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Ben POV:
The peeping of frogs kept me awake long into the night. Where in the world did the orchestra of frogs come from? Last night it was dead silent! Maybe all the rain gathered to create a sort of pond in the field behind the house. If all of the frogs were patriots we would soon win this war. With a disgusted sigh I grabbed the pillow beside me and smashed it over my head. Or at least the best could with one hand.One good hand. I let out another sigh- this one expressing my discontent. Ben, be grateful it didn't shatter your bone! I sighed once more and continue to talk to myself inwardly. You know someone passing the door might think you are struggling breathing. I chuckled at that idea but then my face turned as solemn as it often does when I look over the remains of a battlefield. Felicity. I truly felt bad- no horrible- that she fell.I wonder why she needed to escape the grasp of the house at such an early time. Why didn't I hear her leave being that my room is the closest to the back door? Ben, it is not your fault that she fell and you darn well know it.
Slightly content at my conclusion I continued with my train of thought. "Oh, Felicity!" I murmured softly, "Yesterday you looked upon me as a suitor and today... Seems so much like two years ago. Uh! Her fall!"Perhaps the fall caused her brain to erase even her feelings? Still there did seem like there was a gleam of admiration. Maybe it was just surprise at my physical change. No! She said she always loved me. Well, I will just have to wait and see. Meanwhile I'll prompt her with a few things.
All this thinking didn't help me fall asleep.I suppose I should count sheep- that's what you are supposed to do- not that I ever do. I think the last time I counted sheep was when I was a mere lad of eight trying to get some shut eye after when my father held a bonfire gathering. Well, it can't hurt. One sheep, two sheep... Wait, am I supposed to envision the sheep and count them? I shut my eyes tighter and pictured something that looked like a half sheep and goat. Oh, well! One sheep, two sheep, three sheep, four sheep...
The next time I opened my eyes the sun's rays tried to invade my room by entering through the windows only to be blocked by the lace curtains. I swung my legs out of bed and stood up. By the sounds of it, I didn't think there was any activity going on in the house. I slipped my extra pair of breeches and different shirt on.
What day is it? Saturday? I'll have to ask. Maybe. I shuffled through my belongings still contained in my packed. I removed my wool blanket I was blessed enough to have and share with others. Rolled up in the corner I spotted my wooden whistle.When did I take it off?Surely I couldn't have worn it last when I got injured.I was born with that whistle! Why didn't I know they took it off me? I slung it back over my neck muttering, "At least they put the whistle in my pack."
My hand began searching the inside of my pack again and I found my light axe sitting on the bottom of my bag. My powder horn containing my scant amount of precious black powder laid next to the axe. In addition my charger, price of cloth, and small loading block lay about in my bag. I glanced at the items so crucial for firing my musket.
My musket. I am proud of it. It had been my farewell present from Mr. Merriman. I knew it wasn't new -nor did I expect as such- but I sure was proud when he handed it to me. I knew I was like a son to him in his eyes and I sure felt like it that day. I glanced up at my musket lying up against the wall. I was proud to own such a weapon. The musket was, after all, the most important weapon in the war. Even though we couldn't aim perfectly from long distances our bullets still could spread intense amounts of lead into the air. I didn't get to be face to face with a line of redcoats yet but my group did get into a fight more than twice.
My tin utensils for eating laid beside those items and for a second I stopped to applaud myself for being organized and prepared. A streak of white caught my eye under the axe. I lifted the axe up to find the five letters Felicity had sent over the years. Writing paper was scarce and because of so, our communication suffered by it.
Each of her letters carried her personality right out through the pages. I shuffled through them. The one was one the bottom still had its wax seal on it. Strange. I picked up the letter, broke the seal, and read:
Dearest Ben,
I hope and pray this letter finds you safe and well. We haven't heard from you in a month and so we can't help but be worried and pray hard for your safety.
We are all getting along fine. Everyday life hasn't changed much for me however; I do get to help William and Father in the store much more. We are getting enough customers since many people are moving to Williamsburg since it is farther away from the front lines. There are times when we could easily close the shop for a quarter of the day and no one would complain.
Annabelle is moving back to England to stay with her Aunt. She is ever so excited about the upcoming trip. I have to admit without her at lessons won't be that bad but I will miss her around here. Since Annabelle is going to England Elisabeth's cousin is coming to America! Elisabeth has never seen him before and is very excited to meet more of her family. His name is John Cole and should be arriving in a week.
