Annie was up and out of her bed, just like she had everyday, and like everyday she began to tend to herself. But unlike everyday Annie and her aunt were not the only ones preparing for the day ahead of them, Tavington and his men had also been present in her home. The moment Annie pried her tired eyes open, the thought of Tavington flashed in her mind, she had even dreamt of him last night. A man like him was hard to ignore indeed. Pulling her hair back to the nape of her neck, Annie then began rolling her hair up into a chignon, securing her hair with pins she smoothed her hair into the chignon. This morning her aunt Charlotte and herself would go to church together, and she thought that perhaps it would be a perfect time to wear the red silk dress her aunt had given to her as a present when she first arrived in Charles Town. Once one of her aunt Charlotte's servants came into Annie's room and helped her with her skirts and stays. Annie was satisfied with her appearance. She thanked the woman who helped her and exited her room.
Annie moved slowly down the hall, she looked around with caution, she had a feeling Tavington would come out of one of the rooms and notice her. Annie felt that her aunt would be having a talk with the Colonel today about the previous night. Whilst Annie and her aunt Charlotte were asleep they were woken by the loud sounds of men entering the home, shouting and roaring with laughter, practically causing the entire house to wake. Annie remembered hearing Joseph one of her aunts servants enter the foyer scolding the drunken officers, demanding that they retire for the night before they woke Charlotte and herself. Of course it had been too late for that at the time.
Looking straight down the hall on the right side of the staircase she only saw Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton make his way out of his room, closing his door behind him he then turned and noticed Annie walking down the hall towards the main staircase. Annie stopped walking when she noticed Banastre acknowledge her presence. Banastre gave a wide smile, that Annie then returned.
"Good Morning Miss Martin! How are you?" Banastre happily asked.
"Good morning to you sir, I am very well thank you. How are you this morning? I hope you found your room to be most satisfying." Annie replied politely, she didn't mind Banastre Tarleton he seemed kind.
"Oh yes Miss Martin, the room was quite satisfying indeed, your aunt does have such a lovely home. We are quite fortunate to be under the care of your aunt and her servants, and not to mention, of course, you as well Miss Martin." Banastre smiled again.
"I am very pleased to hear this, thank you." Annie answered, Banastre gave Annie a nod and one last smile before he continued to make his way to the staircase , Annie followed behind. Annie thought Banastre would perhaps apologize for the officers rowdy antics, but he said nothing. Perhaps he wanted Tavington to do the apologizing.
"As soon as I could smell breakfast cooking I awoke from my sleep, I am looking forward to see what is being served for breakfast today. It smells rather lovely indeed!" Banastre laughed, quickening his pace down the stairs. Annie just smiled and followed Banastre all the way down the stairs and into the dining room. Plates of steaming hot breakfast were placed in front of the hungry Dragoon officers who sat waiting patiently in their seats. Among those officers was Colonel Tavington who was sitting at the head of the table. He was about to dig into his delicious food until he noticed Annie enter the room accompanied by Banastre Tarleton. A pang of jealousy hit him, he knew Banastre had not been as interested in Annie as himself, but he wished he could have seen her first and walked her down to the dining room himself instead of his fellow officer. Annie noticed Tavington already studying her, Annie ignored Tavingtons gaze when she noticed her aunt enter the dining room. Perhaps herself and her aunt could dine somewhere else, it seemed like every seat has been taken and that maybe it would be best for the officers to dine with just each other.
"Aunt Charlotte should we seat ourselves somewhere else to eat it seems all the seats are taken?" Annie said turning to her aunt who was only a couple feet away from her.
Her aunt studied the officers and then nodded. But before Annie and her aunt could collect their food and sit down somewhere to eat, Tavington cut in.
"Please I insist Miss Martin, you and your aunt may sit here for breakfast. Surely two of my officers can find else where to eat. This is your home, and we are merely guests. It would be only appropriate for you two, to accompany us at this here table." Tavington insisted.
He looked to two of his officer to his left that were sitting side by side. They looked up to the Colonel and knew he wished for them to excuse themselves from the table. Charlotte cut in.
"Please Colonel Tavington before we proceed with any seating arrangements, allow me to have a word with you and your officers," Tavington said nothing and watch with a blank expression. "Last night I had been rudely awoken, and I assume you Annie, had been woken as-well?" Charlotte asked looking at Annie who stood with her hands gently folded in-front of her. Annie nodded.
