Annie quickly hurried down the hall, as far away from the sitting room as possible. Tavington clouded her mind, nothing else had been present in her conscious mind but him. Annie quickly glanced behind her to see if Tavington was walking behind her or leaving the sitting room, but she saw nothing but an empty hall. Relieved, she continued on. Annie decided it would be best not stay downstairs, but to go upstairs to her room instead, so she was alone and far away from the presence of Tavington.

Once reaching her room, she closed the door and let the weight of her back fall against the back of the door. She stared for a few moments in silence at a vase across the room filled with red Carnations. She studied the red petals of the flowers but as she did, she noticed each lush red petal mimicked Williams parted lips. Annie lifted her arm and placed her hand on her lips that still seemed to crave Williams. She dragged her fingers gently across her bottom lip and wondered what it would have been like if she allowed Tavington to kiss her. Would the kiss simply end, or would the kiss lead to other things. No. She would have not allowed William to proceed any further if he had intentions of going further than just simply kissing her.

Would his kiss be just a simple kiss? Would it be passionate? Rough? Loving?

These questions kept running through her mind, and the more she wondered the more she wanted to find out what their kiss would have been like. Finally moving away from the door, Annie slowly dragged herself over towards her bed, spinning around and flopping on to her bed, she decided to roll over on her side and close her eyes. Moments passed and Annie slipped into sleep.

Tavington stood in the sitting room in front of a large window, he leaned to his side with one hand on the wall and the other held a drink he had found and helped himself to. He watched the outside in-front of him, his eyes scanned the bustle of people and carriages passing by. He'd only left the sitting room to retrieve a drink, he had thought about searching for Annie but decided he would give her some time to herself. The last thing he wanted to do was upset her. He was fond of Annie, she was beautiful, charming. But William knew that Annie had proven to be quite the challenge, she was his challenge. And it seemed to Tavington that simply trying to seduce her would not be enough. He knew she wasn't stupid and she wasn't easily willing. Tavington looked down at the amber liquid in his glass and took one last sip before placing his glass down and leaving the sitting room.

Where the hell can she be?

Tavington had scoured the entire downstairs, but had failed to find Annie anywhere. There were only a few places left he could check, but he had a good feeling of where she possibly was. Without a second thought Tavington made his way to the upstairs, hoping he would find Annie in her room.

Annie lay asleep in her bed, quietly undisturbed. Until she was quickly startled out of her peaceful sleep when she heard a few knocks come from her bedroom door, all she wanted to do was ignore the sound of the knocking and fall back to sleep. She had been exhausted from the night before when Tavington and his men rudely woke everyone in the house with their drunken antics. Annie didn't move or get up out of her bed, instead she tried going back to sleep. But the knocking did not stop. Annoyed Annie rolled over on her side to face the door. She stared at the door and waited for the sound of another knock but instead she heard a voice, a deep British male voice that she recognized right away.

"Miss Martin, it's Colonel Tavington. Please, I would appreciate it if you would open this door." Tavington said calmly from the other side of the door.

Annie sprung up from her bed and stood in front of the door, she was about to grab the door handle a twist it until a thought entered her head.

What if I am to open the door? Will Colonel Tavington try to attack me?

Her thoughts then went back to the sitting room.

"Miss Martin are you there? If you do not open the door, I am afraid I will let myself in." Tavington said, he began feeling slightly annoyed.

Has she decided to ignore me now?

The last thing Annie wanted was Tavington walking into her room while she was indecent. As Annie began tending to herself she couldn't help but feel she wanted to make sure she looked her best in front of Colonel Tavington. She had to admit he was quite a handsome man, a handsome man she wanted to try to impress. It was unfortunate that he was as arrogant as he was.

"Please give me a few moments Colonel, I am indecent."Annie called out. She noticed her chignon was falling out of place her dress was slightly wrinkled and she had redlines from her pillow going down the side of her face. Annie quickly fixed her chignon and rubbed her face hoping that would cause the lines to lighten and go away. She didn't have time to stand in front of the mirror forever, Colonel Tavington was waiting for her. Finally opening the door, to Annie's relief Tavington didn't attack her, instead she softened in his presence when he simply gave her a small smile and looked down on her with pleasant blue eyes.

"I'm sorry to intrude on you Miss Martin, but I was wondering if you would do me the pleasure of joining me for a cup of tea? It's quite lonely when you only have yourself to keep you company." Tavington said, hoping Annie would accept his invitation to join him. Annie thought for a moment, was he trying to get her alone with him again? She didn't think she could handle that again, she felt if he tried to kiss her again her knees would become so weak she would topple down to his feet. But it seemed that wasn't his intentions this time.

"Of course, but," She paused "My aunt Charlotte has made plans for my father and my two younger sister to join us for dinner tonight and they should be here soon, perhaps it would be wise for me to help my aunt with some last minute preparations instead." Annie said with slight disappointment there was a part of her that wanted to sit with Tavington and enjoy a cup of tea.

"I see, well I am sure Miss Martin that your aunt Charlotte has plenty of help from her servants. I think it would be wise of you to pass the time waiting for your father and sisters by having a nice cup of tea with me." Tavington replied hoping Annie would agree. Tavington gave a smirk when he noticed Annie give a sweet smile and nod her head. His plan was working she was becoming submissive to his charm.

"Where shall we seat ourselves then? There is a sitting room here upstairs with a lovely view overlooking some of Charles Town's homes." Annie suggested.

"That sounds quite lovely indeed, It seems I will be able to enjoy my tea overlooking beautiful homes, with such a beautiful young women then." Tavington drawled.