Lessons with Ms. Manderly are slightly repetitive. I'm not to complaining though. We serve tea and coffee, learn dances, and work on our samplers. You would be quite proud of me to know that Iamquite successful with the needle now. I know you know that I have been sewing for the Patriot cause for a while now but, today I have sewn my 25th shirt for them! Many embroider their initials on the bottom of the shirt but I embroider a horse.
Nan is starting lessons with Ms. Mannerly. Her classmates are Phyllis Lark and Beth Copper. I met them the other day and saw that they were determined to be the most proper young ladies. Nan is most certainly with the right group. I recall my first lesson with Ms. Mannerly quite well. However did you escort me or did Father?
You will always be in my prayers. I'm very proud of you.
Love,
Felicity
Love, Felicity. Love. I sighed. Well, at least this explains where John came from. I wonder if John is a patriot. Surely Mr. Merriman wouldn't hire a loyalist? No, he wouldn't. After all Mr. Merriman still attends those meeting for the Patriot cause. I replaced the letter and the asked myself out loud, "Why did I start looking through my pack?"
No response from my mind. So, I replaced everything. As I was placing my wool blanket on top I heard a light knocking on my door. I stood up and cracked it open to find Felicity standing there smiling. She was already dressed for the day.
"Good morning!" She said in a quiet voice.
"Good morning," I responded glancing down the hall way.
"I'm sort of awake," Felicity explained.
"Sort of?" I asked.
"Okay, I'm up." She let out a laugh, "I heard you rustling around down here."
"Was I that loud?" I asked.
Felicity leaned her head to the doorframe. "No, remember I have good hearing? I was probably the only one who heard you."
"Okay. So..." I prompted.
"So I knew you were up. What will you do today?" she asked.
"I don't have any commander to report to, any drills to accomplish, or a day's work to do at the store." I replied.
"So, where are you going to go? Not tavern, right?" She asked. After I shook my head she continued, "Good. It would be a waste of time and money." She paused and straightened, "Do you want to take a walk with me after breakfast?"
"Sure, I'd enjoy that," I said.
"Okay, see you at the barn later. That will be where we will start. Bye!" Felicity said before disappearing.
"Bye," I called out quietly after her. I shut the door softly and returned to repacking my bag.
Breakfast went smoothly. We had a hearty oatmeal. During the meal, Mr. Merriman offered me to stay at the store to discuss some things relating the war. Probably about his Patriot meetings I reasoned to myself. So I said, "Yes, I'll come into the shop at noon?" I saw Felicity nod into her bowl of oatmeal out of the corner of my eye and confirmed, "Is noon okay?
Mr. Merriman gave me a strange look before saying, "Of course. Of course."
After we ate Mr. Merriman and William left for his store. Mrs. Merriman took the Polly, Nan, William to visit some neighbors. Felicity disappeared to help Rose wash dishes. I found myself belting on my musket and going out to the barn. I roamed the loft. Tired as I was the night I came here I remembered Felicity's writing supplies scattered about my cot. Today they were missing. Something brown in the hay caught my eye. I took a step toward it when I heard, "Hello Ben! Are you ready?"
I turned around and saw Felicity perched on the top ladder rung. "Hello. I am ready."
She started descending the ladder saying, "Wonderful. Hope you don't mind not taking any horses out. But after yesterday Father doesn't want me riding Penny."
"I understand," I said climbing down the ladder after Felicity was on the ground.
"Wearing your musket?" She asked looking up at me.
"I didn't know where we were going walking and so I wasn't going to chance it," I said.
"Ever fire it with your arm like that?" Felicity asked hesitantly.
"To be honest, no. But," I looked down at my sling. My fingers were loose thankfully, "It could work."
"You have to teach me!" Felicity exclaimed as soon as the thought hit her.
"No, not around here. Besides powder is scarce," I quickly replied.
She crossed her arms. "Fine, maybe you can show me without any ammunition in it. Shall we go?"
"We shall. I'm not sure if your Father would approve about the active gun training anyway. Where will we be walking?"
She pushed the barn door open and we squinted in the morning sunlight. I shut the door as she replied, "This way." She pointed to the field. "I normally ride over here. Well two years ago- it's safe."
We looped arms and began walking. Her strides didn't quite match mine yet. Her long yellow dress didn't help either. We began in quiet which was somewhat different than before I left. But then, what was the same?
We broke the silence at the same saying, "Well..." Giggles shook our frames and we stopped walking.
