Chapter Eight
Beth handed the reins of her horse to Tavington and started up the stairs of her home. He tied the horses to the post at the foot of the stairs wanting to be ready in case his assistance was needed.
"What are you doing here?" He asked. As she moved her cloak opened and he saw the red and green of her uniform. "You're British!" He exclaimed, relaxing slightly but still keeping the rifle aimed at her. Tavington went for his pistol.
"Mr. Jenkins, it's alright, it's me." She said with an air of confidence William had not seen in her before.
"Bethany? Is it really you?" He lowered the gun as she reached the porch. He looked at her in surprise, not quite believing she was the same person who had left the farm in his care so many months before. "It's so good to see, I'm glad to see you safe and alive." She stepped back as Tavington climbed the stairs.
"This is Colonel William Tavington, my commanding officer." She introduced the Dragoon to the clearly impressed old man, his face suddenly dropping as he realized he had just used her real name in front the Colonel. She leaned in close to the older man and whispered, "Don't worry, he knows about me." Mr. Jenkins breathed a sigh of relief.
"Come in, come in. Let's get you two warmed up. Find you some dry clothes." He directed them inside and called for his wife. "Mary….we have guests. Bring some blankets quickly." The door to the kitchen flew open and the portly Mrs. Jenkins came through. She recognized Beth despite the uniform and started fussing over the soaked woman, ignoring the Colonel.
"Oh my dear, you must be soaked to the skin." She said as she opened a cupboard and pulled several blankets out. "Let's get that wet thing off you." She offered pulling at Beth's cloak.
"Stop fussing her will you woman, let her be. She's always been able to take care of herself." Mr. Jenkins said as he pulled on his coat and headed out the door to take the horses to the warmth of the barn. "Get them into the parlour, I've got a good fire going in there." They removed their boots and cloaks and draped the soaked apparel over a bench by the door. Beth took William's hand and led him to the parlour. Mrs. Jenkins noticed Beth's gesture and eyed the Colonel suspiciously.
"I'll prepare a bath for you in the back room, that'll warm you." She said. "I'll prepare a second one later for…" She stopped realizing she didn't know the name of Beth's guest.
"This is Colonel William Tavington and that won't be necessary, we'll take it together." Beth stated noting the shocked expression on the face of the older woman, her disapproval plainly obvious. William watched this exchange with great interest. In the military world, Beth had been worried about their relationship being discovered but here, in her world, she hid nothing.
"I'll open your room and get a fire going." Mrs. Jenkins knew her place as the hired help and didn't comment on the arrangement. "I can open one of your brother's rooms for the Colonel."
"No Mrs. Jenkins, my room will suffice, but I'm sure some of Matthew's clothes would be better than the Colonel's uniform for now." Beth and William had wrapped the blankets around themselves and were standing in front of the fire as Mrs. Jenkins left the room, closing the door hard enough behind her to show her disgust with the situation. She stood fuming in the front hall as Mr. Jenkins came in from the barn.
"What's the matter with you?" He asked.
"She is going to take a bath…with him…and share her bed!" She whispered hoarsely, pointing at the door leading to the parlour. "It's scandalous, they're not wed! What would her father say?" George Jenkins put a reassuring arm around his wife's shoulder.
"Her father's not around to say anything. Don't worry Mary, nothing'll come of it, you know that. Get that bath ready, they're probably chilled to the bone."
Back in the parlour William watched Beth with amusement. She seemed to enjoy tormenting the older woman with her blatant revelation of the relationship she shared with him.
"What are you smiling at?" Beth asked him.
"You! You enjoyed her discomfort didn't you?"
"Yes I did! For as long as I can remember she has informed me how a proper lady should behave. Besides, I now have you in my home, away from all those other soldiers and thanks to the weather you have no where else to go." She said as she turned and moved so close to him that she had to look up into his face. He opened his blanket and she wrapped her arms around his waist, William then wrapped her in his arms, the blanket enclosing them both. It was wonderful to hold him this way but her cold damp uniform was chilling her despite the fire and his embrace. She pulled away from him and crossed the room, leaving him feeling slightly abandoned.
"What's the matter?" he asked when he saw the expression on her face.
