October 1777

The camp had been rife with whispers of Washington's inadequacies as a leader. This, of course, was not something that which she would advise her father to include in his newspaper articles. And she had heard many accounts. Her gender resulted in soldiers rarely watching their words in her presence, thinking little of the possibility of her retaling such things to Washington himself.

Not that he seemed overtly preoccupied with these tales. The lovely Major on the other hand, was a different story. They had shared but a brief few moments together since they met, and each time she was further convinced of his astuteness. And he too impressed by her wit. Though it did, on occasion, seem to grate on his nerves.

"I heard you got into a fight," Tessa said, pushing the flaps of the tent open to step inside, "Major Tallmadge."

"And where did you hear that?"

"From people." She replied, folding her arms, "I heard that you were defending Washington. Is that true?"

"Yes." Benjamin confirmed, "Washington deserves our respect, these are lies against him."

"Technically they're true." Tessa pointed out, approaching him, "And a man of Washington's status cannot possibly expect to have complete support from all."

"I'm afraid I'm not entirely sure what your point is." He said, defensively, "Are you suggesting I should ignore these taunts?"

"Well, the Bible does tell us to turn the other cheek." She said, "And I heard your father was a reverend."

"And will you ever divulge the source of your apparently vast knowledge about me?"

"I suppose it would irk the head of intelligence, I bet you pride yourself on your vast knowledge on others." She said, ignoring the question, "I always find out as much as I can about those that spark my interest."

"And I've sparked your interest?"

Once again ignoring his question, she let go of her arms, reaching up her hand to press her thumb against his red cheek. He warily watched her, clearly confused by their interaction. But his instantaneous replies assured her that she had been right in her sizing up of him.

"At least Major Bradford didn't mark your face too badly." Tessa said, "That would've been a right shame, and I do hope he looks worse for wear."

"And why do you care?"

For the third time she ignored him. Leaning up to his face, she pressed a soft kiss on his cheek, chuffed when she saw his blush.

"That's the thank you Washington will never give you." She whispered, lifting her other hand to cup his face

"I wouldn't want that kind of thank you from Washington."

"Good." She replied, dropping her hands to her side, "I do hope that I will be seeing more of you, Benjamin."