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Love and Betrayal	By : Francy Category: M through R > Patriot, The Views: 1415 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the movie The Patriot, or the books by Stephen Molstad, or the stories characters and make no money from this story.

Chapter List
- 1-Love and Betrayal
- 2-Love and Betrayal – Chapter Two – Mr. Wilkins
- 1
- 2
Love and Betrayal - Chapter One
A/N – disclaimer – I do not own the Patriot – movie or book by Stephen Molstad.
I love stories where Tavington billets in the homes of Carolina residents, so I decided to write my own.
**Adult content later**
This story is a romance, exploring loyalties, love and betrayal. It is not a short story, but I hope you will give it a go!
It unfolds along with the movie and the book, but due to the movies inaccuracies, I have tried to do as much research into actual events of the era. Please – if you have any input at all – even regarding historical inaccuracies, let me know! I won't promise to change the story – I could be too far ahead to change things, but there is no harm in setting me straight.
All reviews are welcome. Tavington will not enter the story for some time – so be warned! I know, I know… I love Tavington too…
Short Synopsis:
Set in 1776 – 1781:
Margaret Putman is the younger sister of Charlotte Selton and Elizabeth Martin. Margaret has Loyalist sentiments, and is being courted by James Wilkins, a wealthy Tory and Assemblyman, who she feels will make an excellent match for her. However, things do not always turn out the way you plan them, things go awry for Wilkins and Putman.
Colonel Tavington helps to break the six week siege of Charles Town by taking Moncks Corner. Once the British are in Charles Town, Colonel Tavington billets in Margaret Putman's residence, sweeping Margaret off her feet. They have a whirlwind romance, but as Tavington and the Green Dragoons start their brutal campaign out in the back country, things get a little too close to home for Margaret.
Margaret Putman a young woman with Loyalist sentiments, is being courted by James Wilkins, a wealthy Tory, who she feels will make an excellent match for her. However, things do not always turn out the way you plan them, things go awry for Wilkins and Putman.
Colonel Tavington helps to break the six week siege of Charles Town. Once the British are in Charles Town, Colonel Tavington billets in Margaret Putman's residence, sweeping Margaret off her feet. They have a whirlwind romance, but as Tavington and the Green Dragoons start their brutal campaign out in the back country, things get a little too close to home for Margaret.
Loyalist Margaret Putman, feels James Wilkins would make an excellent match for her. However, things do not always turn out as planned, things go awry for Wilkins and Putman. Colonel Tavington helps break the siege of Charles Town, he billets in Margaret's manor, they have a whirlwind romance. Though Tavington's brutality along the Santee cuts a little close to home for Margaret.

Love and Betrayal:
Spring - March 1776 – Charles Town.
Chapter One – the visit to Tradd Street
Charlotte clicked her gate closed behind her and walked the short distance to her younger sister's house, three doors from her own on Tradd Street. It was a lovely summers day in Charles Town, for which Charlotte was grateful. Though Benjamin had not sent word, Charlotte knew he would be making his slow way from Fresh Water Plantation with the children, in order to attend the Assembly meeting being held the very next day. The lovely weather would make the day long journey much easier to bear.
Charlotte enjoyed the journey herself; she and Margaret visited the Martins as often as they could – Charlotte more than Margaret seeing that her plantation was not far from her brother in laws, out on the Santee. It was quite a scenic journey, rolling hills and colorful fields. It was very pleasant diversion, in the summer.
Jonah, the Putman families butler - now Margaret's butler, led Charlotte into the parlor. Charlotte looked about her with a smile, this house held fond memories for her, memories of her childhood, memories of being courted by John Selton, the man she would eventually marry. Widowed now, Charlotte had nothing but happy memories of her loving husband and their wonderful marriage. Her only regret was they never had children.
Charlotte chose a seat opposite Margaret, and before long Maisy came in with some tea and biscuits. For perhaps the hundredth time, Charlotte marveled at just how much Margaret resembled Elizabeth, their older sister, who passed away almost two years before. All three sisters took after their mother, tall, fine, slim figured, long golden hair, blue eyes. Charlotte admired how ladylike and dignified Margaret had become. She moved with grace, spoke quietly, sat tall and straight, no longer slouching the way she did when growing up. Gone was the skinny little girl with scrapes and bruises, she should never have been allowed to climb trees! Their parents had been far too indulgent on their last born daughter, their unexpected late life miracle.
"Benjamin would have heard by now that the Assembly is convening, he is bound to be on his way, I would imagine he and the children will arrive tonight. Would you come and dine with us, Margaret?" Charlotte in her quiet,dignified way.
"Of course, I long to see the children again, it has been such a long time." Margaret replied, in the same dignified manner. Their mother had raised her daughters well.
Margaret, at nineteen years, was the youngest of the siblings, and had not yet married. She lived alone in the family home with her maid and other servants, made possible by having her sister living a few houses down, though Charlotte had been talking about asking their Aunt Prudence to come and live with Margaret, at least until Margaret was settled with a husband.
