Tavington strutted into camp, forcing himself to stay alert. His watchful expression looked very much like harsh suspicion to the other men. Thinking Tavington was out for blood today, they all gave him a wide berth. But Tavington either didn't notice or didn't care as he quickly wove his way through the cringing soldiers to Lord General Cornwallis' tent.
"Sir!"
Cornwallis looked up to see Colonel Tavington standing at attention only feet away from the General's desk.
"At ease, Colonel."
"Sir, there is a new issue with the continental militia?" Cornwallis fixed him with a hard look.
"Hopefully you have a solution to this 'issue', seeing as you are the one assigned to deal with that 'Ghost.' "
"If you wouldn't mind filling me in, sir . . .? I haven't been myself these days," Tavington said, never missing a beat despite this embarrassment. Cornwallis looked annoyed, but he complied.
"Very well. The militia of your Ghost set fire to our wagons of gunpowder arriving from England. General O'Hara attempted to cease their efforts, but he and his men were driven away before he was able to. We ordered a new shipment of gunpowder, but it shall take time to arrive. When it does, I expect to receive it without a problem." With that, Cornwallis looked back down to the map he was inspecting, making it clear that Tavington was dismissed.
As the Colonel left the tent, an idea slithered into his mind. Eyes glowing, Tavington smiled to himself.
"Oh yes. That shall do nicely."
Vivienne had fallen asleep in her rocking chair when she heard her husband come in. Stretching, she walked slowly down to meet him. As Vivienne turned the corner, she stopped abruptly at the sight that met her eyes. Tavington stood in the doorway, looking almost normal, but there was something in his eyes that made Vivienne very uneasy. Within a second the look vanished and Tavington regarded Vivienne's shocked expression with concern.
"Are you all right, Vivienne?"
"What are you planning?!" she blurted suddenly. It was as if the words did not belong to her. He looked at her with an unwavering gaze.
"I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about . . . although," He relaxed "I suppose I should tell you I will be gone for a couple days on a special assignment." Tavington felt slightly guilty at his wife's responsive hurt expression. She was silent for a moment before replying,
"Of course. When must you leave?"
"Early tomorrow morning. I'll wake you before I set off." He stepped forward and kissed Vivienne's forehead before brushing past her to the kitchen.
Vivienne looked after him, feeling worried, though she didn't know why.