Hello All! This took a bit to get out! In response to a review to got from Angelkiingy I wrote with a few POV to clear things up. I think I was writing in third person before. I want to thank Angelkiingy though, for bringing that to my attention.

Enjoy and Post a Review!

Mr. Edward Merriman's (Felicity's Father) POV

I stood at the door of my barn and on the ground four yards away were two people. One is sitting and the other one is standing. I saw the distinct frame of the one standing. It doesn't look like the one standing wearing a skirt. No, it looks more like a lean man with a musket. Who in the world is that man! And what is he doing with...I looked down and saw my daughter on the ground at his feet... with my daughter. I stood there for a second and then started to walk toward them. Both of their attentions were focused directly on me.

I heard Felicity exclaim, "Father!" My attention was now solely focused on the young man before my daughter. She continued, "Father, I was checking Penny after the storm and I fell. I twisted my ankle in the process."

My gaze shifted down to her and I quickened my step. "Felicity, are you okay sweetie?" I asked bending down to her. Felicity nodded, "Just hurts now. I was just about to go to the house with the aid of-"

I remembered then the man standing a bit ways off now. I recognized him. It clicked and I finished for her, "Ben!"

I scooped up my daughter bridal style and carefully watched her ankle. Her ankle dangled so I used one hand to cup it. "Come Ben. Let's get her back to the house and you can fetch the doctor with me afterwards."

Ben responded, "Yes, Sir." And I saw them exchange a glance that seemed to say we are about to be questioned. We were silent on the short trip back to the house. Each mind was obviously preoccupied in their thoughts.

I chuckled inwardly about how Felicity and Ben were trying to guess what I was thinking. I kept a straight face as I transferred my daughter back to my house. What is Ben doing here? Isn't he supposed to be in the military? Perhaps his group is passing through... But why would he come to my barn. Today was Friday and yesterday I did leave Felicity alone at the shop during my meeting with... No, my Felicity would never sneak behind my back dispute the number of boys hanging around the store. Would she? I didn't want that question to cross my mind so I happily pushed it to the back. Besides...There would be anymore need for that...

Ben opened the back door and I entered with Felicity and sat her down on the nearest couch. I was propping her ankle up carefully when Rose entered, "Why if it ain't Ben Davidson looking more like a man than ever!" Felicity giggled and Ben shifted in his shoes. I didn't give him a chance to reply, "Rose, please fetch some ice for Miss Felicity's ankle."

Rose was a true good servant and friend, I thought. My wife, Martha, appreciated her company and help and they were tight friends. So, it wasn't a wonder her footsteps could be heard in the siting room instead of out the back door. A few minutes later Rose appeared with Martha and then rushed past me to get the ice. I had to smile.

Martha stood there by the doorframe her embroidery in hand and exclaimed, "Well, if it isn't Ben Davidson! My how well you look! We just were starting breakfast; you are more than welcome to join us." She paused, "Felicity, your dress and your ankle!" Felicity sighed slightly and when she looked up and caught my eye I gave her a wink.

Rose came back in with a bag of ice and a towel. I thanked her then applied the ice to the slightly swollen ankle. "Felicity dear, does this feel fine?" I asked.

She responded, "Yes," but I could see in her face she didn't like the coldness.

Martha asked, "Should we fetch the doctor?"

Felicity spoke up, "I think it is only swollen and nothing else wrong."

"We should just in case," I said looking over it, "Where did you fall?" "Um," She started.

I knew my daughter well. She was full of life and could chirp on about things on and on. She never hesitated answering my questions unless she was hiding something. I lifted an eyebrow. "Father..." She trailed off, "I fell off of the ladder."

"And what were you doing on the ladder?" I said glancing at Ben who looked equally confused.

"You see I was... going down to check on Penny."

Ben looked like he was trying to untangle a knot while I looked on, "Well," I stared to say, "I'll fetch the doctor. Come along Ben."

Martha called out to us, "Wait just a moment!" And then she disappeared. She returned shortly with two bags and from the smell of them she had her famous muffins inside. With a "Thank you dearest," and a peck on her cheek I was off to the barn once more with Ben in tow.

Once we reached the barn I grabbed two horses and we started to tack them. I broke the silence with, "It's good to see you Ben."

"You to Sir," he replied flashing a smile at me. As he put the bit into the horse's mouth it occurred to me that he couldn't ride well with his arm. I must have been staring at his arm for he said, "I can ride fine Sir." "Good," I paused to tighten the girth, "May I ask the reason you are here?"

Ben swung onto his saddle with a slight grimace before replying, "Of course, I was released from my duty half month back in Yorktown and since then I have travelled to Williamsburg."

