Chapter 9:

"Come in, Lady Annabelle. Lady Rockwell is waiting in the parlor for you," Isabella, the Rockwells' slave, said, bowing. Isabella led Annabelle to the main parlor, where Patrice waved her off.

"Anna, I hope you are well," Patrice said, embracing her friend.

"I am." Patrice and Annabelle sat down. "I'm looking forward to the annual Christmas ball that is coming soon."

"Tis all I can talk about. I do believe my poor Roger is tired of hearing of it but I believe he is looking forward to it as well. It is a perfect place for him to expand business connections."

"Especially this year, my dear. I heard Lady Palinger is inviting some friends of hers from Richmond."

"Richmond! The colonial capital?" Patrice exclaimed. "How did you find out such valuable information?"

"Miss Manderly."

"You know Margaret Manderly? I can hardly get an invite to tea because of her gentlewomen classes."

"She was my gentlewoman instructor when we first came to this god-forsaken place," Annabelle said. "I often return to talk with her. She is a most valued friend—just like you."

Isabella brought in the tea tray and left quietly. "Roger and I are excited for Arnold and his new wife are returning for their wedding trip."

"They went to the Caribbean, if I remember correctly."

"Yes, with a little side trip to visit some family and friends in England. Roger received a note from Arnold the other day stating when he and Sarah are returning. He also said they are bringing home one of their cousins, a John Freeman."

Annabelle almost spit out her tea in a very un-gentlewomanly way, but prevented herself from doing so. "John Freeman? Lord John Freeman of Essex?"

"Yes, him," Patrice replied. "You've heard of him? He hasn't been to London society often. He prefers the country."

"The English country is quite lovely and more civilized than the American wilderness," Annabelle responded. "Why is Lord John Freeman coming to Virginia?"

"Tis because he loves the countryside and nature. He wishes to expand his knowledge and to learn the new plants, trees and animals native to this new nation. If I quote his words correctly."

"So, he's an adventurer?" Annabelle asked, intrigued.

"Yes." Patrice took a sip of her tea. "Why? Turning your attentions away from Ben, are we?"

"No, of course not." Annabelle was shocked. She was interested in her friend's cousin but not in that way, she was certain. "I was just curious…for Felicity."

"Oh?" Patrice was now interested, almost as much as Annabelle was surprised for the response she had just given. "How so?"

"Well, Ben really isn't Felicity's type. She's a wild being who loves the outdoors, horses and adventure. Ben is the type to stay at home and mind the store. The greatest adventure he has had was the Revolution, which I'm sure war has quenched that thirst. But Felicity's hasn't."

"I do believe where you are going. You always had a mind for planning, my dear friend," Patrice replied as Roger came in. "Darling! How was your day? You are home early. 'Tis not yet dusk." She kissed her husband.

"I know. I wished to come home early as Arnold, Sarah and John's ship is docking early tomorrow. I wanted everything ready and to get to bed early. You know how I am without my sleep."

"Yes, I do, my dumpling."

"Ahh, good day, Annabelle. I'm afraid I didn't see you."

"Good day, Roger. It's quite alright," Annabelle replied, letting Roger kiss her hand. "Patrice and I were just talking about your cousin. Lord John Freeman of Essex, is that right?"

"Indeed. I'm sure he's heard of you."

"Anyone in society—be they in London or not—has heard of Lady Annabelle Andrews," Patrice responded confidently. "I'm certain John may have sent his condolences upon Peter's death."

"He most likely did. I simply cannot recall the list I received. My grief was too great when writing the thank you notes to remember names," Annabelle explained.

Patrice grabbed Roger's arms. "Darling, Annabelle has had the most wonderful idea! One that will help our cause greatly while helping your dear cousin."

"Oh? Let me sit down and listen to it, for I'm certain it will be grand. Isabella, do fetch another cup of tea," he called out. The slave appeared in a few minutes with a cup and fresh pot of tea. She curtsied before leaving. "Now then, what's this wonderful idea of yours, Annabelle."

"I was thinking of introducing John to Felicity," Annabelle stated. "From what I've heard of him, and what your dear wife has told me, they seem like the perfect couple."

"John has always searched England for a feisty woman—he likes them—to share his adventures with. Isn't that right, Roger?"

"Indeed, it is, Patrice."

"And Felicity certainly has a taste for adventure," Annabelle said. "She always loves the outdoors and is a highly skilled horsewoman."

"She is? She will most likely miss that when she is great with child," Roger mused. "Yet I see where you are going with this. We introduce John to Felicity, who realizes that he is much more suited for her and then she will leave Ben, who will be free to court Annabelle. A wonderful idea! When shall they meet?"

"I believe they should meet at Lady Palinger's Christmas Ball," Patrice replied. "Tis a grand setting for a new romance to begin. Don't you both agree?"

