Dear aunt Charlotte

Aunt Charlotte, it seems like only yesterday when we last saw each other in Charles Town. I had received your latest letter you had sent to me. And it is with my great sadness that upon reading your letter, I had learned that the British have taken control of Charles town under General Cornwallis. I am relieved to hear that Annie and yourself will be departing Charles Town on the 20th of July. I assume, aunt Charlotte, that you will close your home in Charles Town and move to your plantation on the Santee. And that Annie may return home to be in the care of our father. Here in the North our Campaign has been marked by defeat and privation, our losses have been grievous. I am afraid to inform Annie and yourself, that my dearest and closest friend, Peter Cuppin fell at Elizabeth Town. His death has been difficult to bear. As I am sure it will be hard for Annie, and Peters family to bear his death as well. We were told that soon we will march South with General Gates to fight the Redcoats under Cornwallis. Although I am apart of this cruel conflict, I consider myself fortunate to be serving the cause of liberty. And though I fear death, each day and prayer, I reaffirm my willingness if necessary to give my and its service. Pray for me but above all pray for the cause. I hope you and Annie make a safe trip back to the Santee.

Your loving nephew, Gabriel

Charlotte finished reading Gabriel's letter, she lowered the letter from her face. Her left hand was placed over her mouth which was slightly open. She was very happy indeed to receive Gabriel's letter, receiving his letter meant he had been still alive. But the only problem, was that Peter Cuppin has now been recently deceased. How could she face Annie, look her in the eyes and tell her that the man she had recently be courted to was dead? Charlotte started to imagine Annie's reaction her face would drop, and her tears would come pouring out from her eyes. Charlotte lifted the letter to eye level, she skimmed through the letter a second time, then took a deep breath. She needed to find Annie, but before Charlotte could find Annie. Annie found her first. Charlotte watched Annie as she walked down the stairs and into the foyer where Charlotte had been standing. Annie gave her aunt a smile.

"Good Morning aunt Charlotte, I slept much better last night. I think switching my pillows with yours helped indeed. " Annie smiled, Charlotte thought she looked well rested and happy, if only her happiness would be able to last for the day, she thought.

What If I could perhaps leave the news of Peter's death till later tonight... No I can't, she has to know now, It won't make a difference if I tell her now or later, she will still be upset.

Annie noticed that her aunt looked like something was troubling her, she had a blank expression on her face and her lips were slightly turned downwards.

"aunt Charlotte, is something a matter? Are you feeling alright? You look flushed." Annie said.

Charlotte noticed Annie immediately became concerned. Annie stopped in-front of her Aunt. Charlotte still said nothing, she sighed and looked at the letter once more. Then decided she didn't have to tell Annie about Peter's death after all, instead she would let Annie read the letter for herself. Annie looked down at her aunt Charlotte's right hand, and saw that she had been holding a piece of paper in her hand.

"What is that aunt Charlotte? A letter? " Then something occurred to Annie. "Oh God, it's Gabriel isn't it. What's happened to him aunt Charlotte? Please you must tell me, or, or please allow me to read the letter for myself. " Annie said frantically.

She could hardly stand the thought of Gabriel hurt, let alone dead. Charlotte placed her hand on Annie's Shoulder.

"aunt Charlotte?" Annie asked quietly, her eyes shifted back and forth.

"Annie, Gabriel Is quite alright. There is no need to worry about your brother. But I am afraid your brother has informed me of some grave news. Here." Charlotte said as she held out the letter for Annie to take from her. Annie examined the letter for a second, then looked back to her aunt.

"I have decided that it would be best for you to read the letter yourself, I can not bring myself to tell you the news. I wouldn't know how to put it to you. Please, I suggest you take a seat in the living room, the news may come as a bit of a shock.," Charlotte paused "Well I will leave you alone now." She then walked away from Annie and made her way to the upstairs, leaving Annie alone in the foyer by herself. Annie took her aunt Charlotte's advice and made her way to the next room to take a seat. Once sitting down comfortably. Annie began to read the letter.

-I assume aunt Charlotte, that you will close your home in Charles Town move to your plantation on the Santee. And that Annie may return home to be in the care of our father. Here in the North our Campaign has been marked by defeat and privation, our losses have been grievous. I am afraid to inform Annie and yourself, that my dearest and closest friend, Peter Cuppin fell at Elizabeth Town.