I swung up into my saddle and asked, "You were released?" Ben smiled at the question that was so frequent now days and then replied, "Yes, due to my injuries and the fear of Smallpox."

"It's a shame to let go of a good solider for those reasons," I commented as we trotted along.

Ben nodded, "Indeed, however; I have come to respect it but, I will still help my people." He said it with the same determination that was there when he wanted to become a solider. "I have no doubt about that. My doors are always open to you but, why were you in my barn and what happened with you and." I paused, "Felicity?"

Ben looked uncomfortable for a second and I was about to shake it off when he said, "It was storming pretty bad last night as I made my way to Williamsburg. I got lost in the darkness and I saw a house approaching. I recognized it was yours and I went into the barn to get out of the storm's way."

I felt bad for Ben and a bit guilty that I misjudged my daughter yet I needed the whole story so I could talk to Felicity later. "And when did Felicity come in?" I asked after a moment's silence.

"Once I came into the barn, I said hello to Penny then went to look at the place in the loft I used to stay- for memory's sake." He paused as he turned his horse down the road leading into town. "I sat down on the cot waiting for the storm to pass and dozed off accidentally."

We now slowed our horses to a walk as we passed familiar faces. I nodded and doffed my hat in turn but, kept most of my attentions on Ben who was saying, "I heard a scream which jolted me out of my sleep. I thought I imagined it, for it was just beginning become light out. I looked around from my spot and didn't see anything. A few minutes later I heard a bridle fall and then Felicity yelled."

I appreciated the honesty in his voice and knew I could trust him. "Thank you Ben, while you decide your next step our doors are always open for you." Ben nodded and smiled.

We stopped our horses in front of the apothecary and I went inside to fetch the doctor. The doctor was on the second floor so I didn't want to tire Ben. I only had to wait a minute before the doctor came out prepared to come with me. We came down the steps and out the door to find a small circle around Ben. He was nodding and smiling and I heard him say, "Thank you Sir, It is an honor to serve my country." I stood on the steps while the doctor fetched his horse unwilling to break up the gathering.

The doctor was ready and he rode off to our house. Wanting to let Ben talk to his friends I went to Ben and mumbled, "I'll be waiting at the store." I mounted and headed to the store.

Upon reaching the store, I tied my horse to the hitching post and hurried to the steps. Marcus and John were sitting on the steps. "Sorry, to keep you waiting," Mr. Merriman said unlocking the door, "I had to fetch the doctor before I could come here."

John stood up, "Is everything okay at your home?" I nodded stepping into the shop, "Aye, Felicity just turned her ankle."

I watched John's reaction. Concern was etched on his face as he said, "Please tell her I hope her ankle mends fast."

"I will, John. Marcus will you stock the shelves, John you can manage the front desk. I'll be in the back if you need me," I strode behind the counter and then turned, "And if a person named Ben comes in. Send him back. Thank you."

I shuffled through my papers on the desk. The note: Drop off three 2 pound of oats to the Cole's house caught my eye. I called Marcus back and told him to deliver the oats to them. I took a breath and leaned back before on a muffin.

-Ben Davidson POV-

I carefully tied my horse to the hitching post outside the Mercantile before taking out my bag of muffins Mrs. Merriman gave me. The delicious muffin smell drifted out and I hungrily bit into one. It was the best food I had in a long while. They were still warm and moist. It was very thoughtful of Mrs. Merriman to remember breakfast for us. After finishing two muffins I folded the bag and pocketed it. I took a big breath and walked up the familiar steps and into the Mercantile.

I glanced around. Same old set up and the same "Sorry, We Don't Sell Tea" sign hung behind the counter by the coffee containers. I had to smile at this.

"Good morning, Sir. May I be of help?" asked a young man behind the counter.

Hmm, must be a new apprentice or worker. I don't recall seeing him before. "Uh, yes. I was looking for the owner of this place, Mr. Merriman." I responded walking up to the counter.

"He is currently busy, may I ask your name?" He asked his blue scanning me.

"Ben Davidson," I replied stretching out my hand. He ran his hand through his blonde hair before extending it to accept my handshake.

"Yes, Mr. Merriman is expecting you," he removed his hand, "I'm John Cole. I've heard a lot about you from Mr. Merriman but, mostly from Felicity."

My interest seemed to peek when I heard Felicity's name. "Felicity talks about me often?" I asked before I could stop myself. "Yes, she and I go for rides sometimes. She is very proud of her friend that went off to war," John said emphasizing the word "Friend."

I felt a surge of jealousy but, I shook it off, "So, is Mr. Merriman in the back room?"

"Oh! Indeed, you can go back there," John shoved his hands into his pockets and I felt his eyes on my back as I made my way to the back room.