Her eyes widened. "Congratulations! I'm happy for you!"

_________________

Miranda smiled. "Thank you," she said. "If it is a girl," she said, "I hope to name her Elizabeth. We have already discussed it, and Gabriel agrees."

_________________
<center>
</center>

She smiled softly before looking up as she heard her husband's voice. "Elizabeth, who is that?" "Miranda, William!"

_________________

Miranda lit up when Tavington came into the room. "Mr. Tavington," she said, letting him kiss her hand, "It is wonderful to see you again."

_________________
<center>
</center>

"It is good to see you as well. How is your family?"

_________________

"We are all well," said Miranda. "Gabriel and I married a few months ago."

_________________
<center>
</center>

He nodded. "I supposed you would.." he said, with a slight smile. Elizabeth came over to the group, haven given her daughter to one of the maids. "Won't you join us in the sitting room?"

The trio sat down, and the converstation took a quick turn from happiness to seriousness.

"Elizabeth and I have recieved serveral letters about the Dragoons attacking the towns, even when America became a country. They are led by Colonel Wilkins, and have become more of a threat to us than last time."

Elizabeth looked up when she heard the bell. "Excuse me." she said, standing up, and heading to the door.

_________________

Miranda's face fell as the tone turned serious, and exchanged an apprehensive look with Tavington when Elizabeth answered the door.

_________________
<center>
</center>

Elizabeth was met by a messenger. She took the message, and opened the envelope, and began to read. Her face paled when she read the letter, and she muttered the last sentence. The Dragoons are heading to your estate. She looked up and her eyes widened. "WILLIAM!"

Tavington jerked his head when he heard his wife's scream, and he stood up and ran to her, just in time to catch her, when she fainted. He looked up, and his eyes narrowed when he saw his former comrade-Colonel James Wilkins.

_________________

Miranda hung back in the hallway, but saw Wilkins and was sure that the Tavingtons would forgive her if she ran. She slipped out the back way and mounted her horse, wanting to get back home as soon as possible.

_________________
<center>
</center>

"What do you want Wilkins?" Tavington said codly.

_________________

Wilkins eyed the Tavingtons warily, then said, "The same reason as I have come before." He paused, then said, "You are both too close to the old Rebels - especially this one." He stepped aside and revealed a guard who had gagged Miranda and had her hands behind her back.

_________________
<center>
</center>

He sighed softly then looked down when his wife regained conciousness. She opened her eyes, and both swore mentally when they heard the maid. "Mistress Tavington..your daughter wants you."

_________________

Miranda's eyes - for the first time ever - looked murderous as they rested on Wilkins; there was a glint in them that no one had ever seen before. She looked at Elizabeth and communicated to her without talking or moving - 'Let Gabriel, Ben, and the others know.'

_________________
<center>
</center>

Elizabeth nodded slightly, and she looked toward the maid. She slowly stood up, before walking over to her and she took her daughter.

_________________

Wilkins nodded to his men and they seized Elizabeth and Jacqueline. He turned his cold eyes to Tavington as they restrained him and said, "Let that be a warning to you. Stay away from the Continentals."

_________________
<center>
</center>