Annie felt her face redden, she couldn't believe how much Tavington made her blush. Although Tavington had been so charming, in the back of her mind she couldn't help but think he was planning to woo her.

Tavington and Annie finally seated themselves in the upstairs sitting room and had one of her aunts servants prepare and bring them their tea. Annie sat in front of Tavington, to their right was the large window overlooking the street. It was still mid afternoon and Annie occasionally looked out the window to see if her father's carriage was approaching her aunt Charlotte's home.

"So Miss Martin, I wouldn't mind getting to know you a little better. You've captivated me and you interest me." Tavington smiled as he took a sip of his hot tea, lowering his arm he held his cup down to his lap, holding his cup with both hands.

"Is that so Colonel. Please enlighten me. What do you find so interesting about me. You're a British Colonel who has seen the bloody face of war. And I am but a simple farm girl who spends most of her time teaching and taking care of her younger brothers and sisters."

"Then I could say that I am a simple boy from Liverpool who grew up with his older siblings, and-" Tavington stopped himself before he mentioned his father. " You see miss Martin what I am trying to say is. Is that there is more to me than you may know, and there is more to you then you may think. You've left me wanting Miss Martin, wanting to know more about you."

"I don't know what to say Colonel." Annie said giving a small laugh. She took her tea from the table beside her and took a long sip before placing it back down. "I told you when we first met that my mother had passed away. It was five years ago when my mother became very sick. I was twelve years old during the winter my mother took a horrible fall." Annie paused when the memory of her mother filled her mind. " My mother had finished helping me and my sisters Margaret and Susan get ready for church that Sunday morning. I remember we were leaving my room when-" Annie paused again and reached for her tea she looked down at the brown liquid. "Colonel I'm sure you don't wish to hear such a morbid story. I shouldn't be telling you this anyway." Annie said taking another sip of her tea. Tavington wanted to hear more, he felt Annie's painful memories were something he could relate to.

"Please go on Miss Martin."

There was a silence before Annie continued.

"We were leaving my room when my mother handed my youngest sister Susan over to me, she was only a baby, a baby who had only been a few months old at that time. I believed my mother was feeling quite weary because, because when we reached the top of the stairs that was when she collapsed in-front of us and toppled down the stairs. It was a horrible sight Colonel. And, and if she had still been holding Susan in her arms when she fell, susan would have died." Tears started forming in Annie's eyes. "After that nothing was the same, when my mother fell down the stairs the doctor told us she had broken her left leg. I can remember my mother screaming out in pain while she laid on the floor holding her left close to her chest. She couldn't walk the same as she once had before, she had a lame leg. But soon my mother was bed ridden that spring." Annie decided to stop talking about her mother and instead change the topic of their conversation, it was to painful to talk about her mother, and Tavington noticed the pain in her face and the tears welling in her eyes. In the moment he wished he could get up from his chair and hold her in his arms as she cried, but instead he stood seated and listened.

"I have older siblings as-well. I have two brothers Thomas and Gabriel who are the oldest boys. Thomas is fourteen and Gabriel is eighteen. We have become very close to one another over the course of our lives, I love spending time with my brothers. I feel like I am able to act more like a sister around them rather than a mother figure to my younger siblings. I love my younger siblings with all my heart, I just sometimes need to feel like a young women. My brother Gabriel is also a soldier, like yourself." Annie smiled but then quickly realized She didn't want to tell Tavington anything else.

What if he finds out my family and I are patriots?

Annie hoped Tavington would ignore her comment and talk about something else instead. But Tavington became intrigued, Annie could sense his curiosity when she noticed him place his tea cup on a the table beside him and lean forward with his hands clasped together in his lap.

"Really? What regiment?" Tavington asked. Annie ignored his comment completely.

"It's a pity he had to leave us so early, my family and I were all together here in Charles Town when we sent him off three months ago, along with Peter." Annie stopped abruptly again.

You are so foolish! How foolish can you be, Annie?

Annie knew now that Tavington knew she was a Patriot! If she had only kept her mouth shut about when Gabriel left she could have tried to make up a quick lie.

"Three months ago you say Miss Martin. Well then your Brother couldn't have possibly joined the king's army, since we were in New Jersey and had only arrived in Charles Town a month after your brothers departure. And you say he left with Peter? The same Peter who served under Colonel Burwell?" Tavington paused locking his eyes with Annie's, Annie stared back it seemed it was impossible for her to drag her gaze from his eyes.

" I assume then Miss Martin you and your family are Patriots then?" Tavington said slightly disappointed. Annie could feel chills run through her body when she noticed Tavington's facial expression. It was hard, and threatening. There was nothing more Tavington disliked than Patriots.

I've gotten myself caught up in a patriot women?

"Yes, I-I mean no! No it's complicated Colonel. My father is against fighting, against the idea of war. He is neither a Patriot or a Loyalist. My father fought in the French and Indian war, he was a Colonel like yourself. After seeing the horrors of war my father decided he wanted nothing to do with war or politics. I know it sounds strange Colonel but I am telling you the truth! And as for me I agree with my father, I do not favour war even if seems war is the only way of resolving things. War tares people, families apart, war is ugly sir. And my brother Gab-" Annie stopped, when Tavington put up a hand to silence her. Tavington thought for a moment.

He noticed the look of worry and helplessness in her eyes and that seemed enough to make him believe her, but she still had one family member who was a patriot, her brother. And Tavington would keep that in mind.

