Florence opened quietly Lady Charlotte bedroom's door. She saw the Colonel leaving the fort early this morning so she knew she could wake her mistress up like she used to do every morning only when they were back in London. She would open the curtains and bring her coffee first thing.
Charlotte opened her eyes and turned her head toward his pillow, only to find herself alone in her bed. A hand written note was left from him, mostly saying how he found it hard to leave this morning, and that he'll be back later that day.
Florence sat on the edge of the bed and asked her how things were. They arrived in the colonies a few months ago now. She would never tell her but she never really liked the Colonel. He was cold, prone to anger fit, and he really scared her. When he would look at her, she wasn't able to stand his gaze; she would lower her eyes and leave the room as soon as she could. She was worried about the Lady. She helped her get dress every morning, and she noticed marks on her body, bruises on her hips, or on her arms.
The morning passed slowly; officers came and went in the fort; canons were fired. Charlotte found the pianoforte in her father's office. He was nowhere to be seen, so she enjoyed time on her own. She was lost in her partitions, where she heard General O'Hara behind her.
"Lady Tavington, General Cornwallis will be having a meeting in here. You may resume your practice afterward.
She turned around when she heard him calling her by her last name; he never did. But when she saw a man with the General, she understood he was following the customs. The unknown man was wearing civilian clothing; black coat, black pants, and high leather boots. She couldn't help but wonder who he was.
"Of course, General," she stood up from the bench and bowed her head.
O'Hara left the room to fetch Cornwallis, thinking Charlotte was following behind.
"Lady Tavington, as in Colonel Tavington's wife?" the man enquired.
"You know my husband?" she replied quite surprised.
"Yes. We are acquainted."
They were interrupted when Cornwallis enter the room. She bowed her head again and left the room. She went to the parlor and took a book from the bookshelf. She didn't really want to read, but she had to pass the time somehow.
She heard agitation in the yard and saw the gate open. When she noticed William entering on his horse, she decided to greet him outside. General O'Hara was escorting the visitor outside. The prisoners were being released. Charlotte stayed in the top of the stairs, trying not to be in the way, and looked from afar. She saw William, devoured by anger, talking to O'Hara.
"General, what is it" Tavington said.
"Prisonners exchange. He has 18 of our officers"
"Who is he? I recognize him."
"He's the commander of the militia. Your ghost."
Tavington drew his sword and walked in direction of his nemesis. He was stopped by O'Hara. His anger would sabotage the exchange.
"You, I remember you. On that farm, with that stupid little boy. Did he die?" he yelled.
The man turned around, even the prisoners were looking at them.
"You know, it's an ugly business doing one's duty, but just occasionally, it's a real pleasure."
The man came closer to the colonel.
"I've had a quite nice encounter during my visit. I've had the pleasure of meeting your lovely wife," he said while lingering his gaze on her over his shoulder. William hadn't notice she was now outside. He narrowed his eyes and clenched his jaw.
"I dare you to…"
"She is beautiful. You're one lucky bastard. Maybe I'd like to see her again. Maybe I'd like to have her. You never know where our paths will take us."
The man turned around and left with his men, leaving Tavington standing still in the yard. He could not believe what this man said ; he just threatened his wife.
She walked the few steps that separated them and lightly touched his arm. She could feel his anger as he tried to steady his breathing. She didn't say anything, there were no words who you calm him down. He finally looked at her; she was the most precious thing he owned. Nothing could ever happen to her. He grabbed her by the arm and led her inside. His grip was firm and there was no place to argue.
He led her in their bedroom; he shoved her inside and closed the door behind him.
"William! What is wrong with you?" She said as she rubbed her arm. He always had a strong grip, but he never truly hurt her before. She never saw him liked that, this mad. She didn't know if she needed to be scared. At the same time, all she knew was that the source of his anger wasn't her. He turned to look out the window.
"Lily. My dear. You don't understand"
"Then help me understand."
"That man. The ghost. He threatened you. You know how much I love you and I wouldn't forgive myself if something would happen to you."
As he talked, his tone softened. She could not believe what he told her. He run his hands on his face, trying to think but his thoughts were focus on the ghost. He knew who this man was now.
"Maybe you should go back to England," he said. She would be safe back home. But the travel to the ship might be hard; the militia might try to kidnap her. He wasn't able to think rationally, he was too involved.
"You… want me to… go?" As she spoke, he saw how much he had hurt her. Her voice broke and the last word was only a whisper.
"No. I don't know why I said that. Now you have to be careful, you can't go out anymore," he said as he came closer and put his hands on her shoulders. He hugged her, took her in a tight grip. She sighed as she buried her head in his chest, locking her arms on his back. She never saw him that worried, but what could happen to her in the fort, surrounded by the army? She didn't understand his concern.