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Chapter Twenty-One

A few moments later, Tess came back into in the bedroom. In her arms she held the breeches, shirt, and waistcoat that Andrew had been wearing the day before. But they looked much cleaner and when she dropped them into Andrew's arms he could instantly tell by the smell that they had been hanging outside in the fresh morning air.

"Thanks, Tess." He grinned sheepishly. "You know, I've had a lot of time to think since I've been in bed all night and all this morning. And I've been talking with Sarah and Elizabeth as well."

"And?" The supervisor asked. She went to the window where a basin sat on a table and she poured some hot soapy water into it for Andrew to wash with.

"And I think I know exactly what to do about my assignment now." He replied.

"Oh really?" Tess crossed her arms.

He nodded. "Yes, and I am going to go talk with Mr. Chandler right now. But I do have one question for you."

She cocked her head and waited for him to continue.

"Tess, when do I tell my assignment that I am angel? Do I ever?" He asked.

"Well, sometimes you will tell them and sometimes they never find out who it was that they were really interacting with." Tess answered patiently. "But you will know if and when the time comes, Andrew. You will."

He nodded, satisfied with the answer. Tess then handed him a comb, turned and silently left him alone in the bedroom, shutting the door behind her. As soon as she was gone, Andrew stood up slowly, in fear of feeling that same pain in his head as he had earlier that morning. But there was no pain and Andrew quickly went about getting dressed to go into town.

It only took him a few moments to locate his shoes, which were sitting on the floor at the end of the bed. And though it took him a bit longer to run the comb through his tangled and disheveled hair, he was on his way down the staircase in a number of minutes, buttoning his waistcoat as he went.

Just as he reached the bottom of the steps, Mary Chandler came in from outside through the front door and into the foyer. She smiled when she saw Andrew up and dressed. "Good afternoon, Andrew." She said to him, as she removed the hat she wore. "Are you feeling better?"

"Yes ma'am," He nodded. "I am, thank you. In fact, I was on my way to your husband's store right now."

"I am sure he will be glad for your help." She said. "I was just there myself and though it seemed slow, it is sure to get busier this afternoon. But I am glad to hear that you are not feeling so bad anymore. It does concern me though that you became so sick after only a little bit of drinking."

"Yes ma'am. I am sorry I worried you." He told her softly. "To be honest, I did not know that it would make me so sick. But I do want to thank you for allowing me to sleep upstairs last night and opening up your home to me."

"You are more than welcome, Andrew." She told him with a smile that met her eyes. "I am just glad that you are feeling better. But do let me know if there is anything else that may make you sick. We would not want you to take ill again."

Andrew nodded his head. "Aye, I will do that, though I don't think there is anything else."

The woman then wished Andrew well and a good day; then left the room just as Tess was coming in.

"Are you ready?" She asked Andrew, who looked like he was just itching to get out of the house.

"I am, Tess." He told her surely. "I promised Elizabeth that I would help her. She is counting on me."

Tess gave him a small smile. "Well, then you best do as you promised that young lady, Angel Boy. But remember; only God knows what this family needs. Don't get so caught up in your assignment, that you misunderstand what it is about."

Andrew looked at the older angel strangely. "I am not misunderstanding it, Tess." He told her, his green eyes sincere. "I've been praying and I've been talking with Sarah and Elizabeth. I am sure I know exactly what is going on and I know what I have to do to fix it."

"Do you?" Tess looked amused.

Andrew just nodded and Tess sighed with a small shake of her head.

"Just be careful and make sure you think things through. Don't jump to any conclusions that may not be as they seem." She advised him. She cocked her head and studied him carefully. "Are you sure you're feeling well enough to go out?" She asked him.

He nodded quickly. "Tess, I am feeling fine. Nearly perfect." He added, with the most convincing face he could muster.

"Well, if you're sure," She sighed, handing him his hat. "Now go on, I am sure Mr. Chandler could use some assistance."

Andrew nodded. "I'm going." He turned to leave, but paused when he reached the door. He looked at his supervisor surely. "I feel fine, Tess. I mean it." And with those words, he slipped out the front door, closing it behind him.

Tess shook her head as the front door closed. And she could not help but smile a bit. Andrew could have told her he felt 'fine' a hundred more times, but she knew him better than that. She knew him well enough to know that he was probably still feeling a little sick, but that he was much too eager to work on his assignment to admit he was not completely better.

But Tess didn't say anything to him about it. She simply shook her head with amusement and returned to the kitchen to finish darning some stockings.

It wasn't long before Andrew reached the store. He had met up with Sarah and Elizabeth outside the house when he left and told them that he was planning on talking with their Father. They had been pleased to hear that, though Elizabeth still hadn't sounded too confident that it would work.

But Andrew was. In fact, he was almost sure. With this confidence, he hurried up the front steps and though the door into Mr. Chandler's shop.

There was no one inside when Andrew entered except for the store keeper himself, who was seated on a stool behind the counter. The man looked up when he heard the door open and upon seeing Andrew, his face broke into a wide smile.

"Andrew," He greeted the angel, shutting the book he held as he stood up. "Are you feeling better, lad?"

Andrew nodded. "Yes sir, I am. Thank you for asking."

"I am pleased to see you up and about." The shopkeeper stated. "We are slow right now, but we were quite busy earlier today and I am sure that we will be busy later. I'll be glad for your help."

"Yes sir; and I am sorry that I was not here to help you." The angel apologized.