Annie quickly put the letter down in her lap, so many thoughts began to flood her mind, and her tears started filling the rims of her eyes.

Peter Cuppin is really dead, just like that, his life was taken. just like that... Peter wont be coming home, he won't be returning to his family ever again, he's gone. Never again will the Cuppin's have the chance to see their son, to touch their son, to hold him in their arms. I wonder what his last words were to his family, or their last words to Peter. Had peter thought about those last few minutes with his family? or even his last few minutes with me? Before he took his last dying breath, did those memories comfort him while he laid dying on a battlefield, full of hatred with the sounds of gunfire and screams of pain. Had his death been instant? Or was it slow? Did he really die on the field? or had he been taken back to camp to die? Either way we lost Peter, a man who was once a brother, a son, and a friend. Was gone. Peter is just a memory.

Annie then thought back to the last letter she had sent to Peter, had he even received her letter? Or had he already been dead? She didn't know. Annie wiped away a few of her tears, she sniffled. She knew she had to visit Josephine, she needed to know if her closest friend was alright. Annie sat up from her chair, she left the letter on her chair and left the living room.

"aunt Charlotte !" Annie called, as she made her way to the upstairs. She waited for her aunt to reply back, but she heard nothing. Annie called out to her aunt Charlotte again, she waited... then she finally heard her aunt answer her calls. Annie reached the top of the stairs, she rounded a corner and noticed her aunt Charlotte had been coming out of her room. She stopped when she saw Annie nearing her. Charlotte noticed Annie's eyes were red, and her face was stained with tears.

"Annie, I am so sorry about Peter. You understand now as to why I let you read the letter yourself, rather then me telling you. I didn't know how I could properly tell you about Peter's death, I'm sorry " Aunt Charlotte said as she placed her hands on Annie's shoulders and then took her into a warm embrace.

"It's fine, I understand. But aunt Charlotte I must visit the Cuppins house straight away and talk to Josephine. I need to know how she is handling Peter's death. I have to know if she is aright." Charlotte heard Annie say.

Charlotte broke the embrace and looked at Annie.

"Annie, I think that perhaps it would be best for you to stay here, maybe Josephine and her family would prefer to be alone during this time." Charlotte replied. Annie nodded in agreement.

"Yes, I know that aunt Charlotte, but the Cuppins could have received a letter a week, or even a few days ago addressing them of Peter's death. It depends on when Peter had died. Don't you think a letter would have been sent to the cuppins immediately after or the day of his death? We have just received Gabriel's letter now, instead of weeks ago when you first wrote back to Gabriel because he has been far too busy to reply. What I am saying aunt Charlotte, is that perhaps the Cuppins have had some time to grieve over Peter's death. Not that they are not still grieving. Maybe Josephine needs someone to comfort her. I have not been with my friends for four days now. So I don't know whether or not they even know of Peter's death." Annie finished.

Charlotte thought for a moment and then nodded her head, she knew Annie was trying to be a good friend, perhaps it would be best for Annie to sit with her friend and comfort her during this difficult time.

"Alright, I will allow you to visit Josephine. Be sure to send her my best wishes to her and her family. And of course," Charlotte paused and sighed deeply. "Since the British have recently made themselves present in Charles Town, I want Joseph to escort you to the Cuppins. You shall not be out walking alone, not without your friends or without anyone for that matter. " Charlotte said.

(Joseph was one of Charlotte's servants) Annie nodded and gave a smile.

"Of course aunt Charlotte, and thank you. I will be in my room just for a moment to grab my hat, and then I will be in the foyer. Please tell Joseph I will be waiting for him there. Thank you again aunt Charlotte." Annie said, before she turned to walk towards her bedroom. But before Annie could get far Annie felt her aunt Charlotte gently grab her arm to stop her. She had to tell her one more thing before she left.

"Annie, before you leave, there is something I need to tell you," She paused. Annie waited for her to continue. "James Wilkins. I know you have been speaking and spending quite a bit of time with him and his cousin while you are out with your friends. I've seen you. And, well I just wanted to warn you, you know James is a loyalist. Which means he is loyal to the King. Have you taken some thought about perhaps limiting your time with James. And I know he has been a family friend for a very long time, but, people change Annie. And sometimes not for the better, I suggest you stay clear of him." Charlotte said.

