Abe and Caleb had departed an hour ago. Anna had said goodnight, and Ben and Molly were walking together around the perimeter of camp. Neither was tired, so they kept their pace slow.
"So, I talked with the doctor." Molly said. Although no one was near them, she still kept her voice low. "He says I can feel free to leave the medical tent at my convenience."
"Right." Ben replied hesitantly.
"What? What is it?
He slowed his pace almost to a standstill. She stopped and turned to look back at him.
"What, and does Washington have a problem with my presence in camp as well?"
"It's not that." He shook his head and continued walking.
"Then what?"
Ben shrugged, still unsure of how to word it.
"Look, since Arnold's betrayal, everyone's on edge. I'm afraid of what questions may arise if you were to resume your work as a camp follower."
"Right." She said slowly. "I never asked… What excuse did you make for me? To explain my disappearance from camp."
"I told everyone there was a family emergency. And that you were visiting your father back home."
She raised her eyebrows in amusement. Her parents had been dead for seven years.
"My father?" she repeated.
"Well— Well, I—" he stammered, and she snickered at his reaction. "What else was I supposed to say?"
"It was a fine excuse." She admitted.
He changed subjects. Since they were reunited, she noticed that he, too, had been in a strange mood. From what he had told her, she assumed it was just anxiety from the incident with Arnold, and from dealing with Washington's newfound paranoia.
"I don't want you living with the camp followers again. I want you to wait."
"But why—?"
"Molly, look at you. You've had the shite beaten out of you, and you really expect the other women not to ask questions."
She hesitated to respond. He had a point.
"Fine, I agree. So what then? Are you going to just hide me in your tent until the rest of the bruising goes away?"
That could take weeks though.
"Well—" he sighed. "Washington has all of us under strict orders to follow protocol." He glanced over at her briefly. "And that means there's no way you can resume your previous position as my aide-de-camp. The same goes for us staying together. Washington won't stand for it."
Her eyebrows knitted together.
"You already told me you're breaking orders by telling me of the Arnold scheme. What makes this different?"
"Because, if Washington finds out, I could be demoted or court-martialed."
She snorted, "Yeah, right! Come on, Ben, you really think the General is that foolish? If he loses you, you really think the rest of us will be so willing to keep the ring together, huh? Especially now."
He didn't respond so she said next.
"If I'm not to stay with you, then where will I stay until the bruising fades?"
"I'll have a word with the staff at the medical tent. Tell them you're to be housed there, under my orders."
The idea of staying in the medical tent much longer made Molly's stomach churn. Although she had been moved to the tent where the soldiers closer to recovery were, she was still often awoken by the sounds of men in pain, and vomiting, and other general disorder. But she also knew that Ben was right. If she moved back with the camp followers too soon, she would have to make excuses for her appearance. Not to mention the rumors that could begin. The last thing they needed was for there to be rumors that the bruises were courtesy of Ben.
"It's getting late." Ben said, breaking the silence. "I'll walk you back."
He started to change directions, but she reached out and grabbed him by the arm, stopping him.
"What is it?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
She closed the gap between them so that they were facing each other, with hardly an inch of room between their bodies. She was looking up at him now. She had a hand on his chest, and he placed a hand on her waist.
"I've been in camp a week, and you won't even touch me."
It was dark, but she could still see the blush rising to his face.
"I didn't want to hurt you further." He said.
"You could've just asked."
"Oh, what," he scoffed, "and appear to be your depraved fiancé?"
"But that's what you are… For that's what I am too."
"No, you're—"
She cut him off before he could go on another tangent.
"Will you shut up and let me kiss you?"
She reached a hand up to the back of his neck and pulled him down so that his lips could meet hers. Her other hand was kept knotted in the fabric of his uniform, making sure he wouldn't try to move. He was tense at first, but then he allowed himself to move his hands to her back and pulled her closer so that she was pressed flush again him.
She moved to pull away, thinking that he had enough. She moaned in surprise when he moved one of his hands to her face, and he was the one to become more ardent now. She could feel a blush rising in her own cheeks. It had become almost unbearably warm. And suddenly, her clothes felt too tight, and she was sure he felt the same.
Her split lip stung slightly as his lips moved against hers, but she tried to ignore it. She had missed this. She had missed him. She didn't even know how long this lasted, but finally Ben was the one to break the kiss. He kept his forehead pressed against hers. They were both lightly panting.
"We should stop."
"Why?" she breathed.
"Because, if we continue, I fear I'm going to disobey orders and invite you back to my tent."
She didn't miss a beat.
"I'd invite you to mine, but I figure we could do without the audience." She deadpanned.