Both of the Putman's remaining daughters had been well provided for, Charlotte had made a good match with her Mr. Selton, she had a plantation all her own which provided the bulk of her income. Margaret had only her inheritance to sustain her, but it was quite considerable. She lived fairly modestly, and invested wisely, and did nothing to accede her yearly income. Charlotte had not begrudged her receiving the family home from their parents.
"Wonderful. I am concerned about the meeting tomorrow, Margie. Colonel Burwell will be here soon - "
"Oh, he is already here, Charlotte! I saw him when Mr. Wilkins and I were strolling through the Square. He is quite handsome, but of course I did not tell Mr. Wilkins that I thought so.
"James would have kept walking right on by the Colonel, if he had had his way! But yes, you are quite correct, Colonel Burwell will address the Assembly, and ask them to join Charles Town to the other colonies - and go to war. What do you think Benjamin will do? The Colonel was indicating he was expecting Ben's support, but I do not think Ben wants to go to war..."
"No, he does not, Burwell is in for an unpleasant surprise tomorrow. Still, I think there are enough Patriots amongst the Assembly who will vote in favor, and support Burwell."
"Then it's inevitable, it will be war..." Margaret said sadly.
"Well, let's not worry about that now. Ben will be here, and we'll enjoy this evening with our family. Dinner will be at six." Charlotte rose, "I am so looking forward to seeing him again. To seeing them again, all of them..!" Charlotte blushed at her slip, suddenly flustered.
"I am sure Ben is looking forward to seeing you again, too, sister," Margaret teased.
Charlotte smiled as they embraced, Margaret knew well of Charlotte's feeling for Benjamin.
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Margaret walked to Charlotte's house and was enjoying a nice cup of tea in the parlor, when Charlotte's butler, Matthew came in to announce that the children had arrived. As Margaret rose with Charlotte, she saw the sudden flush in her sister's cheeks. Charlotte rushed over to the mirror, checking her face for lines and wrinkles.
"Stop fussing Charlotte! You are beautiful; there is not a wrinkle to be seen."
"Are you sure? Look!" Charlotte pointed at some very fine lines around her eyes, pressing her face closer to the mirror to see them better.
"I'm sure! Come on, they are coming up the stairs already."
Charlotte gathered her dignity around her like a cloak, and led the way out of the parlor, though Margaret could see her sister's excitement. The children came running in, throwing themselves into their Aunties arms, and Margaret looked up to see Charlotte trip slightly. Benjamin reached out a steadying hand and they shared a 'look'. Margaret hid a smile at their expense.
It was a lively reunion, kisses and hugs all round. Margaret hugged Little Margaret and Susan tight, then wrestled with Nathan and William. Benjamin was laughing, and Charlotte admonished her sister with a sigh.
She's backsliding... Charlotte thought, though she was smiling too. The children are a bad influence on her.
"You are a lady, now, Margaret; you must try to act like one."
Margaret stuck her tongue out at her sister, as Gabriel and Thomas came into the room. Many more hugs and kisses later, and the family were seated at the dining table enjoying each other's company with fine food.
Margaret could not help be a little reserved around Benjamin, though she did try hard not to show it. She remembered well when Benjamin and Elizabeth would visit Charles Town after moving out to Fresh Water Plantation. He was always so loud and lively, and Margaret had been so young that he frightened her more often than not. And when she was sixteen years old, shortly before her death, her oldest sister Elizabeth confided in Margaret some of the terrible things Benjamin had done during the French and Indian War, causing Margaret to be very uncomfortable around Benjamin.
After dinner, Margaret decided to accompany her nephew, Gabriel out into the square. It was a warm, bright night and it was lively. So many people! So many differing opinions, the men were shouting and laughing and making crude jokes about the King and Lord Cornwallis. Margaret quickly escaped them, the jokes where not to her taste.
She linked her arm through her nephew's, both for the company and the additional security – she did not feel like being a woman alone on the street tonight. Gabriel, who, being only a year younger than Margaret, was more like a brother to her than a nephew. He was just as amazed at the goings on as she was. She lived here, but it may as well have been a completely different world right now.
There were a lot of people making speeches, some for independence and some against. Gabriel led her towards a man who was speaking out against the King and the heavy taxes. The man only had one leg, having lost his other one in the Kings name. He was telling the crowd the taxes were so high, the King may as well be cutting off his other leg!
"That's Mr. Howard!" Gabriel explained. "He lives not far from us, in the village – in Pembroke." Gabriel smiled as he listened to Mr. Howard's speech.
"It seems you have an admirer, Gabriel, that young woman over there is staring at you." Margaret teased her nephew. Gabriel turned in the direction Margaret had indicated. He stood still with shock for a moment, breathing heavily, then he smiled a slow smile.
"I'll come back soon." He promised, as he unwound his arm from hers. She watched her nephew approach the young lady – obviously an acquaintance. Margaret left him to it, standing close by so she could leave with him when he was ready.