"Well, you do seem to have a history of lying to me Miss Martin. But strangely enough I believe what you are saying. I believe it is complicated, war itself is quite a complicated thing and I can assure you it is an ugly business doing one's duty." Tavington replied.

Annie practically breathed a sigh of relief when she noticed he did not press her on the certain matter, and his tone of voice had seem to go back to calm instead of serious and threatening.

"I can only imagine Colonel. Although I don't think I even want to imagine the horrors of war." Annie said, a pang of sadness hit her when she thought about her brother.

Poor Gabriel, I don't even want to imagine what you are going through right now.

"Being able to stay in Charles Town has been quite a luxury indeed. It is far better than fighting your way through a battlefield. Though I have to admit I do believe sometimes my place is on the field," Tavington stopped when he realized something. "Which reminds me, I do believe I will be back soon enough in the comfort of my tent and cot, " He said sarcastically "And back on the battlefield once again. I admit Miss Martin I will miss you greatly when I am gone from Charles Town."

"Oh?" Annie curiously said.

" Yes. You've been a breath of fresh air, a lovely distraction from war." Tavington finished. Annie had to admit the thought of Tavington leaving Charles Town, never to see her again made her a little sad. Annie knew before he left she wanted to find out more about Tavington, he to had interested her as much as she interested him.

"Colonel Tavington this may be a bit bold of me to ask but-" Annie's sentence was cut off when Tavington interrupted her.

"Please before you go on, I give you permission to address me as William, instead of Colonel Tavington. That is if you allow me to address you as Annie, Miss Martin?" Tavington asked. Annie just smiled.

"William" Annie started. Annie thought It sounded so strange calling him William now. " As I was saying... I only know you as a Colonel, Colonel of the British Green Dragoons and other than that not much else is known about you." Annie said.

Tavington gave a smirk.

"What is it you wish to know about me?" William asked curiously.

Annie hesitated before proceeding with her question.

"I remember you mentioned you too have lost a loved one, I believe you said your father had passed away. But you never told me how he died, and since I told you about my mother I think it's only fair you-"

"No." Tavington cut in, his voice had went from calm to stern in an instant. Annie was taken aback for a moment by the look of anger in his eyes.

"Colonel...William, I know it is quite difficult to talk about our deceased loved ones but."

"No! Don't you understand you foolish girl. I will not speak about my father, he is a man hardly worth mentioning. He is the reason our family name has been disgraced! He was a damn fool, a fool who beat his wife and children. Who drank and gambled away his fortune!"

Tavington stopped when he noticed Annie quickly get up from her seat and walk towards the large window with her back towards him. It was then Tavington realized he had frightened her. Tavington quickly shot up from his chair and walked towards Annie he noticed as he was standing behind her he could hear Annie quietly sniffle.

Is she crying?

Tavington slowly placed his hand on her forearms and pulled her back closer to his chest.

"Is that what you think I am then, a foolish girl?" Annie asked quietly. Tavington quickly shook his head.

"No, no, no Annie. I apologize, what you heard was my anger talking. I did not mean to call you foolish, you are far from that my dear believe me." Tavington said trying to sound as calm as he could, the anger from Annie mentioning his father lingered.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know. Your father. And your poor mother, I'm so sorry you had to go through that." Annie sniffled.

"It's al-right. And I am very sorry for losing my temper. Just… Do not talk about my father Annie." William answered back.

For a few moments there was silence. Annie caught a glimpse of a familiar black carriage nearing the house. She felt a rush of excitement and happiness when she realized she would be reunited with her father and sister, she did miss them dearly. But Annie decided instead of leaving the sitting room to greet her father and sisters she would spend the last few minutes in the sitting room gently pressed against Tavingtons broad chest.

"My father and sisters are here." Annie said, Tavington craned his neck over her shoulder to look out the window, he saw a man and two little blonde girls jump out of the carriage. The two girls practically ran to the front door and their father followed behind at a slow pace. Before Annie would leave the sitting room, he wanted to do something. William took Annie's shoulders and turned her around to face him. Annie could tell he wanted to kiss her.

Tavington brought one hand up to Annie's face and gently caressed her cheek. Annie stared into his eyes and noticed they were fixated on her parted lips, he craved her lips on his and finally he would be able to for fill his need to kiss her. William tilted her head up to his and his lips finally made contact with hers. A thrilling feeling ran through Annie, this had been her first kiss, and it was amazing. William deepened the kiss, and Annie felt like she could hardly breathe let alone stand. His kiss was intoxicating, everything about him was intoxicating, the smell of his fresh cologne, his blue eyes, that smirk of his. Tavington could feel Annie's heart pounding in her chest.

The sound of her father and sisters could be heard from downstairs, but Tavington couldn't care less. Annie on the other hand began feeling a sense of worry, what if one of her sisters or what if her father caught her and Tavington kissing! Annie put her hands against Tavington's chest and slightly pushed him away from her.

"My family will be looking for me, at any moment my sisters could rush upstairs and find us like this." Annie said, Tavington could sense her worry but all he was concerned with at the moment was not her sisters catching them, all he cared about was continuing the kiss.

Before she tried leaving him Tavington quickly pulled Annie back in for one last kiss.

"I have to go now." She breathed.

"Of course," He said in disappointment. "Though I hope later we can find ourselves here in this room again, or anywhere as long as we are alone together." Tavington gave her another quick kiss.

Annie nodded and couldn't help but give Tavington a large smile before she turned and quickly made her way out of the upstairs sitting room. A smile tugged at Tavingtons lips as he walked towards with window grabbing his tea on the way. He watched out the window once again and watched as the bustle of the city passed him.

