I know it has been far too long since I updated... My laptop has been out of commission and I just got access to another computer. Here ya go! Reviews are encouraged and appreciated!
They left early the next morning to head for Mount Vernon. Washington had left them several horses and provisions for the journey to combine with that which they already had. Elizabeth had been offered a mount but had refused. Ben wasn't sure if she was still feeling guilt for her marriage or not.
Ben shook the thought from his head and rode to the front of the pack. It was a long day of travel until they finally stopped for the night. Once everyone was settled, Ben made his way over to the tent set up for Elizabeth. Observing her throughout the day, he had come to the realization that she hadn't given up a mount out of guilt but rather so that some of the less fit among them could ride. She had done the same when offered a room in the house they had come to.
He entered slowly, wondering if she would pull away from him again. She was sitting on the ground rubbing her bare feet. She looked up when he entered and he could have sworn he saw her smile slightly. He sat down next to her as he had the day before.
"May I?" Ben asked gesturing to her feet. She looked a bit confused and surprised but shifted so that her feet rested in his lap and she was leaning back on her hands. He was surprised that she was allowing him to touch her at all but he wasn't going to say as much to her, instead he set to massaging her feet gently.
"I haven't walked this much in a while," she admitted quietly.
"It definitely takes some getting used to," he agreed still focusing on her feet. She nodded. There was a long period of silence between them but it wasn't nearly as uncomfortable as it had been the day before.
"Elizabeth," he said after a time, "when we get to Mount Vernon, there is going to be a big Spring Party. I was wondering if I might accompany you. I know our last big party didn't go quite as expected but I was hoping-"
"Yes," she cut him off swiftly presumably to answer before reason got the better of her. "I would like that." Ben smiled widely and stopped massaging her feet.
"That's amazing," he said honestly.
"But Ben," she said a bit quieter, "just as friends." All of the happiness he had just been feeling left him.
"Elizabeth," he whispered.
"Things cannot be as they were before," she offered as her defense. He still did not understand why. "Perhaps I could be your mistress one day but..." Ben became both horrified and confused.
"Mistress?" he inquired. "Is that what you think you are to me?" He knew it was an abrasive question but he was genuinely curious.
"No, but it's all I can offer you," she replied honestly. He wasn't sure he fully comprehended the meaning behind her words.
"We should get some sleep," he said. "Leave this kind of talk until tomorrow." She nodded as he got up to leave. "Good night, Elizabeth." My Love, he thought wistfully.
"Good Night Benjamin," she whispered back.