He snorted, but then it turned into full-fledged laughter, and then she joined in as well.
"Like I said, I'll walk you to your tent."
He pecked her on the lips again, and then they separated. When they walked this time, he refused to let go of her hand, and she was glad for it.
Two weeks passed. Ben and Caleb agreed to meet at the edge of camp two weeks from the day Abe and Caleb departed. So, that's where Ben, Anna, and Molly were riding to now.
The past two weeks had proven successful for Molly. While her ribs were still not fully healed, the bruising on her face had faded quickly enough. The only noticeable damage was her nose, but even that had been reduced to faint swelling. The three of them agreed that she looked well enough to find a place with the camp followers once more.
The timing worked out as well. Anna would escort Molly and Mary into camp. They would make up an excuse than Molly and Mary met while separately traveling to meet up with the army.
Molly and Ben each had their own horses. Anna rode with Ben. She had never been a skilled rider. Molly was giddy at the prospect of being reunited with her friend again. She was even more excited to properly introduce her to her friends; Mary had never properly met Ben.
It didn't take long for them to catch sight of two riders up ahead. As both parties got closer, they recognized Caleb Brewster, with Mary and Thomas Woodhull in tow. Caleb rode with Thomas, and Mary rode by herself. They stopped beside each other and all of them dismounted.
"Mary!"
Molly rushed forward to hug her friend. She pulled back and kept her friend at arms' length once they separated; she looked the same.
"Hello, Molly." She gave her a tired smile.
"It's so good to see you."
"No, you as well."
"And how did Thomas fair on the journey up here?" Molly turned to look down at the boy. He was four years old now. "Look how you've grown!" she smiled.
Thomas looked up at her wide-eyed. She could tell he didn't remember her.
"Well, I suppose you've become acquainted with Caleb." Molly went on. "And you already know Anna. But I want to introduce you to my fiancé. This is Benjamin."
It felt weirdly mundane to be speaking like this. It almost reminded her of what life was like before they called off their engagement, before he joined the war.
Mary and Ben nodded at each other as they briefly shook hands. Each was still wary of the other.
"Welcome to New Windsor." Ben said.
"Major Tallmadge."
Mary turned to greet Anna as well.
"Mrs. Strong."
Ben: "Your husband has sacrificed much for our cause."
Anna: "You both have."
Ben: "The least that we can do is see that you're protected and well cared for. If there's anything that you require, please don't hesitate to call upon Molly or myself. Anna will take both you and Molly the rest of the way into the camp. It'll be safer that way."
"Safer?" Mary asked.
"For Abraham." Anna explained. "If you were to be seen with Ben or Caleb, it might raise questions."
"We need to take precautions." Ben nodded. "Now, you won't be able to speak about your husband or about his mission."
Mary nodded in agreement.
"Of course not."
Anna: "And you can't use your surname anymore."
Ben: "'Woodhull' is linked with the Tory character. Anna's had to fabricate an account of her being here. She'll help you craft one of your own."
Mary glanced at Caleb, almost waiting for his approval as well.
Caleb shrugged, "When Woody was in camp, they wouldn't even let him out of the barn, so…"
Ben looked down and noticed that Thomas was staring at him. That's when he saw that Thomas was clutching a silver soldier figurine. Thomas kept glancing from the soldier to Ben.
"Oh, well, what have you got there?" Ben knelt down beside him. Thomas handed him the toy and Ben smiled. It was a figure from the Woodhulls set of toy soldiers. "Your father and I, we used to play with these."
He handed the figure back to Thomas
"Well, Caleb and I best be off." Ben stood upright once more. "It was nice to see you again, Mrs. Woodhull."
Anna and Molly both helped untie Mary's bags from where they were secured to her horse, and then they split the load between the three of them. They would be traveling the rest of the way into camp on foot. They said their quick goodbyes, and then Ben and Caleb rode off, leading the extra horses with them.
Anna silently began to lead them in the direction of the camp followers. Mary and Molly walked behind, keeping pace with Thomas, who was already struggling to keep up with them with his short legs. The two friends talked quietly.
"I'm sorry." Molly began. "I know it was wrong of me to flee on such short notice—"
Mary cut her off. "Stop. Do not blame yourself. It was no trouble to think up an excuse for you… I am just grateful you left that letter."
A beat.
"Just know, I do intend to repay you. For the money you sent to the city."
Mary brushed her off. "I know Abraham probably still owes your brother enough money. Your brother saved our harvest enough times… Have you heard from him?"
"Who, Selah?"
"Yes."
"Aye. I've only recently returned to camp myself. I was away for…"
She hesitated. She wasn't sure how much she should share with Mary.