Felicity turned to me and asked, "So, how did you like the war?"
My patriot flame was turned on and I let it flow forth from me. "Felicity," I started as we resumed our walking, "War is a blessing and yet a curse. However, I truly enjoyed fighting for our cause, our country. It is true I didn't fight against hundreds of redcoats but I did get my bits of battle as I went up against rather large groups. You see, we were on our way to General Washington himself! Ahh, just to shake his hand would mean the world to me." My voice faded out- just dwelling on this idea thrilled me.
I felt her green eyes focused on me and the intensity shook me out of my daydream. Shaking my head to clear my mind further I asked, "What was the question?"
Grinning Felicity said, "I asked how you liked the war experience. Did you meet anybody?"
"Well, if you recall- Sorry, I left Williamsburg with a group of fifteen men. We trained and continued to pick up a man here and there. I picked up the training quick enough. I was soon promoted as to help newcomers with training. I enjoyed that but when the group was ready to move on and join Washington's troops I stated behind.
It wasn't that bad. Jealousy aroused of course but I liked our leader. Sorry- to answer your question, I did form a brotherly bond with Riley. I met him when I finally was on my way to be in Washington's army. He and I clicked right away. I was good friends with four other men but still not the same as Riley. I hope they are all okay."
"Me too," stated Felicity, "So, what did you teach the recruits?"
"Basic training," I replied glancing around. Green pine trees and long grass surrounded us. The remaining morning dew brushed against my breeches leaving little wet spots.
"What is basic training? Is it just targeting practice?" She asked motioning to the gun that hung off my shoulder.
"Targeting is a part of the daily practice." I said then continued guessing her next question, "During daily practice we practice marching to the drum beats, targeting practice, and routines to increase our strength."
Felicity stopped, "What type of routines?"
"Lifting the musket above your head over 50 times, squats, and many other exercises," I said remembering all the exhausting training I had been through.
"I still wish I could fight sometimes. I could do all those exercises after practice," she commented with a serious look.
I tried to hide my laugh.
"What! I said after practice. Give me!" She said.
"What?" I asked.
"Give me your gun!" She excitedly said, "Please?"
I sighed and looked at her hand that was rested on the hilt of the gun. "Fine but let me check the gun first." I slung it off my shoulder and checked to see if it was loaded. It wasn't so I handed the gun over.I wish I could use both arms! She grasped it and I pointed to wear she should hold it.
"Okay, but I want to hold it above my head though." She said turning to me.
To encourage her determination I said, "I bet you won't make it to the edge of the trees." I focused my gaze at the goal to make sure I didn't over dare before I looked at Felicity.
"You forget, Ben Davidson, I own a horse. I could carry a saddle two years ago and I could have only gotten better," she replied with a determined glare.
"Just saying. Elbows as straight as you can," I said watching her raise the gun above her head. Her face didn't give away any trace of hesitation but her elbows did quiver.
"Okay, shall we continue walking?" She asked ready to start her challenge.
"Lead the way," I said. Determination driven she walked along with no hesitation. The gun stayed over her head. Her long dress seemed slightly cumbersome but I didn't think it proper to hoist her skirt up.
Half way she readjusted her grip without wavering and continued walking. "What do you eat in the army?"
"Depends, mostly biscuits, corn mush, and whatever comes our way," I replied still looking at her arms.
"Stare at my arms any longer you may just burn a hole through them. Is this what you did to the men you trained?"
I laughed, "Yes, you're doing a good job so far."
"Thank you," was her reply. We were now about four yards away from the tree line.
She reached the tree line before me and gracefully set the gun down. "Here you go," Felicity said handing the gun back to me.
"Thank you. Great job," I said slinging it around my back.
My ears- alert from the last two years- picked up the sound of people moving around as if in a camp. "Do you hear that sound?"
Felicity leaned closer to me and whispered, "Yes, it sounds like movement of people. It sounds like it just through these trees. Let's go and peek!"
"You forget that we are in the middle of the war!" I whispered urgently back to her. "Let's go back."
"Come on Ben! After all it's most likely a Patriot camp," Felicity reasoned.
Boy! Is she trying to tempt me? "No, besides I said I would be at your Father's shop at noon."
"Fine, let's go," she said turning and starting to head back.
That was too easy. I followed Felicity. "How far did we walk anyway?"
She shrugged, "No idea. Minds blank, I actually don't know where we are. Thankfully the grass is slightly trampled where we walked."