She wanted to protect and warn Annie of James. Annie looked down, she had taken some offence, she thought perhaps her aunt thought she was stupid for not thinking of this before. But Annie had, James is her friend, a very close friend now. Someone she had feelings for. She knew James was loyal to the King, but it wasn't as if he was a British soldier. The type of British soldier who would try to kill the opposing soldier, such as her brother Gabriel. As far as Annie knew, James was all talk. He was harmless. Charlotte noticed Annie was rather quite, and her eyes seemed to be fixed to the floor.

"I'm sorry Annie, but I am only warning you. And I only hope that you will take what I am saying into consideration. " Charlotte said.

Annie understood what her aunt was saying to her. Her aunt was suppose to tell her these things, she was only looking out for her. And Annie appreciated that.

"I understand," Annie didn't know what else to say, of course she understood her aunt. But that hadn't meant she agreed with her. " I'll be waiting in the foyer. " She repeated.

Annie and Joseph made there way through Charles Town, until they had almost arrived at the Cuppins house. As Annie and Joseph neared Josephine's house, they had both had noticed the scene in front of the assembly hall. There had been a sea of Redcoats coming out of the assembly hall and in-front of the building. Annie slowed down, and then stopped just outside of Josephine house to watch the British soldiers. Annie could not help but find the soldiers interesting to watch, it of course had been the first time in her life that she had seen Redcoats. Annie watched until she noticed Joseph awkwardly standing beside her, he looked around and didn't seem to take any interest as much as Annie had. Annie proceeded to walk towards the Cuppin's house. Once she had been standing on their front porch, she knocked on the door.

Knock

Knock

Knock

Annie waited and waited Annie just sighed, she decided to turn and walk away, but then stopped when she heard the sound of the door handle turn. When Annie looked to see who had answered the door it had been Josephine. Annie could hardly believe that it had been in fact Josephine who was standing in front of her. She hardly recognized her. Sophia had messily thrown half of her red curly hair into a bun, her eyes were red, along with her nose. There had been dark bags under her eyes, which made her look tired. She looked like she could collapse to the floor and fall asleep right there. Josephine tried to give Annie a smile when she saw that it had been her at the door. Josephine wished Annie would have come to visit her a little later, now wasn't the best time, and Josephine was slightly embarrassed that her friend had to see her like this. But perhaps it would be best is Annie would speak with her for a while, maybe she could take her mind off of some things.

"Annie, hello. Would you like to come in? We can talk for a while if you like." Josephine said. She tried giving another smile, but looked slightly awkward. She was far too distressed to even fake a smile. Annie nodded then looked at Joseph.

"Uhm." Annie muttered awkwardly, She felt bad that Joseph would have to wait for her to come back out when it was time to go back to her aunt Charlotte's. She did not know exactly when she would be finished speaking with Josephine.

"I'll be waitin' out here fo' ya' Miss Martin." Joseph said with a thick african accent. Annie nodded and thanked Joseph. Josephine moved out of the way from the doorway, allowing Annie to step inside the house. Josephine closed the door behind them and lead Annie to their living room so that they could sit and talk.

"I apologize for my certain state, I look awful I know. It's just last night, my mother, well she's dying Annie. Something happened to her last night, I don't know what exactly happened to my mother. All I know is that she was in so much pain, she cried and cried. we encouraged her not to cry because she was wasting her energy and she wasn't breathing properly. And of course we didn't want the other men in the house to be woken, but one officer in particular was woken, and of course complained. Can you imagine the nerve of that officer, I couldn't? " Annie thought for a minute. Other men?

Then she had remembered Josephine mentioning a week ago that a handful of British soldiers were courted in their home, Sophia and Mariah had mentioned the same.

"Who is this officer you speak of ? That's horrible, almost appalling. I can not believe that man would have such nerve as to complain about someone who is suffering. Your mother had no control over the pain, it was only normal for her to be upset, anyone would have felt and reacted the same. I do hope your father complained back to that man, who ever he is," Annie paused "And to think they will be staying in your home, for however long they may stay in Charles Town." Annie finished.

"His name is Colonel William Tavington," Josephine mocked, in a British accent. Then paused when she noticed Annie's eyes widen slightly. Annie knew exactly who Colonel Tavington was. And she knew he was a man she would never want to meet herself, or even be near. Gabriel had sent Annie a letter once stating that the number of Continental soldiers had decreased rapidly due to the British Green Dragoons. Colonel Tavington was the commander of the Green Dragoons. Gabriel described Colonel Tavington as a ruthless man, who would cut down any American soldier in his path, he was hardly a merciful man.

