Dear Readers,

Thank you for still reading my story and the wonderful advice and the reviews. Those always brighten up an author's day. I realized that I am actually a slow writer but, nevertheless I hope you enjoy this next chapter! Oh! And original characters and the flashback's belong to Valerie Tripp's works or the American Girl Adventure Movie. Okay, ENJOY!

Ben's POV

The words I love you seemed to embed itself into my brain and triggered a flood of memories. "Ben! Ben! I'm going to have a foal!" She had excitedly yelled running in an unladylike way back into the storage room. Her face in a radiant smile that lit up her face and highlighted her freckles. "What?" I had asked obviously confused. "Penny, Penny's going to have a foal!" She said jumping up and down.

Another fond memory flashed into my mind. It was Felicity and Elisabeth sitting by the window still in the Meriman house on Christmas night. She had contently reflected that, "It did no matter where our journey led us. We'd always have in our hearts, the comforts of that evening, the love of our families and the everlasting nature of true friendship." It was then I saw a glimpse of her growing matureness. Then yet another sadder memory. I just finished up at the mercantile and I was bring home a sack of flour. It was when I brought it into the kitchen when I saw little Nan pick up her dolls and walk over to Felicity. Felicity stopped from her task when she had said, "Lissie? Is Mother going to leave us like Grandfather did?"
Felicity brushed her hands quickly on her apron as she responded, "Of course not, Nan." Felicity bent down. "Don't ever say such things." Felicity enveloped Nan in a hug. "She will be fine." From my position I saw Felicity's anxious face and as I took in the scene Felicity's selflessness shone through and it amazed me. "

Ben?" Asked Mr. Meriman
"Yes, Sir," I answered just after coming down from Felicity's room.
"Is the dress in place?" He asked.
"Yes, it is." I answered. I had placed Felicity's blue ball gown that she was going to wear to the Christmas Eve Ball on her bed.
"Wonderful, thank you. May I ask you one more thing?" Mr. Merriman asked with a clap of his hands.
"Yes, Sir," I said smiling respectively. "There is an emergency Patriot meeting I must attend. I won't be back in time to escort Felicity to the ball," he trailed off. "May I take her?" I asked.
"Would you?" Mr. Merriman asked.
"Of course, it's the least I could do. She has been so selfless with Mrs. Merriman being ill." I said.
"Alright son, you have a bit of cleaning up to do then." He said patting my back, "In the meanwhile I will check on Felicity."

It was only an hour or two before I knocked on the door that lead into the sitting room. The door opened as Mr. Merriman announced, "Miss Felicity, your escort." I stood smiling and gazing at an picture of loveliness. Felicity's gown was stunning and she face held the same smile warmed my heart as she said in a tone of surprise and happiness, "Ben! You are to escort me to a ball held by Loyalists?" I answered with a smile that matched hers and said with all sincerity, "I watch what you have been doing the past few weeks for others, without any though for yourself, Felicity. It's my honor to do something for you and your family." Her smile grew.

The night in the barn when Penny struggled to give birth to Patriot.
The day when Felicity climbed the side of the barn to sit on the roof and I had climbed up there to get her before Nan could find out.
The time Felicity and I delivered the sack of oats to Nye's place and found Penny for the first time.
The time I caught her sneaking my breeches.
The time when she and I... The memories kept pouring forth. Over my two years with the Merriman family I had grown to love their eldest daughter without even realizing it until it was time to say good bye.

I slowly stood up shaking away the pins and needle feeling that was slowly developing in my left foot. I had been in the barn for a while and judging by the sunlight streaming into the open barn door I figured supper was nearly ready. The journal was a little larger than traveling size so it could slip into my breeches' pocket easily. There I concealed it before carefully climbing out of the cubby and making my way over to the house.

