A/N: Thank you so much to Engage Fiction; your reviews meant so much to me I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was.

Chapter 3: Of Twats and Men

A week or two even passed, she wasn't sure. Charlotte had seemingly adopted Theresa as some sort of project, a few of the servants grumbled under their breath about 'always taking in strays' Theresa never realized how mind numbingly dull laying in a bed for any length of time could be. God bless the man who invented T.V., that and indoor plumbing! Who would have ever guessed that she would willingly give a limb for a toilet and running water.
Charlotte would not allow anyone to help Theresa from bed, for fear it may 'exhaust' her. Theresa lay back with her arms crossed under her head, eyes closed she tried to make herself drift off to sleep again but was failing miserably.
There was a small crack of her door opening.

"Miss. Theresa? Are you awake? "A small voice asked that Theresa had grown accustomed to. Molly poked her head in the door; Molly was a maid that had been tending to her. She was sweet and kind, and had an almost cherub like face.

"Yes." Theresa sat up in bed and all but screamed. Molly tucked her auburn hair behind her ear and chuckled at Theresa's enthusiasm.

"Happy to see me?" The young woman chuckled as she set a breakfast tray on Theresa's lap, and made her way over to the curtains, opening them wide she smiled as she turned back to Theresa. "I have some good news."

"Oh what's that?" Theresa commented in-between bites of toast.

"Lady Charlotte would like to know if you believe you are up to taking a walk with her this morning."

"Oh God yes! Please." Molly laughed even harder.

"Are you sure you're up to it? I think it could wait a few more days." Molly struggled to keep a straight face as Theresa's smile fell, and look as if she was about to start crying.

"Please?" Theresa folded her hands into a prayer and sat up on her knees.

"I don't know."

"I have to get out of this bed…or I'll go all Patrick Batemen on you." Theresa chuckled, trying her darnest to be convincing.

"Pardon?" Molly raised an eyebrow. She was quite used to this already though Theresa said some of the strangest things sometimes without any explanation at all. Molly had written it off as part of the head injury,

"American Psycho?" Molly shook her head chuckling. "Wow, that really sucks." Theresa sat back down indian style as she munched on another piece of toast from the plate. She watched as Molly opened the windows to let some air in, fluffed her pillows.
"Can I help with anything?" she asked seriously Molly looked up at Theresa with her eyes nearly bugged out of her head.

"No!" she said almost shocked.

"Jeez sorry." Molly rolled her green eyes, and opened the amour that sat in the corner of the room," Lady Charlotte took the liberty of having a few dresses made for you since all you had was that hideous…outfit…" Molly made a disgusted face.

"Whatever did happen to my suit?" Theresa asked puzzled, scratching her hairline. That suit was worth a whole months pay.

"It was burned. It was filthy…and hideous."

"BURNED!" Theresa shot up standing on the bed, in only a cotton shift. "Do you have any idea how expensive that was? It was Armani!" Molly shrugged as she removed a few items from the armoire.

"What is Armani?" She shot over her shoulder. Theresa flopped herself down on the bed running her hand over her face frustrated…that was a mortgage payment. Before she could answer Molly threw a few things down on the chest that sat at the foot of the bed. "Besides, you looked like a harlot! Now put this on." Molly held out a crème colored shift. Theresa leaned forward and took it, looking at it, threading the fabric through her fingers.
Theresa waited a few minutes with Molly just standing there, eyebrows raised.

"Well, can I have a minute?" Theresa asked staring at the young woman expectantly.

"I assure you dear, it's nothing I haven't seen before…besides…you're going to need me." Molly held up a corset, with a smile.

Theresa held onto the bedpost for dear life. She had always loved the way a corset looked in movies; now she realized they were of the devil, and surely invented by Satan himself or a man. Molly pulled hard again, as Theresa groaned loudly.

"Oh stop being a baby!" Molly laughed.

"Ugh," Theresa groaned. "Jeez, you'd think I've never worn one of these before." Theresa smiled warmly, earning a loud laugh from Molly.

"I know you don't remember much darling, but I highly doubt that."

