Sorry I took so long. I'll try not to let it happen again, but I have other duties such as school. Let's hope this chapter is a little longer, and thanks for the reviews. I'll try to edit my stuff better this time, cuz Ben was supposed to call Felicity 'Miss" not 'Mrs.' But yea, so anyways, once again: "I own nothing but my own ideas." Peace.

"Ben," cried Felicity again after getting over her initial shock. She hurried over to where Ben stood, and without giving it much thought, embraced him.

Her mother gasped.

Nan frowned.

William was long gone.

The only positive reactions were those of Mr. Merriman who was suppressing a laugh after a glance at Ben's stunned look, and Elizabeth who smiled a knowing smile. Of course Felicity wouldn't keep the rules of good society in such circumstances, why was everyone so shocked, Elizabeth wondered.

Ben soon became very aware of the contact of Felicity's breast against his chest, but before he could feel flustered, she broke the contact of the hug.

She took hold of his hands and sat him down, drinking in Ben's image. He was taller, but was no longer lanky. He filled his tall frame. Oh, and those shoulders. But it he was her friend, she couldn't possibly be having these thoughts about her friend. So she shook those thoughts out her head and started: "Oh, Ben. It is so good to see you. You do not know how dearly you have been missed. All of us, even Elizabeth. You remember Elizabeth don't you?"

Felicity gestured towards her friend. Elizabeth curtsied and Ben was about to greet her but Felicity ventured on, "You must tell me everything, Ben. What happened during the war? Did you meet anyone? General Washington? You did want to meet him, am I correct? Oh, and your family, have you gone and seen them, yet? Well of course you have. Are they well? Oh, it is so good to have you back. And how much longer will you be staying? You are to finish your apprenticeship with Father, are you not? And what of Isaac? Have you—"

But Felicity was interrupted by her father. "Felicity, dear," Mr. Merriman said with an amused smile, "You must slow down if you want your questions answered. I do not think Ben can keep up with you. Not many can."

"Besides," said her mother, "I do not think your conduct towards Ben is entirely appropriate. He has not yet expressed a desire to have such a familiar conversation with you."

Felicity looked thoroughly miffed. Her father was mocking her and her mother lecturing her about her conduct again. She looked at Ben for an answer.

But he was utterly speechless. Not only because of her physical appearance, which was beautiful, by the way; she was taller than most women, and perfectly curvaceous (though her corset might have something to do with it, but he doubted she was much different without it), a few long red curls strayed from her cap and framed her face (he still had a few freckles dotted along her small nose) and he couldn't keep his eyes away from her constantly moving mouth for a pair of full red lips had semi-hypnotized him. But, as mentioned, that was not the only reason he was silent. It was also for her conduct towards him, it was almost as if she picked up their friendship right where it was left off. He was amazed by the warmth that hadn't disappeared after all those years.

But the silence was interpreted differently by Felicity. "Oh, I see. Well, I think it is time for Elizabeth to go home. We mustn't keep her mother waiting. Mr. Davidson, I believe I will be seeing you at dinner. Mother. Father."

And with a curt not to all of them, she all but dragged Elizabeth out of the parlor, and into the street.

I know chapter is short again, but I have more of an idea of what I want to do so I hope I won't keep y'all waiting long. Just a couple of notes, if I ever veer off the lingo form this time please let me know. And I might add some stuff about the war, since it's there and this is a politically active family, so if I'm inaccurate about something, point it out to me also. I know more about WWI and II and Vietnam, but those are not relevant to this. So yea. Thanks again for the reviews. Peace.