"I can't stand this wet uniform any longer." She dropped the now damp blanket on the floor by the door, the jacket and vest of her uniform joining it. William realized she had a good idea and joined her, discarding his outer clothing. "My legs feel numb." She exclaimed. William looked down as she removed her breeches and was shocked to see how bright red her skin was. He grabbed the other blankets Mrs. Jenkins had left on the chair and pulled on Beth's arm.
"Come on, get back by the fire." He ordered. He wrapped her up in a dry blanket and pulled an ottoman up to the hearth for her to sit on.
"Thank you…..there's another one behind you." She nodded and he followed her direction, pulling the second ottoman beside hers. He wrapped the last blanket around himself before he sat down.
"Don't you want to get those breeches off?"
"Yes, I would, but I don't want Mrs. Jenkins thinking…"
"Oh I don't care what she thinks." Beth interrupted. "Those are soaked and it's not healthy for you to be sitting around in them." Beth dropped to her knees in front of him. She pulled open the blanket and unbuttoned his breeches, insisting he raise his hips so she could pull them off. Once removed, she threw the clothing across the room. Being so wet, they barely made it halfway across before landing with a soggy splat on the floor. Tavington was grateful for the large size of the blanket, he felt rather undignified sitting before the fire in only a shirt at least when there was the chance of someone walking in on them.
Beth did not return to her seat, instead she moved, still on her knees, until she was between his thighs. His skin was as cold to the touch as hers. She ran her hands, that were still holding the edge of the blanket between her thumb and forefinger, up the outside of his thighs, only releasing the cover once William had wrapped them both in his blanket again. One of her hands slid around his back, the other moved to his crotch. She stopped suddenly and looked up into his eyes.
"What?" he asked, smiling down at her.
"Oh my!" She exclaimed in a mix of disappointment and surprise.
"What did you expect? In case you forgot it was very cold and wet out there." He smiled. "Don't worry, you keep doing that and everything will be back to normal in no time." He closed his eyes and she watched his face as she massaged his slowly recovering member, his hands roaming over the blanket covering her backside. He opened his eyes to her watching him, her wide pupils drawing him to her. He leaned forward and his lips met hers, the kiss warming their lips, igniting a fire to warm them from the inside. They stayed together in their cocoon, warmed by the fire, William slowly pulling her toward him until she was pressed against his chest.
"Oh, oh, well I never." Mrs. Jenkins said indignantly. "Beth…Miss Charleton, your bath is ready." She announced, emphasizing the 'Miss' and then left the room. Beth dropped her head to William's chest and laughed.
"Maybe she'll remember to knock next time. Come on, hopefully she remembered some clothes or I'll have to run naked through the house like I did when I was little." Beth stood up and wrapped the blanket around one shoulder and under the opposite arm, leaving her hand free to grab his. William stood, made sure he was securely wrapped in the blanket and allowed Beth to lead him out of the parlour and down the hall to the room housing the bath tub.
"I wouldn't mind." William said playfully.
"Wouldn't mind what?" She asked.
"Seeing you run around the house naked. I'm sure it would be a more interesting sight now." He had a lusty smile on his face at the thought of Beth roaming the house without apparel.
The room beside the kitchen had been added on to the house by her father when his wife complained about him tracking dirt through the house. The room was big enough for a large tub, fireplace, a small table and two chairs. Big enough to move around in, but small enough that the fire heated the room thoroughly even in this terrible weather. The tub sat in the center of the room. It was filled with steaming water that had been scented with lavender and chamomile.
"I think she is hoping to put us to sleep." William said as he recognized the relaxing scents. He dropped his blanket and pulled his shirt off before grabbing Beth in his arms. "I hate to disappoint her but I intend to take full advantage of our time here." He kissed her roughly as she pushed against him, wanting to get her shirt off as well. He released her and she quickly removed her shirt. All that was left was her binding. "Allow me." He insisted. Beth raised her arms and allowed him to undo the pin. He placed it on the table and taking a hold of the fabric, slowly started walking around her, removing the binding a layer at a time. The material was damp and cold. Between the chill and her enjoyment of his actions, her nipples had hardened by the time the last of the fabric dropped to the floor. She couldn't wait for him to finish unwrapping her, wanting to feel his hands on her body but he didn't touch her. He stepped into the tub and held out his hand to support her as she stepped in. The water was so hot against their chilled skin that it stung, feeling almost like a burn.