I nodded. I shared about the war with Felicity but because of the fall she doesn't remember much about her last two years. Searching for conversation ideas was going nowhere so I asked, "What was keeping you up this morning?"
"Um, I just woke up and then I was trying to remember everything when I heard you."
Our conversation continued off and on with various subjects as we walked through the long grass. Birds sang loudly while they were searching for their lunches. Finally the barn was in sight and Felicity thanked me for accompanying her.
I replied, "It was enjoyable and relaxing."
She nodded in agreement saying, "I can saddle a horse for you to ride into town."
"Thank you, I'd appreciate that," I said.
We approached the barn and Felicity let go of my arm so I could open the barn door. I helped her choose Jingle, the horse I rode yesterday, and she saddled it. With a "Good bye" and "Tell my father I said 'Hi!'" I left.
The ride into town was enjoyable. The thumping of the horses hooves against the dirt road echoed in my ears. The sun shone freely and the sky was a perfect blue. It always amazed me that no matter where you are you still could look up into the same sun, moon, or constellation.
Before I turned Jingle down the street leading into town I slowed him down as a group of soldiers passed. Once again I wished I could one of them.
Sometimes life isn't fair. Sighing, I turned Jingle down the street leading into town. The town seemed abnormally quite for the time of day. I suppose everyone is inside eating their dinners. Wow, I have to say oatmeal really does stick to ones ribs. Huh. I pulled up to the Mercantile and hitched my horse to the wooden post.
I ran inside to find Marcus stacking shelves and John rearranging the coffee. Mr. Merriman was behind the counter doing nothing in particular. "Good afternoon, sir," I said approaching him.
"Good afternoon to you too," he said glancing at the only clock in the mercantile. I followed his gaze and its hands pointed at the 1.
"Sorry, I'm late," I apologized shifting my weight to one foot and then the other.
"It's fine. I was helping a customer anyway. Can I speak to you for a minute?" He asked motioning toward the back room.
"Of course, that's why I came." I said following his retreating figure.
Upon entering the very back room in which Felicity and I had our first kiss I reddened slightly. I composed myself by the time Mr. Merriman turned around and started talking, "Ben, I wanted to talk to you. Tonight I have a meeting."
I nodded as if to say, "I understand what you mean."
And he continued, "You can join me if you wish." Glancing at the door he added in a whisper, "And if you go, call yourself um, John."
"I would enjoy that. May I walk to the meeting with you?" I asked after a second.
"Yes, right after supper. Now one more issue. I'd love to offer you a job while you're here but business is here is slow. I don't think it would be worth your time to work here. However, if you want a job here- managing the counter or keeping up the books- you can have one."
"Thank you kindly, Sir," I said, "I will gladly consider it."
After supper we bid everyone a "Good night!" and departed into the darkness. We discussed a few matters as our footsteps faintly echoed off of the cold cobblestone streets. Upon passing the street of the Cole's house I asked, "Is John Cole a Loyalist?"
"Nay, I wouldn't dare hire one." He paused before continuing. "Nay, though he has just come from England he believes in the freedom we desire. Still, coming from a loyalist family and a few friends I don't take him... along."
He led me through a few twists and turns. Being away from Williamsburg for two years dulled my sense of direction. The dim flickering lamps didn't help locating exact streets either. Soon enough we stopped and Mr. Merriman rapped softly on the wooden door. I watched him lean against the black rectangle and his lips moved ever so slightly. He must be giving a code. After all those times in the noisy store you would never think he would be so... discrete. The door opened slightly and whispers could be ears and there were little points in my direction. Finally the door swung open all the way and we hurriedly stepped in.
We shook hands with the six other men standing inside the dimly lit room. I soon learned that Mr. Merriman went by just John. The funny thing was I recognized some people who owned local shops. I could not identify anyone.
"Excuse me young Sir," called a voice.
I looked up to see a tall thin man looking down at me. His glasses almost slid off of the bridge of his nose as he said, "Your name?"
"B- John, Sir. It's John," I said hastily.
"John it is then. You do us proud serving our country the way you did. Mighty proud."
My insides glistened with pride but I calmly responded, "Thank you Sir, for doing your part to help us win the war."
He nodded and the conversation started. I listened with interest to the rumors about the British and the Germans. When their talk turned to sending off more troops to Washington they asked me how my experience went in the camps and I replied in all honesty.
That night I went to bed peacefully. Sure my mind buzzed with war talk but the peeping of the frogs didn't keep me up.
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