one of the best her father had ever raised and had done well in battle. She found brushing him to be a relaxing pastime, a chance to think, especially since it got her away from the rest of the camp.
After a half hour of peace and quiet she heard boot steps approaching. She hoped it wasn't Borden looking for another chance to let her know how he truly despised her. She didn't want to look up to see who it was but the voice she heard put her mind at ease despite his tone.
"Here you are Lieutenant." Tavington said with a hint of annoyance in his voice.
"Were you looking for me Sir?" Beth asked, it wasn't like she had been hiding, well maybe she had been, but usually the Colonel would send a junior officer to look for someone. It was beneath his rank to seek out a junior officer himself.
"Hamilton saw your run in with Borden," Tavington paused, " was he causing a problem for you?"
"Don't worry Sir, I think I handled it." Beth was determined not to run to Tavington every time Borden insulted her. "Thank you for your concern."
"I am sure you did but if he becomes overbearing please inform me." He glared at her, his eyes cold, more in anger at Borden for disobeying an order. He noticed she was avoiding calling him 'William' and the softness that had been in her voice the night before was gone. Her act was a well-practiced one. He walked over to her horse, standing on the opposite side of the animal.
"Sir," She said, her voice so quiet no one else would hear. "You told the Captains to treat me as they had before, I don't want you treating me differently because of what has happened between us. I can hold my own in any fight, I don't want you risking anything to protect me." She continued brushing her horse.
"Why would I do that?" Tavington asked, his tone so icy she snapped her head up to look him in the eye out of shock. He stared at her for a few seconds and then winked at her. He was pleased she didn't expect special treatment from anyone.
"Thank you Sir." She said, his sense of humour leaving something to be desired.
"Now that I see it has been handled, I'll return to my papers." He turned to leave.
"Orders Sir?" Beth asked, following him, tossing the brush aside.
"Yes, we leave in the morning, escort duty." He said as he left the stable. "Cornwallis doesn't want anymore supplies falling to the colonial militia." He suddenly stopped, turning to face Beth who was following him closely. "My tent. Fifteen minutes." He ordered turning and heading off to his quarters, saying nothing more. Tavington had suddenly realized that for six days they would be away from the camp with no chance of being alone. He wanted to have her again before they left.
He arrived at his tent, immediately removing his sword and pistols, placing them on the dining table. He walked over to the table beside his desk and poured two glasses of scotch, who cared if it is too early for a drink, he'd never been one for following rules. Leaving the glasses on his desk as he took off his jacket and vest and loosened his cravat. He was removing his boots as Beth arrived.
"Sir? Lt Charleton rep…"
"Come in." He ordered not giving her a chance to finish, he didn't want to waste any time. She walked in and realized that for the second time she was the only officer he had summoned. She also took notice of his state of undress.
"Are you serious? It's not even midday!" She whispered hoarsely, shocked at what he obviously was expecting.
"The time of day doesn't matter, secure that second flap." He ordered and she obeyed. When she finished tying it up she turned around to find Tavington sitting in his chair, at his desk, his bare feet resting on the desktop. "You have some catching up to do… Beth." He said with a smile as he picked up his glass.
Beth removed her weapons, placing them beside Williams. She removed her jacket and vest, hanging them on a chair and draped her cravat over the top of them. She opened the neck of her shirt but the view down her front was not overly appealing. She looked over at William, the ice that had been his eyes had melted and they now burned into her. Beth pulled her shirt out of her breeches, slowly. She'd noticed how William was enjoying the sight of her stripping for him. As she reached into her shirt to release the binding around her, he nodded his approval. As the fabric dropped to the floor she smiled, now there would be a pleasing sight of cleavage for him to enjoy. She leaned over to remove her boots and started to take off her stockings.
"Stop, leave them." William said, almost sidetracked by the view down Beth's shirt. "Come over here." She started walking to him, noticing his feet propped up on the desk. She'd never thought about it before but she now noticed that even his feet looked strong, if that was possible. Once she was within reach she placed her hand, palm down, on the top of his foot, stroking up to the ankle of his left leg, lifting it from the table and releasing it. His own muscles took over and he lowered his leg to the floor. She ran her hand up his right leg as she stepped between his knees. He handed her the second glass of scotch and they tapped their glasses together before taking a big swig of the amber alcohol. She needed the drink, anything to calm her nerves. She was so worried that someone would come looking for the Colonel and they would be discovered. Beth drained her glass and taking William's from his hand, placed both back on the table.
William lowered his right leg to the floor and motioned for Beth to sit on the desk.
"Allow me." He said, extending his hand to grasp her right ankle. He undid the buttons at the knee of her breeches and stroked his hands down her leg taking off the stocking at the same time. He repeated the move with her left leg.
"Such a gentleman you are, helping me undress." Beth whispered, a seductive smile on her face.
