It had been mid Fall now. The sun was out, yet the air was a little cool and crisp. Though not to the point where the cold would nibble on your crimson cheeks, your nose and your fingertips. Only just to occasionally send a small chill through your body. Tavington noticed the difference between South Carolina and England. The South's summers were hot, the Fall comfortable. It was a change from the heavy dark clouds and the rain that usually occurred back home in England. Tavington had been enjoying his stay in Charles Town for the past two months, the weather was enjoyable, the Taverns had always served great fun to himself and a few of his other Dragoon officers. Though he had to admit it had been little pleasure having to reside in the Cuppins household, with all the crying he and his men had to endure during the nights in the Cuppins home. Mrs Cuppin had nearly kept them awake for a good majority of their nights, and not to mention she was very ill, Tavington knew he and his men could not take the risk of contracting whatever Mrs Cuppin was ill with. William Tavington and Gregory Bordonhad now found themselves walking down the streets of Charles Town in search for somewhere new to reside with some of the other Dragoon officers.
"Charles Town, it is quite a beautiful city, is it not William?" Captain Bordon asked Tavington who seemed to be looking around admiring the view of the City. Tavington nodded his head and then glanced over at Bordon.
"Aye, it has been a most enjoyable stay, until recent that is." William paused and sighed in annoyance."It's a shame things were peaceful in the Cuppin's home. But now that Mrs Cuppin has become worse as it seems, due to the loud crying. We must find somewhere else, we can not take a chance at becoming ill as well, we have enough duties and assemblies to attend. We can not afford to miss a single thing. Although I don't enjoy those bloody assemblies as much as Cornwallis and O'Hara do."
"I don't mind them, though I do admit they are quite boring at times. Just like now, this is rather boring, and quite the chore. But as you said we must find elsewhere to reside, I don't think I will take the chance of catching a potentially life threatening illness. Perhaps we should ask around, perhaps someone will offer their home to us. Or maybe someone will know someone who wouldn't mind our company." Captain Bordon said.
"Would they really have a choice, as to whether or not someone would be willing to offer us their home? Rejecting us would be unwise and improper. As it seems we have taken Charles Town, Charles Town now belongs to us, and what would you rather be doing then this?" Tavington chuckled "Perhaps right about now you would enjoy a large glass of ale, and maybe even the chance of getting under a couple of ladies petticoats." Tavington laughed, Bordon laughed along.
"Exactly! I hope we find somewhere to call 'home' for a while, soon. So that we may have the chance to do just that," Bordon stopped, when he took interest in four seemingly young women not to far off in front of himself and Tavington. "I have also seen many a beautiful women among Charles Town as-well." Bordon smiled, Tavington took a look in-front of him, to see what Bordon had been staring. He then noticed four women and they did look quite pretty. Both men watched as the girls made their way into a small building to the right of them, it was the Mercantile.
"Gregory, what do you say we make our way inside the Mercantile, there. Perhaps the store owner can tell us where we may find somewhere to reside."
" Of Course, I agree."
Annie and the three of her friends, Mariah, Sophia and Dorothy scanned the Mercantile. Annie decided earlier that day, a little while after she had returned home from The Cuppin's home. That it may be good for her to get out with her friends, to take her mind off of the unfortunate events that had occurred that morning. Annie wanted to tell her friends what had happened that morning, but she told Josephine that she would say nothing of her brother's death, she had already told her aunt Charlotte everything that had happened, there was no need to tell anyone else. Annie just hoped that none of her friends would ask about Peter. When they had asked as to why Josephine would not be joining them. Annie explained that she had seen Josephine earlier that day and told Annie that her and her father were going through a rough time with her mother, and that she often preferred to be alone for now.
As the girls looked around they heard the sound of the Mercantile bell ring when the door had been opened, one of the girls,Mariah. Turned her head around in curiosity to see who had entered the store, her eyes slightly widened when she noticed two British officers enter the Mercantile. The rest of the girls and Annie were too occupied over some jewellery and beautiful fabrics made of silk, to even notice or care who had entered the store. Mariah tapped Annie's shoulder. Annie turned her head to look at Mariah, she smiled and held up a piece of silk to Mariah.
"Isn't this just gorgeous Mariah ?" Annie asked.
