Chapter 13:

Christmas Eve seemed to breeze past the citizens of Williamsburg. Those fortunate to have an invitation to Lady Palinger's ball eagerly prepared for the party, none so much as the former Cole sisters—Lady Andrews and Mrs. Michaels. Rachel helped Annabelle into her beautiful dress before Mrs. Cole did her eldest daughter's hair. Catherine Michaels sent her person hairstylist to her daughter-in-law, who was busy giving last minute instructions to the slave who was to care for little James while his parents enjoyed themselves. "You know, for a new mother, you are quite eager to leave him," Phillip kidded his wife.

"Oh, I'm positive James will be fine here. Besides, there will be a surprise tonight involving Annabelle, I wouldn't want to miss it."

"A surprise involving Annabelle you do not want to miss? How badly will she be embarrassed then?"

"Phillip Michaels! I am surprised and deeply hurt you would suggest I would take delight in my sister's humiliation."

"Aye, you would and she would delight in yours. How badly will she be embarrassed, Elizabeth?"

"I do not know," Elizabeth replied. "You will have to see. However, I do not believe you will feel for her once the entire truth is revealed."

"What truth, Elizabeth?" Phillip asked. His wife, though, would not say anymore and turned her attention to her cooing son.


Down the hall, Annabelle was as giddy as a schoolgirl. "Oh, Mother, I do believe my fortunes will change tonight," she sighed.

"Aye," her mother replied. "Catherine mentioned that you were hoping to catch the eye of a suitor. Tell me, Annabelle, who is he?"

"I dare not say. I do not wish to cast bad luck on it until he agrees."

"Superstitious girl!" Mrs. Cole sighed. "Will you at least say if your father and I know him?"

"Aye, I will. You do know him and he is well-respected among both the family and the town. He will make me a handsome husband and I shall be a dutiful wife to him."

"I am grateful that he has made you smile again and given you hope. Whoever this man is, I love him already," Mrs. Cole said. She stepped away from her daughter. "There, this hair style coupled with the beautiful dress Patrice had made for you will certainly catch his eye. He would be mad not to find you attractive tonight."

Annabelle fingered one of her curls. "Thank you, Mother, you are right. He would be mad not to notice to me," she said. Mrs. Cole hugged Annabelle carefully and left the room. "Step aside, Felicity for soon there will be another Mrs. Davidson—me!"


Ben gently knocked on his wife's door. "Are you finished, Felicity? We should head over to your father's house," he said, praying she heard him through the door.

"I am almost finished," Felicity replied, opening the bedroom door. "Do you mind tying me up?" She spun around so that the laces faced her husband.

Ben gave a little chuckle and began to fashion a bow. "Tell me if I tie it too tight. I do not want to hurt your or the babe."

"I am certain you will not do anymore damage to the both of us than my corset has certainly done," Felicity comforted him.

"Then why do you wear it?"

"I would tell you but even I don't really know. Have you finished?"

"Aye." Felicity turned around and hugged him. "I shall fetch your cloak. Meet me by the door."

"I shall. Oh, and Ben?" He turned to face her. "I love you."

"I love you, too."


Felicity closed her eyes as the carriage began to move, remembering the night so many years ago, before the Revolution (which was a lifetime ago to her!), another Christmas Eve. The night of the Governor's Ball when Ben pushed aside his intense Patriot feelings and dislike of the Royal Governor to escort her to the palace for one of the best nights of her life. It had been a peaceful ride coming and going, one because she was nervous and the other way because she was so tired. Either way, she had enjoyed the night air, the snow, and Ben's company. There was almost the same type of peace in the carriage this Christmas Eve night…

Or, at least it would've been if Polly hadn't decided to start chatting the entire way. Felicity let out an inaudible groan as she cursed the fact her husband was allowed to sit outside with her father. He didn't have to listen to this—as much as she loved her sister, there were days Felicity wished Polly would know when to not talk. She cracked an eye and realized that Nan and her mother wished for quiet as well. Nan looked ready to snap at Polly, but Martha kept her middle daughter in line with a pointed look. She leaned down to whisper in her daughter's ear, "It will be a quiet ride home as I am certain that Polly will be asleep."