Supper was excellent. Conversation flowed naturally and all too soon I was sitting in the sitting room with Mr. Merriman and his elder two daughters. As Nan was chatting on about a friend who sprained her ankle when she was walking home from Ms. Mannderly's. I nodded in acknowledgement from time to time but to be honest my thoughts were else where. When and where should I leave her journal? Maybe I should just give it to her no, then she will be suspicious that I read it. Maybe... "Ben?" Came Mr. Merriman's voice breaking my thoughts.
"Yes?" I answered my eyes going first to Felicity who was sitting across from me. She was doing her sampler but started to pick at a knot that was formed in the middle of her thread.
"Would you like to help?" He asked.
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you." I answered truthfully.
"I, um, was just saying," Mr. Merriman, "I have an early shipment of food supplies coming in tomorrow morning. Would you like to help?"
"Yes Sir. Around sun up?" I confirmed. As he nodded his response I realized Mrs. Merriman had joined us.
"Sounds great. If you don't mind I will head in for the night early tonight." I said rising. "Not a problem." Came the answer from Mr. Merriman. Good nights echoed around the room. I wished them a good night before heading outside using the back door. My boots splashed through the puddles that the sunshine could not chase away. I stood by the barn door and rested my head against it. She needs her journal. Elisabeth's words came into my mind, "Check her saddlebag or in the loft." Her saddlebag! That was the perfect place to put it.

I pushed the barn door open and it slowly slammed shut behind me. I went to Penny's stall. She whinnied her greeting. "Good, how are you too?" She tossed her head around. "No, I'm not snooping." I said with a chuckle while nudging the bridles in order to see if Felicity's saddle bags were hiding underneath. With another neigh Penny returned to munching on the hay that was stored on the right side of her stall. I found her saddlebag tucked under the saddle blanket. The blanket needs a good washing, I thought while lifting it up. I slipped the journal inside one of the bags and then replaced the blanket quickly. I looked around to see if anyone saw. Nobody is in here except for the horses and they don't count. "Good night, Penny," I said while I started toward the loft. "Patriot, Gypsy, Jingle," I added as I passed their stalls.

As I climbed the ladder I questioned myself about placing the journal there. No, what's done is done. If Felicity finds out it will be perfect. No need to push it. I know where it is anyway just invade plan A doesn't work. I settled into the cot. The last thing I thought was Ah! This feels more like army life. And then I drifted off to sleep.

Felicity's POV

If I lived on a farm the rooster would have woken me up around now I thought as I climbed out of bed. I slipped the dress I wore the other day over my head before struggling to slip on my stockings. Grabbing my shoes I headed downstairs. I heard Mother and Father in the dining room. So I diverted my steps toward the back door thinking probably an early breakfast, Father most likely has work to do at the store. I ran to the barn and pushed the door open quietly.

Penny was up. With a "Good Morning Penny," I took quickly grabbed the bridle and gently put it on her. Next I grabbed the saddle blanket and put it on her. Eww, this needs a wash. Next came the saddle. I tightened the girth to the appropriate length before something caught my eye. My saddle bag. I slung it over the saddle and fastened it. I looked at the girth saying, "Let's see if you are playing any games on me today." No, she hadn't bloated her stomach with air when I adjusted the girth the first time. "Good girl," I said giving her a quick kiss on the nose as I lifted the reins up and over her head. "Come on let's go."

I put my foot in the stirrup and hoisted myself up and on the saddle. "Come on let's go," I said with a small nudge of my heel. Penny nodded her head making the reins slide a little in my hands before she turned her head. As I grasped the reins tighter I followed her gaze. Someone was climbing down the ladder and upon reaching the ground I said, "I'm sorry if I awoke you." He looked up and he slowly registered that he was not the only one in the barn.
"No, no you didn't wake me."
"Tis' good then." I said. His eyes held mine and then shifted downward as if scanning for something.
With a smile I said, "Well, have a good day."
"You too, Miss Felicity and do be careful," he cautioned.
"Thank you, Ben?" I said before nudging Penny toward the open door. The morning wind brushed past me gently and the sunbeams that managed to peek out behind the clouds that dotted the sky kissed my face softly. I let Penny walk toward the trail leading to the meadow. I let her walk for awhile and in silence. As we approached the taller grass Penny's body shook from what I thought was a sneeze. "God bless you, Penny," I said. Instantly Penny's ears perked backward towards me. "Sorry, I was in a hurry today. I suppose I just wanted to take my early morning ride with my favorite horse." She nickered at this. "It feels wonderful to be free out here." I said.