"Indeed, I was." Annie admitted. Tavington glared at Annie from the head of the table. Annie noticed this and tried to ignore him.
"Colonel Tavington as long as Annie and I are still here in this home. I will not have you and your officers so ignorantly enter my home at such an ungodly hour. And not to mention drunk!" Charlotte almost shouted. She paused and allowed herself to calm down before she became beyond vexed. "I would have assumed a gentlemen like yourself would know better. I do not mind having your officers and yourself residing in my home, but I will mind if you and your men continue to disrespect myself, Annie and my servants. Do you understand what I am saying Colonel?" Charlotte asked firmly.
All of the men at the table had stopped eating and were staring blankly at one another. Some had accompanied Tavington last night, others had not, such as Banastre.
How dare that woman! Where does she think it is wise to humiliate me and make me look like an idiot In front of my officers. I am a respectable officer damnit, not one of her male servants she can scold whenever she feels that it is necessary!
"My sincerest apology Ms Selton, I admit my officers and I had gotten carried away last night. I can assure you it will not happen again. You have my word." Tavington acknowledged. Charlotte faintly nodded her head knowingly.
" Now, you are of course guest and you all shall be treated like guests. Please I beg of you to stay seated where you are and enjoy your meal. Annie and I will manage. Please. " Charlotte said, the two officers looked to William Tavington, William looked at Annie and then back to his men before he reluctantly nodded his head, the two officers then both sat down and proceeded to eat.
"Thank you." Charlotte said.
Annie and Charlotte then retrieved their breakfast and made their way into a not so far by sitting room. Closing the door slightly behind them Annie and her aunt then sat down in-front of a small table by one of the bay windows in the sitting room. And began to eat in silence. Annie ate quietly and listened to the sound of the officers forks clink against their plates. They would occasionally chat and roar with laughter.
"That Colonel Tavington, I tell you. I am begin to think he is going to be causing trouble around here. I hope I do not regret allowing them to billet in my home." Charlotte spoke, Annie said nothing in response. Minutes had passed.
"I am sorry about yesterday, I never apologized for inviting Captain Bordon and Colonel Tavington into your home without your permission. It was not wise of me to do so." Annie said, she took a bite of food.
"But it was very polite of you, you must not worry Annie, or even apologize. It hardly matters now, the Colonel and his men are already residing in my home. But thank you for your consideration Annie...We will be leaving Charles Town very soon, though I am not entirely sure when. I will be leaving a handful of servants behind to tend to this home while the Colonel and his men reside here, Joseph, Dovie, Abby, Michael and Mary will be leaving with us the rest will stay behind. I will have to write a letter to your father addressing our departure. I am sure he has gotten word that Charles Town." She lowered her voice. " Has been overrun by British officers. I am sure he would be comfortable with my decision to leave." Charlotte said, taking a sip of her tea. Annie sat and watched as the transparent steam gently rose into the air and disappeared.
"Of course, I'm sure my father would be most content with your decision. You are and adult after all, and an adult my father trusts with his children. You know my father is quite fond of you aunt Charlotte." Annie said. Annie smiled widely when she noticed her aunt blush, her lips were tightly pursed as she tried not to smile.
"This I am pleased to hear, it makes me even more confident and comfortable with my decision then. I had sent a letter to your father a few days ago."
"Why had you not told me of this earlier?" Annie wondered.
"I apologize for not informing you sooner, I simply forgot and ever since Tavington and his men have arrived there has been much on my mind." Charlotte answered, Annie nodded.
"What had you wrote to my father, aunt Charlotte?"
"Since it has been weeks since your father and the others have seen you, I figured it would be nice to invite them over for dinner. I am sure your father and your brothers and sisters are missing you dearly. Especially Margaret and Susan. I have not gotten word back from your father. Now that I recall, I believe this is the day they were suppose to arrive for dinner... Lets finish eating then, church will be starting soon and we won't want to miss it. Your dress looks beautiful on you Annie." Her aunt replied, Annie smiled and thanked her.
"I can hardly imagine what it would be like for my father and siblings to join us for dinner along with the Dragoons."Annie replied.
