The house wasn't the same to her anymore. It held far too many memories of a life that seemed so far away now. Everything was left untouched, almost as if moving anything would erase him completely. The table in the center of the front room still held the worn tunic she had gifted him, that needed mending. On the chair near the hearth, the shawl he purchased for her in the town's market. Everywhere in her family's home there were reminders of him. The last one being the small ring hanging from the chain round her neck, a promise that Benjamin Tallmadge would be back for her when he was done fighting for their freedom.

Autumn, 1776

Setauket, Long Island.

"Emma! Can you help me with the laundry?" Emma's sister by marriage, Anna Strong, called to her from outside where she was beating a red coat belonging to one of the men billeted in their home.

She rushed outside to help, "Apologies, my thoughts were elsewhere for a moment." Emma tried to muster a small smile, hoping to convey that she wasn't going to sulk all day lost in memories.

Anna gave her a knowing look and nodded to her. Emma felt truly grateful to her brothers wife, able to somewhat understand what she was going through. Unable to be with the man she loved. Emma knew where Anna's heart truly lie, and it was not with Selah.

Abraham Woodhull was a good man, she grew up with him and Anna, as well as Caleb Brewster, and...Ben. Though they were a few years older than her, more Selah's friends than her own. But Abe was always very kind to her, as was his older brother Thomas before he was killed.

"It will get easier Emma," Anna said softly, "In the meantime see to this laundry so I can check on things in the tavern." She walked away towards the tavern, leaving Emma with Abigail to attend to the laundry.

It had always been such a monotonous task to Emma, but for once she didn't mind. Content to clean the clothing, even if it was for British soldiers who had no business living in her home, or the homes of her neighbors. Thinking of the soldiers in red only made her think of the rebels in blue. One in particular who she missed and prayed for his safe return everyday since he left. It was easy to slip into thoughts of him, the hard part was going back to reality where he was far away with the rest of the continentals, fighting and dying for her freedom.

She had never wished she had been born a boy until this time. Loathing the fact that she was a woman and unable to fight for her beliefs, her freedom, and her country. Knowing such thoughts would get her nowhere, she quickly pushed them aside, focusing instead on her happiest memories of Ben before he left.

Later that afternoon when all the laundry had been done, Emma set off toward the tavern her brother owned. She lived with her brother and Anna, and worked in the tavern to earn her keep. When she arrived she saw her brother talking to Abraham Woodhull.

"Good afternoon Abe. How are Mary and Thomas?" Emma said with a smile, even though by the looks of him and her brother the afternoon was anything but 'good'.

"Afternoon Emma, it is good to see you." He gave a weak smile in return, "Fine, they are both fine." At that point Anna walked down the stairs, seeing Abe as well. The expression on her face softened, just a bit, the only hint that she still cared for the man. Emma excused herself, going to collect cups from the soldiers and offer more ale to the others.

At this time John Robeson began standing on the table shouting, "Bloody news! Bloody news! Where are the rebels now?! To the brave Patriot commander on the eve of his retreat, pardon, his charge into northern New Jersey. Pulled back from the line a most propitious sign for Mrs. Washington, that sow. Alas, before his return dear Georgie must discern in what place he should sheath his saber!" Emma watched her brother talk to Anna and she began to walk towards them, not wanting to hear another word that horrid man had to say. "But surely you understand the joke of it all is that his scabbard calls for any puff sword he can stow."

Selah approached Robeson and ordered him to leave, which caught the attention of some of the British soldiers, including Captain Joyce. Soon things were very out of control, resulting in the Captain injured and both Selah and Abe arrested.

Emma stuck close to Anna after the ordeal, upset and outraged over the fact that the British once again were butting in and making everything worse! Abraham would get off relatively light, his father being the magistrate, but Selah was just a man who had very strong patriot political views.

"Anna what are we supposed to do?" Emma asked while they ate their supper. She worried over her brother, there was talk of him being hanged! What more could the British take from them.

Anna looked at her sister in law, trying to stay calm and strong, "We will figure something out Emma, it wasn't his fault, perhaps we can plead his case?"

"Thats the thing isn't it?!" Emma couldn't hide the anger in her voice, "It wasn't his fault and yet he got arrested! Him and Abraham, though I've no doubt that the magistrate was able to work something out for him!"

"Emma please try to stay calm, we still have soldiers staying here.." Anna said, trying to keep her sister quiet, knowing where this rant was going. She agreed completely with her sister that there were many things about this situation that were unfair, yet that was life. It didn't always go the way you wanted.

"They are everywhere Anna! I'm so tired of being surrounded by them! They come here, invade our homes, take over our church, and run our lives! I can't live like this anymore Anna!"

"Emma! Quiet now. Talk like that is treasonous and I will not see you arrested or God forbid hanged! I know how difficult it is, especially with B-"

"Don't!" Emma cut her off, her voice devoid any anger, pleading now, "Please don't say his name."

Anna nodded, "I know it has not been easy for you Emma, but we must all live with this. That is why we have good men fighting for our freedom. Soon enough we will never have to worry about any of those things, you just must be patient."

Emma knew her to be right, sighing and pushing the rage back, she calmed herself. She moved to Anna, who opened her arms to her, "You are right. I apologize for my outburst, my anger was not directed at you."

"I know Emma, I know. Go get some sleep girl, we have a long day ahead of us!" Anna gently pushed her towards her room.

Emma went without complaint, weary and ready for bed, she made quick work of removing her clothes and readied for bed. She kneeled before her bed and began praying, for every one of the continental soldiers fighting for her and especially for Ben. Hoping he was safe wherever he was, and thinking of her as much as she thought of him.

Little did she know just how close Ben actually was to her and how soon she would be hearing from him.