I finally have her

"Susan, Margaret! Oh it feels so good to see you two once again. I missed you both so dearly and of course father as-well!" Annie exclaimed as she rushed down the stairs, trying not to trip over her skirts.

Annie finally reached her laughing sisters and took them into a large warm embrace, she held them tightly. Once the embrace ended Annie noticed her father was speaking with her aunt Charlotte but stopped and looked at his daughter when he noticed she had been looking at him. Her father gave a smile and walked towards her with his arms outstretched. Annie hugged her father.

"I've missed you, it hasn't been quite right at home without you. I can't believe you have been here for three months now." Benjamin told her.

"I know, three months have gone by so fast. I have missed all of you so much. I am so glad you, Susan and Margaret are here. You plan on staying here overnight is that right?" Annie asked. Her father nodded.

"Yes, and in the morning we will all be leaving together."

Annie furrowed her brows at her father's response. Was she leaving Charles Town tomorrow?

"You mean all of us? We are all leaving Charles Town together, tomorrow?" Annie asked trying to hide the disappointment in her voice. She didn't want to leave, not after...

"That's right, we leave tomorrow after we've all had breakfast. Your aunt Charlotte will also be leaving here for her plantation on the Santee. And you will be coming back home with us." Benjamin smiled. Annie returned a faint smile.

"Is there something wrong Annie?" Benjamin asked, noticing the strange look on her face. Annie quickly shook her head.

"No, no, there is nothing wrong." Annie paused and gave a more convincing smile."I'm so excited to be going home. Not that staying here hasn't been the greatest pleasure. I just miss everyone back home."

"Well" Benjamin started."Perhaps this would be a good time to start packing your clothes and such before we sit down to enjoy dinner." Benjamin suggested. Annie nodded and was about to turn around to retreat back upstairs, but stopped when she heard her aunt say.

"Oh Benjamin. This man here is Colonel Tavington, commander of the British Green Dragoons. He and his men have been residing in my home for a few days now." Charlotte said trying to sound as enthusiastic as she possibly could.

Annie turned around and tried not to smile when she saw him standing a few feet away from her. She hoped Tavington wouldn't do anything suspicious like smile at her or stare at her like he seem to always do. Annie tried not to make eye contact with Tavington, but it had been so hard not to. Benjamin said nothing for a moment and just looked at Colonel Tavington, Tavington did the same. Annie hated the tension between the two.

Say Something!

"A pleasure to meet you Mr Martin." Is all that Tavington said.

"A pleasure to be able to meet you as-well Colonel Tavington. I've heard so much about you. It's strange meeting you in person." Benjamin replied. The tension was growing and Annie couldn't handle it, she felt like her father was challenging Tavington.

"If you will excuse me, I think I will returning to my room." Annie turned to her sister.

"Susan, Margaret would you like to come with me?" Annie asked her sisters both nodded and began following their older sister upstairs.

Once Annie and her two sisters reached her room, Annie went straight for her dressers opened them and began throwing her clothes onto her bed, Susan and Margaret just watched as their sister rummaged through her drawers and closet throwing her clothing about. Once she had cleared out her clothes she made her way to her bed and began folding and organizing her petticoats, shifts, and stays.

"Is that the dress aunt Charlotte gave to you as a gift Annie?" Margaret asked. Annie stopped folding and turned to her sister. She practically forgot her sisters were there, she was to preoccupied with packing her clothes. Annie decided to stop packing all together and pushed her clothes out of the way and sat atop her bed, her sisters did the same.

"Yes, yes it is. I am afraid it is not in the best condition though. I had fallen asleep in my clothes before father and yourselves had arrived."

"It looks beautiful on you." Margaret pointed out, Annie smiled.

"What has been going on back at home? How is William coming along? I'm sure you have done a wonderful job teaching him." Annie asked.

"He is doing well," Margaret smiled proudly." He has begun writing sentences like, my name is William, and such." Margaret beamed. Annie returned the smile she was proud of her sister's accomplishments with their youngest brother William, over the course of three months.

"Very good indeed! I believe you are becoming a better teacher than I, Margaret."

There was a silence and Annie noticed that her sister Susan was still not talking, Annie watched as Susan sat in silence while she held on tightly to their mothers old doll, Susan had received from their aunt Charlotte.

"She's still not talking?" Annie whispered to Margaret, Margaret shook her head and whispered back.

"No."

It was finally time for dinner and Annie and her sisters were starving. Entering the dining room Annie and her sisters seated themselves together at the dinner table. Annie thought dinner had already felt odd to her. Usually Annie and her aunt would be accompanied by Tavington and his men. But instead the dinner table had been occupied by only herself, her sisters, father and aunt Charlotte. Annie hadn't seen Tavington since her father and sisters were in the foyer, Annie thought perhaps Tavington and a few of his men, if not all of them left the house for the night. Hopefully Annie thought to herself, Tavington and the rest would not return back as intoxicated as they were the previous night.

"How is everything back at home Father? How is Thomas doing now that Gabriel, is not home?" Annie wondered.

Thomas and Gabriel were so close even Thomas and Annie were close. What was he doing back at home without them she wondered.

"He's doing just fine, still eager to follow in his Gabriel footsteps as always, but," Benjamin swallowed his food. "He has been spending most of his days playing and swimming in the stream with Samuel and Nathan."

"I'm glad to hear that, the last time I had received a letter a month ago from Thomas, he had mentioned one of the horses had escaped the stables and ran away from home." Annie said. Benjamin paused for a moment before he took a drink.

