It doesn't take long for word of victory to spread, and Cassandra began to feel as though she should spend less time over at the main house when William wasn't there to be with her. It seemed as though every day, there were more stories being brought by riders. Now that Tavington had learned the ghost's identity, it seemed he would stop at nothing to destroy him, and the rest of his men.
Cassandra glanced up at the storm clouds as she waited for the return of the Dragoons.
"You worry too much you know"
Cassandra turned, startled by the presence of Lord General Cornwallis. It wasn't like him, especially these days to leave his war room for a walk in the gardens.
Cassandra laughed, but the attempt sounded weak to her ears, "I cannot seem to help myself Lord General" she replied, "We spend more time apart these days than together"
"A regrettable state I grant you" Cornwallis replied, "But unavoidable at this stage. I am sorry my dear, and as soon as it can be arranged, I'll grant him leave to spend with you"
Cassandra smiled up at the older man, "Leave would be appreciated, I'm sure your wife misses you terribly"
"That she does" Cornwallis agreed, "But soon, this war will be over, and I shall return to her with honor"
Cassandra slipped into the easy silence that had often accompanied her walks with the Lord General, it seemed they both understood the need for solitude even when accompanied. Soon, however, their silence was interrupted by a young soldier under Tavington's command.
"Lord General" the solider said, snapping a quick salute, "I bring word from Colonel Tavington"
"Proceed"
The soldier glanced at Cassandra, who took that as her cue to wander, to give the men privacy, while maintaining a close enough distance that she could do the unthinkable, eavesdrop on their conversation.
"My Lord, Colonel Tavington wishes me to assure you that thanks to the information provided by Captain Wilkins, he has gathered a list of men under the command of Benjamin Martin. He wishes me to inform you that he and his men are closing in on Martin each day, they have already burned the homes of several of those under his command, and have eliminated the families they left behind"
"This is very good news indeed Private" Cornwallis said with a slow smile, "Every day brings us one step closer to victory"
From her position near the rose trellis, Cassandra felt a tear slide down her cheek. 'Oh William' she thought, 'What have you done?'