"Two British officers are in the store, right now." Mariah said in a hush voice, Annie's smile disappeared and she lowered the silk, the other girls had heard what Mariah said and watched the two officers make their way around the store the moment Annie laid eyes upon the two, she recognized one of the officers in an instant the bright blue eyes, the dark hair, the intimidating presence was all too familiar. Annie noticed that the two men were making obvious glances towards them, failing to be desecrate about it. Annie turned her back around to the table where the other fabrics had been placed. She put the silk back down on the table. Annie turned back around and continued studying the officers.
"Perhaps we should leave" Annie heard Dorothy say from behind her, Annie just shook her head and replied.
"No, just ignore them, they're probably here to just look around, they will leave soon enough. And besides I told my aunt Charlotte that I would pick up a few things for her while we are here. I believe she said she wanted me to get her a..." Annie trailed off trying to remember what her aunt said. Annie's thoughts were interrupted when she heard Sophia speak up.
"Well it seems to me they have found what they're looking for." Sophia said, Annie looked back to the officers and noticed that they were coming towards them, Annie didn't know what they should do. Should they turn their back towards the officers and ignore them? No that would be rude of us. So Annie just decided to allow the two men to approach them. Annie felt slightly awkward just staring at the two as they neared them so she awkwardly pretended there was something on her dress, she started picking at the imaginary thing.
"Pleasant afternoon today isn't it?" Tavington paused. "Please, allow me to introduce ourselves. My name is William Tavington, Colonel William Tavington Commander of the British Green Dragoons, and this here is," Tavington looked at Bordon. Bordon introduced himself before Tavington could.
"Captain Gregory Bordon, Green Dragoons." Bordon said with a smile.
Annie found herself staring at Colonel William Tavington, she didn't know whether his presence made her uncomfortable, slightly frightened, or entranced. Annie quickly diverted her gaze when Tavington noticed her staring at him, William gave Annie a smirk. He noticed she was slightly doe eyed when she had been staring at him, she looked almost scared of his presence.
"And might I ask what your names are?" Tavington said to all four girls, even though he had been looking only at Annie when he asked. Annie noticed this and knew that he noticed her looking at him. She felt so embarrassed now, her cheeks felt hot, and Annie prayed that Tavington would not notice how red her face was getting. Tavington switched his eyes over to Sophia when he heard her start to introduce herself, to him and Bordon.
"Well, my name is Sophia and this is -"
"Dorothy"
"Mariah Aldrich"
Tavington cut in before Annie could tell the two men her name.
"And you look awfully familiar, I believe I had seen you this morning, along with Captain Bordon and one of my other officers Lieutenant Tarleton. Yes, you were the same woman who was standing on the porch of the Cuppins house, were you not?" Annie felt slightly embarrassed, she thought their first meetings this morning was slightly awkward. Annie nodded her head when she noticed Tavington was still awaiting her late reply.
"Yes, that had been me. My name is Anna Martin. But everyone calls me Annie. It's a pleasure to meet you, Colonel." Annie replied, though the pleasure could not be sensed in her tone of voice. Annie then noticed Tavingtons eyes wander up and down her body, making things a lot more uncomfortable for her. Annie quietly cleared her throat. She hoped Tavington would notice that she had not appreciated, and felt most uncomfortable under his travelling eyes. Tavington noticed she looked uncomfortable.
"Well" Tavington raised his voice." Captain Bordon and I had not come over here to intrude on you four girls, we simply wished to make conversation. You see after we had arrived here in Charles Town, we have been attending what it seems like endless conferences. We have not had much spare time," Tavington lied." So, perhaps during the spare time we have been given today, we would much rather enjoy the company of you four ladies. Perhaps you can show us around Charles Town a little more? It would be a great pleasure." Tavington smirked, Annie and her friends thought for a moment. The silence was then broken by the sound of Mariah's voice.
"Of course!" Mariah smiled at Captain Bordon. "Why not, we hadn't any other plans for the rest of the day. We can show you around and tell you about some of Charles Town's History." I'm glad Mariah has decided that she would take it upon herself to speak for us. Annie sarcastically thought to herself. Tavington and Bordon both gave a smile.