Teasingly she sat at the opposite end of the tub from William, facing him, stretching her legs out. She pressed the bottom of her foot against his penis, feeling it start to grow and harden beneath her skin.
"Your foot's cold." He flinched.
"You don't really mind though, do you?" She asked, pressing a little harder on his growing erection. "Ah, so is yours!" She exclaimed and then sighed as his big toe pushed against her clitoris.
"Yes, true….but we must make every effort to get warm, mustn't we?" He asked playfully as he ran his long thick toe down her sex, pressing gently. All of a sudden Beth pushed herself up, lifting onto her knees and moved down the tub, splashing water over the side. She straddled William and used her hand to guide him in, slowly sliding down on his shaft, moaning as he filled her. She wound her arms around his neck, leaning against his chest as his hands gripped her hips, pulling her down onto him. She tilted her hips, grinding herself against his pubic bone.
"Warming up yet?" She whispered in his ear.
"Yes!" He groaned, lifting her hips before pulling her down onto him again. Beth started rocking her hips against him but soon it wasn't enough. She let go of his neck and raised herself off his chest leaning back and supporting herself with her forearms on the side of the tub, her hands gripping the edge firmly. She found the strength in her now warmed thighs to start riding him as he watched her intently. She rose up quickly, almost releasing him before impaling herself down on his length. His hands roamed her upper body, stroked up her sides to her breasts, cupping them in his large hands, gently massaging them against her chest. She moaned in pleasure as he rolled her nipples, pinching them between his thumbs and forefingers. The pleasure reverberated through her body, her vaginal muscles twitching around him. Wondering what would happen, he pinched her nipples harder as she pulled up, she responded by dropping down hard onto him with a grunt. She opened her eyes and saw him watching her, with a big smile on his face.
"I liked that." She purred, smiling.
"I can tell." He groaned as she took him hard again as he kept up his pressure on her nipples. The pressure was building within her, the movement of her hips becoming more erratic. William released her breasts and took a firm hold of her hips, bracing his feet at the end of the tub to give him some leverage for thrusting up as she pushed down, reaching further into her. She groaned loudly knowing that if she hadn't been so aroused that it would probably hurt, as it was she just wanted more. She let go of the edge of the tub with her right hand, reaching down to press against her clit. She threw her head back in total abandonment to the pleasure she was feeling, her breasts bouncing with the motion.
William was so close all it took was one spasm of her muscles to send him over the edge. He grunted as he pulled her down onto him, pressing himself against her, her finger madly pressing her clit as she moaned in her orgasm, her whole body jerking in response. She collapsed onto his chest, wrapping her arms around his torso as she tried to catch her breath. He enclosed her in his arms, holding her tightly against him, his softening length still within her.
Mr. Jenkins smiled as he passed the door on his way to the kitchen. The symphony of moans, groans and grunts bringing back some wonderful memories. He walked into the kitchen and saw the look of disgust on his wife's face. He smiled and smacked her bottom as he passed her. She turned and glared at him.
"It's been a long time, hasn't it Mary?" He asked, a cheeky eyebrow raised at his surprised wife. She started to walk towards him and he was half expecting her to slap him. Instead she grasped his face in her hands and kissed him.
"At least we're wed." She said emphatically and returned to her sink.
"Come on woman, he's not forcin' her, you can tell that. Let them have their fun, you never know what will happen at the next battle." He sadly reminded her. She turned to look at her husband surprised he could even suggest that Beth truly faced any danger.
They both sighed in sheer contentment. Happy to be safe, warm and, from the smells coming from the kitchen, they were about to be well fed. Beth was happy to see that Mrs. Jenkins had remembered the clothes, two piles were sitting on the narrow table and towels were draped over the chairs beside the fire. Beth released William and stepped out of the bath, wrapping herself in a warm towel. She walked over to the window for a look outside.
"Well if anything, it's looking worse out there. We'd have never made it to the fort." Beth turned to face William, a look of concern on his face. "I hope they're alright." She said of the other Dragoons. They'd had at least a ten-hour head start and if they had followed orders they could almost be back at the fort by now.
