"Come on Lissie, hurry up," I yelled as Athena galloped through the fields. A horse quickly caught up to me. We raced the whole way back to the house.
"Woah girl," I said. Nan ran outside and looked at us.
"Gentlewomen don't sit astride a horse," she said.
"They don't run either," I replied, jumping down. "I'll take them to the barn."
I took the reins out of Felicity's hands and led the horses to the barn. I took off their saddles and bridles and gave them some oats to eat. I walked back to the house, it was a lovely day, Spring had finally arrived. Winter had been long and I was glad to be outside again.
I went into the kitchen and grinned when I saw Grandfather. I ran to him and hugged him tightly.
"I suppose you like your sister were out riding," he said.
"Yes," I said. "Where is Felicity?"
"Away to get sugar for Mother," Nan answered. I nodded and walked to Mother.
"What shall I do to help," I asked.
"Alicia, I need some more ginger. Could you run and get some," Mother said, after looking around. I nodded and left quickly. I walked slowly to Father's store and when I got in saw Felicity talking to a fair haired girl.
"Good afternoon Marcus, Ben," I said. The both answered with a good afternoon.
"Some ginger, please Ben," I said, smiling. He nodded and I walked over to my sister, who was now by herself.
"Who was that," I asked.
"Elizabeth Cole, she has just moved her from England," Felicity replied. My first thought was a loyalist family. I don't mind loyalists but how can you be loyal to an unfair king?
"Felicity and Alicia Merriman, what a surprise," Father said, coming out of the store room. We walked over to him.
"Mother is baking a ginger cake for my birthday," Felicity said, smiling.
"Ah yes, Ben did you know Felicity is ten years old today," Father said, Ben looked up from what he was doing and smiled. "And soon Alicia will be fifteen years old." Father looked at me and I smiled at him.
I didn't really want to turn fifteen, I knew it would mean having to get married and I certainly didn't want that to happen. There would only be one person I wouldn't mind marrying. But I doubt Mother would approve of me marrying Ben. He is just an apprentice after all.
"Father, is there anything new to read," I asked.
"How about." He looked around then took a book off a shelf. "Shakespeare's comedies."
"Yes, may I take it home," I said.
"Certainly," he said.
"Father, may I stay and help Ben and Marcus in the store. I won't be any trouble," Felicity said. I laughed and she looked at me.
Felicity, no trouble. Her name should mean trouble in my opinion.