Chapter 7: Love?

Sarah

September 1776

Dearest Mother,

I am still in shock about the events pertaining to the most recent story James and I have written. It is about a man named Nathan Hale. He was a spy for General George Washington. Unfortunately, he was caught and captured by British forces and executed. James was also captured by the soldiers and almost forced into impressment by the British Navy. I had to lie to save him. I told the British sailors that he and I were to be married. It felt like the silliest notion in the world.

Until recently. Mother, I think I am truly in love with him, but he does not return my feelings. What can I do to get his attention? Please write back with some advice for me.

Your loving daughter,

Sarah

November 1776

Dearest Sarah,

It hurts me to think of all the horrifying things that you've seen in America, including the execution of Mr. Hale. Please do all you can to keep your own self safe.

I am also very happy with the news that you have feelings for this James boy. From what you have told me, he sounds like a wonderful lad. My advice for you is to do something to attract his attention. Buy or make yourself a new dress and have it made in a grown up style. After all, darling you are sixteen now. I hope my advice helps you.

Your loving mother,

Anne Philips

Mother is right. I should get myself a new dress. Mine are feeling a little tight and do not show off my figure well. I walk to the store down the street and walk in.

"Hello, Miss Philips!" says Mr. Watson, the shopkeeper.

"Hello, Mr. Watson."

I walk over to the shelves where the fabrics are located. There is a lovely fabric that is white with small pink roses printed all over it. I think it will make a lovely spring dress. Mr. Watson walks over to me and asks if he can help me with anything.

"Yes. I would like enough of this fabric to make a new gown, please."

"Certainly, Miss Philips. I think that fabric will look lovely on you."

"Thank you, Mr. Watson." He cuts my material and wraps it for me. As I am walking home, I see the most beautiful hat in a store window. It is cream coloured with a band of pink ribbon around it that matches the roses on my new material. I know that the hat will be a perfect match for my gown. As soon as I get home, I start work on my dress.

Two weeks later

I have a very important story to cover tonight. I am covering a party given by a British officer. I am very glad that I finished my dress yesterday. It is perfect! It has a square neck trimmed in lace that is cut low. The sleeves reach my elbows and have lace gathered at the ends of the sleeves. It has a full skirt and shows off my figure very nicely. I am very sure I will attract the attention of any man I want in this gown.

James

Sarah has a party she will cover tonight at a British officer's mansion. I'm glad she got that assignment and not me. She is used to that sort of thing and I'm not. She said that she was going to wear a new dress to the party tonight. As she comes down the stairs in her new dress, she asks our opinion of it, I find I can say nothing. She looks really pretty, beautiful in fact. Why can't I say anything?

Later that night in bed, it comes to me. I am in love with Sarah! That's why I was speechless when she showed us her dress. I want to tell her, but I don't know how and I am scared to do it. What if she says she doesn't love me?