"Lord. I had not thought of that." Charlotte quietly said. Both women continued to finish their breakfast, getting up from their chairs each of them walked out of the sitting room. Upon leaving the sitting room Annie noticed Colonel Tavington and Captain Bordon were standing in the living room, chatting quietly with one another. Annie decided to approach the Colonel and Captain. Before herself and her aunt would leave she thought it would be best to inform Colonel Tavington that they would be leaving for church. Colonel Tavington noticed Annie coming towards him and decided to give her his full attention.
"Colonel Tavington," Annie paused and looked to Bordon. "Captain Bordon. Good morning to you both...Colonel I would like to thank you for your kindness and consideration earlier this morning. I can assure you it was no trouble for my aunt and myself to seat ourselves elsewhere to eat... My aunt and I will be leaving for church soon, I wanted to inform you of that before we left." Annie said, then a thought crossed her mind. "Before the war, had you two ever attended church. Do you still wish to attend church?" Annie asked out of curiosity. Tavington smiled, but Bordon shook his head in disagreement.
"When I was a young lad, I had attended church with my family, but only when I was a young lad. I am afraid myself and William have not attended church in some time, Since we have become officers there has been little time for things such as church. We-" Bordon was cut off mid sentence when Tavington rudely cut in before Bordon could say another word.
"It has been unfortunately a long while since I have gone to church. As an apology for last night. Perhaps a few of my officers and I could attend along with your aunt and yourself. I know a few off my officers would enjoy attending. Of course I wish to have your consent before we make any plans... Might I say Miss Martin you look absolutely stunning in your red dress." Tavington smiled, perhaps today he would get a chance to be close to Annie. Annie though for a moment then replied. Annie couldn't help but smile when Tavington complimented her.
"Thank you… And, I would not be able to deny any man of entering the Lord's home. Of course you and some of your officers may join us, I am sure there will be many other officers attending today's service." Annie replied, she turned around when she heard the voice of her aunt Charlotte. Charlotte informed Annie that it had been time to leave.
"Of course. aunt Charlotte, I had just been speaking with Colonel Tavington and Captain Bordon and they wish to accompany us along with some of the other officers. As an apology for last night. Do you consent?" Annie asked her aunt who was beginning to tie the silk cream ribbons of her hat loosely below her chin. Charlotte nodded with a small smile.
"...I could not deny. I will be waiting for you and the other officers in the foyer here. But please hurry, I believe we are running behind." Charlotte replied as her quickly smoothed her skirt and pushed back a few loose hairs back into her hat.
"We should be going then. We would hate to hold you back any longer." Tavington said as he began to step forward. Annie stopped him from walking any further.
"Your officers Colonel?" Annie reminded him, the Colonel gave a small chuckle.
"I am getting ahead of myself. Bordon, please. Return to the dining room and inform the men of this mornings church service." Tavington replied. Bordon understood and nodded. Turning on his heel he made his way back to the dining room.
"We should make our way outside while we wait for them. They will know where we are."
Annie nodded in agreement. Annie walked towards her aunt with Tavington following close behind. Charlotte's arm was outstretched, she held Annie's hat in her hand. Annie took her hat from her aunt Charlotte's hand, placing her hat on her head, she began tying the two ribbons loosely at the nape of her neck. Tavington patiently waited as Annie finished adjusting herself, when the two women were ready to leave the house Tavington followed. Opening to front door the three walked down the stone steps and decided to stop and wait at the bottom of the stairs.
"I am glad you have decided to accompany us today Colonel. I was not aware that you enjoyed attending church. It should not be too long, it usually isn't... Oh, I nearly forgot, You and your men may have the house to yourselves for a portion of the day. I will be leaving shortly after church to stop by the tailors. One of my petticoats has a rather large hole that I wish be mended." Charlotte stated.
"Aunt Charlotte, may I take your dress to the tailors? It would be no trouble at all. It has been so long since I have been to the tailors and I wish to be able to stop by and say hello to the Chamberlain's. I have not seen them in many years. If you do not mind of course." Annie asked, hoping her aunt would say yes. Annie wanted to get out of the house once more after church, she wanted to avoid any unwanted tension between herself and the Colonel for the day. Charlotte didn't say a word, she looked like she was pondering the thought.