Mrs. Jenkins walked into the dining room and almost dropped the serving bowl in shock at what she saw before her. She put the bowl on the table and glared at her husband as he returned to the kitchen. She tutted, her hands firmly on her hips in frustration. Mr. Jenkins grinned, winked and shrugged his shoulders at his wife.
"What is really wrong with it, my dear?" He asked. "This war is coming to a head." He walked over to her, taking a hold of her shoulders. "If they perish in battle, at least their last few months were happy ones." He kissed her on the forehead and left the dining room.
"And what if they both live, what then?" She asked out loud to herself. Mrs. Jenkins looked over the table. Soppy old romantic fool she thought to herself of her husband who had unlocked the china cabinet and had pulled out the china, crystal and silverware that Mr. Charleton had used on only the best of occasions. Starting with the white damask tablecloth, Mr. Jenkins had set a perfect table, everything sparkled in the candlelight. The whole setting was perfect for a romantic dinner for two. Too bad they'll both be dressed as men she thought as she left the room.
There was a light tap at the door as they were dressing.
"Dinner's ready Miss."
"Thank you, we'll be right there." She answered as she buttoned her waistcoat.
"Do you even own a dress?" William asked, wishing he might have the opportunity to undress her as a woman for once.
"Yes I do. My father thought I should have a few gowns in order to be presentable when his business associates visited." She responded. "Why do you ask?" He smiled as he walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind.
"I would like to see you in a gown, your bosom heaving….." He paused, lost in his fantasy. He kissed her neck. "I'd lift your skirts and ravish you." He growled in her ear.
"Well when you put it that way..." She sighed, leaning her head back so she could kiss him, "I shall dress properly tomorrow." She turned in his arms. "But now we should go to dinner, it'll be getting cold." He reluctantly released her and she led him to the dining room.
Beth stopped in the doorway, stunned by the beautiful table before her. The candelabra provided the only light in the room and the crystal glasses reflected the flame. Mrs. Jenkins was pouring the wine and heard Beth's gasp.
"Thank you for this Mrs. Jenkins." She said with surprise.
"It's not my doing Miss." She nodded in the direction of her husband who was coming in from the kitchen. "It was him, meddling again." Beth looked over and smiled as Mr. Jenkins put the platter on the table.
"Enjoy Miss…." He turned. "Colonel." He nodded to William before leaving, closing the door behind them. It was so quiet in the room you could hear the wind howling outside. William crossed the room and held out a chair for Beth, the chair to the right of the head of the table, which he saved for himself.
"Miss." He said formally, although he couldn't hide the smirk on his face. She sat down and tipped her head back to look up at him. He bent over and kissed her softly.
"Come on, sit down." She ordered. "I promise this will be the best meal you have had in months. She may not approve of us, but Mary is an excellent cook." She said as William sat down. They filled their plates with the roast beef, potatoes and vegetables displayed before them, spooning the rich gravy over the top. It was indeed the best meal they'd been served in quite a while.
When they finished eating, William refilled their glasses and leaned back in his chair, a satisfied sigh escaping him. Beth thought he cut a fine figure in his Dragoon uniform but sitting there in the borrowed clothes he looked like the lord of the manor.
"So what business was your father in to have provided such a comfortable home?" He asked.
"He was a horse breeder…..a good one! He had an eye for a good horse, he always picked the best. Some of your Dragoons are probably on our horses. My father donated a couple of dozen." She stopped, looking sadly down at her glass. "I miss him." William reached over and stroked her wrist.
"Tell me about him." He requested. Beth laughed.
"He was passionate about horses, loved the beasts as much as his children. He had a marvelous sense of humour, he saw the funny side of everything. He never treated me any differently from my brothers, as far as he was concerned we were equals. Everything he taught to them, he taught to me too."
"He never re-married after your mother passed?"
"Oh no," she laughed. "My father did not do well around women. He couldn't talk to them. If he talked about the horses he inevitably offended them with talk of breeding and he wasn't well versed in the fashionable pastimes to participate in most conversation. Honestly? I'm glad he never married again. Any wife would have influenced my upbringing."
"You mean some step-mother might have insisted you be raised to be a proper young lady?" He feigned shock at the suggestion.