Charlotte and Theresa walked arm in arm; much to Theresa's protest. She had tried to tell Charlotte that she was not an invalid but after little progress Theresa got the distinct impression that Lady Charlotte Cornwallis did not get told 'No' often. Charlotte led her through corridors and winding hallways until she saw every last bit of the manor. The polite conversation was enough to drive anyone crazy, the weather, fashion. Thankfully she could barely get a word in on the fashion front; fashion in any period was not exactly her strong suit.

"So have you been able to recall anything yet?" Charlotte laid a delicate gloved hand on top of Theresa's.

"No. It's actually really frusteratin'." Theresa's eyes darted all around taking in everything… She'd never seen so many trees, it was actually a little sad to know that in a few hundred years this would all be gone; or at least she assumed it would be.

"Well please dear, the doctor and Father have both said it's critical that you not become too upset about it." Theresa only nodded, the warm breeze felt nice against her skin, and the fresh air seemed amazing.

"Well, I got to thinkin', and now that I'm up and around I really should get out of your hair….I mean" Theresa started but was promptly cut off but Charlotte's gasp.

"Oh no! You can't!" She practically shrieked. Theresa raised a dark eyebrow as her blue eyes met Charlotte's deep brown ones. "If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't even know you name! Where will you go? You cannot just wander around this...this…uncivilized place!" Theresa watched in a bit of shock as Charlotte seemed to become a bit hysterical. "What if Rebels got a hold of you? Oh my God! They would…" She seemed to visibly shutter. Rebels? Theresa racked her brain…. civil war? No couldn't be she'd seen more than a few soldiers in red uniforms around the manor, history had always been her worst subject; she had found it hard to even stay awake. 1777, what had happened in 1777? Maybe, the French/ Indian war?

"Rebels? " Theresa asked. Rebels. It dawned on her… Oh shit! Of all places! She was with the English, during the Revolutionary War…God, help her. She could have sworn she heard a small still voice somewhere in the back of her mind chuckle. Well, you did say anywhere…

"You don't even remember…current events?" Charlotte shook her head sadly. Theresa widened her eyes and faked shock.

"It's starting to come back! They, the rebels, want to pull away from the King… "Theresa fanned herself with her hand the heat was starting to get to her and this dress wasn't helping. Charlotte nodded eagerly.

"Oh darling!" Charlotte screeched as without warning she pulled Theresa against her in an embrace, she squeezed tightly. Theresa stiffened at the sudden affection, slowly as she came out of her shock she slowly brought her hand around Charlottes shoulder and hesitantly patted her on the back. "See; progress already!" Charlotte pulled always leaving Theresa standing there in the middle of the courtyard awkwardly.

"We really should go find, Father and tell him!" Charlotte said excitedly. Theresa's face visibly blanched, and she swallowed hard. Charlotte wrapped her fingers around Theresa's wrist and pulled her along. She tried desperately to slow the woman down by dragging her feet.
"He's currently handling some business with a Colonel, and some other officers. But he won't mind I assure you!" Charlotte shot over her shoulder...

"I really don't think we should bother him then..." Theresa pulled

"Oh rubbish!"

"No! I mean really!" Charlotte turned on her heels abruptly causing Theresa bump into her. She fixed Theresa with a somewhat unnerving glare... Yup, she was certain now; Charlotte Cornwallis did not hear no often.

"Now Theresa! In fact you must,"

"Why must I?" Theresa mimicked Charlotte's accent and threw her hands on her hips defiantly.

"Because The Colonel my father is talking with in fact rescued you. Twice! I do believe you owe him a bit of thanks." The look Charlotte fixed her with almost reminded to a glare that her mother used to give her when she was naughty. Guilt started to set in.

"Do I absolutely have to do it today?" Theresa almost whined.

"No, but it would be highly rude and improper if you did not, and I think father would be quite disappointed." More guilt.

"Of course, I know you right." Theresa groaned bringing her hands up, she covered her face; rubbing the bridge of her nose. "I'm sorry Charlotte I don't know what came over me..." tapping her index finger and against her temple. "Must be the head injury." Charlotte smiled from ear to ear and instantly perked up.

