On his second day with the family, Andrew witnessed the most horrible thing that could happen; the red coats came to his house, burnt it, and killed one of his sons. Since that day, Martin swore he would get his revenge on the leader officer. Andrew had not much choice but to join Benjamin Martin's militia. He rode with Gabriel in different villages and convinced many men to join their effort.
Andrew knew how this war would end, but only wished he had paid more attention in class. He was lucky he still remembered how to ride a horse, after having spent many weekends at Matt's parents, in the Midwest. All Andrew could think was to survive and to find his friends. At least, when he visited different villages to recruit for the militia, he was able to look out carefully if he would not see Olivia and Matthew. So far, no luck but he tried to keep his hopes high.
He was glad the militia was made with only regular men. At least, it was not a force to be reckoned with. He could show how bad he was at shooting and not feel out of place. He found in Gabriel a good friend. He had very progressive ideas and believed all men were created equal. That made it very easy to talk to him than other unschooled old men the militia had attracted.
…
Matt came back from his patrol and walked to camp with Wilkins. He was exhausted from nonstop patrolling and drilling. Both men entered the shared tent and took their coats off. Matt sat down, rubbing his neck.
"You'll get use to it," Wilkins said.
"How long have you been in the army?"
"2 years with the loyalist militia and the dragoons, only a few weeks before you joined. Can I ask you something personal?"
"Of course, go ahead," Matt replied, curious.
"Your friend, Miss Jones," he swallowed hard. "Are you both? Is she? Are you planning on getting married?"
"Ahahah, oh no! We are definitely not getting married. She is one of my dearest friends and I wish her all the happiness in the world. Why are you asking?"
"Well, she is beautiful. I was wondering if…"
"Brown! Colonel Tavington wishes to see you," Bordon entered the tent and summoned him.
"We'll have to continue this conversation some other time. I can't be late," Matt bowed his head toward Wilkins before he left.
Matt followed Bordon to a larger tent and stayed behind him.
"Brown, please sit down," Tavington said, pointing a chair.
He sat down and quickly glanced at Bordon, standing still behind him.
"How are you settling in?" Tavington asked, trying to make small talk.
"Good, thanks," Matt replied.
"You must wonder why you are here," Tavington rubbed his hands together. Matt had never seen the man nervous before. "As you know, I have been spending time with Miss Jones. I was there for her in the tragic loss of her family and I wish to become her own family. As you are her guardian, I am now asking you for her hand."
Matt could not help but feel pressure from the presence of Bordon behind him. Tavington was his superior officer and he knew how the man would react if he didn't get what he wanted. He felt his feelings battled in his head. Should he give her friend to him? Olivia didn't seem to be against the idea; she even said he seemed in love with her. He rose to his feet and scratched the back of his head.
"You know Olivia is not a traditional young lady," he started, afraid of what he might do if he ever found out the truth about where they came from.
"There is nothing you might say that will make me change my mind."
"She is stubborn and speaks her mind too frankly."
"I want her, and I will have her," Tavington replied, nodding his head to Bordon. "I would rather this be an easy decision for you."
"Then I wish you both happiness in your life together, Colonel," Matt said as he walked closer to shake his hand.
A wide smile drew on Tavington's lips while he shook Matt's hand.