"Yes, and as a matter of fact it had been your horse that escaped its stable, Thomas, Nathan and Samuel had almost spent the entire day trying to find him, but they eventually found him grazing in a distant field. I believe that horse of yours is beginning to miss you as-well." Benjamin gave a small laugh.

"Good Lord! Well I am glad they found him, I admit I would be quite devastated if my horse were never to return home." Annie breathed a sigh of relief.

"Tell us all about your stay here in Charles Town Annie. I don't think you've ever visited Charles Town for more than a few weeks let alone three months." Benjamin asked. Annie placed down her fork and knife, she was prepared to explain a great portion of her experience in Charles Town to her family.

"Well let me start by staying, I am so grateful that aunt Charlotte has allowed me to stay in Charles Town with her. I will greatly miss Charles Town and my friends when it is time for us to leave. So much has gone on here, great things. I've spent most of my days here in Charles Town exploring the city and spending time with my friends, Mariah, Sophia, Dorothy, they are all doing well. Except I don't think I could say the same for poor Josephine." Annie paused and her heart sank in her stomach when another one of her friends crossed her mind. James Wilkins.

Oh good Lord, how could I forget, James Wilkins had asked to court me this afternoon!

Annie immediately felt like she wanted to excuse herself from the dinner table so she could have some time to herself in her room to think. What was Annie to do now?

"Gabriel had informed me of Peter's death as-well." Her father paused. "We are so sorry Annie for you and Peters family's loss. I know Peter had been a dear friend to you Annie and someone you deeply cared about and quite possibly loved." Benjamin told his daughter.

"Thank you." Annie quietly responded.

But I never loved him Father.

"Mrs Cuppin I am afraid is not doing so well, her illness has increased quite significantly." Annie answered.

"Really? That's quite a shame." Benjamin sympathetically replied.

"I believe I remember you once telling me Annie that your friend Dorothy was planning to be married this fall?" Annie heard her sister Margaret asked from beside her.

"Yes, I nearly forgot. It's unfortunate that I won't be in Charles Town. Perhaps I could come back for the wedding." Annie replied.

"It is sad that we must leave Charles Town. I would love to be able to stay in my own home but I don't know if I could ever get used to Dragoon officers residing in my house. The British have taken over the entire city of Charles Town and I am afraid Charles Town just doesn't seem right any more with the enemy invading." Charlotte said bringing her voice down to almost a whisper.

She made sure to be cautious when speaking of the British soldiers she feared one of the officers or even Tavington would over hear her.

"I admit I became overtaken with worry when you mention Colonel Tavington was staying under the same roof as yourself and my own daughter. I have received many letters from Gabriel regarding the British Green Dragoons and Colonel Tavington. Apparently Tavington has been given the nickname 'The Butcher' by many. The things he has done is nothing short of barbaric, burning down homes, slaughtering American soldiers senselessly during battle. You can understand as to why I was so worried, I am still worried for you and Annie's safety, Charlotte. Which is why I think leaving tomorrow would be the best thing to do." Benjamin finished. Annie wanted to leave the dinner table, she couldn't believe what her father was saying. Was this what the man she was falling for was really like... A butcher?

"Being in the presence of Colonel Tavington and his men hasn't been as bad as you may have imagined. In fact Colonel Tavington has not tried to harm myself or aunt Charlotte he has been a gentlemen in our presence."

"Annie, forgive me but I do not think entering a home at an ungodly hour intoxicated is something a gentleman would do. I happen to agree with your father I believe it is best we leave tomorrow, so that we are far away from the presence of Tavington and his men I certainly do enjoy their company in the least." Charlotte replied with a sneer. Annie thought her aunt was over exaggerating, she made it sound like Tavington's company was torturous. Annie wanted to argue back to her aunt but she knew it would be inappropriate and she would be scolded by both her father and Aunt. Instead Annie decided to eat and hardly say a word for the remainder of dinner.

When Dinner was over Annie, Margaret and Susan returned upstairs. Annie decided she would finish packing before going to bed. As she began packing she felt a feeling of disappointment, sadness and anger. She wanted to stay in Charles Town no matter how much she did miss home she wanted to stay even if it was only for another week or two. She was leaving behind so much. Annie also felt a sense of worry, she didn't have a clue as to what she was going to write to James. Annie knew there would be no time to say her goodbyes to James or her friends the next day, she would have to write a letter to each of them apologizing for the sudden departure. And what would she tell Tavington? They had only just began to really get to know know one another and Annie believe she was even falling for Tavington and fast. But, Annie had no choice but to leave Charles Town the next day with her father and sisters, soon she would return home and go back to her regular routine of teaching and looking after her younger siblings and helping Abigail around the house. Once Annie was finished gathering and packing all of her clothes away, she wanted nothing more but to go to bed and fall asleep allowing herself to forget the day.

"It's time to get to bed now you two. Let's get into our nightgowns then shall we?" Annie said, that was the only things she hadn't packed, along with a hairbrush and the clothes she had been currently wearing. She helped Susan get into her nightgown and she braided both Susan and Margaret's hair, while she decided to let her hair hang freely down her back. Annie pulled down the covers and quickly got into bed, along with her sisters who curled up beside her, Margaret rested her head on Annie's shoulder and held onto her arm while Susan did the same to Margaret. Soon Annie's two sisters would fall asleep leaving Annie wide awake with thoughts of Colonel Tavington and James Wilkins running through her mind.