"Aye, I hope. If she isn't asleep, I can promise you I shall be," Felicity muttered back. Her mother smiled as Polly kept going on and on.

"I feel like a fairy-tale princess," Polly exclaimed. "On my way to the ball where I might meet Prince Charming."

"I think you are too young to be worrying about meeting Prince Charming, darling," Mrs. Merriman told her youngest daughter softly.

"If anyone is going to meet Prince Charming, it will probably be Nan," Felicity replied. "Or perhaps a nice young lady will find her Prince in our dear William."

"Someone shall meet their Prince tonight, of that I am certain," Nan added, suddenly in a dreamlike state that the other Merrimans had never seen her enter.

"Nan, are you feeling well?"

"Aye, I am. Why?" Felicity merely shook her head and sighed. Nan continued to watch the passing scenery while her older sister realized the bumps were not agreeing with her developing baby.

"Lady Palinger's house is in sight now, Lissie, darling. You will be out soon," her mother whispered. Felicity could only nod as the carriage jerked to a stop. "No one is to get out until Felicity does!" she ordered the others, her voice carrying. Ben opened the door and immediately took his wife off the carriage, holding her as her stomach settled.

"Ben, we shall see you both inside," Mr. Merriman said as his son-in-law nodded. The rest of the family went inside as Ben turned back to his wife.

"How do you feel?"

"I am feeling better. I think I should just stand out here a bit longer."

"Not too much longer as I do not want you getting sick."

"Aye," Felicity replied. She laid a hand on his cheek. She sighed as did he. A few minutes later, she took his hand and the two walked inside. As they passed through the archway into the main ballroom, Felicity saw Annabelle talking with the Ladies Rockwell. She took a deep breath; it was going to end tonight. She was certain of it.


It was an hour in when dinner was served. Ben and Phillip quickly found their wives and the two couples walked into the room together, to ensure they would sit with each other. However, sitting became a little screwed and Felicity ended up next to Phillip while Ben sat between the Cole sisters. Felicity sighed, but realized that Elizabeth's presence would keep her sister inline. The Rockwells were also around Annabelle, so hopefully they would keep her distracted. Lord John Freeman sat diagonal from Felicity and winked at the woman. She winked back, feeling a bit more confident.

Annabelle was in her glory. By careful maneuvers, she had been able to seat herself next to her love. And even better was the fact that his wife ended up two people down from him, though that had been pure chance. However, it gave her hope that tonight would be the night she would walk out a winner. And her prize would be Benjamin Davidson's heart. She leaned over to Patrice, who was on her other side, and whispered, "Everything is going perfectly." She received a slight smile from her friend and faced Ben. He also smiled at her and she smiled back, feeling a boost in her confidence.

Ben was slightly agitated. It wasn't the fact that Felicity was sitting next to Phillip; they were good friends and would keep each other company. If he were honest, Felicity would turn to anyone and just begin a conversation—no, he wasn't worried about her. Nor was he worried about sitting next to Elizabeth as she was one of his most loyal friends. No, he was concerned about the woman sitting next to him. It was clear that Lady Annabelle Andrews was tired of being a widow and wanted to wed again. And it was apparent to Ben (now) that she may have had her eyes on him, despite his marriage to Felicity. His wife certainly knew something was up. She was being tenderer with him than usual (not that he minded) and there was something about Lord Freeman that he couldn't put his finger on. It seemed to Ben that the British lord wished that Felicity would marry him, but it could just be jealousy. But he still had suspicions that it was true once and that Annabelle was behind it.

"Ben, could please pass me that platter of meat?" Annabelle asked, startling Ben from his line of thought. He looked about, dazed, before Elizabeth put the plate into his hands. He passed it over. "Thank you," Annabelle said, patting her eyes. Ben felt his appetite going.

Ben took a deep breath and continued eating, turning back to the conversation with Elizabeth. However, there were always little starts whenever Annabelle 'accidentally' bumped into him. He would send a look in her way, but obviously she wasn't receiving the message. It only stopped when her last bump sent him flying into Elizabeth, who then sent her sister the glare to end all glares.