"I don't need details. I understand." Mary replied.
"It's been awhile since we corresponded, but aye, Selah is doing well. He's now a Congressman in Philadelphia."
"Really?"
Mary was smiling now. Although she and Selah did not know each other well, they were acquainted during their time as neighbors. And the news that the local tavern owner had turned to politics was most intriguing to Mary.
"I didn't know Selah had an interest."
"He's always like politics. He wanted to study law, but…"
"Right, the funds."
Molly had told Mary before.
During the same time Samuel, Abe, and Ben left for university, Selah was originally going to go as well. However, the year before, the harvest was bad at Strong Manor. Their family relied on the income from their crop, and that year, Mr. and Mrs. Strong barely made ends meet. They didn't have enough money for Selah to go away. So, he stayed home. They were planning on sending him at a later time, after they'd saved more money. But then Molly and Selah's parents became ill and died suddenly. Everything was bequeathed to Selah, and there was no more time for him to go away to university.
"But, hey, let's not talk about that." Molly changed the subject. "You are here, as are my other friends, and my sister-in-law. And I am content."
Mary looked away for a moment.
"I'm not sure if your friend, Mr. Brewster, likes me."
"What makes you say that?"
"He was very quiet on the trip up."
"I don't know if he told you, but he was injured recently."
Mary shook her head.
"Did he ever tell you about what happened with Captain Simcoe?"
Molly narrowed her eyes trying to think, but she couldn't think of any particularly mentionable stories.
"In the time after you left and right before Anna left, Abraham and Mr. Brewster were planning to ambush the Queen's Rangers."
Molly perked up at the comment. She did remember him mentioning it. But that was a long time ago.
"Right. He did say something about that."
"Well, after the ambush went awry, Simcoe was even more of a menace. It wasn't just in Setauket. I heard stories that he terrorized all of Long Island for months. Abe was planning on quitting then and having us flee and meet up with the army. Everything was in place for us to flee and meet Mr. Brewster and have him ferry us across the Sound. But then Simcoe returned to Setauket, with his sights set on arresting Abraham." She sighed. "I don't know exactly why. Abe's explanation was rather muddled."
"When was this?"
"Last November."
Molly's expression fell. Last November was when she had traveled to Samuel Townsend's house for Thanksgiving. She was now almost certain that her initial plan had not worked. Whatever had happened, Robert Townsend was not the one who needed protecting; it was Abraham Woodhull who was in danger all along.
"I ended up… Well, I ended up sending Rangers in the direction of Mr. Brewster's boat. I had to make a choice, and I chose my husband."
It was almost like she felt the need to defend yourself.
"I assure you, Caleb is one of the most forgiving people I know." Molly replied. "I'm sure he hardly thought twice about the matter. The important thing is, he's alive, and so are you and Abe."
They walked in silence for a while longer.
"I don't suppose Mr. Brewster told you about what else happened during that incident?"
Molly's silence prompted Mary to explain. She was having trouble keeping her grin at bay.
"I nearly killed him, Moll. I shot our dreaded Captain Simcoe."
Molly laughed aloud and stared at her friend in utter disbelief.
"What? How?"
"When his men were in the woods hunting for Mr. Brewster, Simcoe was at Whitehall. I snuck outside with Abraham's musket. And I shot him through the window. I thought I had killed him but, but it seems I am not a fine marksman."
"And he didn't find out it was you?"
Mary bit her lip as she smiled, "Mmhmm. He has no idea it was me. He thought it was Mr. Brewster."
Molly's unassuming loyalist friend still proved to be full of surprises. After all, it was Mary who burned down their farmhouse. And it was Mary who plotted to kill Corporal Eastin.
"Hey," Molly put a hand on her friend's arm, "you're a fine enough marksman. Although he survived, you shot him. You got closer than any of us."
"That's what your friend Mr. Brewster said as well."
As they came upon the camp followers and navigated their way through the tents, Mary said aloud.
"So where do both of you stay? Are you two sharing a tent?"
Anna and Molly eyed each other.
"Not exactly." Molly admitted.
Anna explained, "I have been granted possession of a cart. It acts as a sort of trading post for the followers and soldiers alike. That's where I stay and work."
Molly nodded, "And like I said. I've only recently returned to camp as well. I know it may be a bit… blunt, but would you mind too terribly if we shared a tent? You, me, and Thomas?"
"Of course, I don't mind. In fact, it's probably better if we do. You can show me around."
"Another thing you should know," Anna added, "camp followers are restricted to their side of camp. Women aren't allowed to cross over into the main camp."
Molly narrowed her eyes.