"I can assure you I will not be alone during my visit. I am certain Mariah, Sophia and the rest of my friends would enjoy stopping by the Tailors. We rather do enjoy admiring the beautiful silks." Annie practically begged.
Charlotte thought for another brief moment before she nodded and agreed. Annie thanked her aunt. Tavington stood in an awkward silence until he noticed a familiar officer approach the Selton residence. Tavington wondered why he was here and what the officer could have possibly wanted. The officer smiled and tipped his black tricorn when Charlotte noticed him stop in front of the front gates. He did not enter instead he continued to stand where he was.
"What is it Corporal?" Tavington asked, impatient and annoyed. The Corporal sensed the Colonels impatience and answered quickly.
"General Lord Cornwallis and General O'Hara are holding an assembly and wish for the presence of yourself, Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton and Captain Bordon right this moment." The young officer said, before Tavington could answer the young officer turned away and practically jogged down the street away from the home, rushing to inform others of the assembly.
Shit!
Tavington practically cursed out loud but held his tongue. Why was everything getting in the way of his chance to woo Annie Martin. First it was the dining table and now this!
Damn Cornwallis!
"How unfortunate, I am sorry you will not be accompanying us after all. Perhaps next time then? We really must be off now Colonel." Charlotte said. Tavington tried to hold back what was really on his mind and instead answered politely.
"Of course, It would be a great pleasure. I will be sure to see you later, perhaps this afternoon," Tavington said looking directly at Annie."Until then." Tavington gave a small bow and strode back into the home to tell his officers of the unexpected assembly.
"It was awful, last night the Colonel and his men came into my aunts home soused. They were awfully loud to. They had awoke my aunt, myself and the servants. This morning during breakfast my aunt had a serious talk with the officers and Colonel Tavington. The Colonel did not look pleased in the least, he had a serious expression and had been glaring. Glaring at me!" Annie paused, while she and her friends walked along the street full of people returning home from church.
"They were not nearly that disrespectful as to enter our home so rudely. They had only complained, that is all." Josephine quietly answered, with a slight frown.
Annie was surprised when she noticed Josephine attending church today, Annie thought she would not leave her house for weeks perhaps, not after the death of Peter. Mariah, Dorothy and the rest still did not know that Peter had died, and Annie had no intention of announcing his death, she made a promise to Josephine.
"I am glad they had not been as disrespectful to your family and yourself, especially with the condition your mother is currently in, and." Annie stopped herself from mentioning Peter.
"What?" Sophia asked, wondering why Annie stopped talking to abruptly. Annie shook her head.
"Nothing, I just lost my train of thought is all… I am growing tired of wandering Charles Town's streets, should we perhaps seat ourselves in one of the gardens? I have so much to tell you all about the Colonel. Annie and her friends decided to rest in one of Charles Town's lovely gardens
"I was reading in my aunt's living room when I heard the Colonel and Captain knock. Of course at that time I had not known it was them. When I had opened the door and discovered the Colonel was standing in front of me, it was like my entire stomach was being twisted from the inside. I don't know if you all recall or not myself telling the Colonel that we had officers already residing my aunts home yesterday, but-"
"You lied to the Colonel Annie? He must have found that out didn't he!" Sophia asked, shocked. Annie nodded.
"Yes, indeed he had found out. Unfortunately. Anyway, I had to invite them into the house. The Colonel had told me he wished to have a word with my aunt, when one of my aunts servants Mary had retrieved my aunt I think she had been just as shocked as I had been to see Colonel Tavington and Captain Bordon at the door. Colonel Tavington later on suggested that I would escort him through the home, I admit I was quite fearful to do so. But I had Mary to to help me escort the Colonel, that is until she had to leave and I was alone with him."
"Alone? Oh my, I would be also quite fearful. Have you heard the stories about Colonel Tavington. My uncle Adam is in the continental army serving under Colonel Burwell. And my father has received few letters from my uncle, informing my father of the Colonel, he's brutal. A brutal brute!"
"Which is precisely why I had been so fearful of being alone with the Colonel, I to have heard the stories from Gabriel and I know what the Colonel is capable of...Whilst we were alone he suggested that I show him to my room!"
"And did you?" Dorothy asked.
