The seamstress was adjusting the fitting of her new dress. The woman could not stop talking as she made Charlotte turn on one side and the other. Charlotte looked at her reflection in the mirror; her face was getting back to normal, only slightly yellowish bruises were still visible.

Standing in the door frame, Tavington was observing the fitting. It wasn't Charlotte habits to be so quiet, but since she came back from her kidnapping, she seemed distracted a lot. Maybe she was right and the ball would do her good.

"Lily, this dress is exquisite on you,"

"Oh thank you, dear. I can wait for tomorrow. And look at my bruises, almost gone."

"Talking of tomorrow, you will be going to Wilkins manor today and spend the night there. I was worried about the militia trying their luck again, so you will be escorted by dragoons this time. I'll join you tomorrow afternoon."

"You won't be going with me today?" Charlotte worried.

"No, Wilkins will go with you."

"I don't want to go anywhere if you are not with me."

"You have nothing to worry, Wilkins had proved himself trustworthy. I will be with you tomorrow. The only thing I don't like is to be apart from you tonight."

"But…"

"There is nothing more to discuss now."

She tightened her lips together, and lowered her eyes. She knew it was worthless to argue any more. She was still afraid; she would not step outside when her husband was away. He seemed to read her mind and he came closer to hold her hands. She locked her eyes in his, and squeezed his hands.

"Please Lady Charlotte, turn on this side so I can pin this last part of your skirt."

They almost forgot the seamstress who was still working on the dress. Tavington looked at her with a cold gaze.

"It's Lady Tavington. But, I will leave you to your fitting. I'll send Wilkins in an hour for you departure. Come here," he said as he leaned his head for a deep kiss.

She watched him leave the room. She always felt more secure with him by her side, but she was glad at least she knew Captain Wilkins. She knew he would not let anything happen to her.

…

Once they got to Wilkins Manor, Charlotte was taken aback at the sight of the plantation; an elegant white house, with an impressive balcony all around the front. A lot of action seemed to be going on; the preparation for tomorrow's ball was in full bloom.

She was greeted by an old couple, and Captain Wilkins introduced them as his parents. She immediately felt quite small since his father, George Wilkins, was almost as tall as his son. Even her mother was taller than she was. They gave her a warm welcome.

"Lady Tavington?" she heard as she was lost in her thoughts. "Shall we go inside? The tea must be ready by now," George proposed.

She couldn't help but kept looking around her and over her shoulders. Being inside was a sweet release. She enjoyed the afternoon with Wilkins' parents and was joined by his younger sister Mary. Charlotte tried her to hide her wincing expression as she sipped her tea. This was clearly one thing she missed from home; well brewed tea. She managed to do small talk with the family.

She excused herself and found a cozy chair outside, where she sat with a book. She wasn't really reading, but looking around; a good part of the dragoons were guarding the manor, she could see them everywhere she looked. She saw Mary coming her way; she politely sat down next to her.

"What will you be wearing tomorrow?" Mary shyly asked.

"My dress' color is cream, with gold embroidery all over. I was lucky to find a seamstress who could work on such a short notice. My last fitting was this morning, and I hope it will be ready in time. How's yours?"

"Oh it will compliment you very well. Mine is light blue. I almost changed it, because I don't want to be associated with the colors of the rebels. But the dress is so very beautiful."

"I'm sure everyone knows blue is just another color. From my understanding, your allegiance to the crown is quite known around here."

"Yes, indeed. It's sure we don't have a title like you, Lady Tavington, but nobody really has one here. My mother has great hope of finding me a husband tomorrow. Plenty of british officers will attend. I must admit I am quite nervous. How did you know you husband was the right man?"

"From the very first moment his eyes met mine. Don't be nervous, I am positive everything will go fine for you. You are a lovely woman from a good family."

"I've heard one of the officers who will be attending has a very bad reputation. I've heard people talk at church last Sunday he is nicknamed the butcher. Apparently, he killed everyone in Pembroke town and burned the whole village down last week. I just hope mother won't engage me to that man." Charlotte swallowed hard as she heard Mary speak.

"I would not worry about this if I were you."

"How can you be so sure?"

"That man is already married."

"So you know him?"

"Yes, he is my husband. But this reputation is quite overdone. He rescued me from the rebel militia who kidnapped me. To me, he is the most gentlemen I know. You know men must do horrible things in war, I hope you are not this naïve."

"Oh Lady Tavington, I am so sorry, I meant no harm," Mary said, as she lowered her gaze.

Charlotte got lost in her thoughts. She hoped she sounded convinced when she took his defense. So many people talked about Tavington behavior, she could not help but wonder where the truth was. He never lied to her, why would he start now? First, the nickname, and now the horrible stories again? Killing and burning a whole village was even worse than the story Martin told her about his son Thomas. She wanted so bad be loyal to her husband, but she found herself doubting him. Again.

/

M content in next chapter.