Tarleton's Request

"My requests are simple, my lady. Moreover, what have I to offer you?"

"Myself."

/

Catherine smiled when she saw Banastre Tarleton standing before them. Lt. Randall, however, seemed uncomfortable by the Lt. Colonel's presence. He shifted his weight from foot to foot, and stared at the ground around him.

Tarleton returned Catherine's smile warmly.

"Lady Tavington." He bowed to her.

"Lt. Colonel." She inclined her head slightly.

Tarleton stared at Catherine for a moment. He took in her appearance quickly, noting how beautiful she looked in the morning sun. It set his heart to beating faster in his chest, and made him tingle all over.

He reluctantly tore his gaze away from Lady Tavington and turned it on the lieutenant. His smile grew cold.

"Lieutenant, I suspect you find it difficult allowing the Colonel's wife to inspect the Dragoons. What exactly is the problem?"

Randall shifted from foot to foot again. He did not look directly at Tarleton, but kept his gaze on the ground.

"No problems, sir."

Tarleton laughed softly.

"I find that hard to believe, Lieutenant."

"Sir?"

Tarleton grinned.

"I find it hard to believe, that seeing as the lady is the wife of your commanding officer, as well, as the daughter of his Lordship, that you would disrespect her so openly."

Randall continued to stare at the ground. No doubt, hoping it would swallow him.

"No, sir. I meant the lady no disrespect, sir. I was just concerned that she was offering to inspect the men without Colonel Tavington's permission."

Tarleton's eyes swept over Catherine. She seemed to be watching the other Dragoons intently, and did not notice his lingering gaze.

He turned back to the lieutenant.

"Do you believe she would need his permission, Lieutenant?" Tarleton moved closer, causing Randall to step back.

"No, I…"

Tarleton stepped closer still.

"If I recall correctly, and I do, Lady Tavington does not need his permission to inspect the Dragoons."

"We are his men, Lt. Colonel."

"Yes, 'tis very true. However, we are all his Lordship's men! And, Lady Tavington is his Lordship's daughter. Therefore, she can inspect the Dragoons without the Colonel's permission."

Randall cringed slightly.

"Yes sir."

Tarleton stepped back from the lieutenant, ran his fingers over his saber, and glared icily at him.

"If you have a problem with the lady, I shall do the inspection myself. I take it there will be no objections to me doing so?"

Randall shook his head.

"No sir. None."

"Good. Ready the men then."

He watched as the lieutenant hurried off. When he was certain the man was out of sight, he went over to Catherine.

She turned and smiled at him.

"Ban, you really needn't have come to my rescue! I could have handled him quite well."

Tarleton laughed slowly.

"I know, my lady, but I felt it my duty to inform the argumentative lieutenant about the error of his ways."

Catherine leaned towards him. Her hand brushed his only slightly, but it was enough to make him shiver.

"What may I do for you, Ban?"

He blushed under her gaze.

"I have a small request of you, my lady."

"Oh?"

He blushed again.

"Just a small request."

Catherine stared at him. How she longed to tell him what he did to her. Yet, she could not find the words, or the courage, to tell him.

"A request? And what would it be?"

Tarleton moved closer to her. When he was close enough, he swept an arm around her waist, and tugged her to him. To his surprise, she did not resist. Instead, she melted into his embrace wrapping her arms around him.

"What will the men think of this?" She whispered softly.

"And we should care what they think? They would not dare to say anything against what we do." He murmured as his lips burned kisses along her neck.

Catherine sighed deeply. Now that what she had desperately wanted was here, she was unsure of how to deal with it. And just as unsure of how Colonel Tavington would react to her unfaithfulness with one of his officers.

"William…" She muttered.

Tarleton grinned.

"He knows, my darling. It is all part of the plan."

Catherine pulled away slightly and looked into his eyes.

"Plan? William spoke of a plan earlier this morning. Why have I not been told of this, Ban? I am his wife! I have a right to know what is planned for my husband!"

He silenced her with a deep, passion filled kiss. He knew for certain, that he would soon be bedding her, and that soon thereafter, so would William. Funny how this war had brought the three of them to this moment. To this desire of theirs…so hot and fiery. However, what had brought them even closer was William's death at the hands of Benjamin Martin. Now that Martin was dead and in the hands of Doctor Harris…yes, the plan was moving along very nicely.