"I know, I'm sure Gabriel had told you all about Colonel Tavington. Peter has told me things as-well. Horrible those Dragoons are, aren't they? Or should I say Colonel Tavington. he is the commander after all, whatever he says goes. I'm sure they are not all bad. And to think he is sleeping under the same roof as my family and I. And I admit, sometimes he scares me, he's very intimidating indeed. But," Josephine slightly perked up "My father has told me that Colonel Tavington had mentioned that he and a few of the other officers in the house fear that they will contract my mother's Illness somehow. My father does not believe my mother's illness is contagious since neither of us had fallen ill. Colonel Tavington also mentioned to my father that due to the disruption my mother has caused and the possibility of he and the others catching my mother's illness. He has decided that it may be best for them to find else where to stay for the time being." Josephine said.

"Well lets hope they up and move from this household then, I'm sure that if they left it would be a great relief to you and your family," Annie paused and thought for a moment "Do you think Colonel Tavington will be arriving back here any time soon? Before I entered your house I had seen many British officers exiting the assembly hall." Annie replied.

She felt somewhat cautious and kept alert for the sound of the front door opening.

"I'm not sure, for our sake, hopefully not any time soon. Anyway," Josephine paused and sighed "I was so scared Annie, I was up all night last night, I have not slept for almost two days now. My mother, she is finally asleep. I was watching her this morning with my father, bless his heart. He hasn't left her side... While I was watching her I noticed how shallow her breaths are, and I was just waiting, waiting until I would see her take her last breath. The doctor is upstairs now, he is explaining everything to my father. The doctor said that he will stay most of the day to watch my mother until, until... Would you like something to drink, tea perhaps? I could ask Henry to make us a pot if you would like?" Josephine said as she was beginning to stand up from her chair. Annie quickly said.

"No thank you. I'm fine please sit down Josephine. I can't imagine how this all must feel to you." Annie said from the chair across from Josephine, Josephine nodded and slowly sat back down in her seat.

"It's terrible, everything is. I feel terrible, my father feels terrible. This whole situation is just one big horrible mess. And I think that with the fact that Peter is gone now, it has simply pushed my mother over the edge. How I wished Peter could be here with us to take care of our mother. I bet my mother would so love to see my brother right about now. " Josephine said, Annie leaned over and placed a hand on Josephine's as an act of comfort.

"I am so sorry Josephine. It was just this morning that my aunt had received a letter from Gabriel. After my aunt had read the letter, I had to read it for myself. After I had learned of what had happened to Peter. I couldn't help but feel shocked, I could hardly believe that he -" Annie paused when she noticed Josephine look up from her lap. Her eyes wide and her mouth was slightly open. Annie didn't understand as to why she looked so shocked all of a sudden. Unless.

"I'm sorry? What did you just say?" Josephine asked abruptly.

Annie took her hand from Josephine's and placed it back into her lap with the other hand. Annie sat further back into her chair. What was going on? Why didn't Josephine understand what she had said. Annie was so confused.

I- I said I was shocked, and could hardly believe that-" Something then occurred to Annie.

"Oh Josephine. You. You do know that-" Josephine interrupted Annie

"Know what, Annie? What are you talking about? And what do you mean you were shocked when you found out what happened to Peter? What has happened to him? Annie!" Josephine asked frantically.

Annie couldn't believe that Josephine did not know that Peter was dead. Annie started to cry when she realized that she would have to be the one to tell her friend that her brother was dead.

"Annie why are you crying? Please tell me what is going on! Annie tell me! " Josephine shouted. Josephine then found herself beginning to cry along with Annie. Josephine had a bad feeling as to what happened to her brother. And she hoped to God that, that feeling she had was wrong.

"Josephine, please. I'm so sorry. P-Peters gone. He's dead Josephine."

"What?" Josephine cried, in disbelief.

She shot up from her seat and began pacing around Annie stood up and walked towards Josephine she placed her hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eyes.

"Gabriel had informed us that he had fell at Elizabeth Town. I don't know how he died, all I know is that he's passed away. I'm so sorry," Annie paused, then took Josephine into a warm embrace. When the embrace had ended Josephine walked over and fell back into her chair. She lowered her head and stared blankly at her lap as her tears dripped from her face and landed on her lap. There was not a trace of emotion on her face she was utterly shocked. Annie walked back to her chair and sat down. There was a silence, the girls did not say a word for a few moments until Annie heard Josephine say something to her.