Annabelle thought things were going well with all her little caresses. Ben was reacting to them and she was sure it was a positive reaction. Elizabeth ruined everything by glaring at her when her caresses became longer. She pulled back, huffing. Her sister's loyalty should be to her not to Felicity. Elizabeth sorely needed a lecture. She was seething while Patrice was trying to calm her down. "It will be all right," Patrice whispered. "Forget about your sister."

Annabelle was spared an answer as Lady Palinger arose and announced dinner was over. Patrice nodded to her friend, who quickly latched onto Ben's arm. "This may be considered a bit forward, but I was wondering if an old friend would oblige me with a dance?" she asked, sweetly.

Ben looked a bit unsure, casting a glance at his wife, but then said, "Certainly, Lady Andrews, one dance would be my pleasure." Annabelle was too busy celebrating, she did not notice the 'help me' look Ben tossed to her sister. Elizabeth was at a loss; all she could do was rush to Felicity. It was time to put her plan into action.

"Felicity, may I speak with you for a moment outside?" Elizabeth called out, pushing through the crowd of well meaning older ladies. Felicity was very relieved when she saw her friend coming through. If she heard another "helpful" tip from the other women about her pregnancy, she was going to scream! Elizabeth took her friend's hand and pulled her out into a quiet hallway, the two praying the women wouldn't follow them. Thankfully, they didn't. Elizabeth faced her friend. "We need to go save your husband from my sister before she says something stupid to him." Felicity nodded.


However, Polly had been one step of her sister and had already run up to Ben. "You promised me a dance tonight," she said, tugging on her brother's hand. "Please can you dance with me now?"

Ben looked ready to agree, but Annabelle jumped in. "I am sorry, little one, but Ben has promised to share this dance with me. Maybe next dance," she said, pushing Polly out of the way. She continued to smile as she half-dragged Ben out to the dance floor.

"We can't separate Lady Andrews and Ben right now," Rebecca said, coming up behind her friend. "People will stare and we will never be invited to another party."

"That situation seems a bit drastic," Susan inserted, "but you do have a valid point. We need a reason to separate them."

"I hope we shall find one," Polly sighed. The others nodded.


It was a surprising person who found the girls' their reason to separate Annabelle from Ben. At dinner, Nan had ended up next to a young boy she had never seen in town before. It turned out to be Nathaniel Palinger, Lady Palinger's nephew from Raleigh, North Carolina. He was attending William and Mary in hopes of becoming a lawyer and was quite serious. They had struck up a conversation on how many etiquette rules were being broken at the table before Nathaniel invited Nan to dance. They were enjoying themselves immensely when Nan saw her brother-in-law out of the corner of her eye. He was dancing with Annabelle, or that's what she thought they were doing. He looked like he was holding the woman up, that's how much she was on top of him. Nan was quite scandalized as a widow should not be that close to a married man! She urged Nathaniel closer to the couple in hopes that she could hear their conversation, praying that Annabelle was not feeling well—which would cause her to act in such a way!

"Oh, Ben," she heard Annabelle giggle. It was much worse than Nan figured—Lady Andrews was drunk! "You dance quite divinely!" Oh, Annabelle was definitely drunk and even Felicity would agree that Ben had two left feet. Even now, he was just awkwardly shuffling back and forth while supporting Annabelle who didn't too much dancing wise.

"Annabelle, do not take any offense, but did you have anything to drink with dinner?" Ben asked.

"Nay, I only had water. I did not even sip any wine as I wanted my sense to be acute when I made my confession." Confession? What would Lady Andrews need to confess to Ben, Nan wondered. She kept listening as Annabelle prepared to let it all loose. "Benjamin Davidson, I am in love with you."

"Oh…that's nice, Annabelle," Ben replied, uncertainly. He was as shocked as Nan was.

"Aye, and I know you are in love with me as well." Nan swore her heart stopped. Ben was not in love with Annabelle, she knew that!

"Annabelle, perhaps we should take this conversation outside where it is more private?"

"There is no need, Ben, my love. I know you do not wish to embarrass Felicity in public and wish to divorce her quietly."

"Annabelle, Virginia does not recognize divorce…not that I wish to divorce my wife. I love Felicity and I am sorry you were under the impression I cared for you as anything but a friend."

