"Tell me about this battle." Vivienne poured two mugs of steaming tea and brought them to the small living room where Tavington was seated in one of the wingback chairs. Tavington looked up at her, feeling uneasy. If he told her the truth of what he had done, she would be very angry. . . and if she ran away from him again in her current condition, she might hurt herself.
"That's a story for another time, darling. It's not a pleasant one." He took a mug from her, sipping the hot liquid slowly.
Vivienne nodded, a crafty look coming over her face. She edged toward him.
"Could I persuade you to tell me?"
"Vivienne - " He was cut off as she straddled his lap, her soft hands coming up to the sides of his face. She leaned in and gave him a soft peck on the lips before leaning back to make room for her stomach.
"I barely fit anymore, don't I?" Slight embarrassment came over her features. She thought herself ugly. Tavington stood, Vivienne's legs wrapping around his waist.
"Perhaps we just need a bigger chair - or preferably a bed." He carried her off to the bedroom, her musical laugh warming his heart.
"I have an important meeting with the Lord General today. I must go." William pried Vivienne's arms off his neck the next morning, kissing her pouting lips as he stood to dress.
"I'll be here when you return, as I always am," Vivienne muttered dryly, shifting up onto her elbows. Tavington shot a glance back at her as he pulled on his jacket.
"You must have found some sort of hobby by now?" he asked. She was bored here at home, where she knew no one except him.
"I've been sewing. It's not that I mind, I just . . . get lonely." Vivienne ran a hand through her mussed hair. "Are you sure you don't have just one extra minute to spend with me?"
"Vivienne," Tavington stepped closer to the bed. "You're six months pregnant. Surely this can't be . . . healthy for the baby?"
Vivienne let the sheets fall away from her naked form as she sat up straight, smiling seductively.
"I am perfectly able to engage in lovemaking until my eighth month. I spoke to the town midwife." Tavington was silent. He really couldn't afford to be late today, but with Vivienne looking at him this way . . .
"I could possibly spare one minute," he murmured as he leaned down over her, sliding his jacket off once more.
"Tavington! You are late." Cornwallis was glaring at the Colonel through narrowed eyes
Damn, it's only ten extra minutes . . . Tavington thought frustratedly, but he kept his face calm.
"I apologize, your Lordship. There was . . . an interference with my leaving this morning." Cornwallis eyed him suspiciously, but relented.
"Don't allow it to happen again, Colonel." Cornwallis turned to face General O'Hara, Colonel Talborne, and Lieutenant Perry. "Well then, gentlemen, shall we commence with the meeting?"
Tavington sat down at the table with the rest of the men, knowing Cornwallis would reprimand Tavington for his lack of punctuality later.
Vivienne sipped at her tea. She hadn't been motivated to do much of anything today, except drink tea. The town grocery had some fine green tea leaves imported from the East that Vivienne adored.
She rose, feeling sleepy. A short nap would pass the time rather well. . . then she could sew again when she woke. Just as Vivienne was about to begin the long climb up the stairs, there was a knock at the door. Thinking it would be Tavington, she rushed to open the door.
Instead, Bordon stood there, looking nervously at her.
"Captain . . . what may I do for you?" she asked, polite despite her astonishment.
"May I come in? I'd like to speak with you."
She nodded, standing aside so he could enter the house. Vivienne led her guest into the small sitting room, offering him tea as she sat beside him on the sofa.
"Please," he said with a smile. Vivienne complied, pouring tea for both of them, gesturing to the sofa so they could sit.
"Hmm, green tea?" He mused after taking a sip. "It's lovely."
"Yes," Vivienne could not help but be delighted that he shared her appetite for green tea. She glanced up at him out of the corner of her eye, noting the way his hands gently encased the teacup, how his clear, green eyes were kind, concealing no hint of the cruelty she saw every now and then in Tavington's gaze. Silence passed awkwardly between them as they sipped at their tea, avoiding each other's eyes. Finally, Bordon set down his cup gently, taking Vivienne's free hand in both of his large, warm ones. He held her hand as gently as he had held the teacup.
"Vivienne, I cannot stop thinking about what passed between us that night at camp - "
"I'm sorry," she interrupted, trying to slip her hand out of his. "I was not myself. I - I needed someone and you were there, I . . . " she trailed off once she realized she was babbling. Bordon had held her slim hand securely in his, even as she trembled and stuttered out excuses.
"Yes, I was there. And I can always be there." She tentatively met his gaze to see the sincerity and tenderness with which he looked upon her.
No, I cannot be with you. I am carrying William's child, she wanted to say, but her lips would not form the words.
"You cannot want me," she said instead "Look how fat I am."
"You've never looked more beautiful Vivienne. Do not doubt that I want you. I want you very much." His eyes had taken on a darker hue as he said this, and she could see in them the truth of his words.
Sitting here, gazing into his face, Vivienne found herself curious to see if the caress of his lips would be as tender and soft as the last time.
Inwardly she throttled herself. You came so close to being the unfaithful spouse you so despise in others, she chided to the silly part of her aching for another kiss.
"I think it would be best," Vivienne said levelly, staring into her lap "if you left now."
Bordon sighed. Not a sigh of frustration, not a sigh of disappointment, but a soft sigh of melancholy. He looked at her until her gaze floated up to meet his. Lifting his hand, he gingerly reached for her face, slowly, as if she was a spirited filly he was trying to tame. When his fingertips connected with her cheek, Vivienne betrayed herself, releasing a small sigh she did not realize she had been holding back. Strangely, his fingers left her tingling skin and the corner of his lip quirked up in a smile. A smile of relief. She was not frozen to his touch, though he could tell she wanted to be.
"Very well," he murmured, his eyes not leaving hers. "I will leave, but know that I do not plan to give up so easily." With that, he stood and left the house, his boots clunking along the wooden panels and out the door.
When she was sure she was alone, Vivienne sank back onto the couch cushions. That was close. Too close. But she was convinced it was her love for her husband that held her back. She pictured William's face, set in the handsome smirk that made her swoon even still. He loved her too, she knew it, and she would not betray him.