It had seemed to be hours since Annie noticed her sisters had fallen asleep and now Annie believed she was the only one left awake in the house. Annie would occasionally doze of to sleep but moments later be woken up again by her own mind. Annie knew she would have to spend another night falling in and out of sleep.

I wonder if Colonel Tavington has come back yet?

Was he still at the tavern she wondered, or was he fast asleep warm and comfortable in his room which had been four doors down from hers? She wanted to know. So a few moments later Annie sat upright in her bed and looked around the room and looked at both Margaret and Susan. Margaret was fast asleep but it seemed Susan was a little restless, but she was still asleep. Annie decided to quietly swing her legs over the bed and place them gently on the floor below. Annie slowly stood up from her bed and walked towards a candle which she had left burning before going to bed. Taking the candle, Annie turned to walk out of her room. She managed to open the door halfway before her sister Susan jumped out of bed.

"Susan what's wrong?" Annie asked, Annie turned to Susan and knelt down in-front of her holding the candle up to her sister she noticed Susan's face was rather pale. Susan of course said nothing but just pointed to her stomach and made a strange face.

"Are you feeling ill Susan, does your stomach hurt at all?" Annie asked in concern, Susan nodded her head. Annie soon feared her sister would become sick and perhaps throw up, so she decided instead of seeing if Tavington was in his room she would help Susan. Annie stood up and held out her hand for Susan to take.

"Come Susan, we shall go to the kitchen and I will see if I can make you a tea with some ginger and chamomile. Father and Mother use to make me tea filled with Ginger and chamomile whenever I felt ill, and It always seemed to help me." Annie said as she began making her way downstairs with her Susan.

The two quietly made their way through the dark with only a candle lighting the way to the kitchen. Once both sisters entered the kitchen Annie gathered what she needed to light a fire in the kitchens hearth, grabbing a pot full of water she hung it over with fire and waiting for the water to boil. She rummaged through the kitchen trying to find ginger and chamomile, while Susan sat atop of one of the kitchens tables and patiently waited for her tea. Annie finally founded ginger but still needed to find chamomile, while looking through one of the cupboards she stopped when both her and Susan heard the sound of the front door opening and closing. The two looked at one another and without a second thought Annie left the kitchen and quickly made her way to the foyer to see who was there. Reaching the foyer she stopped and smiled when she saw Colonel Tavington.

"Have you been waiting here all night for me to return?" He said raising his eyebrows, Annie shook her head.

"No, I was upstairs. I was laying in bed wide awake and it was then I wondered if you were in your room or if you had still been absent. I got out of bed to check if you were in your room but my youngest sister Susan woke up and was feeling nauseous, so we came down here so I could make her some tea." Annie stopped and noticed she could smell a pungent smell of alcohol on Tavington.

"Are you soused William?"

"No I am not and I assume we won't be spending any time alone together since your sister is not far. I have no desire to retire for the night. Do you mind if I join you and your sister in the kitchen then?" Tavington asked

"Of course, you may join us." Annie answered. Both Annie and William walked together to the kitchen, entering the kitchen Annie noticed her pot of water was beginning to bubble and overflow, quickly running towards the pot, she took the pot away from the heat of the fire and poured the hot water into a cup she had placed in-front of her sister. As Annie did this, Susan paid no attention to her sister and instead kept her eyes on Tavington who stood in the kitchen doorway. Susan watched him wide eyed and held her mother's doll close to her chest.

"Now Susan you will have to wait to drink your tea until I find the chamomile, and cut up some ginger." Annie told Susan.

Annie looked up from the steaming hot water to her sister and noticed Susan was looking at Tavington, she gave a slight smile. Annie noticed her sister did not seem frightened, but intrigued by the familiar man in red and green.

"Susan this is Colonel Tavington, remember? He is the man you met when you arrived here." Susan nodded her head. Colonel Tavington walked past the doorway and towards

Susan. When reaching Susan he playfully extended his hand to Susan. Susan hesitated for a moment before giving him her hand. Annie wanted to know what was going through Susan's mind, was it their father's words that disturbed her.

'Apparently Tavington has been given the nickname 'The Butcher' by many. The things he has done is nothing short of being barbaric, burning down homes, slaughtering American soldiers senselessly during battle.'

Susan placed her tiny hand in Tavingtons, Tavington raised her hand to his lips and gave her a small gentle kiss. Susan gave out a giggle and took her hand out of Tavingtons. William gave a small smile.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Susan. Colonel William Tavington commander of the British Green Dragoons at your service madame." Susan couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. And Annie sworn she could have seen a small blush appear on the apples of her cheeks.

"What a Gentlemen." Annie teased before she decided to continue her search for some chamomile. Tavington decided to seat himself at a small wooden table located in the middle of the room he watched as Annie finally found what she needed and began crushing the ginger and chamomile and putting it into Susan's tea.

"Now be very careful it's hot, we don't want you burning your mouth and tongue." Annie warned Susan.

"Your sister seems very sweet, how old are you Susan?" Tavington wondered.

"She's five," Tavington heard Annie say." I'm sorry, she doesn't talk, she hasn't since our mother passed away," Annie answered sitting down with two tea cups one for herself and one for Tavington. "Would you like some tea William?" Annie asked.

"Please." Tavington paused. "Your mother's death must have been very traumatic than for poor little Susan." William stopped again and turned to Susan he noticed she looked a little sad at the mentioning of their mother. Tavington also noticed the little doll Susan was holding onto so dearly. The doll looked rather old it was made out of wood, the brown dress of the doll needed mending it was slightly tattered and the dolls blonde curls were wild and frizzy.