"Ben!" Annabelle replied, well, more like whined. "You do not have to hide your feelings for me anymore! I know you love me, not Felicity. I have found her a more suitable match and everything can be settled quietly so that we can begin our lives anew in Richmond."

"A suitable match? Who?"

"Lord John Freeman. Look, she leaves with him alone now." Ben turned and sure enough, there was Felicity leaving arm in arm with the British lord. His heart sunk into his stomach. "You see? She doesn't love you. She will be happier with John and you shall be happy with me, I promise."

Ben did not want to show his doubt to Annabelle. He was conflicted as he swore Felicity did not mean anything romantic to happen with Lord Freeman, but the two seemed very close. "Annabelle, I am not leaving Felicity nor is she leaving me."


Nan did not hear her brother-in-law's response. She quickly turned to her dance partner and whispered, "Nathaniel, I am sorry but I need to find my sister." He didn't question her but nodded.

"I shall accompany you," he replied. She thanked him and walked off the dance floor. They searched for Felicity but found Polly instead. Nan took a deep breath as she realized that her young sister would be just as helpful as Felicity herself.

"Polly, I need to speak with you," Nan said, grabbing her sister's arm. "It is important."

"I didn't do anything wrong," Polly whined. Everyone—including Nathaniel—seemed to notice that there was an unspoken 'yet' hanging about them. "What could you possibly have to speak to me about?"

"Annabelle and Ben."

"Oh, you have noticed?"

"Have you seen the way she is dancing with him? It is scandalous…and she pronounced her love for him in the middle of a crowded dance floor! She wants him to marry her. She even said she has a plan to end Felicity and Ben's marriage."

"Lady Andrews has planned this extensively," Nathaniel added. "She mentioned something about them moving to Richmond to start afresh." He turned to Nan. "Is it safe for me to assume this Ben is a friend of yours?"

"Felicity, his wife, is our eldest sister," Nan explained. "They have been married for about three years and are expecting their first child this summer."

"I see. Lady Andrews is acting quite unbecomingly for a lady of her station," he said. "I think perhaps we should cut in. I can dance with Lady Andrews and you can dance with your brother."

"I tried to step in earlier but Annabelle pushed me aside and continued on. She is determined," Polly said. "It wouldn't work, though it was a good plan. It just failed already."

Nan sighed. "I do not see Felicity. I shall find her. Nathaniel, will you come with me?" He nodded. "I cannot believe I am about to say this, but Polly, you need to separate them in any way you know how." Polly nodded and ran off, trying to track down her friends.

"Nan, do you know what your sister will do?"

"I do not know, but I do not care. I will not stand for Lady Andrews to ruin Ben's and Felicity's reputation. If anyone's reputation is to suffer, it shall be hers." With that, the two went to find Felicity.


Polly weaved through the crowd as the band Lady Palinger had hired finished the song. Everyone politely clapped and prepared for the music to begin again. The young Merriman girl prayed that she would be able to wrestle her brother-in-law away from Annabelle. Her plan hinged on it. "Ben!" she called, catching sight of her helpless relative. Annabelle remained hanging over him. "Benjamin Davidson, I do believe you promised me a dance. Lady Andrews, I do not mean to be rude, but you have had yours. 'Tis my turn!"

"Aye, it is," Ben laughed, relieved to see his sister-in-law. "I believe Felicity has practiced this dance with the both of us. Let us make her proud, shall we!" Polly nodded and the two began dancing. Just as she suspected, Annabelle followed them. "Oh no," Ben muttered.

"It is alright. Nan is searching for Felicity while Susan, Rebecca and I have a plan to keep Lady Andrews occupied," Polly explained. "I hope William brought his marbles tonight."

"You know he never leaves home without them, though it is beyond me why." Polly nodded. Annabelle finally caught up with them.

"Here now, child," she scolded. "You should be taught to mind your elders. I was not finished dancing with Ben and you should respect that. Now, step aside and await your turn." As she inched closer, she grabbed Polly and wrenched her from Ben's grasp. She let out a sharp cry of pain as Annabelle's nails could be felt through her dress. It even left a little tear. People gasped and some couples stopped dancing, staring at the proper British lady who had hurt the youngest daughter of one of their most respected shopkeepers.

