Elizabeth knew right where to find Felicity. She pushed open the door to Penny's stall and found Felicity curled up in a pile of hay, engrossed in Thomas's Paine's Common Sense. Elizabeth shuddered, the fifty page pamphlet criticized King George III and attacked allegiance to Monarchy in principle while encouraging people to fight for American independence.

"Where did you get that?" Elizabeth asked, sitting down next to Felicity.

"Ben gave it to me before he left."

"A thoughtful gift, no doubt," Elizabeth replied with a slight hint of sarcasm, "How did the good-bye go?"

"Tearful."

"I should expect."

"He asked my permission to write me."

"He asked permission!" Elizabeth squeaked, astounded.

"Yes, why?" Felicity asked, puzzled.

"Felicity!" Elizabeth exclaimed, her excitement building, "that means he likes you! Did he say anything else?"

"He did kiss me on the lips, slightly, there was no impropriety in that. He thinks of me as a sister" the color rising to her cheeks.

"Perhaps . . . Oh Lissie! I am so excited for you—could you imagine if he fancies you?"

The girls giggled merrily in excitement over the prospect of a beau, until the realization came back to Felicity, "But Elizabeth, he is away at war, he may not come home."

"Oh Felicity, hope that he will, pray that he will, believe that he will, trust that he will, and he will, I know he will."

Dear Lissie,

I hope you do not regret granting me permission to write. The nights seem lonely and the pen and paper have provided companionship, though I wish I could be talking to you in person.

I made it through my first battle. Wars are a bloody place. We came out victorious! I have joined the Southern Campaign and we are now in Charles Town.

How is the family? Some nights I long to be in my warm bed instead of lying on the cold ground, or feasting on Rose's delicious apple dumpling in place of this camp gruel. But I know I am making a difference and fighting for what I believe is right.

I hope you do not think me too forward, but I miss you. I hope you are fairing well. How are Penny and Patriot? How are lessons? Major is living up to his name, though I can tell he is missing his companions. Please write back.

Your friend,

Benjamin Davidson

"His writing isn't very proper. I'm surprised, he was so well brought up." Elizabeth teased handing the letter back to Felicity. Felicity's heart jumped for joy when the post rider had delivered Ben's letter. She had re-read so many times that the creases in the paper started to rip. Ben missed her. She permitted Elizabeth, who knew more about these things than she, to read the letter and offer her opinion on the matter.

"Elizabeth!" Felicity moaned.

"Tis not terribly romantic, however, for Ben who is frugal with his words—and being forward! I believe this letter shows great promise!" giving Felicity's hand a squeeze, "Oh Lissie." Elizabeth swooned and Felicity fell into a fit of giggles.