Chapter 4:

Felicity checked on the three loaves of bread she had cooking before returning to the pie she was making for dessert. Though she had trouble going solo in the cooking department in the beginning of the marriage, she loved to cook. The kitchen was her domain—she ruled since Ben once tried to help and managed to screw everything up by himself. She had left him alone for two minutes, the most. Her mother had dissolved into laughter when a furious Felicity came marching over to explain why she and her husband would be coming over for dinner. Nan wasn't amused. Then again, the family had long come to the conclusion that Nan's sensibility, while perfectly practical and often kept either Felicity or Polly grounded, impeded her sense of humor.

The time she spent preparing the meals was a time for reflection and to think about things. Of course, sometimes she would drift off and stop paying attention, but she was getting better at thinking AND staying focused. That seemed even harder to do as of late. She hadn't lied when she told Ben what her mother had talked to her about the other day. She had just gone in to get Polly's measurements and when her mother asked how she was feeling, Felicity had to admit she wasn't feeling too well. She then went into a tirade about how tired she had been feeling through out the day, how she was getting sick in the morning and how sometimes even making food was a challenge for her. Her mother listened to all her complaints and then calmly told her a possible reason. The two wouldn't know for sure until the end of the week.

And then there was another thing that kept dancing through Felicity's mind as well that day—the reappearance of Annabelle the day before in Elizabeth's parlor. And how Annabelle had reacted to the news that Felicity was married to Ben. It could've been taken as the woman being startled that someone would marry Felicity, someone she hadn't liked since the first time the two met. They just rubbed each other the wrong way and that was that. They admitted they didn't like each other and just tried to be civil to each other as best as possible, especially since they wanted to prove to the other that she was a gentlewoman and maybe more so than the other. Nan would love Annabelle, Felicity was certain.

Yet something in the back of her head kept nagging her. Telling her that Annabelle's reaction was caused by something that went deeper than shock that her nemesis was married. Her talk with Ben kept popping into her head, the one they had because of her father's comment. The one where Ben learned Annabelle had fancied him since the minute she met him. And Ben knew Annabelle was back. Felicity smiled at the memory of her husband coming back from the store in a right state. She had him sit down and got him something to drink. "She's back! She's back," he moaned, head now in his hands.

"I guess you mean Annabelle?" Felicity asked.

"You knew? You just told me that she's in England!"

"I thought she was in England. I saw her today, most likely after you did, in Elizabeth's parlor. She wasn't quite surprised to see me, but she was when I told her I was married to you."

"She didn't know?"

"Apparently not. Elizabeth must've neglected to tell her through the joy of James' birth. How was she at the store?"

"She was flirting with me. She was talking very sweetly and batting her eyes at me. All I could think of was our conversation and it made it ten times worse. Luckily, she mistook my nerves as surprise that she was back."

"Elizabeth never mentioned her during our conversation. Mayhaps she changed her mind and came over for James' baptism with her husband."

"Mayhaps. She did first address herself as Lady Andrews."

"Lady Andrews? A lady, it fits Annabelle. She'll probably make sure everyone addresses her as such—even little James, once he's old enough to begin speaking."

Ben laughed and grabbed his wife, holding her close. She enjoyed the moment and snuggled to get closer. However, that was her downfall as soon she dissolved in a bout of giggles brought on by Ben's relentless tickle attack.


Felicity gave a little laugh as she remembered their battle, though she had been the losing party. Ben was just too strong and had a head start. But Felicity was quicker than her husband, almost escaping him but it was quite hard when one couldn't breathe from laughing too hard. "Oh, and what's so funny, Lissie?" a teasing voice asked from her back door. Felicity turned to smile at her friend, motioning Elizabeth to join her inside.

"Come in. It's warmer in here than out there, I can assure you."

"I know. I could feel the heat outside. However, watching you remembering was just too enjoyable since you had a cute smile on your face the entire time."

"Tickle fight," Felicity replied, finishing the pie she had neglected as the memory came up.

Elizabeth smiled wider. "I'm going to guess Ben won?"

"Yes, he did."

"He always wins, Lissie, you know that. I know that and he knows it."

"You all just watch. One day, I'm going to win. Now, what brings you to my lovely, sweltering kitchen?"

"It isn't sweltering, 'tis comfortable. I just wanted to talk about Annabelle."

"Aye, she gave the two of us quite a shock. You see, my father was talking with Ben and dropped a hint about Annabelle's opinion of him. So, that night, I had to tell my husband that my best friend's older sister used to fancy him. We weren't expecting her to show up the next day."

"Well, that's your story. Here's my story. Or rather, Annabelle's story. She's now living in Virginia."

"Well, I may actually win a tickle fight now that the impossible has happened."

Elizabeth sighed, and grabbed her friend's arm. "Lissie, this is serious," she said, lowering her voice though no one was there. Felicity stopped moving about the kitchen and gave her friend her full attention. Elizabeth knew her friend would understand the gravity of the situation. "She was widowed shortly after I gave birth to James."

"Oh my!" Felicity gasped. "I dislike her immensely, but I wouldn't wish that on her. It must be horrible!"

"Aye, and it gets worse. Annabelle doesn't have any children. Mother says Annabelle had at least two miscarriages before my parents returned here to be with Phillip and I and we don't know if she had become pregnant after they left. She won't talk about it, but about that time was when Peter became sick."

"Peter being her husband?" Felicity asked, now feeling very sorry for the elder Cole daughter. "What about his family? Wouldn't they take care of his widow?"