"Of course, I had to. I was much to scared to say no to him. When we entered my room he shut the door behind us. He approached me and began asking me why I had lied to him, but the expression on my face in that moment must have indicated it was because I feared him. He told me that I would not have to fear him during his stay," Annie paused for a moment."It was strange when the Colonel had been speaking to me I- You know I should not be talking about this with all of you, it is most inappropriate." Annie stopped.
"Please go on Annie, it may have been inappropriate for the Colonel to be alone with you in your room, but you did not act back in an inappropriate way. Which makes this conversation appropriate. Please continue." Mariah curiously asked. Annie looked at her friends who all looked interested and eager to what Annie was going to say. Except for Josephine who was staring at the ground plucking strands of grass. Annie shook her head, she did not want to explain to her friends about the way she felt when the Colonel had been speaking to her. The way she felt a thousand butterflies flew throughout her stomach when he even so much as kissed the back of her hand. What would her friends think if she told them that she had felt slightly giddy around Tavington.
"My brother is dead, he's gone." Josephine blurted out. Annie and the others could not help letting out a small gasp. Annie was surprised Josephine was telling Sophia and the rest about Peter's death.
"What, Josephine? When? Good lord when and how did this happen? This is horrible news!" Dorothy gasped. Annie and the rest watched as Josephine finally lifted her head, tears were already forming in her dark brown eyes.
"Yesterday, yesterday I had found out. We received a letter informing us about Peter's death."Annie didn't know if Josephine was lying so she did not have to explain the entire story about her arriving at her home and divulge to Josephine Peters death. Or if they really had received a letter later that day.
"The Letter had arrived to our home a week before yesterday. My father had been keeping the letter to himself. He did not want to divulged to me Peter's death because he feared I would not handle Peter's death very well, which I had not. He wanted to wait for the proper moment to tell me. Of course my mother does not know Peter is gone, yet." Finally Josephine let out her first tear that slowly rolled down her cheeks, which were covered in clusters of freckles.
Annie and the rest of the girls watched as Josephine leaned forward with her hands covering her face. She let out a loud cry. It was a good thing Annie had suggested they be seated in one of Charles Town's gardens where they would be alone. Josephine thankfully had some privacy with her friends.
"Josephine, we are so so sorry to hear this, truly we are. You know that." Sophia said, as she began to stand from where she had been sitting. She walked over towards her good friend and sat down next to her, with one hand on her arm and the other gently rubbing her back to calm Josephine. Annie and the rest of the girls decided to huddle around Josephine and began saying kind words of comfort.
"Josephine we are here for you in your time of need, If you need anything, anything at all please tell us. Your family is going through a horrific time, and our hearts go out to you, your father, and of course your dear mother." Annie calmly said. The girls all nodded in agreement.
"You will be in our thoughts and our prayers, Josephine." Mariah added. The girls all continued to comfort Josephine until the sound of two men had been heard. Annie and Sophia recognized the voices to be James and Emmett's. Josephine immediately began feeling overwhelmed and embarrassed that James and Emmett had now caught her crying. Annie stood up quickly and jogged towards James and Emmett.
"Please this is not a good time James." Annie then lowered her voice into a whisper.
"Josephine has just informed the girls of Peter's death. She is going through such a horrible time, she wont stop crying and I fear things are going to become much more worse for her...What are you and Emmett doing here anyway?" Annie asked.
"Emmett insisted that we call on Sophia, when we arrived at her house, I don't think Mr Pierce was to pleased to see two men at his front door asking for his daughter. But he proceeded to informed us that she had accompanied you and the rest of your friends after church...We were wandering Charles Town, but could not find Sophia anywhere. You once told me how much you loved these gardens so I decided that we should check here. But now that we are here I think it is best we leave." James explained. Annie nodded.
"Annie, we are going to take Josephine home, are you and Sophia going to accompany James and Emmett then?" Dorothy asked. Annie looked at Sophia who had been nodding her head up and down.
"Yes, I suppose we will then." Annie answered, Sophia stood up from her spot and walked towards Emmett who greeted her with a large smile and a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. The four watched as Dorothy and the others helped Josephine up from the ground. They all said their goodbyes and parted Annie, James, Emmett, and Sophia stood alone in the quiet garden.
