The rest of the day passed smoothly enough until suppertime. Earlier Felicity's ankle was examined by the doctor and was told it was "slightly sprained and she should not apply too much pressure." And she heeded the doctor's orders without too many complaints. Ben, John, and Mr. Merriman came home just as the clock struck 6 o' clock. The men came through the side door and found Felicity and her younger brother William playing with wooden animals.

Ben's POV

I followed John inside the side door that Mr. Merriman was holding. I heard laughter and then Felicity's voice laced with youthfulness, "But now Noah won't have two giraffes for his ark this giraffe will be lonely!" It took only a few more steps before I saw Felicity on the floor next to William and his ark. She must have changed her dress from the one she had on earlier. Her clean pink dress flowed gracefully around her and her freckled face had a huge smile painted across of it. From her neck hung a gold locket that was a gift for her 13th birthday.

In one of her perfect hands was a wooden man. Noah probably. "Ah! Where is my giraffe?" she cried making Noah run in a circle, obviously oblivious to us. My eyes fell on the smiling boy next to her who was clutching the giraffe and shaking his head. Another giraffe was behind his back.

The door slammed shut a little louder than normal and I snapped my head toward the sound. Sighing I glanced at John and back at the picturesque siblings. Felicity darted her green eyes upward at the sound and a slight blush spread across her face as she realized us standing there. I gave her a reassuring smile. The slight blush was quickly replaced with her perky smile as she said, "Good Evening Ben and John," and upon seeing her Father she straightened, "Good evening Father! How was the store today?"

William started stacking the wooden animals into the ark. Mr. Merriman smiled and replied, "Very good, just as usual. Elisabeth Cole says she wished you could have come to help drop off the oats. But, she sends her well wishes for your ankle. How is your ankle?"
Felicity bent back down scooping up the pig and horse, "Oh! It's feeling much better now. Doctor says I can ride Penny in a couple of days!" She leaned forward whispering to William to tell Mother John was here and the boy ran from the room.
Mr. Merriman replied, "That's wonderful! Boys you can wash up in the room to the left."

As we heeded his suggestion I glanced back to see Mr. Merriman help Felicity up and she walked behind us. I exchanged a smile with her as she continued down the hall. John awkwardly stepped to the side upon reaching the basin of water and offered for me to go first.

I mumbled my thanks and splashed the rose water on my face and dried it with a towel that was folded next to the basin. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. I looked slightly tired but my hair was fine. John replaced my spot as I stepped back. I was starting to warm this young man. His blond hair and piercing blue eyes made him quite a handsome man. He reminded me of Riley- my friend and patriot solider. But each time he flashed a smile toward Felicity jealousy would poke at me.

We stood out in the hallway as Mr. Merriman washed up. "Smells like turkey," I casually mentioned.
John nodded, "Probably with Mrs. Merriman's sweet potatoes."
"I hope so, the thought of it makes my water," I responded.
"Me too," he agreed quietly as Mr. Merriman came out into the hallway.
"What are you two staying out in the hallway? The dining room is just around the corner," remarked Mr. Merriman as he straightened his cravat.
"Sorry Sir," muttered John.
"No worries. Come along," he said walking in front of us into the dining room.

I followed him with John right next to my side. My eyes took in the dining room. Nothing changed much in this room. The red walls, the window sills still painted in a green, and the long wooden table in the middle of the room. A man -whom I don't recall seeing before- was setting another place at the table. Mr. Merriman disappeared into the kitchen.

Nan floated in to the room and bounced a curtsy in each of our directions. John made an elegant bow causing Nan to giggle. I flashed my trademark smile and bowed just a bit. "Ben! What are you doing back so soon?" she asked curiosity exploding from her. I kept my smile on my face as I started to answer.

I only got to "Well-" when Mrs. Merriman came in with a small toddler. She cut my off unknowingly with an, "I'm sure he will tell all at supper, sweet girl." I glanced at the toddler in Mrs. Merriman's arm. That must be Polly! Boy, she has grown in the past two years. Polly was put in the high chair and with the words, "Nan, will you be a dear?" Nan took her place next Polly just in case she tipped.

In the next few minutes William entered the dining room followed by Mr. Merriman who was escorting Felicity to the table. The man I didn't recognize from earlier silently motioned our spots across the table a little ways down from Felicity. We stood behind our chairs respectfully. I stole a glance at John who was to my left and realized his blue eyes were fixed on Felicity. She was quietly insisting she could stand until it was time. Mr. Merriman frowned slightly and took his place behind his chair. Mrs. Merriman came in apologizing and took her spot. With everyone ready my eyes drifted to the table where all the delicious smells floated.

There was a juicy turkey cut up on the main platter. Two gravy dishes sat on both sides and the white gravy inside the dishes emitted steam. John was right, sweet potatoes lay on a platter just out of arms reach. Punch and water was already served in our glasses.