Suddenly, Penny's walk turned into a slow trot to get over a wet section of grass. A few birds called out their morning songs to each other but, not as much as usual. I glanced up toward the sky and realized the probable reason. The clouds were painted in a light gray color. "It might rain later today," I said out loud to Penny who decided to stop for a moment. "Come on girl. Let's finish our route." I clucked to her and she started into a easy trot. If I'm not mistaken to the right, then turn to the right by the big tree and that will get me on the road to town. Yes, I believe that is right.

Penny continued until we approached the big tree that stretched its limbs into the meadow. I ducked from the branches that always loved to catch an unsuspecting me. I was on the road now. Okay. Right or left? I looked to my right. East or West home is best. That silly old nursery rhyme! Get out of my head. East or West home is best. I sighed. Clearly my thought process wasn't working well today and so I leaned forward on Penny and whispered, "Okay Penny, it's time to go home." Penny whinnied twice before heading right up the street. I had confidence in her abilities of direction. Besides what could it hurt? I'm on the road now.

The sound of Penny's almost melodious hoofs hitting the rocky ground in rhythm quieted my thoughts and I turned my attention upward. The clouds seemed to shift a shade darker but the wind was still consistently blowing. I passed Ms. Manderly's house and then turned down the road where the militia used to camp. The makeshift wooden fence was still there but, no soldiers. No indentations on the dew dripped grass of any person marching on this section of ground and no remnant of fire or dwelling. Strange, they were just here the other day. Felicity, no. I shook my head trying to rid myself of that thought.

The rocky road turned into cobblestone as I turned down a street leading into town. By now the sky was obscured from my view because of the rain clouds. As I turned down Elisabeth's street the clouds launched an unexpected torrent of rain. Strange, the rain seemed like it would hold off until I got home. The wind picked up and soon my skirts were soaked. It seemed like the temperature dropped a good 10 degrees. I climbed off Penny and lead her to the Cole's house. I forgot all the lady like rules when I pounded on back door of their house. A servant answered, "Good Lord, Miss Felicity!"
"May I put Penny in your barn and the can I come in?" I asked.
"Sure thing, Jessie in the barn there will make sure Penny gets all nice and dry. Scoot along then."
She said waving her hand in the direction of the barn. I did as I suggested. The barn was only five feet away but, the sheet of rain made it hard for me to find the door. When I did it would not yield easily. Finally I yelled, "Can you open the door!" And with a after thought I added, "Please!" The door was soon opened.
"Miss Felicity Mam."
"Jessie?" I asked stepping inside pulling Penny behind me.
"Yes Mam'." He said a little louder for the sounds of the downpour of rain and the horses neighing were quite loud.
"Do you have any extra room for Penny?" I asked rubbing Penny's neck to sooth her down.
"Yes. You should hurry back to the house miss. Would you like me to accompany you?"
He noticed I was shivering even though I did my best to conceal it. "Thank you but, no. It sounds like you are needed in here. Penny should be good. Won't you Penny?" I said with a small smile. I handed him the reins and turned to the door. The rain muffled my final "Thank you!" that I had directed to Jessie. The rain kept its consistent onslaught as I darted back into its midst. I made it back to the backdoor and it flew open as I neared.
As I stepped inside Elisabeth exclaimed, "Felicity! You are all wet!"