"Where were you this morning James? I did not see you in church today or Emmett for that matter." Annie pointed out. James's thoughts went back to last night when he and Emmett had been invited over to Colonel Tavington and his officers table to enjoy a game of cards, and a couple of drinks. Although those couple of drinks turned into several. James woke up the morning with his head pounding aggressively. It had been hard to get out of bed. But James had the better end of the stick, compared to Emmett who had been sick to his stomach practically the whole night.
"I was not feeling quite right this morning. I felt quite nauseous actually." James said, leaving out the details of the previous night.
"And you Emmett, I admit I was very disappointed when I noticed you had not been at today's service. I was hoping I would see you there." Sophia frowned. Emmett tried his hardest not to look suspicious. And he tried to think of a quick lie, but absolutely nothing came to mind.
Damn! Now what? Emmett thought.
"I was sick. Both James and I were sick last night. My mother and father and I were invited over by my aunt and uncle for dinner last night. I think there must have been something terribly wrong with the food that was served to James and I." Emmett lied, James rolled his eyes.
"And your mother and father, were they not sick to." Annie asked. James shook his head while Emmett nodded. Annie and Sophia both became confused. James was saying no, and Emmett was saying yes. Who was lying and who was telling the truth? This lead to suspicion.
"No they were just fine last night fortunately. Emmett and I were the only ones that suffered." James replied confidently.
"Really James, I am almost positive you told me earlier this morning, your mother and father had also been ill...Or had it only been your father?" Emmett asked, James firmly replied and began threatened Emmett with his eyes.
"No Emmett, you must have misunderstood what I had told you this morning. Anyway that hardly matters. What matters is that we have found both Sophia and Annie." Emmett said nothing back.
Annie and Sophia looked content with James's excuse for not being at church. This was quite the relief for both James and Emmett. The four decided to leave the garden and head back out to the streets of Charles Town.
"James it had been you yesterday who informed Colonel Tavington and Captain Bordon that my aunt's house was free of any British officers am I correct?" Annie asked.
"You are indeed."
"I see." Annie answered quietly. James was confused.
"Is there something wrong? Had I done something wrong?" James asked in concern.
"No, no of course not. I was only curious James." James nodded to Annie's response, although he felt she had been lying. The four walked further down Charles Town's streets so that they had been nearing Ms Selton's house. Annie had told James of what she had needed to do that day and requested that she be taken home so she may retrieve her aunts petticoat and take it to the tailors straight away. Annie did not know if James would accompany her or not. James on the other hand wanted to be alone with Annie for a moment to ask her something very important. Once the four had stopped in front of Ms Selton's house James gave Emmett a look that signalled him to leave along with Sophia.
"Sophia perhaps we can return to the garden. I must speak with you about a certain matter. And I wish for us to have some privacy and be alone for a few moments. Shall we then?" Emmett asked, holding out his arm for Sophia to take. Sophia nodded and smiled, taking Emmett's arm and pulling him closer towards her she replied with a 'yes'. Sophia and Emmett said their goodbyes to James and Annie. Annie and James now stood alone together in front of Charlotte's home. Annie felt suspicious and had a good idea of why James and her were now alone, it was the same reason why Emmett wished to be alone with Sophia.
"Annie. I know that we have known one another for quite sometime now." James swallowed "And over these past number of years we have known each other, I have become very fond of you. Each time we are together, I feel my feelings for you grow, and you know that my feeling for you are strong. And I know you feel the same, Annie. When I found out Peter Cuppin had courted you before he left, I felt rather jealous. But now that Peter's gone, I feel guilty. I feel guilty because I... I wish to court you Annie. And I know it may be too soon for you to accept but I must ask you now, if I may be able to court you Annie." James said, he was so nervous. He could feel his face slightly redden. Annie did feel for James, she really did. She thought for a moment, James noticed her hesitation and became even more nervous than he had before. He wanted her to accept his courtship right away. James gently reached for Annie's hand and held it in his own.
"James, as you know I do have feelings for you. When I had arrived in Charles Town a few weeks ago and when I saw you, you were so charming, so kind and sweet. Those qualities are those I look for in a man who wishes to court me. I agree that perhaps this courtship could be to soon, Peter had only passed just recently. But perhaps this is the best time to start a courtship between you and I. I am leaving Charles Town soon, when, I do not know. James, I-" Annie was cut off by a female voice, that she recognized to be her aunt Charlotte's. Annie sighed and turned her head towards the house to see her aunt standing on the front porch. Annie looked down for a moment and noticed James was still holding on to her hand, he took her hand from his grip and turned her attention back to her aunt.