As I lofted my eyes from the feast laid before me I realized the ladies were being seated. I flushed slightly and then took my seat when it was time.
Mr. Merriman began with a prayer:
"Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the wonderful meal before us and the hands that have prepared it for us. I thank you also for returning Ben to us.
Amen"

Meal began quietly. Dishes were passed around and requested for. I fared well considering my arm. At least I thought so. Besides, I didn't spill anything. Once everything was served Mr. Merriman cleared his throat and said, "Well, Ben. I'm pretty sure everyone is during of curiosity why you are here." He sent a wink toward Nan who was scrutinizing me with her crystal blue eyes.

Nan's eyes dropped to her plate as I glanced sideways at her. I smiled and started to talk, "Well, I am here today because I was wounded in combat," I motioned to my arm, "With my arm shot and my leg injured, I was taken to the hospital." I swirled a piece of turkey in the white gravy that was on my plate. I continued, "The hospital I was taken to was infected with Smallpox and all of its soldiers that were well enough to be released were released. They were also released from their positions since they believed we would spread the Smallpox disease."

I took a bite of my turkey as Mr. Merriman asked, "Were you given any advice of what to do next?"

I swallowed the turkey and started on my sweet potato before I answered, "They saw potential in me and said if I came across another group I could give them my letter of recommendation. I'm very grateful for it as I hope to finish serving my country strong." I continued eating while looking at each person in turn. Felicity kept her eyes focused on her plate and Mr. and Mrs. Merriman were nodding thoughtfully while Nan just kept on smiling at me. I stole a side-glance at John who was sitting next to me and realized he was carefully considering something. William and Polly kept themselves busy with their food.

Felicity broke the silence, "Who wrote the letter of recommendation?"
I lowered my fork that was just about to enter my mouth. "My Captain gave me the recommendation and Riley added something on the bottom."
John spoke up then, "May I ask who is Riley?"
The question was directed to me even though he was looking at Felicity so I responded, "Riley was the only solider who became like a brother to me."
Felicity took a sip water and then asked, "Was he injured during that fight in the woods?"
"No, he was not," I said.
John's face scrunched up as he asked, "So how did you get the letter of recommendation?"
He quickly dropped his puzzled expression probably because of the glance I felt coming from Mr. Merriman. "I received it from the doctor. He said he had received it from my Captain.""

The rest of supper passed quietly with some talk of the store in which John, Felicity, and Mr. Merriman mostly partook of. After a wonderful supper I thanked Mrs. Merriman heartily and she returned it with her well wishes and insisted I should stay in the guest room. I accepted after saying I would do fine in the barn but, she wouldn't hear of it.

After supper Mr. Merriman went to his office and Polly, William, and Nan retreated somewhere with Rose leading the way. John stood up and offered to escort Felicity to the Siting Room. Felicity's eyes darted to me for a quick second and I felt my ears turn a light red. "Aye, thank you," she said taking hold of his arm, "Ben, would you like to accompany us?"

Felicity POV

I wish Ben could have escorted me instead of John. The hallway seems so long. I'm probably tired from last night's excursion. John led me to the couch and I sat down after I murmured my Thanks. John took the other side of the couch and Ben sat on the other couch facing me. I watched them both before starting the conversation, "Ben, did you get to meet John Cole at the mercantile?"
Ben glanced at John before looking straight at me as he answered, "Yes, I got to meet him there. He directed me to your Father. He was busy working so we couldn't form a strong acquaintance."

I took a breath and said, "John Cole is Elisabeth's cousin. He came from England just a few months ago- I'm sure I mentioned him in my letters- and he was looking for a part time job. So, Father hired him just last month. He stays with the Coles and sometimes we go and deliver orders around the center of town. So what did you do today?"

I watched Ben carefully. He didn't seem to care that much until the last sentence. His forehead crunched up as I mentioned the last sentence. Was he thinking about the past or was he jealous?

Ben smiled and answered, "I made a trip to the apothecary and got something for my arm. I stayed around the town and talked to several people. I saw Miss Manderly and then Lady Templeton. I had no doubt the whole town knows I'm back now." His smile widened at the last sentence. And I grinned back. I heard someone clear his throat.

"Oh! John, you know about Ben right?" I asked quickly. John nodded and I continued, "How is Elisabeth?"

John smiled lightly as he responded, "Well, Elisabeth told me to tell you that Miss Manderly will be offering coffee lessons now."

I glanced at Ben and smiled, "Coffee?"

John nodded, "With all the patriots giving up tea- ladies have to serve something else!"

I sat up straighter and picked up my sampler and started sewing. "I suppose."

Ben leaned forward and asked, "What are you sewing on your sampler?"