"A gentleman? Me?" He asked as he pushed her legs apart and rose to stand between them. "Where shall I have you this time?" He questioned as he swept his hands under her shirt. The feel of his hands against her skin made her gasp. She reached up, grasping his face in her hands, pulling him in for a kiss. There was no sweetness or romance in their kiss, just passion and heat and their open mouths met, tongues battling as they lost control.
He locked his arms across her back, lifting her, the motion pinching her skin. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he lifted her off the desktop. She was not the lightest of burdens to carry the few feet to the dining table. He dropped her, none too gently, onto the table and she started to hurriedly undo his breeches.
"I don't want that, no time." He whispered. She looked surprised. "I don't want to be in your mouth, save that for later." He smiled as he reached between her legs, his hand pressing against her crotch. She leaned back, supporting herself on her hands as William's free hand undid her buttons. Once her breeches were open he slid his hand inside, covering her pussy, pressing against her before sliding his middle finger in to her. She pressed her hips forward to receive him. She watched him as he slid his finger out, entering her again with two fingers. She could see how the fabric of his breeches was straining to contain him. She put all her weight on her left hand and reached for him with her right. He groaned as her hand brushed his erection through the wool breeches, taking a step closer so she could use more pressure.
"Get out of your breeches." He ordered as he pulled his hand from them. Beth lay back on the table, lifted her hips and pushed her breeches down, swinging her legs back and forth until they dropped to the floor. Before she could sit up, William has spread her legs, stepping between them as he finished undoing his own breeches, pushing them down and out of the way. He leaned over her, his cock pressing against her wet center, as he pushed up her shirt, exposing her breasts. He lowered his lips to her hardening nipple, sucking it hungrily into his mouth, his tongue flicking it roughly. Beth arched her back, pressing against him as she fought the urge to moan. She still couldn't help the small whimpers that escaped her lips. He moved to the other breast, grazing her nipple with his teeth, this time the moan did escape her lips, only to be quickly stifled by William's hand.
"Oh please now." She whispered so quietly he barely heard her. With his left hand William grabbed her hip and used his right to position his hard cock at her opening. He moved into her only a couple of inches as his right hand moved to her hip. Taking a strong hold of her, he thrust in hard, taking her breath away. Beth lifted her legs, opening herself to William as he slowly pulled out and thrust back in, hard. As he pulled out again she tightened herself around him, his eyes closing and his mouth dropping open as he enjoyed the tight squeeze she gave him. Beth gripped her knees to keep her legs up as he kept up his steady rhythm. She knew from how he felt as he filled her that he was a little longer than Alistair had been and definitely wider as his cock tugged at her in all the right places. Needing a little more stimulation, Beth released her right knee, her hand moving to touch herself, rubbing her clit as William continued thrusting.
As his climax neared he abandoned his slow withdrawl, pounding relentlessly into her. Beth was moaning for more as he leaned over to suck one of her nipples into his mouth.
"Oh yes," She moaned quietly, "Oh yes William." She pressed her head against the table, her back arching to meet his lips as her orgasm hit, her muscles clenching him tightly as his own release came. His hands slid up and under her shoulders holding her to him as he kissed her, their breathing slowly returning to normal.
As he stayed bent over her, he thought about how they had fought to stay as quiet as possible. He had noticed Beth biting her lips to keep herself silent. He knew that he would usually have made more noise if there was no chance of his grunts being heard.
"One day we will make love in a place where we can make as much noise as we want to." He whispered.
"Promise?" Beth asked with a smile.
"Yes, but for now, no lying around. Come on, get dressed, there are plans to be made." He ordered as he pulled out of Beth, buttoned his breeches and quickly returned to full uniform. Once dressed, Beth untied the flap of the tent but did not open it fully. William unrolled the maps they would need in the next few days over the end of the table where he had just had Beth, he could still feel the warmth left by her body.
The next six days were not going to be easy, to clear his mind he returned to the business of war. Planning the route and the best places to rest at night, Beth was of great help here as she had traveled with her father on business and knew many of the roads. Three days out and three days back, barring any unforeseen incidents. A trip they would take once or twice every month for as long as they were in the area. Anyone entering the tent at that point would never know what had just happened on the table.
The next morning Tavington led twenty Dragoons, including Lt. Charleton and the Captains Borden, Hamilton and Davies, twenty infantry foot soldiers and the supply convoy out of the camp. They kept moving all day, except for short stops to water the horses and to fix the wheel on one of the wagons, reaching the first nights camp just before sundown. It was a sheltered spot, a bit small for all of them but at least they had an open view on all sides. There was no possibility of anyone approaching without being seen by the guards.
The second day was miserable. There was a steady rain all morning, soaking them to the skin. If it hadn't been for the afternoon sun drying them out they would have been a most disagreeable lot by nightfall. Temperatures were no longer reaching the summer highs they had seen and more than a few men still felt chilled to the bone as the sun went down.