"Well… that's not exactly true." She said slowly. "As for myself, I'm allowed to cross over to visit Ben at nearly all hours."
"Why's that?" Mary asked, very interested by the politics of the Continental camp.
"Officer's wife." Molly scrunched her face, "Well, I say wife… either way, it comes with its own perks. And as for Anna…" She stopped herself, suddenly unsure if she was supposed to tell Mary that Anna was still involved in the ring.
It didn't matter because Mary asked anyway.
"How to you go back and forth? Don't you live here as well?"
"I have a foot in both camps." Was all she said.
Anna gestured for them to stop walking. The three of them were stood in front of a dilapidated tent. It wasn't exactly a tent. More like a series of blankets strung up between two trees so that they provided a type of roof.
"I know it's a far cry from what you're accustomed to." Anna began.
"It's a roof over our heads." Mary sounded grateful. "…mostly."
Anna: "The woman who used to live here was drummed out of camp."
Molly remembered Anna telling her the story. After Arnold's betrayal, Washington had also become stricter with the camp followers and their role in camp. The woman who used to live here was angry about her husband's lack of compensation, so she refused to do any work at camp. She stopped doing laundry, she stopped mending clothing. So, she was drummed out of camp, and she was not allowed to return.
"She was a—" Mary didn't want to say it. "You know a—"
"A whore?"
The three of them turned to watch the woman who had just spoken. But it was just Mrs. Barnes. She was a middle-aged woman, who always wrapped herself in shawls. Molly recognized her from the camp in Middlebrook. They would talk sometimes, but she never became well acquainted with her. Back then, she spent most of her time with Ben or Caleb.
Mrs. Barnes smiled. "No. The whores around here get paid for their troubles."
Anna ignored the comment and turned back to Mary.
"If there's provisions you lack, I'll procure them from the sutler's cart."
"Ain't you going to introduce us?" Mrs. Barnes chimed in.
Molly saw Anna roll her eyes, but then she complied. But she sounded tense.
"Mary, this is Mrs. Barnes."
"Ann Barnes." The older woman smiled and they shook hands. "And you're Mary…?"
"Smith." Mary instantly said. "Mary Smith, from Suffolk County. And this is my boy, Thomas." She picked up Thomas so that both he and Mrs. Barnes could get a good look at each other.
"Hello, Thomas. Welcome."
Children were a subject many of the camp followers enjoyed discussing. There was always at least one of them running around.
Mrs. Barnes turned to look at Molly.
"Good to see you again, Mrs. Tallmadge. Some of us were beginning to think you'd left that husband of yours."
Molly feigned a smile. It had always been easier to introduce herself as Ben's wife while talking to the camp followers. The old warning from Martha Washington still proved to be very true; camp followers did not take too well to officers' wives. They were always asking for favors and extra rations and supplies; things that Molly couldn't get anyway; but the women didn't believe that; and that was what made it annoying.
"You as well, Mrs. Barnes." Molly bowed her head slightly.
"Well, I best be finishing my chores. I'll be sure to stop by, when you're all settled."
They said their goodbyes and Mrs. Barnes departed.
Anna let out a sigh. She could never stand that woman.
"Well, I suppose I should be off as well." Anna said, "If I'm gone much longer, I'll be missed at my cart. We'll talk more later."
And she was off as well. So that just left Molly, Mary, and Thomas.
"Mrs. Tallmadge?" Mary said quietly. She was beginning to place her bags into the shelter. "I thought you said he was your fiancé. Unless… did you elope?"
Mary wasn't trying to be nosy. She was genuinely curious.
When they first met, Mary remembered telling Judge Woodhull of her fondness for the woman. Although they came from totally different backgrounds – Mary a city and Molly a farming town – the two of them had no problem thinking of things to discuss. It was as if they were old friends being reunited.
Mary's future father-in-law immediately retorted that Molly Strong was not good company to keep. He told her about Molly's troublesome childhood and about her failed engagement to a current officer in the Continental Army. Mary ignored Judge Woodhull's warnings. After speaking more with Molly and becoming better acquainted, there was no doubt in her mind that Molly was a loyalist.
The entire time they had known each other, Molly had refused to speak about her past engagement. Mary remembered how sorry she felt for her friend. She remembered how hurt she had been to hear of Thomas Woodhull's passing. She couldn't imagine being engaged to someone who would betray the King… but that was then.
"No. We're not married yet."
Molly was beside her now, leading Thomas back to where they were. He had started to wander off.
"Why not?" Mary asked.
Molly didn't respond immediately.
"To be honest, I'm not sure. We didn't get married before because we weren't sure how long the war would last. We didn't know who would win. But now…" she let out a sigh, "I don't really know. I suppose we still don't know who will win."
