"Nice shot, Thomas." I whispered as Gabriel's little brother brought down a pheasant. The boys always let me tag along when they go hunting. Gabe says I'm good company. I'm not a bad shot either. As the gunshot rang more of the birds ran into sight in a panic. Gabriel shot another down and then quickly reloaded. While he was doing that I fired and shot one as well. Thomas fired at his second and missed. Gabe shot at the last one in sight and the bullet went straight through its eye. The flock was gone. We got up from behind the bush we'd used as cover and collected our game.
Gabe held his up and smirked. "I'd make a wonderful sharp-shooter, don't you think?" he asked.
I smiled and rolled my eyes. "Come on, Gabe. We better get back before my father wonders where I am." I say.
"I'm sure he'll assume you're with me." He answered.
"Well yes, but he won't assume I'm dressed like this." I said, motioning to the highly improper get-up I have on. Thomas chuckles and Gabe glares at him.
"What's wrong with it? I think you look great in my shirt and riding-breeches." He teases. I give him a look and he tries to control his laughter. I know it's inappropriate for a young lady, or any lady for that matter, to be wearing breeches of any kind….but you can't expect me to hunt in some gown and petticoat!
"Come on, let's go." Thomas finally says. Gabe and I walk side by side as we follow him back to the plantation dangling the dead pheasants from ropes we have over our shoulders. We trudged to the tree line at the edge of the field. My normal clothes were hidden there under a bush. I looked around for them until finally I found the spot I'd left them.
I started to unbutton the shirt Gabe had let me borrow but stopped after the first one. I looked up at him and Thomas watching me intently. I sighed. "Well don't look!" I exclaimed.
"S-sorry! Sorry…" they said, turning around. Thomas started to walk across the fields but Gabe waited for me. I took off the shirt and slipped of Gabe's riding breeches so I was standing there in nothing but my corset and bloomers. I peeked over my shoulder and noticed Gabe was peeking over his as well. I picked up the breeches and through them at him. He laughed and looked away. I quickly pulled on my shift and then a petticoat and finally very plain dark blue gown. I re-pinned my hair and pulled on my mob-cap and then tied on an apron.
"Alright, let's go." I said. Gabe picked up the bird I'd shot down and slung it over his other shoulder and we took off as fast as we could to catch up with Thomas.
As we walked the whole plantation broke out into a small commotion of excitement as Nathan, another younger brother of Gabe's, called, "Look! A post rider!" Thomas stops and looks up at the man riding in on a horse. He looks back at us with a smile and takes off as fast as he can. Gabe and I glance at each other with a grin and continue at our previous pace. I could tell he was just as excited and curious about the mail as the younger boys; however he hid it in an attempt at looking mature.
I smirked and looked over at him. "Oh just go." I said. He smiled and took off after Thomas. I giggled and shook my head.
Once we'd all reached the porch Benjamin Martin, their father, came out of the barn looking slightly discouraged. I looked at Gabe curiously. "Oh he probably had another chair fall apart on him." He told me as if reading my mind. I nodded. Ben walked silently up the steps.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Martin." I said with a sweet smile. He whipped around.
"Oh, Sarah! I didn't know you were here." He said, returning my smile.
"Yes, Gabriel and Thomas took me pheasant hunting." I said.
He raised an eyebrow and said "I see.", and then looked at Gabriel.
Gabe smiled and answered, "She got a nice one." He held it up for his father to see. Ben nodded.
"Well, good to see you, dear." He said with a slight bow and a smile. Ben was like another father to me.
"You too, sir." I said. He turned and walked inside.
I sighed and looked at Gabe. "I suppose I should be going home to start dinner. I'll see you tomorrow." I said. I looked at Thomas waiting impatiently for his father's okay to open the mail up on the porch. I smirked. "Good bye Thomas, thanks for letting me go hunting with you." I said with a wink. He nodded with a smile and blushing cheeks. Then I turned to Gabe, who was laughing to himself. "Good night, Gabe. " I said.
"Good night, Sarah. I had fun today." He replied with a grin. "Are you sure you don't want me to walk you back?"
"No, that's alright. It's just through the trees." I said. He nodded. I waved again and started towards the spot where our property lines met. "Oh, and let me know if there's something interesting in the mail!" I called over my shoulder and then laughed.
