Chapter 2: unexpected news
Thank you guys for coming back and putting up with me! I'll try to update this fic fairly regally, about once every two weeks or so, but I also want to stay at least two chapters ahead at all time. If I'm feeling generous, or I screwed you guys over on an update (I do have a life, even if it is mostly centered on apush), I may give you two chapters. Special shot out to TheBeatlesrcomin, my first reviewer and favoriter (it's a word because I said so)! I decided to be nice and give you all a happy Friday update to celebrate her (and the fact that I finished chapter 4 early, and got an A- on my first apush test)!
Now that we've seen Sarah's view on the arrangement, let's go to James
I don't own liberty's kids. Yet.
August, 1773
James pov
"James! The mail is here and there is something for you!" Henri yelled as he banged on his bedroom door. James cursed the day they decided to take in that French dimwit. Putting down his quill, he walked to the door where Henri waited patiently. Normally, Henri would have busted into James room, but James had learned to lock the door when he was working on an assignment. Opening the door, James grabbed the letter and closed the door just as Henri's protest of "hey!" could be heard.
On the front of the letter dr. franklin's neat letters spelled out,"Mr. James hiller, Pennsylvania gazette". This should have alerted him right of the bat. No one ever referred to James as "Mr." before in his life. Why would they? Wasting no time, James sat down at his writing desk and ripped opened the envelope.
July 1773
"Dear James, (the letter said)
The resolution trial for the stamp act marches slowly on. Some of these British lords prattle on for ages without ever saying a meaningful word. It is my fear that one day these men will talk me to death. These trials may very well be the death of me.
While I am in England, I am staying with a very good old friend of mine, Lady Phillips. She has had some finical trouble over the past few years, and a daughter about your age. Upon her rejection of my charity, she suggested an idea that at first I rejected most earnestly, but now admit has advantages, at least from a business point of view. Lady Phillips' daughter, Sarah, will sail to America. She will work in the print shop and, when you both come of age, you will be married."
MARRIED! James dropped the letter at this point. He had never even met this "Sarah Phillips". Judging from what ben's letter said, this Sarah was probably a stupid British girl who only cared about dresses and tea parties. Living with a strange girl was one thing, be married to one was another. Had dr. franklin lost his mind? James picked the letter off the floor and continued reading. James needed to be sure that there were no other surprises.
I know this may seem shocking to you, but I have weight the details, and I believe this will be beneficial to the both of you. Sarah will receive a salary of 20 pounds per week, and once the two of you are married, Sarah's mother will receive a bridal price of 1,500 pounds. You will receive a wife, and higher status in this world.
While I know that as you're reading this, you have already rejected the ideal of marriage, let me remind you of this: you are a poor orphan. True, upon my death you will receive a thriving and well known paper. But that is upon my death, and while I do grow old, I hope that day will be far in the future. As of yet, you yourself have no money, no family, and no hope for the future. Sarah is an upper class young lady, and she will know how to act in situations that will arrive with owning a print shop such as mine. Sarah will also open a door way into society for you that you could never hope to open by yourself.
To ease your doubt about this marriage, I feel the need to describe Sarah. She is a year older than you, and about 5"6 in height, with long red hair and pale green eyes. She never goes anywhere without a golden locket that her father gave her. Other than this locket, she wears no jewelry and cares little for her looks. She is kind, smart, and has a fiery temper. While Sarah might not be a proper English woman, I doubt you really mind. I believe you two will get along swimmingly.
Sarah will be arriving in about two months aboard the Dartmouth. Aside from myself, yourself, Lady Phillips, Sarah and Moses, no one knows about this arrangement, in the off chance that it doesn't go well. I expect you to be in Boston when she arrives. After her arrival, you, Moses and Henri will escort her to Philadelphia. Under no, and I do repeat NO circumstance will you and Sarah engage in any inappropriate behavior. If Sarah is found to be ruined before the wedding, you two will be cast out onto the street to make your own way in the world.
In spite of, or perhaps because of your recent engagement, it is my fondest hope that you and Sarah will get along well. Marriage is one of god's most blessed gifts to mankind, and in time, you and Sarah will enjoy it together.
I am, forever yours
Dr. Franklin
James put the letter down and leaned back into his seat. Married. Dr. Franklin had truly lost his mind this time, if he thought James was going to marry some stuck up British snob. James was only 15, and while that is old enough to be considered an adult and marry, he still figured that he'd have at least a few more years before it happened, and he'd at least get to pick his own bride. Now, he was caught in an iron clad contract with some girl he'd never met.
A knock on his door jerked James out of his thoughts. Standing and walking towards the door, James prayed that it wasn't Henri bagging for information. James didn't feel like explaining the concept of "arranged marriage" to the young French boy. His relief was immeasurable when Moses appeared at the door.
"So, I see you've gotten our dear friend ben's letter." Moses joke when James opened the door. How could he be joking like this when James had just gotten the news that ruined his life? Walking over his chair, Moses sat down.
"How could you joke about something like that? I'm about to marry a total stranger! What if she doesn't like me? What if I don't like her? What if she hates me?" James rambled on, saying what ever came into his mind. His mind was moving a thousand miles a minute.
"I know it's not your idea of great, but dr. franklin's just trying to look out for you. He's knows that you'll have a tough time breaking out on your own, so he figured that if you were to have someone to help you, the strain would be easier. Cheer up! Maybe this Sarah Phillips will be a nice girl! I don't think you need to be nervous." Moses attempted. James knew he was trying, but it didn't help. Smiling, Moses stood up, and left the room. After he closed the door, James listened as his heavy footsteps trailed off down the hall.
Married! How could ben do that?
End