"Annabelle, please, there is no need to hurt Polly," Ben pleaded. "You said she could have the next dance with me."

"I said 'maybe' and I decided that she couldn't," Annabelle replied. "Why do you want to dance with her when you can dance with your love?" With that, Annabelle finally hit the marbles William, Susan and Rebecca had let loose. She fell rather unceremoniously on the floor, finally releasing Polly. The young girl scrambled behind Ben, who looked down on Annabelle. "Ben, help me," she insisted, but he didn't move. The Lords Rockwell tried to push through the crowd, but it was no use. Patrice and Sarah could only stand there, watching the scene unfold. Miss Manderly sent her students a disapproving look while Lady Palinger stood twittering next to her. John and Martha Merriman didn't know what to do. Neither did the Michaels nor the Coles.

Annabelle was stuttering indignantly. "Will someone please explain what is going on?" she asked.

"I can," Felicity said, coming in from outside. She looked furious. Elizabeth, Lord Freeman, Nan and Nathaniel followed behind her. Elizabeth took her husband's arm as Nan helped Polly get to their parents. Lord Freeman looked ready to kill. "This is your judgment, Annabelle Andrews."

"That is not an explanation. I demand—nay, I deserve an explanation."

"Nay! I deserve the explanation. My husband deserves an explanation. Lord John Freeman deserves an explanation. You do not. I had hoped to do this in private, however, this will have to do."

"Why on earth do I owe you an explanation?"

"I think I shall start with the rather public declaration of your love for my husband and your wish for him to marry you!" This caused some gasps to go through the gathered crowd. Several people also looked away pointedly; many were able to guess they were in the vicinity when Annabelle made her confession. Felicity, however, only saw Annabelle.

"Because it is true. I love him and will make him a better wife than you ever could! Besides, you love Lord John Freeman."

Felicity laughed. "I hardly know the man! I am interested in a friendship with him, yes, but I love Ben and always will be."

"Then why did you leave with him looking very close?" Annabelle thought she had Felicity.

She didn't. "It was a trap Lord Freeman agreed to lay with Elizabeth and me. We were going to leave so that you would think your plan was working. However, we had hoped you do the honorable thing and profess your love for my husband outside where we would ambush you." Felicity turned to her husband. "I am sorry if I hurt you," she apologized.

"There is nothing to apologize for," he replied, extremely relieved to hear her words. "Tis Annabelle who should be apologizing."

"I do not owe anyone an apology!" Annabelle was now standing and turned to Ben. "I have it all planned. We will remain in Williamsburg till Felicity gives birth. I shall be a wonderful mother to the child and you will still be his father. We can move to Richmond, where you can open a store and we will live in splendor. You do not have to live this lie any more, Ben, you can be free!"

"Annabelle, I am not living a lie. I am happily married to Felicity and she will be the mother to my children. I am not living the store here in Williamsburg nor my house. Annabelle, I pity you," he replied.

Annabelle turned to Lord John Freeman. "John, he is trying to steal your love. Get her back!" she pleaded. "Don't let him win."

"I am sorry, Annabelle, but I do not love Felicity. Nor would I ever pursue a married woman. I believe you know that, which is why you conveniently forgot to tell me she was married when I first arrived?"

Annabelle back up, tears streaming down her face. Elizabeth was standing behind her husband, not wishing to look upon her sister. Annabelle figured she was ashamed; Elizabeth was really sorry that her sister had to be so publicly humiliated. Phillip stared at the ground. Lady Palinger and Mrs. Michaels had cold looks in their eyes; Miss Manderly looked torn. Everyone glared at Annabelle and she collapsed to the ground. Finally, Patrice and Sarah could rush forward and scoop up their friend. "Come, Annabelle, you need to leave now," Patrice muttered. With their husbands' help, the Rockwells were able to remove Annabelle from the party.


A/N: This is the longest chapter! Sadly, the only chapter left is the epilogue. There, we shall learn more about Annabelle, the Rockwells, Lord Freeman, the Michaels, the Coles, Nan, Polly and, of course, Ben, Felicity and their baby! I am debating on what sex to make the child or what to name him/her…will take suggestions! Mac