Beyond the Realms of Reason

Chapter 1: Changing Tide

Katherine Bennett watched stonily as the straw form of King George rose by its' noose. The branches of the tree shook slightly as the growing crowd tugged on the rope frantically. The torch touched it only briefly, but it burst forth in a flickering glow of orange and red. The crowd cheered deafening the night air with mad shouts of anger.

"Down with King George!" someone yelled as rocks were pelted at the smoldering scarecrow.

"I think it may be time to leave." said her father coming up behind her.

She looked down from her perch atop the balcony at the growing crowd. It had started only twenty minutes ago. She had heard the shouts from the drawing room where her hostess was discussing the latest gossip in town. Curious to see what was causing all the ruckus, they immediately opened the French doors to look over at the expanse of land near the bay. Katherine could tell that the mood was to turn violent by the way the voices kept getting louder and angrier. Now it seemed they were on the brink of a riot and she could do nothing but watch the scene unfold in front of her.

They had come to visit one of her father's good friends, a highly prestigious official in the town of Charlestown, South Carolina. Her father had insisted they leave right away after receiving a letter several days ago. She was happy to come along. It had been a long time since she had seen the city and was captivated by the large ships docked in the bay along with the constant bustle; much different than her own home located several miles on the outskirts of the town.

"I don't believe now would be a good time to leave the confines of the house James." said Henry Thomas. "You could get caught in it."

Her father, James Bennett nodded his mouth set in a thin line as he watched the scene below.

"It's starting isn't it?" asked Katherine to no one in particular.

"I believe it's imminent. The assembly will vote, but I feel there is no doubt that South Carolina will declare its' independence from Britain." replied Mr. Thomas.

She didn't respond, only watched as the crowd continued with their aggressive behavior. It was finally her father who gently led her away back into the house. She constantly turned her head to look behind her hoping that one time the mass would be gone and the night would once again be quiet.

xxxxxxx

The count was in, the voting done. South Carolina officially declared its' independence. Katherine didn't say a word as her father paced the room. Mr. Thomas sat in a high back chair his finger drumming on the arm.

"James, stop pacing, you'll wear a hole through the floor." said Mrs. Thomas bustling in with a tray of tea and biscuits. "Here eat!" she said setting the tray down with a clank, "No use worrying on an empty stomach!"

"If you ladies will excuse us, I believe we need to have a discussion." said Mr. Thomas ushering James out quickly.

Katherine watched them depart worriedly. Usually when there is a sudden need for a discussion, it isn't a good sign.

"Men!" Mrs. Thomas growled. "Get used to it honey." she said looking over at Katherine, "There are two things men get extremely secretive about…politics and money. One in the same if you ask me!"

Katherine looked at the closed library doors wondering what they were discussing. She knew little of what which men talked about. It was one of those subjects that she never was taught, especially since not having a mother in her life. Mrs. Thomas occasionally helped her with womanly things that her father could not, but there was so much she just didn't know. In essence, she never really cared too much until she turned eighteen a few months ago. Only then did she start wondering what it would be like to be kissed by a man; especially that cute Gabriel Martin who lived not that far away from them. But for some reason, her father kept her from socializing and she couldn't help but wonder why.

It was at least an hour later when the men finally came back through the door. Her father's lips were set in a fine line and she immediately could sense the tension. Something was not right.

"You're still here?" her father asked quickly masking any distress he was feeling. "I thought you would be getting ready."

"For?" Katherine asked confused.

"The ball of course! Did you forget?"

"I…I didn't realize we were still going." she replied.

"It was brought to my attention that the best thing to do is continue life as close to normal as possible. So, we're going."

Katherine couldn't hide the sudden look of excitement. "Wonderful! I'll get ready right away!" she said running out of the room and up the stairs to Mrs. Thomas.

xxxxxxxx

He saw her as soon as she entered the room. In fact, he couldn't take his eyes off of her. She walked in rustling of light blue silk, offsetting the darkness of her hair and eyes; stunning really. He followed from a safe distance oblivious to the wanted attentions of other women who batted their lashes at him. This was a new one, someone he had never met before, and the fact that she attracted his attentions right away was somewhat of a miracle. He paused as the group of men and women she entered with stopped to pay their respects to the host. He smiled as the men took their leave going into the smoking room. That would make it all the more easier for him to meet her.

She glided on the ball room floor effortlessly, her gloved hand clasped in that of her partner's. It hadn't taken long for a line of potential suitors to put their name on her dance card. He watched for a short time before going up to the young soldier and tapping him on the shoulder. The captain had turned with a scowl ready to give a berating to whoever was interrupting, but changed face quickly when he saw who it was.

"Sir" he muttered with a slight bow, stepping away immediately. He knew the man who was cutting in and he surely did not want to refuse him.

She looked confusingly between the two for a moment before being whirled once again on the dance floor.

"May I ask your name?" he asked, his crisp accent startling her slightly.

"Katherine Bennett" she said without thinking. The color of his eyes was amazing causing her to stare more than was necessary.

"Miss Bennett" he murmured, "I am delighted to meet your acquaintance."