"Perfect, Shall we show ourselves out then?" Bordon asked, Each of the girls nodded. Tavington then turned on his heel and lead the group of girls and Bordon, who was walking closely beside Mariah. Out of the Mercantile. Once they were outside Tavington walked beside Annie, while Dorothy and Sophia walked beside one another. And Bordon and Mariah walked together.
"Miss Martin" Tavington started right away, wasting no time. "As you are most likely aware of, Captain Bordon, Lieutenant Tarleton a few other officers and myself had recently been courted into the Cuppin's estate. I assume you are friends with Miss Cuppin, Josephine I believe her name is?"
"That's right, Josephine. She is one of my closest friends." Annie replied.
"I see, well. Since you are such close friends with Josephine, then you must also know that Mrs Cuppin is rather ill. My men and I have been disturbed recently, each night. I'm afraid Mrs Cuppins illness is growing worse. As her illness grows worse, It seems as though she becomes more and more in pain, she cries often at night, and loud," Tavington paused." We wish to be courted elsewhere, so that we may get a deserved nights rest. Do you know of any one Miss Martin, that is willing to allow a handful of Officers into their home?" Tavington asked. Aunt Charlotte's home.Though Annie didn't know if she would be willing, or if Annie herself would be willing to have Colonel Tavington stay in the same house as she. After all the things she had heard about the Colonel from Gabriel, and Josephine. She wasn't sure.
"I'm sorry Colonel, but I don't know." Annie lied
"Tell me Mrs Martin, I am curious, who are the officers that have been courted into your home?" Tavington asked, Annie could feel her stomach twist and her face slightly redden. why was Colonel Tavington asking her this, could he sense that she was lying? Was it that obvious? What would he say or do to her if he found out she was lying to him. She had to admit she felt fearful of the Colonel. Annie gripped her long black cape that draped over her shoulders.
"Well," she said quietly. "I believe, well actually Colonel Tavington, It is not my home these officers have been courted in. It is my aunts I am currently living with my aunt. Until I return home to my father and my siblings. I don't entirely remember the officers names but -" Thankfully Mariah cut in before Annie could lie to the Colonel any longer.
"Tell us about your travels, what had it been like travelling to Charles Town all the way from England? I assume It must have been a long and tiresome journey indeed." Mariah said loudly from the back, where she had been walking with Captain Bordon.
"Aye, Miss Aldrich, I can tell you many a story about our travels from England, ones that I think might very well interest you. If you are willing to listen to them." Bordon said, Mariah nodded.
"Oh yes, please go on Captain." Mariah answered, with wonder.
" Aye, it was quite the journey," Annie heard Tavington say from beside her."Though we had not sailed from England to Charles Town. We had set sail to Charles Town from New York. Have you been to New York yourself Miss Martin?" Tavington Paused, Annie shook her head.
"I've never left South Carolina. My family and I were going to travel from our home on the Santee when I was young. Just right before my mother passed away...I wish I'll have the chance to one day explore elsewhere. Is England it much like Charles Town?" Annie asked curiously. She noticed Tavington's face soften a little.
" I am so sorry about the passing of you mother. I too have lost a family member. My father." he replied, trying to hold back a sneer at the mentioning of his father, whom he disliked very much so. " And yes, in some ways England is like Charles Town. There are bustling cities, like London, full of people, commotion and large only difference's are the some of the sights and the weather. Well and I suppose some of the people are different in a way as well... I assume then since you have never been out of South Carolina, then you have never been on a ship." Annie shook her head again.
"Well, it is tiresome, boring and quite nauseating. I am quite relieved that we are back on solid ground," Tavington took a breath."So you say that you have been living with your aunt here in Charles town. It must quite the change for you, going from the Santee to such a large city?"
"Oh yes, it is quite a change." Anne responded with a small laugh.
"I hear the Santee, though quiet, is also beautiful. I believe this country overall is quite beautiful. This country beholds such lovely things, I find everything seems to grow in America. The landscape is beautiful, the trees, the flowers..." Tavington trailed off. "The women."Annie looked up to the Colonel to see he had been staring at her, a smirk forming his lips. Her cheeks reddened and it felt as though a million butterflies had been released into her stomach. She then asked herself the same question as she had before. Does the colonel make me feel uncomfortable...or flattered.