"That's a very lovely doll Susan, does she have a name?" William asked Susan.

Susan looked down at her doll and began petting the doll's head and tangling her small fingers in the doll's curls. Annie watched as Susan hopped off of the table she had been sitting on and walked up to Tavington shyly before she extended her arms and offered Tavington to hold her doll and inspect it. Annie was surprised Susan was letting Colonel Tavington take her doll into his hands.

"We don't know what her name is,"Annie paused. "Susan," She looked at her sister, who was watching Tavington carefully as he held the doll in his hands. "Shall we give your doll a name?" Annie asked.

Susan nodded and smiled widely. Annie thought for moment trying to think of a name. While Annie thought of a name Tavington didn't take his eyes off of the doll, he began thinking of his childhood with his siblings back in Liverpool. His sister had a doll almost like Susan's it was a wooden doll except Tavington remembered the doll wore a floral dress, was quite pale and had brown hair and a small hat. His sister loved her doll he remembered one day, his sister Priscilla dropped her doll causing one of the arms to break off. She was devastated and wouldn't stop crying until William mended her doll for her, making another arm.

"My sister Priscilla had a doll, her doll's name was Claire." Tavington told Susan as he held the doll out in-front of Susan. Taking her doll out of Tavington's hands she smiled and began nodding her head up and down in excitement.

"What? Did you figure out a name Susan? Priscilla perhaps?" Susan shook her head. Tavington guessed again."Claire?" Susan nodded and continued to smile.

"Well, Claire it is then." Annie laughed. Susan walked back to the table she had been sitting on and grabbed her tea cup by the handle she walked back to Tavington and placed her teacup on the table in front of Tavington. Then she turned to William and extended her arms hoping he would pick her up and place her in his lap. Annie noticed this and didn't think it was a good idea.

"Susan." Annie said in a way that told Susan that she was doing something wrong. Before Susan could drop her arms back down by her side. Tavington looked to Annie, then back to Susan before talking Susan and placing her on his knee. Tavington had to admit, this was odd. He hadn't been so close to a child since his sister gave birth to his third nephew back in Liverpool. He didn't hate children, he just had little time for them. Susan sat in Tavingtons lap and got comfortable placing her doll on the table she took her tea cup and took a long drink of her tea.

"I'm Sorry William, she has never done this before. I can tell her to sit somewhere else if you like." Annie said, she didn't know if Tavington was bothered or uncomfortable having a five year old sit on his knee. William shook his head.

"It's fine, she is no nuisance to me." He replied. Annie nodded and sat back in her chair with her tea in hand, she took a sip of tea before she decided she would tell Tavington of her family's plans.

"It has been decided by my father and aunt that we will be leaving Charles Town tomorrow. I do not wish to leave, but my family insists that it is time for myself to join my brothers and sisters back at home. I'm afraid this will be one of the last times we will see or speak to one another." Annie explained. Tavington couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment.

"It's a pity, we were just starting to really get to know one another, a shame we won't be able to spend more time with each other once you leave."

"Do you think this will be the very last time we see each other William?" Annie asked hoping he would say no, but by the look on Tavington's face she knew this would in fact be one of the last times she would see him. It wasn't fair, she wanted more time to be with Tavington, more time to get to know him. More time to perhaps fall for him.

Don't be so foolish, good Lord, you have only just met the man practically!Annie scolded herself.

"We will have to leave that in fates hands Annie. What time will you be leaving tomorrow?"

"After breakfast."

"I see."

There was a few moments of silence and Annie noticed Susan had fallen asleep in Tavingtons arms. Annie herself was feeling rather tired and decided that perhaps it would be best for her to get some sleep. Tavington noticed little Susan sleeping. He looked down and noticed she was gently holding on to his arm and her face was pressed against his upper arm, her mouth was slightly open. Annie got up from her seat and rounded the table she slightly bent over to gather her sleeping sister into her arms.

"I believe it is time for my sister and I to get to bed. Goodnight William." Annie said before she could leave Tavington stood up and grabbed her arm stopping her from walking away. He lowered his head and gently kissed Annie's forehead.

"Goodnight Annie." William said before Annie left the kitchen with Susan in her arms.

As Annie walked down a long narrow hallway, she couldn't help but feel selfish. She felt selfish because this whole time she hadn't given James Wilkins much thought, her good friend someone she felt feelings for and still held some feelings for. She felt like she was betraying him, when she had went to bed the previous night, she stayed awake for most of the night thinking. And the more she thought about James Wilkins the more she felt guilty. And now she would be leaving Charles Town without being able to say goodbye to James.

You have gotten too carried away with Tavington!

Annie walked down the stairs and placed some of her things in the foyer along with her aunts things, the entire house had been busy all morning, her aunt Charlotte and her servants spent most of the morning packing her valuables and clothing. Now it was time for Annie and her family to leave Charles Town behind them.

"Annie we will be leaving the house shortly, now is the time to check your room and see if you have forgot anything. By the time you get back down to the foyer we should be all ready to go." Benjamin said to his daughter. Annie nodded, she had one last trunk to retrieve from her room. Leaving the foyer Annie headed towards her room to grab her things.

Entering her room she grabbed her things and looked around the room for a moment before leaving. She took in her surroundings she was to make sure she would cherish and remember her last moments in her aunt's home and Charles Town. Annie didn't know when she would ever return to Charles Town. She finally stepped out of her room and closed the door behind her. Walking down the hall she stopped midway when she saw Colonel Tavington step out of his room, with only his breeches and low cut white blouse. She stood in silence waiting for Tavington to say something.