"What happens if we lose?"
Mary's voice had gone quiet. She had never really thought of the war in terms of victors and losers. Her primary focus had always been on keeping Abe alive.
Molly shrugged; her voice nonchalant.
"I suppose things would probably go back to how they were before. High taxes, quartering soldiers, everything like that. The Continental Congress will be hanged for treason against the King… along with General Washington and the other military leaders. I don't suppose they would hang every soldier, but they may very well try to imprison them. And as for the wives and families of those men, I haven't the faintest idea."
Mary nodded slowly.
If they lost the war, Molly was looking at losing literally everything. Her brother's estate had already been seized all those years ago, and Molly owned few possessions now, and she had no savings. If they lost the war, Benjamin and Caleb and Selah (for that matter) would most likely all be executed. Although Molly was a camp follower, that didn't mean she would be accused of treason as well. The only way to ensure Molly would not be killed or imprisoned as well, was by keeping her as disconnected from the three of them as possible.
Mary realized then that she was not the only one who had been keeping secrets. Molly was doing all of this for family just as much as Mary was.
"So, Benjamin won't let you two get married?" she finally asked.
Molly feigned a smile, "I suppose you could say that."
Two weeks passed, and Mary seemed to be settling well into life as a camp follower. Molly was as well. It was an adjustment for both of them, spending most of their time doing odd jobs around camp.
One day they were both sat in front of their tent. Molly borrowed a short table from one of the other women, and she and Mary were both sat on the ground, using the table's surface to help them keep their hands steady as they sewed. There was a pile of clothing in between them that needed mending. Thomas sat beside them, drawing on his small chalkboard. Mary had been teaching him to write back at home. He had been practicing his letters all morning.
Now he had found a new game. He kept asking Mary and Molly how to spell certain words. As they spelled them aloud for him, he scribbled down the appropriate letters on the chalkboard.
"How do you spell your name?" He asked. He was a shy child, and his voice was incredibly soft.
"Molly. M-O-L-L-Y." she spelled aloud slowly for him.
She smiled as she watched him form the shaky letters.
"Aye. There you go."
"And how do you spell your last name?" he asked.
"S-T-R-O-N-G."
He took a moment to look at the fresh letters he had written.
"What does it say?" He tilted his head slightly.
"Strong."
Mary glanced over at his latest words.
"Ms. Molly is a Strong, just like you and I and papa are Woodhulls." she whispered, But remember, Thomas, we're all playing a game with the other women, and we can't tell them our last names."
"Aye," Molly nodded. "You can't tell anyone I'm a Strong. Can you do that for me still?"
He nodded. Thomas didn't talk much as it was, but this was the easiest excuse the women thought up to prevent him from saying too much.
Several minutes passed in silence. But then Thomas said.
"Ms. Molly, do you have three names?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"Mama has three names."
Mary smirked. Thomas has recently become interested in learning peoples' full names.
"He means do you have a middle name?" Mary clarified. "My full name is Mary Madigan Woodhull. Right, Thomas?"
He was back to scribbling on his chalkboard again.
"Well, if we're revealing those details, then my full name is Mary Strong."
Mary's needle froze. She tilted her head slightly, unsure if she had heard her friend correctly.
"Sorry?" she asked.
Molly glanced up, unfazed. "Mary. That's my name too… not that anyone's ever called me that… My full name is Mary Floyd Strong… Floyd as in my mother's maiden name."
She went back to her sewing, but Mary was still sat there in disbelief. She couldn't believe she had never heard this – from Molly or any of their other neighbors alike.
"You've never told me that." She finally said.
Molly shrugged. "There was no need to. Everyone's always called my Molly. There were enough Marys as it was growing up. You know what I mean."
Mary did know what she meant. Mary was one of the most common girls' names. She had grown up with her own slew of Marys in the city.
"I've never even heard anyone call you that though." Mary continued, "Even Father... I remember when he was helping with the investigation of Captain Joyce's death. He had to write up some papers, and your name was only written as Molly Strong."
Molly bit her lip in amusement. She didn't know what was so hard to believe. It wasn't like she went around telling people her full Christian name.
"Well of course he did. I've lived my whole life in Setauket. I knew Abe's father for most of my life. Like I said, everyone just calls me Molly."
They went back to sewing again. After a few moments, Molly glanced over at her friend and elbowed her playfully.
"Hey!" Mary laughed.
"You know, you're not the only one who can keep a secret." She teased.
"I'll keep that in mind… Mary."
"Thank you, Mrs. Smith."
Mary was the one to playfully elbow her then.
