Tavington's Christmas

It was a cold day.

There were only two days left until Christmas. The snow was falling heavily. There was already enough snow that the coach had skids. The occupants inside had warm furs about then to protect then from the harsh climate.

The coach pulled up to Middleton Place. The driver jumped down into the snow and opened the door. First to exit was a man. He turned and offered his hand. The driver did as well. Two thin slender hands reached out and took theirs. A form in a thick cloak and cowl stepped out.

From the heavy skirts and way the men were acting it was surely a lady. She walked to the stairs unaided as a woman in a thick mantle came out. A boy followed her. Once outside she lifted him to her hip. She wore a small white hat on her head. She was a nursemaid. She drew her mantle around them to fight off the snow and cold.

The woman walked forward. The man rushed to open the door for her. He bowed as he did so.

She muttered her thanks and walked in. She walked into the great entry and lifted her head slightly. A man in a uniform approached. He was a general. His wig sat half hazard on his head. His sea green eyes sparkled in the light.

"Welcome." He bowed and greeted. She offered her hand, which he promptly kissed. "I am General Kelly O'Hara at your service madam."

"Please general, I have traveled hard."

"Of course." He interrupted and extended his arm. "You must be exhausted. Come with me. I will show you your rooms."

"That is kind, but I wish to see the Lord General first."

"Naturally."

He led her to a great office. She looked about noting the fire in the hearth. She saw a painting and walked to it. It was of a young soldier in British uniform.

She was so captivated, that she failed to notice another enter the room. "A great work of art, is it not madam."

She jumped and whirled on the elder man of about forty standing only a few feet from her.

"I'm sorry. I did not mean to startle you." He said softly. She nodded as he continued. "I am Charles Cornwallis Lord General of His Majesty's Legion in the South." He bowed and kissed the offered hand softly.

She lowered the hood to reveal a beautiful young woman. She had her long reddish hair in several braids. Her eyes were so dark they were almost violet. Her skin was porcelain white which made a contrast to her dark cloths.

"I am Isabelle. I have come to see my husband since I have been deprived of his company these past two and a half years."

"Who prey is you husband, madam?" Cornwallis asked. "He has been serving in a grand cause."

"Lieutenant-Colonel William Tavington." She said softly. "Aye for King and Country." She sounded proud and yet sad. "I came to wish him a happy Christmas and show him his son."

O'Hara's eyes bulged the first time when she said she was the Colonel's wife. Then when she mentioned her son they grew wider.

"What General? Did you think him a single man?"

"He does not seem the sort to marry a beauty as yourself, madam." O'Hara stammered.

"You seem young to bee married." Cornwallis said.

"I am 22." She said.

She waved to the young woman by the door. She was cooing at the boy in her arms. She set him down and he went to his mother's side. He was a large young boy of perhaps three or four years. He looked defiantly up at the Lord General. There was no doubt who his father was. He bore the same chiseled features and big blue eyes.

"What is your name young man?" Cornwallis asked stooping to look at the boy.

"Ro.Ro.Robert sir." He stuttered.

"Ahh.Would you like some candy?" Cornwallis asked. "That is if your mother approves."

She smiled and nodded. The boy followed Cornwallis to his desk and received a bit of sugar on a stick.

"My Lord, I do not wish my husband to know that we are here until your ball."

Cornwallis rustled the boy's hair. "Of course Mrs. Tavington."

The days past without many even knowing of her presence. She ate with her maid and son and did not stray from her rooms. Cornwallis came to her twice to inform her of the plans.

She looked at herself in the mirror. Most of her hair was curled and fell in ringlets about her head. She wore a blue dress with a silver chain around her neck. A small crucifix was on it. She was a devoted Catholic woman, which was why she married the Colonel before he came to the colonies. He loved her and had pursued her and she had flirted often at social gatherings in London. One night she yielded to him and she became his. He married her so he could support her when her left.

He had never known of their son, who was now two years old. Robert was a miniature of his father. She looked at her son standing next to his nurse. "Today is a big day." His mother said kneeling before him. "You get to meet your father."

He smiled and they made their way down to the grand ballroom. She entered and immediately Cornwallis came to her side. She curtsied deeply to him. He bowed and kissed her lace-gloved hand. "Welcome my dear. You have come to seal the ball I see. Hello young man." He said addressing her son.

"Robert." His mother hissed.

The boy jumped and bowed stiffly to the Lord General, who watched with great amusement. He took the boy's hand. "Welcome young master Tavington."

He smiled.

The Lord General introduced then to countless people. Then there was much chatter as several men arrived late. Isabelle caught sight of the tall man in a red and green formal uniform. His powerful legs were incased in his breeches and white hose under. He wore silver buckle shoes. At his side was a dress saber. He wore a formal cravat, which showed his formal waistcoat and jacket trimmed gold. He was a very handsome man with cold features. His dark hair was pulled back in a tight queue. Not a strand was out of place.

He grabbed a glass of wine from a passing waiter. He took a deep sip and seemed to be observing as well. She smiled remembering how much he hated such events, but went to them anyway to save face.

Cornwallis stepped from her and a circle was formed around him of his guests. "Ladies and Gentlemen. I believe it is time to unwrap our gifts." He smiled after the cheers died. "Starting with my brave Dragoon officer. Colonel Tavington."

The Colonel looked bemused as he walked into the center with perfect military bearing. One hand was behind him and the other held the stem of his wineglass.

"What is your most wanted Christmas Colonel?" Cornwallis asked.

"That we give the rebels a damn good thrashing sir." He said in his soft deep voice.

"Yes, but other than that."

He sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. "To hold my young wife in my arms sir."

Isabelle smiled as she softly began to sing in her soft musical voice. "It can not be seen, it can not be felt, can not be hear, it can not be smelt. It lies beyond stars and under hills, and empty holes it fills. It comes first and follows after..."

Tavington turned trying to home on the soft sound as she skirted the outside.

"...ends life and kills laughter.¹" She continued as the crowd parted to the side of him. She stood several yards from him as he turned and gazed in surprise at her. Shock was clearly written on his features as he looked at his beautiful and young wife for the first time in two and a half years.

"The answer is Dark." He said softly. He had a passion for riddles. She knew this. She smiled at him. He shook his head and went towards her rapidly as she came to him. He grabbed her waist and lifted her as he swung her about. He kissed her as tears of joys ran down her cheeks. He pulled back with his own in his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. He smiled at her and he let her feet touch the earth again.

"Belle." He said softly almost like a prayer.

"William."

"How did you? Why.?" She put a finger to his lips to stop his words. She kissed him and then turned.

"I have some one to introduce to you." She said. "Robert."

Nervously the boy came from beside his nurse's skirts. He came to his mother's side and looked at the man before him. Tavington looked at the boy. "Whose is this boy?" He asked as if there was any doubt.

"He is your son. Our son, William." She said softly. He gazed at her in shock and then pulled her to him. He kissed her and then knelt to face the boy.

"Hello." He said. "I'm your father."

"I know." The boy said. "You're bigger than mommy said."

"Robert!"

William smiled and opened his arms. The boy timidly stepped into them. William Tavington hugged his son and then lifted him on one arm so he faced his wife again. He kissed her deeply which made the boy cringe, but the officers and women cheered and clapped.

"Merry Christmas darling," She whispered as he pulled back.

"The merriest my sweet. The merriest." Tavington said as everyone raised a glass in a toss by Cornwallis to their new found happiness.

The End

Notes:

¹ From the hobbit by J.J.R Tolken, but fits. [ back ]

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