"Yes aunt Charlotte?" Annie asked.
"I need you to come in now. A post rider had arrived today a few moments after we had left for church. Luckily Colonel Tavington was still here. The post rider gave the letter from your father to Colonel Tavington and explained to him that there had been a delay, that's why we had not received the letter earlier." Charlotte paused and she decided to leave the porch and walk over to Annie so she would not have to shout from the porch.
"I read the letter as soon as I returned home. It seems your father and the others will be joining us for dinner tonight. I need you to come into the house now so you may help myself and the servants set the dining room for tonight. It will be some work, we will need to retrieve some of the smaller tables and chairs from the sitting rooms and place them in the dining room. We can not waste any more time, since your father will be arriving very soon."Charlotte said. Charlotte then turned to James and greeted him.
"I apologize James for my rude behaviour, how are you?"Charlotte asked.
"I am very well thank you Ms Selton, and yourself, well I hope?" James replied.
"Indeed. I also apologize for taking Annie away so suddenly. I hope I was not interrupting anything important.
"No, it is al-right Ms Selton, Annie and I will be sure to finish our conversation for later," James paused."Please Annie tell your father I say hello and that I hope he is well, thank you. I will see you soon hopefully. I hope Ms Selton and yourself have a lovely evening with your family." James said. Annie and Charlotte said their goodbyes and watched James walk away. Charlotte turned around and retreated back into her home. But Annie stood and watched James walk away.
"Annie. Come." Charlotte called from the porch. Annie turned and quickly made her way up the porch stairs. She noticed her aunt give her a serious glare.
"Annie, what did I tell you about seeing James Wilkins, hmm?"
James decided that he would return back to the garden so he could meet with Emmett and Sophia once again. James and Emmett had both decided earlier that James would ask to court Annie, and Emmett would ask to court Sophia. Though James and Annie's conversation had been cut short. James was very certain Annie's answer would be yes, but James would not assume such a thing till he heard Annie's final answer. James hoped Emmett was having better luck with Sophia. As James entered the garden he heard a man and women speaking with one another, and to James he thought the women sounded quite happy, he knew it had to be Sophia and Emmett. James heard a giggle and then caught a glimpse of Sophia wrapped up in Emmett's arms, Emmett held her close to his chest. Both Emmett and Sophia kissed one another, they thought they were still alone together. They were not aware of James's presence, until James let out a small laugh. Sophia quickly pushed away from Emmett, his face was beat red with embarrassment.
"Well I see Sophia has accepted your courtship then?" James laughed again.
"Oh Aunt Charlotte I am so pleased that my father will be arriving here this evening. In the letter did my father state as to who else will be joining us for dinner?" Annie asked. Charlotte nodded as she began to make her way to the kitchen to speak with a couple of servants about that evening's plans.
"Susan, Margaret and your maid Abigail. The boys have decided to stay home. Your father, and your sisters will of course be staying over for a night then will be leaving in the morning, to return back home. Your sisters will sleep in your room tonight."
"And my father?" Annie asked.
"I still do not know. It is difficult when there are so little rooms left." Charlotte replied.
"Indeed."
After a few hours had passed Charlotte, Annie and the rest of the servants had finally finished adjusting the dining room, chairs and tables had been added so Benjamin and and the rest could seat themselves when they would arrive for dinner. As Annie had been going back and forth to different rooms gathering chairs and helping some of the servants set the table she had only seen Tavington a few times. And each time she had seen him he gave her a smirk whenever she passed by. Annie would politely smile, but she never stopped to say a word to the Colonel, and he had said nothing to her. Now that things had slowed down Annie had decided to retrieve her book from the living room and make her way to one of her aunts quiet sitting rooms down the hall across from the foyer. Annie twisted the door handle and opened the closed door. Annie gave a small gasp and jumped when she saw Tavington in the sitting room, he was standing by a certain side table, Tavington noticed Annie and quickly put down a small pile of letters he had in his hand.
"Colonel Tavington what are you doing in here, and what are you doing with my letters!" Annie shouted, she furrowed her eyebrows.