"Did you really love him Annie? Please answer me truthfully." Josephine asked Annie who was now confused. Annie wondered why she was asking her this now. Again there was a long pause, and complete silence. Josephine knew Annie truly didn't love her brother, she knew Annie liked James Wilkins. Josephine noticed Annie would never say romantic things about Peter, she hardly spoke of him. She would only speak of Peter when Josephine would bring him up.

"Josephine-"

"Did you? I had spoke with my brother not to long before he and Gabriel left Charles Town, It had just been me and him, in this room. I asked him if he had felt anything for you, his face started to blush when I asked him the question, and In that moment I knew his answer would be yes of course. And it was, he said, 'I believe I really do have feelings for Annie, I think I always have'. I was happy for Peter that he had finally found someone he could fall in love with. But I knew that your feelings had not been mutual with my brothers... you like James don't you. I know you do I've seen the way you look at him- "

"Josephine please. I don't think it is the most appropriate time to bring up the subject of my feelings for your brother, this is a time for mourning. " Annie said trying to get out of the conversation.

She did not want to make things worse by telling Josephine that she never really loved Peter. Josephine looked up at Annie and just glared at her, Annie knew she would have to tell Josephine how she really felt about her brother.

"No, no I did not love your brother. I liked him, and only as a good friend. I'm sorry. The day your brother asked if he may court me was the same he and Gabriel departed Charles town. He had asked me in-front of my entire family, I couldn't bring myself to reject Peter's courtship, in-front of my family and his closest friends, my brother Gabriel. I did not want to hurt him, that had not been my intention at all. I thought If I said yes he would leave Charles Town with high spirits." Annie answered.

Josephine looked glared at Annie again. She did not understand why Josephine was so mad at her all of a sudden.

"Did you just think that perhaps if you accepted his courtship that perhaps you would be his glimmer of hope. Do you think yourself to be that important? So important that when he would be trapped in the peril and hell of war that he would just think of you, and be able to fight through another day? And what if he would had returned home, hmm? Peter would have gotten through war on false love and hope. The false love you lead him to believe was true." Josephine replied very rudely. Annie could not believe what was coming out of Josephine's mouth.

"Josephine, you are not making any sense, think of what you are saying. I never claimed to be his glimmer of hope, all I had said was that I wished for him to leave Charles Town with high spirits. I would have hated for him to leave Charles Town, upset because I had rejected his courtship!" Annie said rather angry in defence. The anger in Annie's voice fuelled Josephine's.

"You say that your intent was not to hurt Peter, but you would have hurt him beyond belief, you lied to him Annie. You have hurt him and you have hurt me! Do you understand?" Josephine paused, Annie was the one who was hurt, her closest friend was insulting her non stop and was making false assumptions. Annie just sunk into her chair and her tears stream down her face. "Now please, show yourself out of my house." Josephine finished.

Without a second thought Annie sprung up from her seat and started making her way towards the front door of the house, Josephine sat in her seat and thought to herself. Had she really just told her friend, who had come over to comfort her, to get out of her house? Josephine thought about what she said to Annie a few moments ago. What is wrong with me ? So many thoughts were going through her mind, she realized that she had not meant any of those things she had said to Annie, not a single word. And now Annie would walk back home thinking that Josephine thought of her as some sort of monster. Annie finally reached the front door, she twisted the door handle but stopped when she heard her friend say.

"Wait Annie please, I'm so sorry, oh forgive me please! I didn't mean anything I said!" Josephine said frantically with tears in her eyes, Annie turned around and watched as her friends came running towards her when Josephine reached Annie she took her into a tight embrace, and began to cry harder than ever. Annie just held onto her friend and gave Josephine a shoulder to cry on. Josephine's cries echoed through the house.

"He's dead, oh my God, Annie, he is really," Sniff. "Dead isn't he. What do I do know Annie, what do I do now? How am I supposed to tell my father that Peters dead, his only son is dead. What am I supposed to do when it's just, "Sniff. "My father and I ? What then? I'm so angry Annie, I'm so angry and so sad. How can he really be gone? Why is my mother dying? I'm so scared, I'm so scared. I don't want her to die, please, why is this happening? I want my mother to live, I want Peter to come home!" Josephine cried as hard as she could. Annie tried to hold in her tears as hard as she could, she was surprised that Mr Cuppin had not rushed downstairs to see if everything had been alright.