Molly awoke the next morning to a bearded face looming above her.
"Morning!"
She yawned and sat up, brushing him away. She was speaking in hushed tones, not wanting to disturb Mary or Thomas who laid beside her.
"Morning, Caleb."
"Major Tallboy wants to see you."
"Oh, I'm being summoned?"
"Come on."
She crawled to her feet and grabbed her cloak from where she had laid it beside their makeshift bed. She wrapped it around her shoulder as she followed him through the scattered rows of tents. It was still early, and most of the women were still asleep. She shivered as she tried to keep up with his pace.
"So," she breathed, "I haven't seen you in a few days. Any word from Abe?"
"No, nothing new. But don't worry, you'll be the first to know."
They crossed over into the main encampment, near Washington's headquarters. The camp was already bustling with soldiers. She followed Caleb into one of the tents.
She had only been to Ben's tent a handful of times. He began visiting her recently, and they would walk together in the nearby woods to speak in private. His tent in New Windsor was much larger than the one in Middlebrook. He still had his usual furniture: a bed, desk, and some chairs. But now he also had a small dresser, where his shaving mirror sat, and there was a large table in the center of the space. It was covered in maps, like it usually was.
Before she had a chance to say anything, Ben was in front of her holding a folded piece of paper.
"Morning?" she asked suspiciously, taking the paper from him.
He and Caleb exchanged a knowing look as she opened the paper and read what was written on it. It was a letter. After a few seconds, she laughed aloud.
"Selah's coming?! Here?!"
Selah Strong arrived in the New Windsor encampment by the end of the week. His reason for visiting? He received a letter from Anna, explaining the current conditions in camp, and explaining the cause of the recent mutiny.
It was different when he visited this time. In Middlebrook, Selah had been visiting as a civilian, a veteran of the Continental Army. But now, in New Windsor, Selah was visiting as a Congressman. He had won the nomination and the elections last fall, at around the same time Molly went to New York.
Molly knew she couldn't see him when he first arrived. As soon as he arrived, Ben was going to take him on a tour of camp and show him the conditions of the soldiers firsthand – a lot had changed since Selah was an ensign in the army. She had been waiting in Ben's tent for the last several hours. Finally, they stepped into the tent.
"Molly!"
"Selah!"
She got to her feet and they embraced.
"Sorry I've not written." She said.
"Don't be. Ben wrote to me. Said it wasn't safe."
He glanced between her and Ben. He still didn't know the full extent of what they were doing. All he knew was that Ben was Head of Intelligence, and that Caleb, Molly, and Anna were all involved somehow.
Molly nodded, gesturing for Selah to take a seat at the table with her.
"How did you find camp?" she asked.
"I must say, it's changed much since I was last here." Selah admitted.
"For the better?"
She knew what his answer would be before he said it.
"No. I wouldn't say that."
"Aye," Ben agreed, "Those men who received you, they joined two years ago. They've not been paid since."
"Aye," Molly added, "and neither Ben nor Caleb have been paid since they joined the war nearly four years ago."
Ben stepped over to his desk where a bowl of unperishable rations was. He placed the bowl on the table in front of Selah.
Ben: "I can assure you our rations are more meager than these."
Selah digested that information for a moment. Then he said.
"I'm sponsoring a bill to provide veterans half-pay for life."
Ben sighed, "Selah, the men need money now, not promises for later. If they're not paid soon, then the army won't be defending Congress, we'll be defending Congress from the army."
Selah rose to his feet again and started pacing.
"I'm sorry." Ben sounded tense. "I won't tell you how to do your job."
Selah turned back to look at him.
"And I won't tell you how to do yours." A beat. "I know you can't speak about Benedict Arnold's intrigues, but do you still have active intelligencers?"
He glanced at Molly briefly. Ben didn't say anything, but he nodded.
"And that includes Anna?"
Molly raised her eyebrows in surprise. She didn't say anything though. She knew Anna and Selah were corresponding again; Anna had said so herself. But she didn't know more than that. She had chosen not to pry.
Selah looked at Ben, "You said that she was valuable to you back in Setauket."
"Yes." Ben admitted.
"Does she serve the same purpose here in camp?"
"Well, she wouldn't be here if she didn't."
Liar. Molly still didn't understand why they were still protecting her. They weren't children anymore. She didn't understand why Anna had waited to long to begin corresponding with him again. This entire time, despite everything, Anna and Selah were still married. If Anna was unhappy, she could always write to Selah regarding a divorce. It was not an ideal solution, but Selah was a good man. If Anna was truly unhappy, Selah would do everything in his power to conciliate her.
