It took some time for Sadie and Samuel to be able to visit more often. Sadie had been afraid to tell her Uncle about Samuel. She was saved the trouble though when Cornwallis had seen them conversing a lot with each other at a Sunday social. Curious about this new boy, Cornwallis had taken the initiative to introduce himself to Samuel.
"I am the Lord General Cornwallis," he had said.
"I am Samuel Hawthorn," Samuel said rather nervously," It is quite an honor to be meeting you, sir."
"The pleasure is all mine," Cornwallis replied," I take it you know my niece, as I have seen the two of you conversing quite a bit."
"Yes, sir," Samuel said," I met her just a couple of weeks ago. She is a fine girl, and I am glad to have the..uh..honor to socialize with her."
"Yes well, please enjoy the party, and keep an eye on Sadie. She is quite a trouble maker."
"Oh Uncle," Sadie giggled. He kissed her head and wandered away.
From that point on, Sadie and Samuel spent more and more time together, and soon were the best of friends. In fact, Samuel was Sadie's only friend. It was comforting to be able to spend time with someone her own age. She knew also that it irritated the General O'Hara, who, a couple of times, interrupted their visits to send Samuel on some random errand for the Colonel, which was completely ridiculous.
"Sadie," he said the third time he sent Samuel away," You haven't spent much time with me lately. You know your birthday is coming up soon and you must choose by then."
"Must you remind me, General?" Sadie snapped as she reached down and scooped her cat into her lap, where he stretched across her and continued sunbathing," The Colonel doesn't even bother me as much as you do."
"The Colonel doesn't bother you at all. He barely speaks to you anymore."
"I like the space. It shows respect and patience in my eyes," Sadie reached over her cat and smoothed out her gown.
"I see you got a new dress," O'Hara said," It's very lovely. Your Uncle definitely knows your color."
"Green has always been my favorite color. This lighter green is perfect for the spring time."
O'Hara put a hand on her chin and lifted it to make her look at him," You are very beautiful, Sadie."
"Please, General," Sadie said," You are making me uncomfortable."
O'Hara leaned closer to her, and when she tried to jerk back he held her in place," You don't have to be afraid. Let me show my affection for you."
He tried to kiss her. Sadie cried out, which attracted the attention of several officers, including Col. Tavington, who saw Sadie struggling back and O'Hara continuously trying to kiss her. He ran as fast as he could towards them.
"Gen. O'Hara take your hands off me this instant," Sadie yelled," Let go!"
"How dare you!" Col. Tavington said as he wrenched O'Hara off of Sadie, who ran to the Col. and buried her face in his chest,"How dare you show such disrespect to a lady. Have you no common sense?"
"This is none of your business Col.," O'Hara snapped," We were simply talking to one another."
"Oh such lies," Sadie bawled," He follows me everywhere, and sends Samuel away just so he can bother me. And now he tries to shame me by kissing me and putting his hands on me. Make him go away!"
"There, there, Sadie," the Col. said," Come inside. We wil see your Uncle about this at once."
They left O'Hara in a circle of angry officers, who made sure that he didn't go inside to make more trouble. Meanwhile Tavington escorted Sadie to Cornwallis' quarters. Sadie did not bother to knock. Cornwallis was alone anyway. He looked up at the pair, and jumped out of his seat when he saw his niece in tears.
"My dear child, what happened?" he asked as she threw herself into his arms. Sadie told him everything that had happened, and with every sentence Cornwallis became more and more angered.
"Oh Uncle," Sadie said," You would have me marry a man like that? Such shame he tries to put on me."
"No Sadie," Cornwallis said as he held her close," I would not allow such a marriage to take place. I will not have a man like that in my family."
He looked at the Col.," You saw this happen?"
"Yes sir I did, and several others saw too. O'Hara tried to kiss your niece, much against her will if I might add."
Cornwallis glared," Send for him. Now!"
Tavington bowed and left the room. Cornwallis sat down with Sadie still clinging to him. She was quite frightened.
"There, now Sadie, dry your tears," he said handing her a handkerchief," I will make sure that he does not even see you. I'm very sorry this happened. I can see now why Tavy does not like him."
"Uncle," Sadie said," the Col. has saved me again. He is always there when it is most convenient."
"Yes. I shall reward him again for his kindness to you."
Footsteps out in the hall announced the Col., O'Hara, and several others coming towards the room. The Col. entered alone.
"We have him, sir."
"Good," Cornwallis said," Now Sadie, go to your quarters. i shall send for some tea for you. Do try not to be troubled any longer by this. I promise that myself and the Col. are here to protect you."
"Thank you, uncle," Sadie said. She got up and stopped in front of the Col., her eyes still misted by tears. She then curtseyed and kissed his hand. Tavington placed a hand on her shoulder, and smiled reassuringly to her.
"Run along now Sadie," Cornwallis said.
Out in the hall, Sadie saw that the Gen. was in the midst of a group of the officers that had been outside. She kept her eyes on the floor as she passed by.
"Don't even look at her," one of the officers said threateningly.
Sadie quickly unlocked her door and went inside, being sure to lock every lock once the door was closed.