"Yes, It is quite beautiful, indeed. I assume England must be beautiful as well.."
"I must agree, England has its beauties. But there is something about the countryside I find so appealing. You see, when I was a young boy, I grew up with my family in Liverpool. Liverpool had grown rapidly over the years, the town had expanded greatly. Some say its London in miniature, I have not been or have even visited Liverpool for some time now."
"It sounds lovely, though I do prefer living on the Santee, I don't think I could handle the bustle of a large town for the rest of my years. Colonel, may I know as to why you have not decided to visit your own home town?" Annie asked, but wished she wouldn't have, Tavington's features hardened, the lines in his face were greatly defined and his lips were slightly pursed.
"I can assure you Miss Martin, you would not want to hear such a tale, for it is not a lovely tale in the least. But I will tell you this. My father had been the reason for my absence back home. But perhaps I shall return one day."
Tavington then purposely, slowly took his hand and gently brushed past Annie's. Annie could feel a chill go through her entire body when she felt his hand touch hers. She noticed that the Colonel's hands had been surprisingly soft, yet cold. Tavington noticed Annie's reaction when he brushed his hand past hers. She had a slight shocked expression, her full lips parted and she took a quick inhale. He's smirking again, does he know what he is doing? He has to... He looks quite handsome when he smirks like that. Annie though, she quickly gave her head a small shake, and diverted her mind from the thought of the way Tavington looked when he smirked. How can a man I hardly know have such an effect on me?
"Tell me Colonel Tavington, have you anyone special back in England? Perhaps a wife, children. If you do I am sure they must miss you greatly."
"No, I do not Miss Martin. I have brothers and sisters. But no wife or children. And you tell me, have you anyone special?"
Peter, Peter is gone now. And... The thought of James Wilkins appeared in her mind. James? We are only friends. Though I can not deny I have some feelings for him.
" No Colonel, I do not."
Half an hour had passed, and it had felt like hours since they had left the Mercantile. Their time together had been full of conversation. Tavington told stories of England, his travels, and back home in Liverpool, though he was very careful not to mention his father. Which made Annie very curious as to why Tavington held such hatred toward his father. What had he done to make the Colonel from not wanting to return home? But she had dared not asked the Colonel why. The girls, the Colonel and Captain Bordon had explored some of Charles town. Mariah had indeed filled Captains Borden's ears with her stories of the city, which seemed to intrigue him. But now they had ended up where the started their journey. Back in-front of the Mercantile.
"Well ladies," Tavington stopped and turned to face the four girls. "It has been quite the pleasure, but now I fear Captain Bordon and I must take our leave. We still must find a home that we and some of our other Dragoon officers may reside in for the remainder of the armies stay in Charles Town." Tavington said, Annie head Mariah give a sigh. Annie turned around and noticed Mariah's arm had been looped with Captain Bordon's.
"Do not worry yourself Miss Aldrich, it is very likely that we may see one another again, very soon. It has been lovely getting to know you." Captain Bordon replied to Mariah's disappointment. Mariah gave a smile when the Captain took her hand and gave it a gentle kiss. Mariah became giddy and her cheeks were red. Annie watched Mariah and Captain Bordon. Annie looked down to her hand when she felt Tavington take her own hand in both of his. He gently rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. Causing the hair on the back of her neck and arms, to raise. He gave her hand a small squeeze, then lifted her hand and pressed it against his lips longingly. Annie had never experienced such a kiss to the back of her hand before. He made such a small action so intimate. Annie could feel her blood rushing to her face, she became hot. Tavington took great pleasure in noticing all of this, just from the sudden reddening of her cheeks.
"Perhaps we will cross paths with one another very soon, Colonel." Annie said before Tavington said a final goodbye. Tavington smiled, his eyes full of determine.
"Oh... Most definitely Miss Martin."
Annie had now found herself beginning to walk back to her aunt Charlotte's home, shortly after Colonel Tavington and Captain Bordon departed from the four girls. The girls had then decided to part from one another. Annie walked with the thought of Colonel Tavington flooding her mind. His words played over and over in her mind. The feeling of Tavingtons kiss on her hand still lingered, along with the piercing gaze of his bright blue eyes that had wandered her body, making her uncomfortable... Yet flattered at the same time. Again, she wondered as to why a man like Colonel Tavington had made her feel the way she did around him. Dainty, giddy and even beautiful...