"Aye, especially we met at the Duke of Glouster's Summer Cotillion," Roger said, kissing his wife's hand.

Annabelle grew a bit misty-eyed. "Peter and I met at a ball as well. Lord Milner's birthday ball," she reminisced. "A ball is a perfect setting. Though when can I meet him? I do believe if I start telling stories of Felicity—cleverly forgetting to mention her marriage—so that he will become intrigued and wish to be introduced to her at the ball. Felicity is a gentlewoman, so she won't refuse his request for a dance."

"We then sit back and watch the romance unfold," Patrice smiled. "Perfect. I know, Roger, we should hold a tea with John, Arnold, Sarah, ourselves and Annabelle. Allow John to meet her and be able to know someone else in the city."

"I do believe he will like that, my dear. In three days time should be perfect, give my brother, his wife and our cousin time to rest."

"Of course," Patrice said. She, Annabelle and Roger smiled at each other.


"Where are you going?" Elizabeth asked her sister, rocking little James while standing outside of Annabelle's room.

"I'll be having tea with Patrice and Roger, Bitsy," Annabelle replied, finishing the touches on her hair. "There. Mother should be proud that at least one of us inherited her talent for hair and wigs."

"You look lovely. A bit too lovely to be merely having tea with Lord and Lady Rockwell, as you are close friends, if you ask me."

"Tis a good thing I didn't ask you. Yet you have seen through me," Annabelle replied, turning to face her sister. "Roger's brother and his new wife will also be attending tea. As is their cousin, Lord John Freeman."

"Of the Freemans of Essex?" Elizabeth asked, wide-eyed.

"Tis good you still know British society, Bitsy. I'm off. Tell Mother not to worry if I am a bit late for dinner, would you?" She breezed past her sister.

"I will. And I do not like the name 'Bitsy,' Bananabelle!"


Lord John Freeman was as handsome as Annabelle had heard, maybe even more—if possible. He was a favorite of the ladies in London society, when he did grace the city with his presence. Other news came from those who also traveled in country circles, also bringing back word of his good looks.

He was certainly taller than Patrice and Annabelle. He stood a few inches above Arnold, who was a head above his brother, but John was clearly much younger than the Rockwell brothers, even the Ladies Rockwell. The new Lady Arnold Rockwell, Sarah, was once a widow and near her late thirties, but still able to have children from what Annabelle had heard. The other Lady Rockwell, Patrice, was a few years older than Annabelle but not more than ten. Annabelle had never fully learned Patrice's age, but knew there was a good amount of years between Patrice and Roger and her friend still had many years to bear children.

Lord Freeman did not wear a wig, unlike his cousins, preferring to keep his black hair tied back with a simple bow. He was tanned, but not too much, a sign of the time he spent outdoors. He was incredibly fit, a fast contrast to the rather plump Roger Rockwell and the rather lanky Arnold Rockwell. He had a charming smile, just as the ladies in London had said, holding an air of approachability. He had a deep, rich voice and a contagious laugh. He smelled of the forest and the English countryside, which Annabelle and Peter had visited a few times. He was quite energetic and had many tales of his adventures to tell. Annabelle found herself enjoying his company, almost forgetting of her plan and of Ben.

"Lady Andrews, may I request your assistance on checking on the status of dessert?" Patrice asked, politely. Annabelle agreed and left with her friend. Once they were out of the others' earshot, Patrice hissed, "When are you going to discuss Felicity with John?"

With a jolt, Annabelle remembered Ben and felt guilty for allowing herself to be drawn to John. But she quickly formulated a response. "I'll mention her when we return, Patrice. I didn't want to mention her upfront and have him become suspicious. Tis best that he told me some of his tales so that I can use them as a starting point to acquaint him with our dear Mrs. Davidson."

"Best not call her that to him, remember? John is an honorable man, Annabelle, and will not pursue a married woman."

"I remember, Patrice. I will be conscientious and refer to her as Miss Merriman," Annabelle responded. "Shall we return?"

"Indeed. Isabella, you and Beatrice follow shortly with the cakes," Patrice ordered her slave.

"Yes, ma'am," Isabella responded as she and Beatrice curtsied. Patrice and Annabelle returned to the parlor.

"Dessert will be in a few minutes. I hope it is to your liking, Lord Freeman," she said.

John smiled. "I'm certain it will be. And we are family. I do believe that you can call me John, if I may call you Patrice?"

"Certainly, John," Patrice responded. "Sarah, you must tell Roger and me of your wedding trip! You've hardly spoken of it and we are quite anxious, never having been to the Caribbean islands ourselves."

"Of course, Patrice. We've been resting and enjoying married life we almost forgot!" Sarah replied, smiling.

"John, would you care for the discussion?" Roger asked. John shook his head, laughing.