"And yours?" she asked pulling out of the trance she was in, "I would like to know the name of the man who so rudely pulled me away from an ongoing dance."

He smiled for it wasn't said in a tone that meant disrespect, but one that was almost flirtatious.

"Colonel William Tavington of his majesty's green dragoons…at your service of course."

"Well Colonel Tavington, it's a pleasure to meet you, but if you don't mind, I do have a full dance card of those waiting and I wouldn't want to disappoint."

"Actually, I do mind. Consider your dance card cleared."

"I beg your pardon sir, but I don't believe that is within your realm of power."

"It most certainly is within my realm." he said coolly gripping her hand a little more tightly. "No one would dare challenge my authority."

"Except maybe me" she said her anger beginning to flare, "I don't like being told what to do colonel."

"Then consider it a powerful suggestion."

"Really?" she said with a roll to her eyes, "How quaint, my you must get many women in your favor talking like that."

"In fact, yes I do, persuasion is a wonderful thing."

"Not with me." she replied curtly not missing a step to the music. "There may be many who find your charms irresistible, but I find them barbaric and out of date. So maybe you should try Phyllis Walters over there." she said indicating to the side of the dance line, "She would enjoy being dragged off by a caveman. The word is she tends to go for that sort of thing."

She stopped abruptly snatching her hand back before walking off. He watched her dissolve into a sea of people with a smirk. She was a feisty wench. One he was sure to enjoy taming.

Katherine stormed off seeking peace and quiet from the racket that threatened her sanity. Colonel Tavington was an utter moron if he thought he could bully her into accompanying him all night with that type of attitude. It was a shame really, for she did consider him quite handsome on first inspection. She stepped out onto the veranda and breathed in the cool night's air. It was just what she needed to calm her nerves.

"Nice night isn't it?"

She whirled around startled at the voice. "Are you following me?"

"Yes" Tavington admitted freely.

"Why?"

"Because I find you most stimulating, and talking to you furthers my curiosity."

"You know what they say about curiosity?"

"I'm not a cat." he replied smoothly. "Pardon my previous interaction with you. I didn't mean to be overbearing. I just wanted the pleasure of your company."

Katherine raised an eyebrow, suspicious of his makeshift apology.

"Now, I would be most grateful if you gave me a moment of your time. I would enjoy your conversation." Tavington gave his most charming smile. He was not unaware of his magnetism to the opposite sex. In fact, it was one thing he took great pride in and most often he did it without thought, having woman fawn all over him like they usually did. But Katherine hadn't succumbed to his charms right away making him try harder than normal to get her attention. No matter, he could see her falter over his speech. Women were often taken in over flowery words.

"I suppose a brief moment wouldn't hurt."

"You're too kind." he murmured taking her hand and kissing it.

Katherine eyed his suspiciously again.

"Colonel, why do I feel you're playing me?"

"Nonsense, my dear, I merely wanted to chat with the loveliest lady in the room. May I ask if you are from here?"

"No, actually we are just visiting close friends of my father's. They seemed to have disappeared though."

"They left you alone?"

"Oh no, Mrs. Thomas is here somewhere. I probably should be getting back inside so she doesn't worry." she said looking through the French doors of the veranda.

"Thomas? As in Henry Thomas?"

"Yes, do you know him?"

"Only through word of mouth; he's a very influential man."

"I suppose he is." she replied a little confused. How did a high ranking British colonel know of Mr. Thomas? She hadn't realized he was that popular.

"I take it that means you don't dally in the political arena?"

"No, I mean I'm aware of the happenings of the war. My father does keep me abreast of things, but I rarely am in a position to discuss the matter."

"Pity; someone with your beauty and intelligence should have her fair share of important discussions." he said raising a hand to her face.

Katherine shifted her head back before he could touch her causing him to frown.

"Well, I appreciate your time Miss Bennett, but I will take my leave. I do have other matters to discuss with General Cornwallis."

Katherine's interest was peaked at General Cornwallis' name. She had heard that he was to be at the ball but hadn't seen him as of yet. It would have been a great honor to meet him.

Tavington turned abruptly leaving Katherine somewhat perplexed at his hasty retreat. After all, he had gone to a lot of trouble seeking her out, and to just leave so suddenly after only a few words was strange. She sauntered back into the ballroom watching as the current dance came to an end.

"There you are!" cried Mrs. Thomas running up to her. "We're were you dear? I was having a devil of a time finding you in this crowd."

"Just getting some air Mrs. Thomas; nothing to be concerned about."

"Ahh well, I'm glad to meet up with you." She lowered her voice hastily, "I saw you dancing with Colonel Tavington. Very prestigious man, although he does tend to have somewhat of a vicious reputation with war tactics; but nevertheless, he's fine-looking and a colonel! I knew you would catch many a gentleman's eye, but to have someone so close to Lord Cornwallis pay his attention on you is more than I hoped for."

Katherine rolled her eyes at Mrs. Thomas' attempts at praise. She really could be a petty woman at times. Luckily, she was saved by the next person on her dance card coming to claim his dance. She looked about the room as she twirled around the floor searching for the colonel. Curiosity was brewing in her as she wondered where he went off to…but you know what they say about curiosity.