"Annie !"
Annie looked around, when she heard a familiar voice call her name. She turned her head, and from behind her she could see Emmett and James trailing behind her. They both gave Annie a warm smile, that she had then returned. Annie stopped walking and turned around, she waited for James and Emmett to reach her. James immediately offered Annie his arm, and she took it. They had then began walking again.
"Annie, how are you today?"
" I am very well, thank you. And how are you ?
"Very well, indeed. Emmett and I were just in the Webber's shop. We were just looking for a few items, until we saw you. I hope you don't mind our intrusion." James said. Annie shook her head.
"No, no. You are not intruding, I am sorry that I have kept you from collecting what you needed from the Webber's shop. That reminds me. I heard from my aunt Charlotte a week ago that Mr Webber had taken quite the fall, I believe she said he had broken one of his arms."
"Yes, that is true unfortunately. I saw him today, working around the shop. Of course not vigorously, with his broken arm. Mrs Webber has been taking care of the shop mostly." James answered.
"Please be sure, if you are to go back to the Webber's. To give Mr and Mrs Webber my sympathy and best wishes that Mr Webber may make a speedy recovery." Annie said, James nodded his head. There was a silence, James looked to his cousin Emmett who walked beside him. Emmett noticed him looking at him, his eyes widened and he gave him a look that said
'Go on, tell her James.' Meanwhile Annie was looking around, aunt Charlotte crossed her mind, and she then became somewhat cautious. 'You shall not be out walking alone, not without your friends or without anyone for that matter.' Annie knew she was breaking her aunt Charlotte's rule. But Annie thought there would be no harm in walking by herself, from the Mercantile to her aunt's, since it had not been a long walk. '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?' But Annie also knew know that perhaps it was not such a wise decision to allow James to walk with her. Would her aunt Charlotte catch them together? Would she ever trust her? Would she allow her to leave the house again? What If she is walking around town right now? What if she had already seen us? Annie shook her head and decided not to continue worrying about her aunt.
"Annie, I wish to speak with you for a few moments..." James paused and looked to Emmett."Alone, please." James said.
Emmett nodded and gave James's back a pat and mouthed the words good luck. Annie nodded her head, in agreement.
" Yes, of course. Goodbye Emmett." Annie said as Emmett began walking away, he turned his head and gave her a smile. But then turned back around and walked towards James and Annie.
"Annie before I leave, I was just wondering. Do you know where Miss Sophia is, I would very much like to dote upon her." Emmett smiled. Annie smiled.
"Yes, I had been with Sophia, Mariah and Dorothy earlier today. I believe she is making her way home now."
"Thank you." Emmett said, then walked away.
Annie then turned her attention back to James, she noticed that James had a nervous look on his face. Annie now began to feel nervous herself, from the look on his face. What was he going to tell her? Annie and James decided to stop and stand in front of a tall brown brick building, Annie recognized the building. It was one of Charles Town's Taverns, which was very close to her aunt Charlotte's house.
"Annie, Emmett and I had seen you earlier today, I believe two Dragoon officers had been accompanying you and your friends? When I saw the two officers, well, it reminded me of what I need to tell you. I like you Annie, I really do. Ever since you had arrived here in Charles Town I have become even fonder of you. And I know that Peter Cuppin has courted you, but -"
"Peter Cuppin is dead James." Annie said, but then realised she should not have said anything at all. Josephine had told Annie that she wished for Annie not to tell a soul about the passing of her brother.
"What?" James said in disbelief, he was so confused. "When had Peter passed?"
"Please, James. Promise me you will not tell anyone, not a single person. About the passing of Peter Cuppin, in respect of the Cuppins. I beg you." Annie pleaded, to the still confused James.
"Yes, yes. Of course I will not tell anyone Annie. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you, to lose your beloved friend, your first love..." James trailed off. Annie shook her head.
"Peter had died, only as my beloved friend. I confess I had held no intimate feelings for Peter. But please let's not speak of Peter, I had already told you a precious secret, one I was suppose to keep. And I do not wish to say anything more."
" Indeed, but please, tell me, when had Peter died. And how?" James asked.
