The Butchers Love

Chapter 35

This chapter is basically William's and Mable's letters. He's trying his best and she finally comes around.

My dearest Mable,

It's only been half a week and I already miss you dearly. Here at Blackstock, it's usually quiet and it's snowing, Honestly, it's not that cold compared to England. I hope you and our child are well. Oh How I miss your gorgeous smile and chocolate brown eyes. I have some good news, I've been granted leave over Christmas and the new year.

I can't wait to see you again darling.

Forever yours,

William

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Dearest Will,

Honestly, you're the most annoying person I've ever met. Why didn't you tell me when you gave up on Ohio? When you get back from Blackstock, I wish to talk about our future. I'm overjoyed that you have leave over the new year, I've bought a couple of things from the trader for Christmas.

But before you say "You're enough" I insist, it's a time we should spend together. I hope you're alright, I miss you more than you could imagine. Be safe.

Love,

Mable

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Dear my darling Mable,

I'm glad to have heard from you, its been 2 weeks since I last saw your smile and it's driving me insane. I hope that you're well and looked after, I will be returning to you in a fortnight.

Your question deserves an answer; Ohio isn't as important as our marriage, I see that now more than ever, you're my life. We ended on a bad note, I wish that I could turn back time and undo what I said that day. I know you probably don't love me like the man I am, but I swear that I am trying to change. My men noticed the change after our first battle. My only desire is to see you with our child in your arms at our plantation. I cannot imagine my life without you, you're my one lifeline in this crue world.

I love you Mable and I cannot wait to see you again. Please write to me soon.

Forever yours,

Will (Willy)

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To my dear Willy,

I cannot wait to see you once again, when you get back, we'll talk about our child and our marriage. Are you making progress on your campaign? Are they feeding you properly? Because if they're not I'll hit them with my slipper. I woke feeling quite ill this morning, I think the little one is the cause of that. There is no need to worry or come back from your duties as its quite manageable.

I also thank you for the small landscape portrait you sent, if not for the battle I'd love to go there. I look at my locket every night, it's the closest thing I have to you at the moment.

Oh and I stole your pillow, it's rather comfortable.

With love,

Mable

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My loving wife,

I can't belong you stole my pillow of all things, along with calling me 'Willy'. That's Borden's new nickname for me anyway, thank you. The snow has fallen quite heavily over the course of the last few nights. Your letters bring me warmth and comfort each night, knowing that you've wrote them.

Our campaign has gone sideways, the patriots advanced over a hill and took a few men as prisoners. A fate worse than death. They have been feeding me rather well actually, however, beef stew with bread is now considered a delicacy.

I'm glad to hear that your sickness is manageable, I just hope I can come home soon and hold you in my arms. I love you so much Mable, you haven't to say it back, just know that I do.

I will be home soon,

From your lovable (but annoying) husband.

Will

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To my love,

I agree, you're annoying but you're also my husband. This may be one of my last letters I write, you're due back in a few days. I cannot wait to see you again Will.

When you come back, I have a little something I made for you, I hope you'll like it. The days are long without you here. It seems like years since I saw your eyes.

It only a matter of time until we meet again, I love you William. Hopefully you still return such affections.

From your loving wife,

Mable

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Tavington's POV

I clutched onto the letter Mable had sent me, holding it close to my chest before looking to the side. Honestly, we had been pushed so far back by the patriots that it was impossible to capture the land.

"James" I nodded and kicked some snow to the side "She wrote again" with a smile I looked down at the parchment before kneeling next to the fire.

"What did she say?"

"Well she said she loves me" with a faint smile, I stuffed the letter in my pocket before warming my hands by the fire "What did yours write?"

James went a visable shade of red "They miss me" he took a drink of water but ended up choking and coughing. I let out a small laugh and looked at the flames of the fire.

"I bet they do"

"Very funny Colonel"

"don't state the obvious James, you and your beloved will have plenty of time together"

James just shook his head before sitting next to me "You said earlier you had a ring for her, let's see it"

"it's literally a simple golden ring" I sighed and produced a ring from my pocket "Do you think she'll like it?"

"Sir, she was happy with copper, I think she'd be happy with that"

"I hope" A few gunshots echoed in the distance, followed by the sounds of a horse rearing up. I looked up in confused before horses hooves thundering towards us "Retreat!" this was the first battle I had lost but my main thought was getting back to Mable. alive.

As quickly as possible I put the fire out and rushed back towards my tent and threw my things into a saddlebag before picking up her letters. I folded them and put them in my pocket before rushing back outside and mounting my horse. I caught up to the group of retreating dragoons.

"Sir, what are our orders?" James asked and looked towards me.

"Blackstock isn't worth our lives, get back to Fort Carolina, we'll be there by dawn"

A few dragoons sighed until Borden shouted "Follow your damn orders!" James looked back at me before nodding.

I silently cursed myself, I had lost a battle. My first battle.