Tarleton pulled Catherine closer. His hands roamed over her slowly taking in her delicious curves. He envied Tavington in so many ways, most of all, in having won Catherine Cornwallis before he had a chance to. Had it been his legion who had escorted her back to her father, he would have had her long before now. As it were, he had not, and he damned himself for having been in battle elsewhere.

But, thanks to Colonel Tavington, he was now having his chance at something unlike he had ever experienced before. Lady Catherine was everything he had ever wanted in a woman. She was intelligent, genuine, and brilliant in so many ways. Best of all, she understood the life of an officer in His Majesty's Army. Lady Catherine was adept at handling the saber, as well as a pistol. Moreover, from everything he had learned about her, she was capable of killing a man without remorse. The Colonel had told him all he had heard about her, and it struck him as absurd that a woman of her standing would know such things.

Then, he finally met her. He now understood why Tavington was so enamored of her, and had gone to great lengths to make her his. She was a woman like any other. And at that moment, as he held her tightly to him, he knew he would never meet another like her.

He envied Tavington. He envied the Lord General. At times, he envied any who had contact with Lady Catherine Cornwallis-Tavington.

Tarleton felt Catherine hug him to her, and it made his heart hammer in his chest. Is this what Colonel Tavington felt every time she touched him? If so, he understood it all too well. Just one simple touch from Catherine made his heart thump harder. Made his blood pump that much faster. And, it made his manhood throb with want and need.

True, he could have gone to one of the camp whores to satisfy that particular need. It was something he had done often enough. It was a way of life when in a army camp, and if one wanted to satisfy any need, there was always something to do so.

Nevertheless, for the moment, the camp doxies were the furthest thing from his mind. Only Lady Tavington mattered. He laid his head against hers, sighed heavily, and reluctantly pulled her away from him. He knew now was not the time for this. He could wait.

He would wait forever, if he had to.

"My dear Catherine, as I said my request is a small one."

She smiled at him.

"I know, Banastre, I know." Reaching for his hand, she drew him back to her.

When he had her back in his arms, he felt complete. Again, he wondered if this was how the Colonel felt.

"Is this how Will feels when he is with you?" He asked softly.

Catherine nodded.

"It is how we both feel, Ban."

"Does his reputation bother you in the slightest?"

"No, nor does yours."

He sighed wearily, but remained silent.

"What is your request Banastre?" Catherine broke the silence.

He smiled coyly at her.

"To know you as the Colonel knows you. Nothing more."

Catherine grinned faintly. She had known his request before he ever stated it. Little did he know that she wanted exactly the same as he did.

"And you say that William knows of this? He approves?"

Banastre nodded quickly.

"Of course he knows. He also approves…Lady Brobeck is now in his sights, as well."

Catherine stared at him. Lady Brobeck was after her husband.

"I see." She said flatly.

"You did not know of this? You have never noticed how she watches Will? I have, of course, and it does seem she wants him nearly as much as I want you. Though, I think Will's intentions are far different then hers."

"How so, Ban?"

"You know her husband is a traitor to the Crown, and Will knows of this. You know how he is about that sort of thing, so it is his intention, to take the wife of a traitor to bed, and see if he comes running to save her honour. If I know the Earl Haverhill as I do, he will be here the second he hears of his wife's unfaithfulness. Granted, once he reaches the fort…well, he will be in for a far different surprise."

Catherine laughed.

"What then? Once he reaches here?"

Banastre licked his lips slowly.

Will intends to hang him as a traitor. As does your father. His body will be put on display as any other rebel's would. No special treatment, despite his standing in English society. I am still quite amazed that he turned traitor, and went straight to the rebels."

Again Catherine laughed.

"So, my husband plans to flush him out by bedding his wife?"

"Indeed so, Lady Catherine. He bedded you, and that certainly gained your father's attention!"

She thought about this for a moment.

"That is true, Ban. But you bedding me, will also gain my father's attention. How do you believe he will react to it? I cannot imagine my father will be pleased."

Banastre snickered softly.

"He knows, as well, my dear."