They reached the second camp, a wooded spot bordered on one side by the river, shortly after sundown. Beth had joined Tavington and Borden as they did an initial tour of the site, there was barely enough light to see but they managed without a lantern. Usually the men of the convoy would set up their own watch but in these uncertain times the Dragoons and Infantry also joined the guard duty taking two hour shifts.
Beth had been assigned to guard duty from 10pm to midnight, she had to watch the river side of the camp. She sat on a downed tree watching for any movement on the water. Then she saw it. A glow in the night, three fires burning on the other side of the river. She alerted the passing guard and fires in the British camp were doused a short time later.
She stayed at her post even after her replacement had taken up his spot fifty feet away. When she didn't return Tavington went looking for her, finding her still staring out across the river.
"Haven't you been relieved Lieutenant?" He whispered as he crouched beside her.
"Yes, he's down there." She pointed down the riverbank.
"Did you pass along your report?"
"Yes Sir."
"Then get some sleep." He ordered.
"Not tired and I was hoping you would come looking for me. I have something to show you." She led him off to the north side of the camp and down an embankment. Earlier on the tour of the site she'd noticed a shed at the bottom of the slope. No one builds a shed in the middle of nowhere she thought unless you want to hide something or have somewhere to hide.
They both drew their pistols as they approached the shed, going around opposite sides to meet at its door. There was a rusted old lock on the door that broke open when Tavington yanked on it.
"Doesn't look like its been used for a while," Beth whispered, "but then why isn't it overgrown?" Tavington nodded his head, she cocked her pistol and aimed for the door as he pulled it open. The Colonel walked in first, the nearly full moon giving them some light to see by. Inside they found a several cases filled with guns, powder and lead shot.
"This will be useful, we'll get some men down here in the morning to collect it." He said quietly as he counted the cases. "Good thinking Lieutenant." She laughed.
"I wasn't expecting to actually find something, I just thought…" Her voice trailed off, she wasn't sure if she wanted to finish her sentence when he was being so formal.
"What did you think?" He asked. She walked to the door and pulled it closed, turning towards him she realized she couldn't see his face to read his expression but she continued on anyway.
"I was thinking that it is...now….later." She crossed the short distance between them, her hands reaching his belt as she spoke the last word. For a few seconds he was confused until he remembered his comment of a few days ago. He wrapped his arms around her, his lips crashing into hers in the dark.
"We'll have to be quick, won't we?" He said as he pulled his lips from hers.
"Well that is up to you isn't it?" She smiled.
"Then get to it Lieutenant." He ordered. She undid his breeches and dropped to her knees in front of him. She pulled the clothing open, pulling them down enough to give her easier access to him. Her unexpected move hadn't allowed him the time to reach full arousal but the feel of her tongue against his skin changed that quickly.
She closed her mouth around his erection and took him in as far as she could. Once her throat relaxed, despite the invasion, she took him in a little farther. She pulled up, her tongue swirling around his shaft, as she sucked him, his hips moving forward trying to push back into her warm mouth. For a few minutes she enjoyed the feeling of him twitching under her attentions before pulling her mouth off him with a wet popping sound. Her hands kept pumping his cock but he still looked down to see why he was feeling a cool breeze.
"A problem?" He whispered.
"No not really, why are you fighting it?" She asked
"Fighting what?"
" The desire to fuck my mouth. Go on, do it, I can take it." She returned her lips to his cock, he must have enjoyed her suggestion, he was harder than ever.
He was shocked that she had used such a word, but desire took a hold of him and he forgot her language as he grasped her head and started to slowly thrust into her mouth. Beth hands were now free to roam. She stroked her hands over his hips taking a firm hold of his ass, squeezing as he pulled out of her, which made him pump in even harder. Her right hand moved around to his balls, gently massaging them, one of her fingers reaching behind to press against the skin just behind his scrotum. The harder she pressed the more the area hardened and the more erratic William's thrusting became until she felt his hot release shooting into her mouth.
"Oh god…Beth." He moaned as he came, continuing to thrust until his body stopped shaking from the spasms of his orgasm. He pulled out of her mouth and helped her to stand. "I've never met a woman who knew about that spot until I told her about it."
She smiled at him as she licked the last of him from her lips. "I told you he taught me a lot. I know more but I don't know if you would like it."
"Trust me, if it brings me pleasure, I will like it. Next time." He said as he buttoned his breeches.
"Ah, I think you owe me one."
"Oh do I really?" He asked, his tone mildly threatening. He pulled her to him and whispered in her ear. "Yes, I do and I too have a few tricks up my sleeve." His words and the feel of his breath on her neck made her shiver with delight.
They left the shed and returned to the camp, Tavington making report of the contents of the shed and issuing orders for it to be guarded until it could be cleared in the morning. Beth returned to her blanket on the ground to sleep, even the cot back at the main camp was better than this she thought, but her own bed at home would be even better, especially if William was with her. Half an hour later, the Colonel returned to his bed, such as it was, and couldn't help smiling at the thought of how he would repay his debt to her.