I glanced down at it. It was my fifth sampler now and this one was more complex than the first. I didn't want Ben to know in any case. It was going to be a present so I said with a smile, "You will have to see when it's finished."

Ben chuckled. I felt uncomfortable as a silence fell over us. I felt the two men watch me. Normally once I picked up my sampler John took it as his cue to leave but, obviously not today.

Will John go already? A few moments of silence later I remarked causally how late it seemed.
John nodded and said, "Yes, I best get going. Good night Felicity. I'll see you tomorrow." He approached me and bowed and gave me a letter from Elisabeth. I removed a letter from my dress pocket with a fancy E on it.
"Better not open it, Thank you though," I said laughing a bit.
"Don't worry. Good night! It was nice to meet you Ben. Thank you for serving our country," John said bowing to both of us and with that he left.

I eyes followed him to make sure he left. Ben casually looked over at the envelope with a big fancy F on it. Jealousy was slightly written on his face but, he removed it quickly as he saw I was looking at him.

He asked, "Who is that from?"
I looked at the letter, "Elisabeth, since he lives with them we decided to use him to deliver our letters to each other. It's not a horrible waste of paper since John bought it for us. So, did you meet the apothecary's apprentice?"
Ben smiled, "I saw him briefly. Why?"
"Well," I started then paused for dramatic effect, "Elisabeth is courting him."
"Wow, I'm sure he is a nice young man then."
I smiled at that. Hmm, Ben looks so cute when he's jealous... I should tease him, "Guess how many offers of courtship I have been offered!"

Ben's face turned a puzzled red and he stammered for the right words, "Well, being a very young and attractive young lady I should say your Father probably received many men begging on their knees to have you."

Now I turned a bright red and a few giggles escaped from my lips. I turned serious for a moment and asked with deep consideration, "Am I too young for you?"

I wish I could read Ben's brain because I definitely couldn't read his face. He replied quickly, "No, am I too old for you?"

I didn't want to send a wrong signal, "No! I don't think so."

"Good, I really love you Felicity," Ben whispered.

I blushed and replied, "I know you do. I love you too."

-
Meanwhile... (Martha Merriman POV)

I glanced around the house. Rose had Nan, William, and Polly somewhere. I didn't know exactly. Walking half way down the hall toward the back sitting room I heard lively conversation coming from the back room. I retraced my steps not wanting to interrupt. My wandering feet lead me to my bedroom. I saw my husband taking off his shoes and asked, "What are you doing in our room already?"

He glanced over his shoulder and pulled his socks off before replying, "Something is itching me in my sock. Why are you in here?"

I chuckled sitting beside him, "Which sock?"
He glanced down at the socks in his hand and shook his head, "Now I can't remember!"
"Here, I'll take one," I took a sock from him and started feeling it, "I'm here because Felicity is enjoying herself with the Ben and John and Rose has the rest of the children."
He gave me a side-glance, "Felicity is alone with those boys?"
I concentrated on the sock, "Men, naturally. I'll join them a moment, they were talking about the days festivities when I passed near the room. I wanted to ask you about something."
"What dearest?" came the response, "Nothing in this sock." He set it down.
"One moment, I think I found something," I said coming across a small piece of hay embedded at the toe. "There," I said removing it. "It's about Felicity."
"Oh," he said turning to give me his full attention. "About courtship?"
He guessed it. "Yes, when are you going to tell Felicity John asked to court her?"
"I was tonight but then Ben arrived." He ran his hand through his hair.
"Well, why delay the news because of Ben?" I asked hoping he could see their feeling for each other.
"Because," he trailed off. Did he know something I didn't? Maybe Ben told him something. Or... "Because," he continued, "Before I entered the barn actually I was fixing my gloves when I saw them in the barn together. It was slightly dark but it wasn't mistakable. They were inches from each other's faces. I keep on replaying what I saw in my mind over and over but I think they are in love with each other..." He trailed off again. He gets it! After a moments pause he said, "They could have been in love before they left."
Now I was even more interested. "May I ask why you think that?" A mother's eye shouldn't miss anything- it rarely does- especially in the field of romance.
"The day Ben signed his contract to be released. Felicity and Ben were in the back room and they both looked a little unsettled and Felicity was slightly red in the cheeks."
"Well, if that's the case and I am sure it is. We best go and join their little party in the back room. Here is your sock," I said giving him his sock.
"Thank you dearest, I will talk to Felicity later this week," he said.

Upon slipping on his socks and shoes back on Edward and I made our way out into the hallway. I was just about to laugh loudly or cough to alert our coming presence before we heard something that made us stop in our tracks. It was Felicity's voice saying, "...you do. I love you too."

Sorry the meal is a bit too posh for the time period. I was feeling a bit hungry myself so, I ignored the correctness of the meal!