"I know dear! That's why you have me…..could you imagine now going off on your own? Pfft!" Charlotte started dragging her again and all Theresa could seem to think was... You are such a lying sack of…

Charlotte still had an iron grip around Theresa's wrist as she pulled her inside of a large tent. Theresa couldn't help but look slightly puzzled as she glanced at furniture; it was decorated like a damn house! This was all so bizarre. She swallowed hard when she realized Charlotte was a liar! There easily a dozen uniformed officers in that damned tent drinking and hovering around a large map…looking quite busy. Theresa eyes finally found General Cornwallis off to the side; he seemed to be talking intently in a much younger man, with dark long hair pulled back, and rather striking features. However, neither one seemed too pleased by the looks on their faces. She assumed they were finished as the younger man turned on his heel and seemed to be heading for the tent opening.

"Colonel, may I have a moment." Oh shit! Theresa's eyes darted wildly looking for an escape, and her hands started to tremble.

"Stop fidgeting." Charlotte hissed. But she couldn't help it she had always been uncomfortable with new people. They made her nervous. Her mother always said she lacked 'people skills'. Please don't have heard her. She silently prayed. The tall man instantly stopped and turned his gaze in their direction. Ah fuck! Theresa bit her lower lip.

"Lady Cornwallis, to what do I owe the pleasure?" He bowed his head and took Charlotte's gloved hand kissing the back.

"Well I thought you and Miss. Theresa should be properly introduced." Charlotte gestured elegantly with her palm up to Theresa. "Theresa this is Colonel Tavington, of the Green Dragoons." The imposing man seemed to look down at the much shorter woman; Theresa brought her gaze up from her feet for a second to meet his.

"Pleasure." He said shortly. He seemed actually annoyed by looking at her. Which she couldn't seem to wrap her mind around.

"Charlotte told me what you did." She stuttered nervously. "And I ugh really appreciate it." She still looked down at her skirts; which had grown so much more interesting.

"Well, it would seem that I have nothing better to do than parade my men through the woods after stupid chits." Charlotte's eyes bulged and her hand shot up to cover her gaping mouth.

"Colonel!" she gasped. Theresa's eyes were also wide and she slowly looked up. Their eyes met for a moment. His were pale and cold, hers were a few shades darker, but yup, she concluded definitely annoyed. She racked her brain trying to come up with something witty, but couldn't.

"Soorrry…you don't have to be a twat about it." As soon as it left her mouth she regretted it. If it was even possible Charlotte's eyes bulged even wider, and the Colonel glared, before he could open his mouth.

"THERESA!" Charlotte hissed. "Excuse us for a moment." Charlotte turned her attention the Colonel and all but drug Theresa away by her wrist. Charlotte moved so quickly Theresa almost tripped over her own feet a few times.

"What on Earth has gotten into you!" Charlotte hissed. She looked furious.

"I honestly don't know I didn't mean to actually say it." Theresa fained innocence. She knew what she had said, and yes she did mean to say it, she just didn't think of the repercussions until after. Charlotte groaned and rolled her head back to stare at the sky.

"I know..." Charlotte sighed. "It must be your head…hopefully father can make the Colonel understand that….what in heaven's name is a 'twat'?" Charlotte asked curiously.

"You don't know what a twat is?" Theresa asked incredulously.

"Obviously."

"Well, um it's slang…"

"For?" Charlotte huffed started to get testy.

"Well..." Theresa brought a hand up to her face as she messaged her temple, trying to think of the best way to put it. Aww, fuck it! She decided.
"Do you know what a pussy is?" She spit it out so fast she barely even heard it, wanting to get it out before she chickened out.

"Of course!"

"Well, that's what it means...pussy."

"Oh. So you called him a kitten..." Charlotte chuckled. "How manly." Theresa blinked quickly a few times and shrugged her shoulders deciding to just go with it.

"That's right; I called him…a kitty." She smiled slightly but swallowing hard. She wasn't an idiot. The word WAS British slang…She didn't know how long it had been used in...Well, the way she had used it but she knew there was a chance that he knew exactly what she had called him, and that made her incredibly uneasy.