The Butchers Love

Chapter 14

Tavington's POV
When I woke up the next day I realised that Borden did have a point, if I carried on how I was I would surely become my father. Then for the sake of the many around me I decided to limit my drinking.

After buttoning up my waistcoat I heard some commotion coming from Mable's room. As quickly as possible I pulled on my boots and walked out of my room.

Captain Taylor had returned and he was in a pretty heated argument with Mable. With a small cough I got his attention "What is the shouting for?" I sighed and leant against the wall.

"That is non of your concern" Taylor spat and scowled at me.

"Are you aware that I'm your superior officer, now unless you want some lashes and and awful dose of shame, I suggest that you tell me why you're shouting"

"we just got into an argument, that's all, sir"

"about?"

"Who sent her them damn flowers"

"Would it matter who sent her them flowers? She is a woman of free will" I looked towards Mable and noticed she had some tears in her eyes "has he done anything?" Mable shook her head and looked down at the floor "Captain, you are a soldier in his majesty's army, as punishment you won't be paid and you are to be sent on patrol"

"But sir-"

"No buts, get your horse ready"

"Sir-"

"I said go!" I snapped and snapped my gaze onto his eyes "Otherwise I will sent you to the front line and make sure your rations are thrown in the mud!"

"Of course" he looked at Mable for a moment before shaking his head and storming out of the room. Without saying anything I nodded and left the room to reside in my own, I was a fool for not saying anything.

Most of the day consisted of cleaning my horse and sewing up a hole in the saddle blanket. When I left the stable I saw Mable walking down to the river, I wanted to say something but I was too much of a wuss to say a single word.

I looked at the sky for a moment before shaking my head "What do I do mother" I asked in an almost muted whisper.

"Go and bloody talk to her William" I heard Borden's voice behind me "You obviously have feelings for her"

"Well she doesn't love me, I took her from her home and threatened her family, I still feel guilt by that"

"Permission to speak freely?"

"granted"

"I'm sorry to say but, pull yourself together man, you don't know what she thinks" he sighed and shook his head "I don't know what's worse, having you as my friend or as my commander"

"Well I can't exactly go up to her and confess my love, she'd think I'm crazy"

"I think she already does, and please for her sake get Taylor out of the picture"

"I caught them both arguing earlier and cut Taylor's pay and sent him on patrol"

"my friend you need to do more than that, fight for her"

"I don't think that would work, she hates it when I fight"

"Just do something before it's too late"

"What? If there is something that you know, please do tell"

"At the ball, Taylor said he would propose" Those words hit me like a bullet, he can't be serious. In an instant I turned towards him and narrowed my eyes "Yes, you heard me, pull your act together"

"Well what can I do? I'm the butcher, Borden, even if she loves me I will be dead before this war is over"

"You don't know that"

"Well even if I do survive, I have no experience with children although I want a few"

"I didn't well until mine were born, your almost 30 William, steal a dance at the ball maybe"

"Taylor has already asked her to it, I'm more than certain she won't look my way"

"Right, talk to her or I'll go and say it for you"

"You dare Borden-"

"age superiority, as your elder I say go"

"Your 3 years older than me" I looked behind me and scowled, James just shook his head "Find I'll talk to her, is that good enough for you?"

"Go, before it's too late my friend"

With a heavy sigh I walked down towards the lake, surely she couldn't have gone that far. I looked around for a while and eventually found her but she wasn't alone. Daniel must have gotten back from patrol because he was sat next to her, Reading something by the looks of it. The pain I felt was more in my chest and stomach, like someone had just cut me with a knife. I looked down at the floor before making my way back to the estate. There was no point anymore I am the only one to blame, not her, it was never her.

Once I made it back to my room I just laid on my bed and looked up at the ceiling. Everytime I heard a muffled voice or even a slight rustle I would look to the side, with any slight hope that I would see her.

"Colonel, Lord Cornwallis requests your attendance at dinner" I didn't even realise someone had come into the room.

"I'm unwell" I turned to face Borden who just leant against the wall "Christ, is it required?" he gave me a simple nod "I'll be down in five minutes" with my words he left my room and I just fell backwards into my pillow. Eventually I decided to get ready, I fixed my hair and tied it back and straightened my waistcoat before making my way down to the dining room. It was unusually quiet for a change, there was no shouting, no insults and barely even any talking.

Once I sat down I met with the eyes of General O'hara, in response I scowled and went back to eating. Dinner itself was rather nice, well until Daniel walked in. I glanced over towards Mable and stared at her for a short while. The ball was tomorrow, that is where I will tell her how I really feel.