"Evening, Miss Putman," a voice said behind her.
"Mr. Wilkins!" Margaret greeted Mr. James Wilkins, trying not to blush. He had recently started paying court to her, and while she thought he was very fine – and a man of wealth as well, he was much older than her. She knew he had been in love with her sister, Elizabeth, before she married Benjamin Martin. Margaret felt uncomfortable; she did not want to live in her sister's shadow. He was quite handsome though, and taller than she, which was a rare thing.
"A lively night, isn't it?" He asked her, he was smiling quite warmly at her, and Margaret felt her face flush.
"Lively…" She agreed. "I had to get away from those… Gentlemen… Over there – they were yelling the crudest things about the King and Cornwallis. I am not sure my ears have recovered yet!" She laughed.
"Perhaps you should not be here alone, I could accompany, if you wish?" Wilkins offered.
"Thank you, you are very kind. I do have an escort, however…" Margaret indicated her nephew, still chatting with the pretty young lady. He was looking decidedly uncomfortable and the girl was laughing at him. "My nephew, Gabriel. My brother, Benjamin Martin is here, he arrived this evening."
Wilkins nodded, his face darkening. Margaret knew Wilkins had never recovered from the disappointment of Elizabeth choosing Benjamin, and Wilkins had struggled with the man all these years. He had developed a grudging respect for him, but they were always on opposite sides in the Assembly, as was the case for most Tories and Patriots.
"What in the world…" Margaret and Mr. Wilkins turned as one toward the sound of many boots striking the paved section of the road.
"They are Colonel Burwell's men," Wilkins explained, derisively. "Come recruiting for the Continental Army."
There were at least 120 men, all in marching in formation, looking very fine in their Bluecoats. There were cheering from the Whigs around them, and snorts of disdain from the Tories – Wilkins included. Margaret found it quite exciting; she could feel the sound of their marching move through her, like loud drums being played fast.
"Do your duty!" They were shouting, and Margaret noticed Gabriel watching them thoughtfully.
Margaret put her hand to her throat, unsure how she was feeling. She was a Loyalist herself, much like Wilkins, but the sight of all these Continental soldiers was really rather impressive.
Wilkins took her hand in his, giving it a pat. Margaret's eyes opened at the unexpected familiar gesture, but she did not remove her hand. They turned away from the spectacle before them, Wilkins walking with Margaret slowly through the square.
"Could I could ask your advice, Mr. Wilkins?"Margaret asked. "I am a little worried that if we go to war, and lose… I've heard that all our assets could be seized… I was trying to think of ways to protect my income, if we do go to war. If the King wins then everything will be fine, but if not... What do you think of the idea of investing in property in England? I do not think I could continue to live here; Loyalist's will not be welcome. Wouldn't it provide extra security?"
"It would indeed," Mr. Wilkins said thoughtfully. "I will look into it for you, if you desire. You could send a sizeable amount; invest it, keeping it safe. Perhaps buy a manor and rent it to someone of wealth – that would give you revenue as well… A very good idea indeed – I think I might consider doing the same."
He gave her an appraising look, like he was seeing her for the first time. If anything, he seemed even more fond, as though the idea of having an intelligent wife appealed to him as much as having a young and beautiful one.
And Margaret was obviously both, and from a distinguished family as well. Margaret flushed under his gaze all over again.
I do not return his feelings, not truly. But it would be a good match. I am fond of him, and love could grow. He is a good man, after all.
"Will you sit with me at the Assembly meeting tomorrow?" Wilkins asked spontaneously. Margaret's eyes widened, with surprise and apprehension. To sit with Wilkins would make her political views known, and she liked to be more circumspect. And people where already talking about her and Wilkins, putting their names together as though they were a natural couple. Margaret was not sure if she was ready for this.
She took a deep breath and despite her reservations, she smiled and accepted. "Yes, Mr. Wilkins, I would like that very much."
He beamed brightly with pleasure, and offered her his arm as he escorted her back over to her nephew.
Wilkins left her there, and Gabriel introduced Margaret to the young lady, Miss Anne Howard.
"Oh, that is your father, giving the speech!" Margaret said, recognizing the family name. "He seems very passionate."
"He certainly is," Anne replied, clearly proud of her father.
They spoke of this and that, and Margaret found she quite liked the young lady. Especially when she started telling Margaret the story of when she was only eleven years old and Gabriel put ink her tea, causing her teeth to turn blue for a whole month. Gabrel shuffled his feet and looked down uncomfortably. Margaret found she enjoyed Anne's easy manner and sense of humour. When they bid her a good night, Margaret turned to Gabriel.
"So...?" She asked with a knowing smile.
"Yes?" Gabriel asked, not meeting his Aunt's gaze.
"She's pretty."
"I hadn't noticed."
"Yes, you had," Margaret replied with a laugh. "And unless I miss my guess, she is quite in love with you!"
Gabriel did not answer, his pleased smile said it all.
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Love and Betrayal