Things seemed to pick up exactly where they left off. Ben was staying with the Merrimans and sleeping in the loft above the stables.

Felicity was delighted to have her friend back, and often accompanied him on his deliveries. Ben could barely believe that the young woman walking beside him was the same adventurous girl he had left years ago. Felicity was all politeness to everyone she came in contact with, and possessed all of the knowledge and mannerisms a young lady should. She had grown up to be quite a fine young lady, and he told her as much.

Felicity frowned. "Oh, Ben! I don't feel like a lady. I don't delight in any of the activities that I should. I hate going to tea and being all politeness. I would much rather be outside getting dirty."

Ben smiled. "That's the Felicity I remember. But why do you indulge in any of these things if you detest it so much?"

"Mother and father desire me to become a distinguished young lady." she shrugged.

Ben's thoughts were otherwise, but made no reply. Instead, he changed the subject. "So, I am to understand that you are attending the ball with Andrew Collins?"

"Yes," Felicity said. "I accepted his invitation to escort me. Are you attending as well?" The invitation to the ball had been addressed to Felicity's entire family, and Felicity knew that Ben was included in the invitation as well, but was unsure as to what his opinions on balls were.

"Perhaps."

"Oh, Ben, you must come! I shall save the minuet for you."

"Then I guess I must!" Ben delighted at that thought. "I think Andrew likes you a great deal."

"Yes, I believe he does."

"What is your opinion of him?"

Felicity looked thoughtful. "He is a very respectable young man, and his family is well liked."

This was not the type of answer Ben was looking for, but he pressed her no further.

~*~*~*~

The day of the ball Ben had awoken still feeling very tired. He had not slept very well through the night. He had remembered Nan mentioning Felicity's night riding, but did not think she still indulged in it.

And he wouldn't have known that she did if it weren't for Penny being spooked by something, when he heard Felicity quietly calming her. She had returned from one of her rides and was as quiet as a mouse. Ben couldn't fall back to sleep for a long time. How had she managed to be so quiet? How many times before now had she stolen off unnoticed while he was sleeping there?

His questions would have to wait. He was busy with work all day up until the ball. Ben was hesitant to attend the ball; he did not dance very well and still did not know very many people in town. But Felicity pressed him to go.

He rode with the Merriman's and stood alone in the ballroom until Felicity arrived on the arm of Andrew Collins.

Ben noticed that many heads turned when Felicity entered the room, including his. He knew she was beautiful, but seeing her in the gown she was in underneath the ballroom lights enhanced her beauty. Ben couldn't help but stare. Felicity seemed in gay spirits. She noticed him and smiled and waved.

Andrew Collins' eyes immediately followed to see who Felicity was waving at. They narrowed a little when he saw Ben, and Ben thought he detected a slightly threatened look. Ben did not know much about Andrew, except that his family was considered high society and well liked. He was obviously interested in Felicity, and Ben did not think he liked that very much. He did not know enough about him, and felt very protective of Felicity. He was, indeed, considered like family to the Merriman's.

But Ben was beginning to doubt that his feelings towards Felicity were strictly platonic. Was it more than that?

"Ben?"

Ben hadn't noticed that Edward Merriman had been standing beside him.

"I'm sorry?"

"I inquired about your family."

"They are all in good health, thank you."

Mr. Merriman had a thoughtful look on his face. He opened his mouth to ask Ben what had preoccupied his thoughts, but was interrupted by his eldest daughter. "You two look very handsome. Ben, I believe I promised you the minuet."

Ben smiled and bowed to Mr. Merriman before joining Felicity on the dance floor. Edward Merriman's watchful eyes followed after them.

Felicity smiled as the dance began. "I am glad that you came tonight, Ben."

"I am as well. You look lovely, Felicity."

Felicity smiled again, and color rose to her cheeks.

Andrew Collins glared at Ben throughout the dance with a very perturbed look, but Ben took no notice. His eyes were on one person only. He had almost completely forgotten what he meant to ask her.

"How often do you take off riding in the middle of the night?"

Felicity frowned. "You must have heard Penny last night."

"You didn't answer my question."

Felicity paused a few moments before shrugging. "I have difficulty sleeping sometimes. I get restless, and I can't stand just laying in bed trying to force sleep upon myself. So I go for a ride, and it seems to help."

"Do you go every night?"

"Not anymore. I sleep more often these days."

"How long have you been doing this?"

Felicity looked up at Ben. "Since I received that letter from your friend."

"Samuel..." Ben looked pensive. "Would you mind showing me that letter sometime?"

"Certainly."

"Felicity, the next time you want to take off riding, would you come and talk to me instead? Don't worry about waking me up. It's not safe for a girl to be riding alone that time of the night. I'll ride with you, if you really want to ride."

Felicity smiled. "You wouldn't be able to keep up with me."

"Felicty--"

"Ben, it's perfectly safe. I am fully capable of watching out for myself. Besides, Penny is much like my own watch dog."

"Felicity, please, it would ease my mind. If something were to happen to you..." Ben didn't finish his sentence. "Please, promise me?"

Felicity's eyebrows came together. Finally, with a sigh she said "Okay, Ben. I promise."

Ben looked into her eyes until she was looking back. "Felicity..."

But Ben was cut off. The dance had ended and Andrew was back at Felicity's side pulling her away. This time Ben noticed the cool look Andrew gave him. Ben was almost thankful that he had taken Felicity away. He wasn't sure exactly what he was trying to say to Felicity before he was cut off, and he wasn't sure he would have wanted to finish his sentence. There were many emotions running through his that he did not understand.