"Annie will you come here for a moment, I wish to speak with you." Tavington stated, Annie thought for a moment before she decided to approach Tavington, she stopped in-front of him and waited for him to begin to speak. Before Tavington said anything he turned around and went back into his room, he expected Annie to follow, but she hadn't. Instead she stood at the doorway and gave him a confused look.

"Please come in." Tavington said, he sounded awfully suspicious to Annie.

"In your room? Colonel I don't believe that would be appropriate. I must leave now my family are waiting for me." Annie said. Tavington wondered why it seemed Annie had changed so suddenly, last night she was going on about how she didn't want to leave. And why did she address him as Colonel he told her to call him by his given name.

"Of course in here." Tavington scoffed he took a few steps towards Annie and grabbed her hand pulling her into his room. Once she was in his room he walked around her and closed the door so they could have some privacy. Tavington came up from behind Annie grabbed her shoulders and spun her around so she was facing him. Within an instant Tavington mouth came crashing down on Annie's. Annie pulled away.

"Colonel..." she breathed, feeling light headed. Tavington interrupted her.

"I don't want to hear you say Colonel, Darling. I told you to call me William remember." Tavington said annoyed. Annie quickly nodded before Tavington kissed her again and again. Annie could feel her heart pounding in her chest again as Tavington started trailing kisses along her jawline and down her neck. Tavington could feel her pulse beat against his lips he smiled to himself.

"William...Oh, please."Annie begged."I have to go, my family will be looking for me, what if they find me and you," She gasped with pleasure. "Here together." She breathed heavily she held onto Tavington for dear life trying not to fall to his feet, her knees were weak.

"You are clinging to me dear, perhaps you should lay down on the bed?" Tavington murmured as he buried his head into her neck. Before Annie could even answer Tavington had already grabbed her turned her around and guided her towards the bed. Once she was standing with her back to the bed Tavington gently pushed her causing her to fall backwards onto the bed, Tavington quickly made his way on-top of her.

"Oh, Annie... I've wanted this for days you know? You're so beautiful, so hard to resist. And now that I have you here I don't think I will be able to stop." Tavington growled with pleasure. Annie pushed her hands against his chest.

"No! I can't let you do this, Colonel I will not allow you to take my innocence!" Annie practically yelled. Tavington suddenly felt very cautious.

"Annie, I won't if you don't want me to, just please try to lower your voice. Or someone will be sure to catch us." Tavington warned her.

"We don't have much time. I have to leave Colonel. I-" Tavington didn't want to hear any more, so he placed his lips on her mouth. Instead of a loving and tender kiss he deepened the kiss so it was passionate, rough. Annie let a few moans of pleasure escape her lips but tried to be as quiet as she could, but it was so hard. Annie didn't know how to handle this. She gasped and her eyes widened, not because of the pleasure but because she heard the sound of Tavington's door open, Tavington was just as surprised.

Bloody hell, please don't let it be her father!

Tavington quickly turned his head around and noticed a small figure was at the door. It was little Susan, Tavington thought she must have come looking for Annie and heard her moans from outside of the door. Annie wiggled herself from under Tavington and ran around the bed towards Susan who stood wide eyed as-well.

"Oh good Lord, Susan. I am so sorry! Please I am begging you not to say a word to Father about this. Please you must promise me" Annie panicked, Susan hesitated and then nodded. In a way Annie was relieved it was only Susan and a part of her was glad Susan didn't talk. Annie turned her head to look back at Tavington one last time before she grabbed her things and left the room with Susan.

"Goodbye Colonel Tavington." Annie's voice shook.

Her heart was still pounding in her chest when she rushed out of Tavingtons room and down the hall. When Annie reached the stairs and joined her family who was waiting for her in the foyer, Charlotte noticed she looked a little strange.

"Annie, are you al right?" Charlotte asked concerned.

"I'm fine." Was Annie's only reply. Benjamin, a handful of Charlotte's servants and her sisters began gathering their things and one by one left the house. Once everything had been placed in the carriages Annie noticed her aunt Charlotte had been standing in front of her home, her eyes roamed the outside of the house. Annie walked up to her aunt.

"I know how hard this must be for you, you've lived in this house for so long. You must feel horrible having to leave it behind." Annie said.

"Yes, it is, it is very hard leaving this house behind, especially when this house has been taken away from me... You have been a great company to me Annie, it was rather nice having you stay with me for three months. Perhaps when I move into my plantation you can come by and visit with the rest of the family. I would very much like that" Charlotte replied with a smile. Annie smiled back.

"Of course aunt Charlotte." Annie answered.

"Well, goodbye Annie." Charlotte said taking her niece into a warm embrace.

"Goodbye aunt Charlotte."

Once the embrace had ended Annie turned away from her aunt and walked towards her father's carriage where her sisters and father had been waiting for her. Annie climbed into the carriage and seated herself beside Susan who held on tightly to Claire. Annie just stared at Susan's doll. Annie knew now that every time she would look at the doll she would think of Tavington, since he had been the one who names Susan's doll Claire. Annie took her eyes off of the doll and looked at her aunt Charlotte's house, she looked towards the window secretly hoping Tavington would be there watching her. But she saw no one in any of the windows. The carriage started rolling forward, soon she would be back at home. There would be no more Charles Town, no more visits with friends, no more James, and no more Tavington. She looked to the right of her, away from her sisters and father. Annie silently and secretly hid the tears that escaped her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.