Molly had no shame in admitting that she overreacted when she first discovered the news to be true. But she did not regret what she did. Although the affair was over, she was still bothered by it. She was sure she always would be; regardless of their ultimate decision.
But at the same time, she had no idea what her brother was doing. She was beginning to have the same thoughts regarding him. What was he doing? He was clearly excited to hear from her. Hence why he was here. But even now, he didn't even try to bring her to Philadelphia with him? He was clearly letting Anna decide. But they were proving to be just as indecisive as the other. And although Molly still loved her brother and she was proud of him, for the first time in her life, Molly was no longer interested in rushing to her brother's defense.
"Of course." Selah replied.
He sounded almost as if he was embarrassed for asking. Molly shot Ben a look, and he was worried for a moment that he would say the wrong thing. Although they had talked about the affair, Ben was not as judgmental as Molly. After Molly told him that Abe and Anna had been secretly engaged, Ben decided that was not his place to judge. It wasn't his business.
Despite his uncertainty, Ben had to respond.
"But she is your wife, Selah. She's… if you wish to take her back to Philadelphia with you, then, well, that is your prerogative, of course."
Selah feigned a smile, and then the topic of conversation was dropped.
Selah was to be in camp for a week, to meet with other officers and with Washington. Molly knew they would hardly see each other, but she didn't mind like she did before. Selah was here on business.
She hated to leave Mary alone so often that week, but there she was, back in Ben's tent. She, Ben, and Caleb were discussing the newest intelligence from New York. Ben was sat at his desk, and Caleb was sat on Ben's cot, listening to him as Ben read through the latest copy of the Gazette. Molly was standing behind Ben with her arms loosely draped around his shoulders. She was reading over his shoulder.
"Beaver hats, walking canes, peacock plumes. No French raspberry brandy." Ben sighed.
He put down the paper and leaned back in his chair so that the back of his head was against Molly's stomach.
"Just doesn't make sense." Ben went on. "Abe should have made contact with Townsend by now."
"Aye, it's been nearly two months." She muttered.
Molly absentmindedly ran a hand through his hair.
Ben: "Townsend, who in turn should make contact with Hercules Mulligan."
Hercules Mulligan was one of the few spies they had remained in contact with. He lived in York City, and Molly vaguely remembered hearing his name. He was a tailor. When Arnold was rounding up spies in the city, Mulligan was one of the men arrested, but he feigned innocence and was released from jail. Now, since he was one of the only spies (besides Townsend) left in New York, he was helping with the plot to nab Arnold.
"Unless Townsend's not quit the game altogether." Ben pondered.
Molly still didn't believe that.
"He's not. I'm sure of it." She said.
Ben glanced over at Caleb, who looked troubled and was still sat staring straight ahead. He had been acting strange all day.
"Are we talking to ourselves?" Ben asked.
Caleb blinked, coming out of his daze. He looked at the both of them for a second.
"Sorry." He stammered. "Um… ain't Mulligan in jail?"
Ben let out an exasperated sigh and rose to his feet. Molly stole his seat while he began to pace.
"No, Caleb, we've been through this. He was released weeks ago. We learned that through his slave, Cato, who was able to cross the Hudson unmolested, remember?"
"Yeah, Cato, right."
"Major Tallmadge?"
Molly turned at the familiar voice. Standing at the entrance to Ben's tent was Mary Woodhull.
"Mary?" Molly turned in her seat so that she could face her friend.
"What are you—?" Ben quickly ushered her inside and looked outside his tent, to ensure she hadn't been followed.
"Am I intruding?" Mary asked.
"Mary, camp followers are not allowed to enter this section of the camp, let alone to walk directly into my tent." He snapped.
"Ben—" Molly began.
But she found herself cut off by Mary's comment.
"Doesn't Anna Strong?"
"Well, she's— she's—" Ben stuttered.
He looked at Molly warily, but all Molly did was shrug. She hadn't said a word to Mary about Anna still being involved in the ring. Whatever Mary knew, she found out on her own, meaning that Ben was not being as careful as he'd hoped.
Mary went on, "You said if I needed anything, I should come to Molly or you. Seeing as Molly has been preoccupied this week, I have come to you directly. And what I need is information on my husband."
"Information?" Ben asked.
"What he's doing? How he's doing."
"It's early, Mary." Caleb added.
"I'm afraid I simply cannot do that, Mrs. Woodhull. Your husband's mission is highly confidential." Ben's tone was becoming harsher.
Mary looked down for a moment, then she said.
"I have a right to be kept informed. Has he joined Arnold yet? Found a way to kill Simcoe?"
Molly could feel the grin forming on her face. Ben quickly shushed Mary.
"How did you know?" he demanded.