"I had received Gabriel's letter this morning, he had been the one who informed me of Peter's death. Though I don't know when he had exactly passed, I do know that he had been shot in the line of action." Annie replied, James slowly nodded.
"I see. Well, please allow me to continue what I was going to say." James paused, and Annie listened intently "I know that Peter had courted you. And as bad as this is to say, because of his passing, it is now much easier to ask you... If I may write to you." James finished. Annie thought for a moment, she would say yes, but why would he ask to write her, when he could just dote on her instead. They had not lived that far from one another. James waited for Annie to reply.
"Yes, you may James. But I confess, I can't help but wonder as to why you wish to write me? Are you planning on leaving Charles Town, James?" Annie asked curiously, James wished that she would have just said, yes and left it at that. Instead of wondering if he was leaving somewhere. For it was true, he was leaving somewhere, and he dreaded to tell Annie why. James sighed.
"Yes, Indeed, I am leaving. Though I am not sure when."
"I am confused James."
"Two months ago, when the British had arrived in Charles Town. I started to think. You know Annie by now that my family and I are loyalists, we are loyal to King and country. Emmett and I have been talking for sometime now, about. About Joining the British army. And we have come to the conclusion that we wish to join the British Green Dragoons. If Emmett and I are to become Dragoons. Then we shall be leaving with the British army, whenever they decide they need to leave."
Annie could hardly believe what James was saying. It seemed Annie was wrong about James, he had not been all talk, no action. In fact he was the opposite. Why did Annie feel like she disapproved of James and Emmett's decision about joining the Dragoons, the enemies. When she had found herself becoming charmed and flattered by non other than Colonel William Tavington, the commander of the British Green Dragoons.
"I hope that this does not change anything between us, I do hope you still allow me to write you. Annie ?" James said, hoping Annie would not think of him any less.
"Yes, James it does not change anything. You are my very good friend. And I can't deny that I hold fond feelings for you, as you do for me. Just because you are a loyalist, does not mean I think of you as the enemy. You have shown my family and I a great kindness James." Annie smiled. James returned the smile.
"Thank you, I should leave you now and find Emmett. But I will be sure to see you again." James grabbed Annie's hand and kissed it. "Until then, goodbye."
"Goodbye."
"Mariah. She is a beautiful creature, I must admit. And charming to, her face and blonde locks are like an Angels." Bordon said with a large smile. Tavington gave a chuckle when he noticed how smitten Bordon had become with Mariah Aldrich.
"Miss Martin is quite lovely as well." Tavington said. He thought of her long brown hair that was neatly pinned back, with only a few strands of hair that had come loose from the wind. The strands of hair had framed her pale face perfectly. Tavington's thoughts were then interrupted by James Wilkins rounding the corner of a building and practically bumping into himself and Captain Bordon.
James stared at the two officers for a moment, he recognized Colonel Tavington. Wilkins immediately felt so small and intimidated by the imposing British Colonel. James examined their red and green coats. He envisioned himself and Emmett having the chance to perhaps don Dragoon uniforms someday, hopefully soon.
"Please, my apologies for almost walking into the two of you." James said.
"Tis, alright, perhaps now that we have run into each other you can help us with something" Tavington said. James nodded his head eager to help the two officers, he felt like a child wanting to impress the two officers, maybe this could be James's chance to ask none other than the Colonel of the British Green Dragoons if he and his cousin may join their legion. Wilkins pushed aside his childish hopes and snapped his attention back to Colonel Tavington who began to speak.
"Do you know of any house that we may reside in where there are little to non British officers who have been courted into a household? Or no British officers at all would be even better." Captain Bordon said from Colonel Tavington's side.
They both hoped James would say yes, so that they could return to the Cuppin's house, pack their things back up and take their belongings to the next house. James thought for a moment. Then remembered the only person who had mentioned to him a while back, that there had been no British officers residing in their home.
"Yes, I do, in fact the house is not far from us now. I can show you to the house if you would like. And you and some of your men will be the only officers in the house." James answered. Tavington and Bordon felt relief.
"Yes, of course, thank you. Do you know the owner of this house personally?" Tavington asked as the three of them made there way to their new destination. James nodded.
"Yes, The owner of the house is a widow, by the name of Ms Selton."
