They rode without stopping, at a fast pace. They reached the tavern just before nightfall. A dragoon had ridden in advanced to make arrangement for the night. As they stopped, Wilkins dismounted and took her by the waist to set her on the ground. She held his arms for support, and felt he held her just a moment too much for this to be appropriate before removing his hands from her waist. He gestured for her to enter the tavern as he held the door for her. She was greeted by the owner, who tried to set her down at a table for dinner to be served.

"I would rather have dinner in my room, if it's too much of a burden for you," she said. She felt unease being surrounded by so many unknown people. She scanned every face she could, trying to see if she would recognise men from the militia.

"Of course, my lady. As you wish, my lady."

They went upstair, and he opened a door.

"Don't hesitate to fetch for me if anything is missing for your happiness, my lady. I'm sure you and your husband will be fine in the room" the owner said, looking at Charlotte and Wilkins, before leaving them.

She looked at him and raised her eyebrow. He then explained it was easier and more secure to tell them they were married for their stay. He told her he would be sleeping in the room just next to hers, with other dragoons.

"Please Captain, have dinner with me. I don't really want to be alone right now."

"Of course, let me make sure everything is fine for the night and I'll be back." He bowed his head before leaving her.

She looked around the small room. She felt so lonely. Soon the dinner was served on the narrow table, surrounded with two chairs. She heard a knock on the door, and Wilkins slowly opened it to pass his head inside.

"Do you still wish for my company, Lady Tavington?"

"Of course, please sit. I waited for you."

He sat down, and poor them each a glass of wine. She gladly took a sip, feeling the drink warm her up. He did not ask her what had happen, he was sure she would rather distract herself from her last days. He didn't know what else to say, so he remained silent. Mostly, he tried not to focus his gaze on her bruised face. She was the one to break this silent and ask him to tell her about his family. He gladly answered her, but his storytelling was short since he had neither wife nor children. He tried his best to entertain her, but when he heard her laugh, he couldn't help but smiled.

The dinner was now finished, and the night had settled. Wilkins told her he would retire for the night.

"I am afraid I have to ask for your help yet again."

"Of course, my Lady. Anything."

"I need you to unknot my dress, since I can't reach the top bow," she said blushing. She was embarrassed but she couldn't endure her stays one more second.

He swallowed hard and nodded. She turned around and she could felt his fingers stumbled as he loosened the top of her dress. He took a deep breath as he helped her pass the piece of clothing over her head. He then started to work on the very small buttons of her stays. She held her hands in front of her, feeling particularly small with his height over hers. His fingers touched her bare back and he had to talk to himself really hard to keep his focus. All he could think about was to caress her porcelain skin, kiss her neck and make her moan in his arms. He felt his desire grow in his pants. At least he was done and could retire himself to his own bedroom.

She thanked him before he left. When he closed the door behind him, she took a deep breath in, filling her lungs to the fullest. She opened the covers on the bed and slipped under. Her eyelids were heavy and she was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

...

After his business in the town of Pembroke was over, Colonel Tavington rode as fast as his horse led him to the tavern Wilkins talked about. He opened the door and demanded to be led to the Captain's room. The men talked in the hallway, Wilkins telling him how the travel was fine, and how she had eaten dinner. He pointed the door just besides his, showing him where she was resting.

"Did you take her report of the situation?" Tavington asked.

"Euhm, no sir. She was tired and went to sleep."

Tavington sighed as he told Wilkins to fetch paper and a quill. He carefully opened Charlotte's bedroom door, Wilkins followed behind. She was sleeping soundly, facing him as he entered. He sat on the edge of the bed and caressed her hair. He pushed aside a strand of hair that had felt in her face. His hand slid to caress her shoulder and he noticed she was just wearing her shift. Quite often, he would wake up before her and watch her sleep; he always found her the most beautiful in his bed, still asleep. He leaned to kiss her cheek.

As she felt her cheek kissed she work up in a hurry, screaming to see a man over her. William grabbed her wrists as she tried to kick his chest. He talked to her, trying to calm her. When she recognized his familiar face, she laughed a little at her reaction. She tried to apologise, but he spoke.

"We're here to take your report, dear. Wilkins will take notes."

She sat on the bed, crossed her legs before her, still under the covers. William took his jacket off to put it on her shoulders. She passed her arms though the sleeves, her hands barely hanging out. She didn't know where to begin her journey.

"Dear?" William broke the silence as she was lost in her thoughts. He took a hold on her hand, trying to be supportive, but he wanted answers. Although he was glad she was back, he wanted to catch Martin as soon as possible.

Wilkins had sat down at the same place he had dinner. He saw how distraught she was. A military report was clearly not the right thing for her now. He wished to take his leave from the couple, but was waiting on the colonel to order it. As if Tavington read his mind, he looked at him and nodded him head. Wilkins bowed his head at Charlotte and she just gazed at him as he left, unsure of what the look in her eyes meant.

/

M content in next chapter.