I was soon encompassed in a towel before I was changed into one of Elisabeth's gowns. I knew better not to argue since getting the chills was a serious thing. Once I was changed Elisabeth led me to the sitting room. The sound of the rain was more muffled upon arriving there and the fire that was lit in the corner of the room warmed my body.
"Felicity, may I ask why you are riding out on such a day like this?" Elisabeth asked.
"I like my morning rides as you well know and the storm just sprung upon me. Not only ten minutes before I arrived I thought the rain would hold off till noon." I explained.
"I'm sure you are right. I was just about to go and see the garden when the first raindrops began to fall." She paused, "Oh! My manners! Would you care for coffee Miss Felicity?"
I couldn't suppress my giggle. "Why Miss Elisabeth I would be delighted." She rang for coffee as I continued, "But really Elisabeth you hardly forgot your manners! After all am I not dry right now instead of ruining your couch with my soaked dress?"
"True, true. Thank you for reminding me. Did you ride Penny here?" I brushed a strand of damp hair that was stuck to the side of my face as I said, "Yes, Jessie has her in the barn. The horses were quiet upset in there."
"Aye, indeed. I couldn't here them in here but when groups of militia march by they always act up. I can imagine the chaos the rain created. Good thing rain like this isn't frequent."
The coffee arrived disguised in a porcelain teapot. Elisabeth poured a steaming cup for me. As she set the tea pot down she asked, "Milk or sugar Miss Merriman?" "Both please."
I requested sitting up straighter. "It has been a while since we have had rain like this." Elisabeth said while serving me my sugar.
"I believe it. It has been a while since we had coffee together," I said.
After a pause Elisabeth answered with a drawn out "Yes?"
"I'm sorry I forgot. That I forgot." I placed my elbows on the table and rested my head in my hands.

"Now now tis fine." She soothed as she poured my milk carefully. "Really tis is. It must be somewhat fun remembering life before the war changed everything. Sadly, it is something we often forget in the mist of reality."

I sat up and wrapped my hands around the cup of coffee. It was warm. I glanced around the room and my eyes fell on the window. It was dark and smeared with the raindrops that fell in a constant rhythm. I was glad that the fire was in the room for it was the only source of light. I shifted my eyes back toward Elisabeth's face and started, "Tis hard to say exactly. I remember you and your family. Although I thought you had a older sister- Bannanabelle?"
Elisabeth laughed, "Yes I did. I do. She went back to England to stay with my aunt and her name wasn't exactly Bannanabelle either."
By this time we both were laughing. I managed to say, "You. You are right. That time at Ms. Manderly's."
"Aye!" Elisabeth chimed in as the giggles overtook me, "I was so sick and tired of her calling me 'Bitsy' and you."
"We," I corrected her with a smile.
"Very well then, we made up that nickname for her." She paused, "But, I wouldn't have dreamed of doing it if you hadn't suggested it!"
"Tis true. You probably wouldn't have. I don't think we ever called it to her face though." We giggled some more and as we tried to stifle them the louder they grew. Finally we choked down some coffee and quieted ourselves. When Elisabeth managed to get some coffee I don't know.
"But, we had a lot more fun with her and if I'm not mistaken you could be quite mischievous as well Elisabeth Cole," I said in a playing tone.
"You mean... Harry?" She said with a huge smile.
"No, Sir Harry," I corrected with a refined voice as a wave of my hand.
"I slipped ice down her corset!" She laughed.
"Oh! And put salt in her tea. My she got red!" I smirked, "Oh! And some how we stacked those tarts so perfectly they all tumbled down when she served them."
"Stacked?" Elisabeth joked, "How about when I arranged her cup just so when she took her napkin it spilt on top of her."
"That was something. And all the while the mistress said, 'Why it can't be poor sweet little Elisabeth.'" I matched her voice causing Elisabeth into another round of giggles.
"Until we put snowballs into her wig!" She managed to say unashamed of the smile that brightened her face.
"I suppose we should feel bad. We did then but, such memories!" I said biting back the chuckle that wanted to come out.
"Indeed. I'm not too sorry still," she confided.
I took a sip of coffee before sayings, "So is Annabelle engaged now?"
Elisabeth beamed, "Thanks to her beloved sister and friend the answer is no."
"Okay, perhaps she will have better luck in England," I commented, "I still remember meeting you in the shop. I was fetching Mother a cone of sugar when you were looking at fabrics. You had just arrived from England."
"Indeed!" Elisabeth agreed.
"You were wearing such a lovely pink dress and if I'm not mistaken there was a white feather in your hat. Oh! And pretty gloves. We were talking about balls the colonies hold. But Miss Templeton's ball is the greatest."
"Indeed," Elisabeth confirmed, "We were invited to her Christmas Eve ball that very year and the year after."
"I wish I remember that. I'm sure it was grand," I mused out loud.
""Tis was. You had the most wonderful royal blue dress with lace!"
"My mother showed me it in the closet the other day," I noted, "What did you wear?"
"A lovely ball gown of light blue with a flower print on it," Elisabeth paused, "I believe Fan has it in her closet as of now."
"That was very kind of you."
"Oh, I only mentioned it in case you want to see it," came the sweet response.
"Still, thank you," I said after my final sip of coffee.
"You're welcome. Would you care for more coffee?" She offered.
"Yes, thank you." As she poured the coffee I hesitantly said, "I don't want to offend you for two or three years later we are indeed true friends but, the last thing I remember about us was when I arrived back from Geandfather's funeral."
"Milk or sugar?" She asked.
"Both, please," I continued, "I was watching Father and Ben unload supplies for the store when you walked past and had to go. I'm not mad at you just confused."