John shook his head. "Do not trouble yourself about that. Everyone gets ill at times. You are no exception." He smiled kindly. "Now, why don't you come help me with some figures in the back?"

Andrew nodded and followed the shopkeeper into the back room.

Andrew sighed as he glanced over at John, who was assisting some women with a purchase. It was later that afternoon, and just as the storekeeper had said, the store had been very busy. This frustrated Andrew a bit, for he was very eager to discuss Elizabeth with John. It just didn't seem like the opportune moment ever arrived. Every time the angel would open his mouth to start the conversation, then somebody else would come walking into the store.

Of course, the business was good for John; and Andrew was glad the man was getting it. But he couldn't help but feel that he had more important matters on hand. With a sigh, the angel shook his head. He was trying to be patient, but it was getting less and less easy as the day wore on.

A few minutes later, the last customer in the store finally left. Andrew was relieved to see them go and he hoped that no one else would decide to come in for a while. But he also knew that if he was going to talk to John, he had better start soon.

"Mr. Chandler," Andrew started quietly, after a few moments of silence. "Could I discuss something with you?"

John nodded and Andrew suddenly felt bad about the topic he was about to bring up. The shopkeeper had been in somewhat of a pleasant mood since Andrew had arrived in the store. The angel hated to make the man angry and hoped it would not turn out too badly. Silently Andrew sent up a quick prayer once again.

"Sir, I know that I am just an apprentice to you," Andrew began, taking a deep breath. "I also understand that you probably will not take anything I have to say as a great deal of importance. But I feel that you must hear what it is I have to say. If you would give me permission to voice some opinions, sir, about things that do not concern me."

Now John looked more than curious about what his apprentice could possibly have to say. Intrigued, he nodded slowly. "Of course, Andrew." He granted permission. "Speak your mind, lad. I will not condemn you for it."

Andrew took a deep breath. "I have only been here a few days, sir, but I have been observing your family. Elizabeth especially."

John cocked his head. "Andrew, lad, my daughter has been very kind to you; but you are aware that is most likely that my daughter will be wed to Micah Hambling, are you not?"

Andrew nodded quickly. "Yes sir, I am; and though that is what I wished to speak to you about." He paused, and then continued. "I know I was very ill last night, but I could not help but overhear that Elizabeth had been outside speaking with Samuel Carroll. I also know that you were quite angry about that." The angel added quietly.

"Aye, that is true." John confirmed. "But what is it you are getting at?"

"Sir, I know that you and everybody else seem to think that Elizabeth and Micah are wonderful for one another. And while I can see why you would all say that, I think that you need to know that your daughter loves Samuel as well. She... she wants to marry him, I believe." Andrew said softly, willing himself not to break eye contact with the shopkeeper.

For his part, John was in shock. Had his apprentice just said what he thought he just said? But he had and the man did not know what to think of it. Hadn't his wife just come in only hours ago suggesting that he allow Elizabeth to see Samuel freely? She had and John had finally agreed on the proposal. So why on earth was his apprentice in here suggesting nearly the same exact thing? It baffled the shopkeeper, to say the least.

"Andrew, whatever would make you even suggest such a thing?" John asked when he finally regained his ability to speak.

What could Andrew say? His obvious answer to him was "I am an angel. God sent me here to help you and your family", but that just wouldn't do right now. Not yet. So he came up with the next best thing.

"Sir, I have been merely observing," Andrew replied. "Elizabeth does not say much with her voice, but her eyes... they say so much more, if you would only look into them. If you would allow me to be blunt here, sir, let me suggest you give Elizabeth a chance. She needs it. Do not bind her to a marriage just yet. If you do, she may never be happy."

John looked thoughtful as he considered his apprentice's words. Normally he would have been angry for someone to nose into his personal affairs like that, but considering the fact that Mary had come in earlier suggesting similar things, John could not help but think that there must be some truth in it. And still, as much as he hated it, he had already given in to the idea. He would tell Elizabeth that evening that she could visit with Samuel. Though that would not change the fact that he continue to hate all Loyalists.

"Andrew," John finally said, looking into the eyes of his apprentice. "While I am surprised that you dared to even consider suggesting such things, I suppose you did make a few good points in what you said."

Not knowing how to reply to that, Andrew remained silent and waited for the man to continue.

"I still despise any man who dares to believe that we should still obey orders from the king, but I do wish for my daughter to be happy. If she wishes to marry a Loyalist, then I suppose I will eventually learn to get over the fact, though the lad would never mean the same thing to me as Micah would." John explained. "But I have noticed that she seems a bit distant from Micah as of lately. And if what you say about she and Samuel is true, and I believe it is credible after last evening, then I will grant her permission this evening to see that Loyalist."

Andrew's green eyes widened. "You will, sir? That is wonderful!"

John shook his head and sighed. "Yes, well... It seems to be a pressing matter today." He thought of his earlier conversation with his wife and how he had already agreed to give his permission, but did not mention it to Andrew. The lad seemed to know too much already, is it was. "That is enough conversation for now, Andrew. Get back to your work.

"Yes sir." Andrew replied quietly, picking up a broom that was leaning against the wall. While his voice was quiet, inside he was jumping for joy. He had done it! It had been so much easier than he expected it would be, but he did it. Elizabeth was going to get to marry Samuel Carroll and he had completed his first assignment successfully.

With a smile on his face, Andrew set to sweeping the floor. He couldn't wait to tell Tess the news. Wouldn't she be surprised?