November 1777
Whispers continued to plague the camp, and Washington's lack of action continued to bring about the Major's ire. It was for this very reason that they were now arguing in Washington's office. Tessa knew she shouldn't be listening, but she had always possessed an innate need to know the business of others. Her mother had always warned her that curiosity killed the cat.
It was most unnatural to hear Washington raise his voice, and she could practically picture Benjamin's downtrodden expression. Quickly moving into the shadows when she heard footsteps nearing the door, she watched as Benjamin strode down the hallway. Even though she knew that Washington would not want to speak with anyone, she still felt the need to ignore his wants because she thought she knew better.
"General,"
"I suppose you overheard that," Washington said, "And what is your opinion on Major Tallmadge's actions?"
"Misguided, but out of genuine concern." Tessa replied, "You were right to reprimand him, but,"
"But you think I was too harsh?"
"I think you were wrong when you claimed you do not see him as a son." Tessa said, "I think you were disappointed in him. And I know that a parent's disappointment affects one far more then their anger." She said, "I also know the immense pressure you must be under."
"How do you do that?" He asked, "How do you know exactly what to say? Martha's the same, what is it with women,"
"It is our experiences as women that allow us to know exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to say it." She explained, "Now, if you excuse me, there is someone with whom I wish to speak."
"He likes you, you know." Washington said, "Quite fancies you really."
"I quite fancy him as well." She said, trying to hide her smile, "But don't tell him that."
Little searching was required, to find Benjamin in his tent, clearly thinking over the words that had just been exchanged. He was sitting down on his cot when she entered, looking up at her in surprise as she neared him.
"Washington didn't mean what he said," Tessa told him, laying her hand on his shoulder, "I dare say it had something to do with words shared between him and General Arnold."
"What did they say?"
"Arnold, out of his own pain, made a comment about George's lack of sons." She explained, "Personally, I believe that his anger towards you was partly due to the fact that he does view you as a sort of son." She said, "And I know you see him as a father figure."
"I thought I was doing the right thing." He said, "I thought, that if I could single out the traitors, then they could be dealt with."
"But to deal with them would be to admit dissension within our ranks, something the British would surely use against us." She said, taking the seat beside him, "Unity is our fortress, and we cannot show any cracks. Not to our enemies, or our allies."
"I wish I had spoken with you before all of this." He lamented, reaching out to clutch her hand sitting in her lap, "You could have shared this wisdom, and I would have avoided angering Washington."
"Yes, you should come to me with more of your worries," she agreed, laying her hand on the side of his face, "I don't like it when you're troubled, and where possible, I want to ease you of your concerns."
"Well, I thank you for your consideration." Benjamin said, "How did you find out what Arnold said?" He asked, "I'm beginning to think you're a better spy than me."
"Arnold told me when I went to visit him," she explained, "I find, that to report the news, you must first know it."
"Huh," Benjamin chuffed, "You never cease to impress me."
"Really?" She asked, "Well, you're not completely unimpressive."
"You just can't compliment me, can you?"
"Yes I can." She retorted, looking around the room as she thought, playfully shoving him when he gasped in mock hurt
"I think you are a very admirable man." Tessa said, leaning her head closer to his, "And I do certainly admire you."
Cupping her face in his hands, Benjamin pulled her closer, pressing his lips to hers. It was a quick kiss, no nearly as hurried nor passionate as their first. And once it was finished, she laid her forehead against his.
"I think I'm falling for you," she whispered, "Major."