Catherine's lips parted, but she could not utter a single word. Her father knew…

"His Lordship approves of this and has given Will his blessing. He has also given him his blessing in the bedding of Lady Brobeck. That, is most assuredly for the Crown's own benefit."

Catherine nodded in agreement.

"All for the Crown, this is best, of course. How willing is Lady Brobeck? Is she still willing to see her husband hang for his crimes?"

Banastre scowled

"Yes she is very willing on both accounts. I should she think she would wish to rid herself of such a husband. What will happen to their sizable estate after he hangs is something I have no knowledge of."

"Perhaps it will go to Lady Brobeck? Does she not have a sizable estate in her own right? I have heard from one of my servants, that she commands quite an estate in Yorkshire."

Banastre grinned.

"I am sure she does have something in Yorkshire. I do know that she has family in Liverpool, as well as Wiltshire. However, if what I have heard is true, those in Wiltshire abandoned her after she married the Earl. Those will most likely go to her sister, Gretchen, Lady Dalton."

Catherine's eyes widened.

"Lady Dalton? Is she not the one who was the mistress to King George's father?"

Ban nodded.

"She was but one of them, Catherine. Lady Brobeck's sister in law, Lady Holland, was the mistress to your husband's father."

"She was? You must be joking, Ban?"

"I certain am not!" He laughed heartily. "Lady Holland was a trollop of ill repute, and Will's father made the most of her spurious attentions. Granted, I am sure Will's father threw hideous amounts of coin at her to keep her silence."

"Part of William's inheritance, no doubt." Catherine muttered.

"Indeed so. But, he also lost it on gambling and drink…"

Catherine rolled her eyes at Tarleton.

"You squandered your own inheritance on both. Or, do you forget that, Banastre?"

He blushed profusely.

"How could I possibly forget, Catherine? I have been in need of coin for quite some time now. I still owe Will a pound."

Lady Tavington eyed him in amusement.

"Oh? What did you wager it on this time, Ban?"

"No wagers, my lady. I had to pay for a certain dark haired doxy, who would not leave me alone. Will was generous enough to pay her off for me."

"I do not recall this? Where were you?"

"Camden. Right after I met you and Will on the road to Fort Carolina."

"Was that before, or after Waxhaw's?"

"Oh, after of course. She followed me there and was waiting for me. Really, had Will not come to the rescue, I fear I should still be hiding from her!"

Catherine shook her head in bewilderment.

"And her name?"

Tarleton thought for a moment.

"Martha. On the other hand, Sarah. So difficult to remember every whore's name, you know."

"I am sure it is, Ban."

Banastre smiled warmly at Catherine. Despite his desire for her, and for the way she made his heart hammer in his chest, he found himself taken by the ease in which he could speak to her about anything. She was nearly on par with speaking to one of his men, or the Colonel. What tickled him most was that she had the same bawdy sense of humour he did.

For some reason this thought made him think of Major George Hanger. The Major would get along wonderfully with Lady Tavington. Will, on the other hand, would not find Hanger humourous in any way, shape or form.

"Major Hanger will be along shortly. I had a letter from him just last month. He is due to arrive at Fort Carolina at the end of this month."

Catherine snickered.

"Was he not here before? Will he have that damnable monkey with him?"

"Oh I hope not…that creature is a bore! It tried to bite me numerous times, and I swore to George I would hang it from the nearest tree! Hanger thought it rather amusing, really. Cannot say I feel the same way."

"Do not allow Major Hanger to influence Colonel Tavington too much, Ban. I shudder to think what would happen if he came back with a pet monkey!"

Tarleton stifled a snort of laughter.

"Not to worry my lovely Catherine. I shall not allow George to influence Will beyond drink."

"Banastre Tarleton!" Catherine groaned in mock despair.

Tarleton replied by way of a quick kiss.

"You know as well as I, that the Colonel's reputation for drinking is notorious. Being as I know Hanger quite well, it will be the Colonel and myself keeping him out of trouble!"

"Regardless Ban, try and keep my husband from harm's way." Catherine growled.

"I very much doubt anything can do him harm now."

Catherine sighed. Tarleton reached over, took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly.