"I was simply getting a little more acquainted with the house." Tavington quickly lied. Annie didn't believe his lie one bit.
"That still does not answer my question as to why you have my letters. I do not appreciate you going through things that do not belong to you Colonel." Annie scolded him. Tavington narrowed his eyes. He had stumbled across the sitting room a few minutes before Annie had entered, he was looking around and noticed the side table. Opening it, he discovered letters from one of the Cuppin's children, Peter Cuppin.
"I am very sorry Miss Martin, you are right it," Tavington took a breath. "I noticed though that you have received these letters from Peter Cuppin, I believe that is one of the Cuppins children am I correct?" Tavington asked. Annie hesitated then nodded.
"I was not aware you are in a courtship with Mr Cuppin." Tavington said. Annie's eyes slightly widened.
"You were reading the letters I had received from Peter? Colonel Tavington why did you decided it would be wise to rummage through and read something so personal of mine? And I shall let it be known to you that I am not in a courtship with Peter Cuppin. I am afraid he has passed away." Annie answered, Tavington could sense a certain sound of anger in her voice. A thought crossed Annie's mind.
"You were looking for information weren't you? Well I can assure you Colonel Tavington they will do you no good, all those letters are old some of them I had even received a month to two months ago."
"Well it seems I have been caught. You're not a stupid girl." Tavington paused and took a few steps towards Annie. Annie ignored Tavington and decided to make her way past him to take the letters and place them back in the tables drawer away from Tavington. But stopped in her tracks when she felt Tavington grab her arm and pull her in front of him, but not in a harmful way, not enough to hurt Annie. Annie's heart began to beat hard and fast in her chest.
"Sir.. Colonel Tavington I had made it a point to tell you yesterday that I do not appreciate you touching me in this sort of matter," She paused when she noticed a look of amusement on Tavingtons face. "Colonel Tavington… as soon as I step foot out of this room, I can go to my aunt and inform her of your snooping " Annie said tartly. Tavington's face went from amused to hard as stone.
"You-will-say-nothing! Do you understand Miss Martin?" Tavington growled through clenched teeth, he was sure to keep his voice low so that no one would hear. Annie looked at Tavington with a slight look of fear in her eyes. She then nodded her head quickly up and down.
"I understand sir." She said quietly. Tavington then slowly released his grip on her arm. He noticed she still looked frightened of him. Annie wanted to run past the Colonel and out of the room far away from him, but she stood still and did not move.
"Do you still trust me Miss Martin? Do you still believe I will not harm you?" Tavington asked, Annie said nothing. There was a long quiet pause.
"I will not hurt you Miss Martin. Is that what you are afraid of, that I will hurt you?"
"Your anger scares me sir. I admit I fear you will harm me. Please do not hurt me Colonel." Annie admitted quietly.
Annie slightly flinched when Tavington lifted his arm and gently grabbed her chin, she was now looking straight into his eyes that now seemed to be filled with some warmth. He gave a small smile assuring her that his anger had passed and that he would do nothing to hurt her. Tavington then carefully began to trace Annie's bottom lip with his thumb. Annie slightly trembled. A Shiver went through her spine from his gentle touch
My knees. Lord they feel so weak.
"You're beautiful Miss Martin, I could never hurt such a lovely thing." Tavington whispered.
Annie said nothing back instead she just enjoyed his touch that now kept her from leaving the sitting room. Tavington took his other free arm and placed his hand on the small of Annie's back, he then gently pulled Annie closer towards him so she was now pressed up against his chest. With her head still raised and her eyes still focused on Tavington's, she noticed Tavington slowly leaning in towards her, his eyes were slightly closing and his parted lips neared her own. Annie's heart raced faster and faster! The butterflies had return and were soaring through her stomach now!
"Sir." Annie quietly whimpered.
But Tavington ignored her plea. Before Tavington could reach her lips Annie turned her head so that Tavington had only placed his lips on the corner of her mouth which made Tavington only crave more. Annie placed her hand against his chest and gave a small shove creating a gap between them. Tavington look disappointed and he went to pull her in again once more but stopped.
"Colonel Tavington, I must leave you now. My father and my sisters shall be here very soon." Annie shakily said, she stepped to the side and then proceeded to walk past Tavington leaving him alone in the sitting room.
"Dammit all." Tavington hissed to himself.