"I'm afraid we may have bored our dear cousin with our talk when we stayed with him in Essex, dear brother," Arnold said from where he sat in the corner. "Lady Andrews, will you join us?"

"I believe I will keep Lord Freeman company, if that be alright with you," Annabelle said. "Though I do hope, Lady Rockwell, you will tell me of your trip at a later time. Lord Andrews and I traveled to the Caribbean whilst we were married and I am curious as to whether or not it has changed."

"I shall anticipate our own tea party, then!" Sarah Rockwell replied. "Though you may call me Sarah as I hope I may call you Annabelle. Any friend of Roger and Patrice's is certainly a friend of Arnold's and myself."

"Indeed, Sarah." With that, the Rockwells turned amongst themselves, leaving Annabelle and John to themselves. "I do hope you don't mind, Lord Freeman," she replied.

"Not at all, Lady Andrews, though I wish you would call me John," he replied.

"Then you must call me Annabelle."

"Agreed," John said. "I knew your late husband as our fathers were friends. He and I were the same age and great hunting partners. I'm afraid I was adventuring in India when you two were married, but I did make a rare trip to London for his funeral."

"Aye, I remember you now. You were constantly by his mother's side," Annabelle said. "T'was a great comfort to her in her grief."

"I would imagine, though I sat with you for a bit," he said.

"You did? I'm afraid I cannot recall much of those times."

"As is appropriate."

"You were in India when Peter and I were married, you say? He always wanted to travel to India; unfortunately he fell ill when we were planning to go. I must admit he even had me excited for the journey."

"India is a great place to travel too. I hope to go back there and I hope you can go there as well."

"I hope so, too," Annabelle said. "You seem quite the adventurer."

"I am. My poor mother is often frightened for me though not as much now that I am with Arnold and Roger. She must hope their society connections will keep me in the city and out of the wilderness."

"I have a friend who would be fascinated with your adventurers. She is always itching for one herself, or in the middle of one," Annabelle said. "Well, she's actually my little sister Elizabeth's friend, so I guess she and I are more of acquaintances. Either way, she almost has as many stories as you do, John."

"Indeed? Does she enjoy the outdoors and horses?"

"Aye! Her late grandfather willed her father his plantation, seeing as he wanted it to go to Felicity's mother. I do believe he will leave the plantation to Felicity and her husband. From what Elizabeth has said, Felicity is terribly fond of the place as well as the surrounding woods. She is capable in surviving in the woods, as she can tell you, and a skilled horseback rider."

"How splendid! You said her name is Felicity?"

"Aye! Felicity Merriman."

"Merriman. That name sounds familiar."

"Her father owns the General Store here in Williamsburg," Annabelle said simply.

John laughed. "Aye! That is how I've heard it. Merriman General Store. I shall now have to stop by and see if I can meet this Felicity Merriman. She sounds like the type of girl I've been waiting to meet and couldn't find in England. From what you said, I do believe the plantation would most likely be part of her dowry?"

"Indeed!" Annabelle said, smiling. Her plan was working, but she had to prevent John from seeing Felicity and Ben together else her plan would be ruined. "Mayhaps you shouldn't try to find her at the General Store. 'Tis often crowded and if she be there, she is most likely helping her father and his assistant."

"Aye, and I guess I cannot not simply arrive at the Merriman front door to see her," John said, frowning.

"There is a Christmas ball in about a week. Tis late, but I know someone who may be able to arrange for you to be invited. I'm sure Lady Palinger will not dare to overlook the Lord John Freeman of Essex. Felicity will be in attendance as her father is a well-respected man in the city," Annabelle explained. "If Miss Manderly can convince Lady Palinger to invite you, I will arrange for you and Miss Merriman to meet."

"Wonderful! I'm not much for balls—I would much rather be sleeping under the stars—but I will certainly make an exception for this one if I may meet Felicity Merriman. Thank you, Annabelle, thank you."

"You're welcome," she replied. "Oh, here comes Isabella and Beatrice with the cakes. I hope they don't spoil my appetite for dinner back at my sister's house."

"I'm sure they won't," John replied. "These seem to be lighter than air." He and Annabelle shared a laugh before joining the others for the cakes. As they ate and talked, Annabelle felt her heart soar. Everything was going to work out for her and be perfect. She was certain that within a year's time, she and Ben would be telling of their wedding trip and announcing the news of their first child—which she was going to deliver. She was certain of that, thanks to John Freeman.


A/N: Oh dear me, I seem to be horrible about updating this! Well, I'm actually entering finals—its reading weekend, but who actually reads? They should just rename this "Packing Weekend" instead because that's what we are really doing! So, if I don't update next week, you know why. As for if I don't update after that…I have no excuse except when I go to London at the end of May. But I hope to get in one update before I hop on plane across the Atlantic. Mac