"Still, I would feel much better knowing that you will keep him safe…"

"That I will my lady." He smiled.

"And away from Camden!" She snarled back.

Tarleton's eyes widened in amusement.

"What, and begrudge him a bit of fun? That is a cruel fate, Lady Tavington!"

"Cruel perhaps, but necessary." She tugged his saber out of its sheath. "If need be, I shall hold the three of you here at saber point!"

Tarleton held his hands up in defense.

"Well, now that you put it that way…" He knew Lady Tavington would no doubt do as she threatened.

"Good, I am quite happy to know you agree."

"Yes, I cannot help but to agree. You have made your point quite clear." He pointed at his saber, which Catherine still, held in her hand. "I do not suppose I can have my saber back, or do you have plans for it?"

Lady Tavington shrugged, and then handed the saber to Banastre.

"You know, Ban, I had a lovely saber years ago, but father took it away from me. He said I would hurt myself." She chuckled. "I do believe, he was far more concerned that I would hurt someone else, rather than myself."

"Has Will not granted you a new saber?"

Lady Tavington shook her head sadly.

"No. He thinks as my father does. I really would love to have another…"

"For protection, of course." Tarleton suggested.

"Of course." Lady Tavington smirked.

Tarleton moved a bit closer to her. He reluctantly moved away again, when he noticed Captain Wilkins arriving with the rest of the Dragoons.

"I see the men are ready for the inspection." He nodded at Wilkins. "Shall we continue this later this evening, my dear?"

Catherine nodded.

"Yes, that would do nicely. The Colonel should be well rested by that time, and will most likely wish to join in the conversation. Especially," She giggled softly, "About Major Hanger."

Tarleton raised an eyebrow at this.

"That, I do not doubt at all."

"Until then?" Catherine kissed him quickly on the cheek.

"Until this evening, my dear Lady Tavington."

He bowed and turned away to speak to Captain Wilkins. Catherine studied him for a brief moment, then made her way back to the surgeon's tent. When she arrived at the tent, she noticed that the Colonel was sitting outside on an old wooden box. He looked up at her approach, and smiled lovingly.

"How was your morning walk, my dear?"

"Very lovely, thank you William. Did you rest well?"

He nodded and jabbed a thumb in the direction of the tent flap.

"As much as one can rest, when the good Doctor is always asking questions. I suppose he thinks I will have a different answer if he asks me at different times."

Catherine tilted her head slightly.

"And Lady Brobeck? Is she still here, as well?"

"Yes, and quite irritating to say the least." William muttered.

"Ah well, at least you gained some rest. I expect us to be up quite late tonight."

"How was your talk with Banastre?"

"Also very lovely. He was telling me about Major Hanger arriving at the end of the month."

Tavington grunted in annoyance.

"Wonderful."

"Very unconvincing Colonel Tavington!"

"I will be constanting getting him and Ban out of some kind of scuffle. Not to mention, paying off their debts at the end of the evening. I have not much money now, I shall have even less after that!"

"I told Ban to keep you out of trouble! Oh, and he mentioned his last debt to you. A matter of a pound for paying off a very bothersome whore."

Tavington nodded.

"Yes, she was quite the trollop. Banastre would not listen to me when I told him to keep her away from his bed."

"Regardless Colonel Tavington, I expect you to stay out of trouble." She said icily. She pulled up another box, and seated herself next to the Colonel. "I also expect you to keep both the Lt. Colonel and the Major from getting themselves into any trouble."

"Of course, my dear." William leaned in and kissed her lightly on the lips.

"I mean that William."

"Of course, my love." He nuzzled her neck.

"And, I want my own saber."

His lips descended along her neck to her chest. It appeared he had not heard her request.

He had.

"I will acquire one for you when I meet with the Dragoons. We have an ample supply from when we raided the Rebels in August. I am sure I can find one for you that will suite you well."

Catherine smiled triumphantly.

"Thank you Colonel Tavington. You spoil me so." She kissed the top of his head.

The Colonel looked up at his wife.

"My darling, you have yet to be spoiled in the proper way."

"Oh? And when shall I be spoiled properly?"

"Soon, my pet, soon." He cupped one breast in his hand and squeezed it gently.

"I look forward to it."