"Exactly! If I had, I wouldn't have become a Dragoon…." She paused, locking her eyes on his, "I wouldn't have met you." She said thinking about how she would hate to have had things turn out differently than they were now.
"In that case I am glad your father remained a lonely widower." He squeezed her hand, "I would have missed out on an excellent soldier," He paused, raising an eyebrow, "and a satisfying lover." He added. Beth leaned forward.
"I said nothing about him being lonely!" She smiled widely as she shared the poorly kept secret. "My father was known for bedding many women. My brothers benefited from his reputation. You see, we weren't exactly a good church going family." She sat back in her chair, she now wanted to satisfy her curiosity about him. "What about your family? What will you return to?" Tavington shifted uncomfortably in his seat, he didn't like discussing his family. If he were honest with himself he would say he was ashamed of them, especially his father.
"I have nothing to return to. No home. No family. No fortune. I am here to redeem my family's name." He surprised her with his honesty. "My father ruined the family and died a drunk. I further myself through victory and plan to settle here in America once this war is won." He stated matter of factly.
"So you have no wife?" Beth asked, almost holding her breath waiting for his reply. He squeezed her hand again.
"No. No wife. Why do you ask?" He inquired. Beth blushed. She knew she had to tell him and that this was the perfect moment to do so.
"I asked because…" She paused, "I would hate to be falling in love with another woman's husband." She had thought she wouldn't be able to look at him but she found it easy to maintain eye contact with him. He didn't laugh and he didn't dismiss her feelings, he just stared at her. She felt like he was looking right into her mind, reading her thoughts. He stood up, pulling her up by her hand, which he was still holding. He released her hand and wrapped his arms around her as her arms wrapped around his neck.
"Falling……in love? He asked, his lips teasingly close to hers.
"No….not falling." She answered. "I am in love with you." She said with conviction. Beth grasped the back of his head as his lips claimed hers. His arms pulled her tighter against him, almost lifting her off the floor. He slowly released her, one arm staying around her waist, the other hand moved to hold her cheek. His blue eyes looked over her face as if he were seeing her for the first time. She smiled at him, licking her lower lip in anticipation of his next kiss. She didn't expect a verbal response to her admission, the reaction he'd had was enough for her for now. She knew he cared, that was plainly obvious but he didn't seem the type of man who talked of love. He brushed a few stray strands of hair away from her face and kissed her again.
"Where is your bedroom?" He asked. She smiled.
"Let go of me and I'll show you." He reluctantly released her, keeping a grip on her hand as she led him out into the hall. A sudden yank on her arm brought her back into his embrace. He stared at her for a few moments before speaking.
"There is no turning back. This will make it more difficult than ever but…" He paused, "I love you too." She raised her free hand to his face, stroking his cheek.
"I know you do." She said with a taunting smile on her face. "It will take every ounce of willpower but we can do this. Come on, it's time for bed."
She led him upstairs and into her room on the south side of the house. It was the largest bedroom in the home and she'd moved into it after her father's death. The fire had been kept burning while they had dinner so the room was warm and the shutters were closed against the storm raging outside. They wasted no time getting out of their clothes and into Beth's bed. They explored each others bodies like never before, finding all the places that tickled, the places that aroused and when neither could stand it any longer, William kneeled between her thighs and guided his erection inside her. He leaned over her, supporting his weight on his forearms but Beth could still enjoy the feeling of his taut body pressing down on her as he thrust deeply into her. She wrapped her legs around him, grasping his ass to push up against him, matching his slow torturous pace.
Her right hand released his backside, moving around between them to put the pressure she desired on her clit. As she rubbed she felt her muscles twitch. William felt it too and increased his pace, grunting as he pounded into her until her climax hit, then he felt no need to move as her muscles clenched tightly around him, sending him to his own release.
As their breathing slowed he rolled to his side, pulling Beth with him. They lay facing each other, William still inside her, her leg over his hip. He rested his head on his bent arm as he swept her hair out of her face. He kissed her forehead, each cheek, the tip of her nose and finally her lips, his tongue pushing it's way inside her mouth.
"I'm glad we came here." He said when he ended the kiss. "We'd have never discussed this at the fort." He reached down and pulled the covers over them. "Would you ever have told me how you felt?"