"Everything, is going to be fine. I promise that myself and the others will be there for you Josephine." Annie whispered, Annie held on to her friend and comforted her. Both Annie and Josephine had then moved away from the door when they had heard the door handle twist. Annie turned her head when she noticed a British soldier walk into the house. The man look at Josephine and Annie, he slightly furrowed his brows when he noticed Josephine. Her head had been tucked into Annie's shoulder and Annie's shoulder was soaked with Josephine's tears. Annie noticed the young man looked almost concerned for Josephine. Annie expected him to say something, but instead he just slightly shook his head and went on minding his own business.

A few minutes had passed and Josephine's loud cries turned into small sniffles, Annie finally let go of Josephine, she took a look at her face. Josephine's nose was red, the small vines in her eyes were red and her eyes looked puffy, and traces of her tears still lingered in the rims of her eyes. Annie hugged her friend one last time, she knew it would probably be best to return to her aunt Charlotte's and allow Josephine to be by herself or with her father to mourn the death of Peter.

"I'm going to leave now Josephine, I think it would be best for you to have some time to yourself and try to get some sleep as-well. And don't worry about what happened earlier, I accept your apology, you were upset and acted out, that's fine." Annie said, Josephine nodded then gave another sniffle, she took her hand and wiped her tear stained face.

"Thank you, Annie. Please I would appreciate it if you do not tell the others about Peter's death. I would rather tell them myself." Josephine replied, Annie nodded, she respected Josephine's wishes.

"Yes, of course I will not say a word to any of them. I wish the best for you and your family, hopefully there is some miracle that your mother may get better again. I am so sorry about Peter, Josephine. I'm sorry that this had to happen to your family, of all people, and especially at a time like this with your mother's condition. God bless your family." Annie smiled, Josephine strained a small smile and thanked Annie once again. The two girls said their goodbyes to one another, Annie stepped outside of Josephine's house and noticed Joseph still standing on the Cuppins porch, patiently awaiting Annie.

"Thank you for waiting. And thank you for escorting me to the Cuppin's Joseph, I greatly appreciate it. I know it must have gotten boring for you standing out here by yourself. Thank you for your patience as well." Annie smiled, Joseph exchanged the smile back.

He hadn't minded doing things for Annie when he needed to, she was very kind, and appreciative. Annie was about to turn to walk off of the porch with Joseph until colours of red and green caught the corner of her eye. She froze for a moment but then turned to take a good look at the men who were approaching herself and Joseph. Annie didn't know what to do, or what to stay. Instead she stood awkwardly on the front porch and watched in silence until the British Dragoons stopped in front of her. There had been three of them standing in front of her. One of the men in particular stood out to her the most, she noticed right away the man's piercing blue eyes that look cold as ice, he had dark brown hair which was pulled back and queued. He wore a serious expression, and his presence was intimidating. Annie awkwardly stared at the officers, and they stared back, they looked like they had been waiting for something. Tavington looked at Captain Bordon and Banastre, then back to Annie.

"Good morning Miss, could you perhaps excuse yourself, you seem to be in the way of our entrance," Tavington paused, Annie noticed he sounded annoyed "If you wouldn't mind." Tavington then began walking up the stairs of the porch with Bordon and Banastre following behind him. Annie quickly moved out of the way as the officers approached her. As Tavington reached the top of the stairs beside Annie he stopped and eyed Annie up and down.

"Thank you." He said before he continued to make his way to the door, Annie just nodded and shyly said.

"You're welcome." Annie looked at the officers one last time before they had closed the front door of the Cuppin's house behind them. Annie stood still on the porch, for some reason she felt almost stunned, and rather nervous in the presence of the Officers. It had been of course the first time she had spoken or seen up close a British officer. But she knew the man she was so intimidated by was not just any ordinary officer, Annie had a good feeling that man was Colonel Tavington. Annie could sense the ruthlessness and the arrogant personality of the Colonel. Now she understood why Josephine said she feared the Colonel and felt intimidated by him.

"Miss Martin, should we be leavin' fo' yo' aunt Charlotte's then? " Joseph asked, Annie nodded.

"Yes."