"I believe Annabelle thought the same, but since she has no children the manor went to Peter's brother. Mother believes the only Andrews to love Annabelle was Peter and his mother was responsible for sending her away from the family manor. So now she's here, trying to restart her life."

"Well, thank you for telling me. I'll try to pass on my sympathy the next time I see your sister. If Ben ever recovers from the shock of learning about Annabelle's feelings, mayhaps we'll have her over for dinner. I'll also invite Nan, they would get on splendidly, don't you agree?"

Elizabeth still looked like she had something important to tell Felicity, so the latter didn't bother to wait for a response. "Oh, Lissie, I'm afraid to say the next part!"

"Well, do so and maybe you'll feel better."

"It may hurt you."

"I'm strong-willed. I'm spunky, nothing will hurt me too much. Come now, Elizabeth, 'tis better to get it out in the open."

"I believe Annabelle still fancies Ben!" Elizabeth blurted out. "She's volunteered to go to the store often and slips out a lot. I've heard tell she's been haunting your father's store. I'm afraid she's attempting to steal Ben from you!"

"That's impossible; I told Annabelle we were married when I first saw her. I may not think highly of her, but I do not believe her to be a husband stealer."

"I know my sister and when she wants something, she will get it. And may God have mercy on the poor soul who stands in her way. This time, Lissie, she wants Ben and you stand in her way. I don't want to see you get hurt!"

"Ben loves me, Elizabeth, Annabelle isn't going to lure him away from me."

"Lissie, you may not think so but I do believe my sister is not above murder."

"Well, you'll be able to tell them who did it and she still won't have Ben," Felicity said, hugging her friend. "You worry too much, Lizzie. Annabelle isn't going to do anything stupid. If she thinks I'm not going to notice her trying to steal my husband and not do anything about it, she's quite mistaken. I will fight her every step of the way. You just worry about your husband and son. Leave Ben and Annabelle to me."

"Alright. However, if you have any problems…any at all, please, don't hesitate to contact me. Phillip and I will be more than happy to help you." With that, Elizabeth left Felicity to think.


Dinner was ready by the time Ben came home and they had a quiet dinner. This immediately concerned Ben, since his wife was quite talkative during their meals. She was also inquisitive, asking about what happened at the store. He knew she loved being his wife, but that Felicity would give it all up to work in the store. Phillip often commented that Felicity needed to be the center of attention, Ben believed his wife was just liked being around people. She had this charm, this charisma that drew people to her and they wanted to be around her as well. "Is something wrong with your food?" Felicity broke through his thoughts. However, her voice was softer than usual, as if she were whispering.

"Aye, 'tis delicious, darling," Ben replied, smiling.

"Well, you've been staring at it for a while and I thought mayhaps something was wrong."

"Oh, I didn't realize I was doing so! I was merely thinking."

"About what?"

"Well, how amazing it is that I, a quiet shopkeeper, was able to attract such a stunning, outgoing woman like yourself."

"Ben, I've told you so many times that I love your passion. Whether it be about independence or what I'm cooking for dinner, you jump into everything with your heart. Now, finish up. I made pie for dessert."

"Lissie, you've been very quiet during dinner. Is something wrong?" he asked. "Are you feeling alright?"

"Well, I have been feeling a little off lately, but I assure you it will pass. 'Tis nothing to worry about, I am certain," Felicity said, smiling. She was repeating her mother word for word, but Ben didn't look too convinced. She yearned to tell him, but she didn't want to get his hopes up in case her mother's suspicions were false. Only a few more days, she thought. "I guess I was just thinking about what Elizabeth said earlier."

"Elizabeth was here?"

"Yes, she stopped by for a little visit," Felicity said, bringing out the pie. Ben took the knife and cut two rather large slabs for them. "Benjamin Davidson, do you honestly think I could eat all that!"

"Yes, I do. I've seen you do it too!" Ben argued back, smiling. "Now, what did you and Elizabeth talk about or is it secret women things?"

Felicity leaned back as she decided on what to tell her husband. "She came to explain Annabelle's presence in Virginia."

"Oh, when is she leaving?"

"She isn't. She was widowed, Ben, and her mother-in-law ejected her from the family manor. She also suffered a few miscarriages and had no children to claim the land. Her only family is here in Williamsburg, so she's trying to build a new life for herself here in America."

Ben was silent. Felicity decided not to tell him of Elizabeth's suspicions because Felicity believed them too crazy for practical Annabelle. However, she would watch Lady Andrews for any signs of sneaky Annabelle and her underhanded ways. That was certain. "Well, we'll have to send our sympathies won't we?" he said, holding her hand.

"Aye, we will. I'll also have to tell my family. My parents will want to do so as well," Felicity said. "Now, shall we eat our pie before it gets colder, Mr. Davidson?"

"We shall, Mrs. Davidson."


Later that night, though she was often tired in the day and would no doubt be woken up early sick again, Felicity could not fall asleep just yet. Ben was sound asleep next to her, rolling over and throwing an arm across her. Felicity pulled it closer to her, pressing her back to his chest. She sighed; there was no way Annabelle was going to take this from her. No way…


A/N: I'm sorry this is a little late. I was suffering from writer's block. I don't know what I'm going to do about Annabelle's section next! I will take suggestions though and maybe use the good ones…or get ideas. I'm sure a few of you are already guessing what surprise is coming up for Felicity and Ben in the next chapter in Felicity's POV. Polly and Elizabeth will also be entering to help Felicity against Annabelle as well. But, Annabelle needs an ally…any ideas? --Mac