"At the fort? Probably not, too many ears to over hear something like that. There I am a soldier, here I can let that façade slip without it causing any harm." She leaned back slightly trying not to let his softened length slip out of her. She liked the feeling of him still inside her and didn't want to let him go. He shifted his hip and he slipped out of her, the musky scent of his seed filling the air between them. She inhaled his scent and smiled, her eyes closing in pleasure. William felt a stirring in his groin at the mere thought that she was aroused by that.
Beth snuggled up to him, her mind racing. They had admitted their feelings for one another but Beth was not sure where that left them. The war was raging and either one of them might be killed at any time, maybe being in love was enough for now, the future could wait.
The young guard in the tower cursed his luck. Normally he would pace back and forth along the wall of the fort but tonight there was no way he was leaving the warmth of the guard tower. At least in here he had a small fire going in the stove, enough heat to warm water for tea and to keep his fingers and toes from freezing in the storm. He wondered why he had to sit here any way, no one would be crazy enough to out in the middle of a blizzard, and the men they were expecting must have taken shelter some where along the route. The scout had returned early in the day, his horse nearly collapsing from the exertion of the ride. The fort had been put on alert waiting for the men but they had not arrived and now the weather had turned against them.
Captain Borden had dismounted and was leading his horse, carrying a small lantern that provided the only light they had. They'd followed the Colonel's orders, not stopping for anything. There had been no place for them to take shelter along the route so they had kept moving, heading for Fort Carolina, where their injured could be properly cared for. They had managed to stay ahead of the snow but they were soaked to the skin and were so chilled that they no longer could feel their toes or fingertips. As they cleared the tree line, Borden felt a surge of energy.
"We've made, there it is!" He exclaimed. Even the injured men perked up at his announcement and the horses seemed ready to bolt for the fort.
The young guard jumped up and spit his tea against the wall. He had spotted a light in the distance and it was coming toward the fort. He ran out of the tower and rang the bell that alerted the soldiers of a possible attack. Several men stumbled out of the barracks and a very grumpy Captain ran up to the tower to confirm the sighting. Six riders were prepared to go out and meet the visitors but in the darkness they waited until the last minute before leaving the safety of the fort. Using the telescope the Captain watched as the men and horses approached, signaling for the riders to leave the fort. As the soldiers left, the Captain caught sight of red and green as the light shifted in Borden's grip.
"There our's, get out there and help them!" He yelled just as the riders met the group. After only a few exchanged words one of the men turned and galloped back to the fort, calling for help. The surgeon had been alerted and he now ran for the gates to check the men as soon as they entered the fort. The weary group passed the gates and stopped where they were, grooms taking the horses off to the barn for care as soon as the injured men were lowered from them. All seven men were hurried to the hospital wing of the fort for care, the wounds from battle were no longer the only injuries needing care. All had suffered degrees of exposure and needed to be warmed thoroughly.
General O'Hara marched into the room, sent to gather information for Cornwallis who remained in his quarters, sleeping peacefully. Borden made his report slowly, his chattering teeth making it hard to speak. O'Hara listened patiently until the Captain finished.
"Where is Colonel Tavington now?" He asked when Borden was done.
"I have no idea, General." He paused to take a big sip of tea. "If he and the Lieutenant have not found shelter I fear for their safety." The surgeon interrupted the report.
"General, these men need rest, now. You can question them some more in the morning, from what I hear the wait will not make any difference now, when it comes to the Colonel's well-being." The surgeon ushered the General out, but the conversation continued. The General was considering sending out scouts to find the two missing officers. Upon hearing this Captain Wilkins jumped up and interrupted them.
"I wouldn't advise sending out anyone to find Colonel Tavington and Lieutenant Charleton. The last time there was weather like this those who didn't have shelter perished. This storm won't be over any time soon." As he spoke the General opened the door to leave and the wind blew in the snow that was now falling on the fort. Wilkins continued, "If they haven't found shelter by now, we'll find their bodies in a few days." Everyone was silent as they thought over what Wilkins had just said. General O'Hara just stared at the Captain, he was not looking forward to telling Cornwallis that they might have lost one of England's best soldiers.