The Butchers Love

Chapter 56

20 years later...

William Benedict James Tavington had been gone for twenty years. In Mable's mind, it felt like yesterday when they met on that dirt road. She looked over the table, her two sons and daughter were sat eating their breakfast. Edward was going to his sweetheart. William was supposed to leave for England to go to Oxford university in a mere few hours. And Serena was going to Charlestown with her betrothed. Her children were treasures in her eyes, all three of them. Serena and William were twins and they both resembled their mother. But Edward, christ, he was a spitting image of his father only his eyes were a little darker.

"Mother, What are you doing today?" Asked Serena.

"After I've bade farewell to your brother, I'm going to your father's grave" Mable muttered and took a sip of her tea "I miss him, that's all"

"I remember his eyes, that's about it" Edward mumbled as he finished a bread roll "I wish he was here, I'd need his expertise in romance"

"Oh trust me, your father was hopeless" Mable chuckled and looked down at her tea. Her husband was a very hopeless romantic, but she loved him non the less.

Serena smiled slightly and finished her porridge "I wish I had met him"

"he would've loved to be here, he loved all three of you" Mable muttered as tears started to burn the rims of her eyes "but he was in pain, so much pain"

"Don't cry mamma" William mumbled and wrapped his arms around his mother "Father wouldn't want you to be upset"

"He'll be waiting for you Mamma"

"I know" said Mable "it's hard, that's all" she murmured and looked over at her children "Anyway, William, you're going to be late"

"My belongings are already aboard the ship, I'll be there in an hour" Little William gathered his satchel and haversack "Don't forget to write to me, I'll be in England in a month"

"your godfather is going to greet you, be nice to him or else" Mable sternly spoke before standing and walking towards her son "And your cravat isn't straight!" she quickly adjusted it and looked up "Honestly, you're just like your father"

Edward started laughing, he had received a letter from James Borden "Ma, you never said anything about father riding into a branch!" he quickly folded the letter and stuffed it into his pocket.

"I thought he was joking" Mable mumbled and looked up at the clock "by God, William you're going to be late!"

"My horse is already saddled, I'll be going in five minutes" William mumbled and looked down at his hands "Edward be sensible and when you get married, I'll be there. Serena don't steal my books or I'll swim the sea to murder you. And mother, please don't worry about me"

"Are you sure that you have everything?"

"I do, I even have father's flintlock"

"why on earth would you need that?!" Serena asked and looked up at her brother "Don't you be getting yourself killed in a duel!"

William started laughing before saying "No, It's a good luck charm of sorts"

"people knew of your father's name in England, make your family proud alright?" Mable asked and brought her child into an embrace "No dueling, drinking or gambling"

"Christ is he to have any fun at all?" Edward sighed and picked up his coat from the peg on the wall "I must be off, Josephine is waiting for me, good luck baby brother"

"thanks Eddie" William mumbled and glanced at her sister, bless her, she was on the brink of tears "Don't cry rena, I'll still write to you"

"You better or I'll personally murder you"

Mable shook her head and squeezed William's shoulder "be safe and write as soon as possible"

"I will mamma" William smiled and hugged her tightly "I love you, you too rena and Eddie" then he gathered his things and walked towards the door "Will you see me off?" he called from outside

Mable nodded and rushed to the door, William was already on his horse. They defiantly got their riding skills from their father "Be safe love!" she called from the door.

"I will, Love you ma!" then he spurred his horse and started to canter down the road.

"That's another one my love, all grown up and leaving the nest" Mable muttered and looked towards where her dearest was buried "I love you still" she looked down at the locket around her neck, opening it and admiring the small painting of her husband. She felt a pain in her chest, just above her heart. Mable missed him, his funny words and especially his eyes.

10 years later...

Mable was laid in her bed, clutching onto her husband's rosery. Her time had finally come, she was going to meet William again.

Her three children were there,

Edward, his wife and children, Joseph and Mary. Serena and her husband. She was finally with child after years of trying. Mable couldn't be happier for her. William was with his wife and their four children. All boys, Alexander, Matthew, James and John.

But all Mable wanted to do was be in the arms of her husband again. She was ready to see him now, after thirty years and at the age of fifty-two, she wanted her husband now. Her dearest William always said that she'd have at least fifty chapters in her life. But her story would be carried on by her children and grandchildren. And William got his wish, his name, bloodline and legacy were all secured by his children.

______________________________________

When Mable passed, she felt nothing but relief "My dearest Mable" she heard her husband say "It's been a long time since we last met" William Tavington smiled.

"Yes well, you're stuck with me for eternity now" Mable spoke and rushed up to him, pulling him into an embrace.

William let out a small laugh and wrapped his arms around her "And I wouldn't have it any other way, we have nothing to lose now"

"Lead the way Colonel"

Fin.