Felicity's POV

I opened my eyes halfway to find myself lying in a tent. Several soldiers surrounded me as I lay on a cot. They were whispering various things to each other. One studying my face closely and remarked he had seen me in town before. Another added something about the fact I was Merriman's girl. My mind seemed to be too tired to think their words blurred together more and more until I heard them no more.

My body lay unconscionably still for a while more. A doctor and my father must have been summoned for because, when I finally opened my eyelids again my Father was carefully stroking my brow. A man dressed as a doctor stood in the distance fiddling with his stethoscope. I focused my eyes on the man stroking my forehead. His face looked familiar. It must be my Father yet; his hair looks grayer than before. It has to be Father.

The doctor took Father's place and rechecked my heartbeat and pulse. Taking note that my eyes were finally open he asked, "How are you feeling, Felicity?"
I smiled slightly to show I felt okay. I didn't feel like talking.
Father quickly stepped to my side and said, "Felicity, dearest, you took quite a fall off of Penny. Are you okay?"
The concern etched in his face compelled me to reply, "I feel fine, perhaps tired, that's all." I felt fine, "How's Penny?"
Father smiled, "She is doing fine. Just a nick to the hoof."
I started to sit up, "What about her..." I raised my eyebrow.
Father looked confused, "Her what, Felicity?"
I sighed, "Her foal?"
The confusion didn't leave his expression as he said, "I'm sorry Felicity. I don't really know what you mean."

The doctor cleared his throat and motioned to father to step aside so he might share a few words. When they moved out of my sight range I sat up. I looked about me. I was in a white tent. The door flap was 4 feet away and when I leaned to the left I saw out of it. I saw soldiers walking back and forth doing drills. The shouts from the leader and the beating of drums didn't affect my head too much. How did I get here? I glanced down at my dress. What a nice shade of pink. I wonder where I got this dress.

As I pondered the question I saw my Father and Doctor return into the tent. I overheard the word "memory loss." They can't be talking about me, could they? The only person I recall that suffered from that was Samuel Baker and he was older.
Father approached me and said, "The doctor wants to ask you a few questions. Please do your best to answer him."
I nodded looking at the doctor.
"How are you feeling? Are you dizzy at all?" He asked.
I answered, "I feel fine and am not dizzy in the least bit."
He nodded, "I'm glad. Can you tell me who is in your family?"
I laughed to myself at the silly question, "My Father, Mother, Nan, and William. My Grandfather passed away recently."
I watched my Father's expression change into a worried look as the doctor asked, "Who is your best friend?"
I looked away and answered, "Elisabeth Cole."
He continued with the question asking, "Do you have a foal named Independence?"
I shook my head and realized how long my red hair was. I thought it was just to the middle of my back. I touched the end of one strand. It must 3 inches longer.
"Thank you, Felicity. I'm glad you feel fine. Your Father best take you home now," he turned and shook Father's hand, "Keep in touch please."
Father replied, "Of course."
My Father insisted on me being carried to his wagon he brought with. Penny was tied to the back of the wagon and so was Father's horse, Lightening. I sat next to Father and he waved to the soldiers before starting off. We started down the road quietly.

Mr. Merriman's POV

"Your daughter seems well. However; she could suffer from short-term memory loss. The mind is a complex work of art..." The doctor's words echoed in my mind. From her response to the questions that were asked it seemed like she had just that. I want to re confirm...

I broke the silence with, "So, remember when you went to the Christmas ball with Ben?"

Felicity scrunched her face up, "No. No, Father I don't. Did I?"
I sighed and decided to tell her what the consequence was from her fall. I moved my mouth but no words formed. My mind gears snapped into place and said, "Felicity dearest, the doctor is concerned that you are suffering with short term memory loss." I glanced sideways and saw her face looked confused.
She finally asked, "Is this curable?"
I looked back at the terrain we were crossing over and replied, "Doctors don't specialize that well in this area."
She nodded, "So, that means I forgot what happened since... Wait. What do you mean by short term?"
I looked at her and her green eyes held mine, "Short term means you didn't forget everything."
She swallowed and asked, "What did I forget?"
She sounds like she doesn't really want to know. "You have forgotten about the last two years."
Her pink lips formed an "O" shape but no words formed. My arm went instinctively over her waist as the wagon rolled off of the lumpy grass and into the muddy road.
"I think it would be best if you knew that you had a baby sister Polly and Penny has a foal named Independence."
She whispered, "Thank you."
I nodded. As we passed through town I stopped when I saw Marcus pass us. I informed him that I probably would come in later. By the time we reached the house not another word was spoken.

I lifted her from the wagon seat and helped her inside. Her ankle didn't seem to bother her as she climbed the stairs to the entrance. I knocked and the door swung open in response. Martha stood there with relief flooding her face.

Felicity POV

"Mother! I'm sorry I gave you a scare," I said hugging her. She looked the same and even her familiar scent was the same.
"Why, Felicity! You did give us all a scare when the soldiers came. Why did you go out on a ride anyways?" she returned the hug.
Father shot her a kind, but silencing look and I just smiled.
I was brought into the dining room and I ate some eggs eagerly. Nan was in the room adjoining the dining room and I admired her long golden curls and her figure. Two whole years? Seems impossible. I finished eating and I asked to withdraw to my room. Upon reaching it I hoped this was the right room. I opened the door slowly. At least this stayed the same. I sat down at my dressing table and started looking through my trinkets.
I was fingering a necklace I tried to recall my last thoughts. All that came to my mind was Grandfather's funeral service. And Elisabeth ignoring me at times. Why is she... was she shunning me? I glanced at the desktop and saw a letter with a very fancy E on it.

I opened it up and read:

Dear Felicity,

How are you? You must come out for tea sometime. I know I spend most of my time with Peter. I love him very much but I miss just seeing you at lessons. I know you spend most of your hours at the store, but we must get together soon.

I'm sure John would be happy to escort you. He talks highly of you and I dare say he fancies you! You know it would be wonderful if you married into my family.

I stopped reading. Marriage? Peter? I continued reading to find some set of clarification. It continued as follows:

I do know your attachment though. I hope you hear from Ben soon.

Your friend,
Elisabeth Cole

P.S. A letter came from Annabelle saying she made it safely back in Europe. Our Aunt was very nice to let her stay for the spring. I hope she has fun and perhaps Harry Lacey has a cousin.

I folded the letter shut and closed my eyes. I had hoped the rest provided clarification it seemed more like ladylike talk centered on the idea of being in love. But what was the last sentence of the actual letter? I re-opened it and reread: I do know your attachment though. I hope you hear from Ben soon.

What did I forget? Did I fancy someone? The name Ben was in the next sentence... I couldn't fancy Ben... Could I? Wait. Where is he?

Surprised? I'll do my best with the memory loss issue. REVIEW, PLEASE!