"I'm his wife. Who do you think delayed the soldiers while you were burning the hay? I have been helping my husband and thus your cause for some time now, and I deserve to know the truth."
Ben turned away for a moment, becoming more irritated.
"Ben." Caleb tried to cut in.
"No." Ben turned back to Mary. His tone overly formal this time. "Madam, while you are amongst this army, you will follow this army's rules."
"Ben." Molly warned.
He ignored her though.
"So long as you wish to remain here, you will obey the chain of command. Is that understood? Now you will be excused." He pointed towards the entrance.
Molly knew her friend was glaring, but Mary wordlessly turned to go.
"Mary." Ben added, almost knowing his tone had been too harsh. "Look, it is my intention to protect your husband. You have no more right to know of his movements than does the enemy."
Mary did not respond, and she left the tent. Molly watched Caleb rise to his feet and followed after her. Ben groaned in frustration and walked back over to where Molly was at the desk.
"What was that?" she asked slowly.
"What was what? I cannot believe Abe jeopardized the mission like that."
She scoffed.
"That's rich coming from you."
He looked baffled by her response, so she continued.
"Oh, come on, you really blame Abe for entrusting secrets to Mary? We do that same thing all the time."
"But the difference is, I do not know Mary."
"No, but you trust my discretion, yes? And you trust Abe's?"
He didn't say anything.
"Ben, Mary has done more for this cause than anyone gives her credit for. I told you that last year when I fled Setauket. She covered for me, and at that point she had only just decided to support our cause. Before that, she was just as much a Tory as Judge Woodhull was."
"Molly."
His tone had softened, but her mood had not.
"Don't." She said. "Now I, too, am going to follow after her, and I'm going to apologize for not defending her, like I should have, when you snapped at her. Because Mary has sacrificed just as much as the rest of us to be here."
With that, she was gone.
By time Molly had caught up with Mary, Caleb was nowhere in sight, and Mary was angrily tidying up their shared tent.
"Mary?"
"Some friends you've chosen…"
Molly ignored the comment.
"Mary?"
"What?" Mary snapped.
"That wasn't bullshit back there. We really don't know. We haven't heard from Abe or from our other man in New York."
"It's been two months!"
"I know. That's why Ben's so on edge as well."
"Oh, your precious Benjamin. You heard the way he talked to me…"
She said more, but Molly had turned and was walking in the opposite direction. She would come back to talk with her after she calmed down.
That night, neither woman said anything as they squeezed into their shared makeshift bed. They had Thomas lay between them, as a way to keep him warm. It was always cold at night. They still hadn't talked about what happened earlier that day.
"Just know, when we hear word about Abe, I'll be to tell you. I wouldn't keep that from you. You can trust me."
Molly's whisper pierced through the darkness.
"I'm sorry. I should've come to you first."
Molly turned on her side. Even though it was dark, she could still make out the shape of Mary's form.
"No, you had every right to be worried. I know it's not fair." She paused. "But Ben always says, we make sacrifices, so others don't have to."
Without saying anything, they both knew that they were forgiven. Mary turned to face her friend as well, even though she, too, couldn't see her.
"Can I ask you something?" Mary asked.
"Of course."
"Now, I don't mean to pry—"
"Oh, come on, out with it."
Mary paused for a moment, thinking of how to phrase it. She was still hesitant though.
"Can I ask you about you and Benjamin?"
"What do you want to know?"
"Why didn't you ever tell me about him?"
Molly didn't respond.
"I'm serious." Mary swallowed. "Why did you keep it from me?"
Molly scoffed, "Well, what was I supposed to say? That I was Whig sympathizer who was just remaining in loyalist Setauket until the rebels won the war and he could come rescue me?"
Mary let out a sigh, now she was sure she had phrased it all wrong.
"No, not that. You could've told me about him from when you were still engaged. I doubt anyone would've been suspicious of that… Abraham told me you and Benjamin were courting and then engaged for nearly two years."
A beat.
"I lied." Molly decided. "I don't want you to ask me anything more."
"Molly."
"Mary."
"The entire time we were friends, you never even told me his name. You never even told me you were engaged. I only knew about it from whispers I heard from the neighbors… And as far as I'm aware, you never corresponded with him. For the entire time he was away… Did you two expect to meet again? …Or, when you called off the engagement the first time, was that when you said your final goodbyes?"
Molly rolled over so that her back was to her friend. She didn't want to have this conversation.
"Good night, Mary."
Author's Note: I'm like 90% sure that Madigan is Mary's maiden name. In 3x05, when Mary is practicing shooting, Abe gets excited and calls her that, so I'm assuming.