Elisabeth sat down, "Ah! I recall it well. Maybe not that encounter entirely but the events surrounding it. You see it all hinged on the Patriots and Loyalist issue. While you were gone over the summer the rumor of war and the tensions from the tea being thrown over board created tensions. We knew your family was different, however; we were ordered to keep our distance from the Patriots."

"That's not fair," I commented without thinking, "I mean."
"Tis fine. It wasn't entirely but, what followed was even more unfair. Some Patriots rounded up Father and through him into jail with some other Loyalists."
"Oh! I'm so sorry," I apologized.
"Tis fine. Really. In fact, thanks to you we have him back." Elisabeth remarked with a smile.
"Really? How?" I asked.
"Well, it was a while ago when this happened but, if I remember correctly you had your father come and talk to some other Patriots and he was released."
"You mean I didn't break into the jail then?" I joked.
"No, you were to sensible," she responded with a laugh, "Some how I can see you successfully pulling that mission off though. Perhaps with a 50 pound reward on your head afterwards but, you would pull through."
"Thank you." "That wasn't the last time you visited the jail." She said pouring herself another cup of tea.
"It wasn't?" I squeaked.
"Aye, you see you saw Jiggy Nye in that place and took, should I say pity on him," her voiced raised higher in question as she spoke the last words. She dropped back down to her normal tone as she continued, "Nevertheless you brought him a basket of goods and took me to check on him for a few times. I could hardly stand the smell of that place but, I learned to."

I smiled into my cup of coffee as she went on, "A good reminder not to do something foolish enough to wind up in there."
"You would never," I said confidently.
"Aye, probably true. Unless I fell hopelessly in love with a peasant from the west and we couldn't pay our taxes," she stated with air of dramatic expression.
"You would manage." I reassured her.
"Love endures all," she calmly stated. I nodded before glancing about the room. The wall was illuminated with light which poured out from the window. Even though the rain continued its fall at a slower tempo the sun was finally peeking out a bit.

"Speaking about love," my eyes snapped to Elisabeth, "I found a letter on my table the other day. It said something about Peter?"
Elisabeth colored and smiled, "Peter Williamson. He is the doctor's assistant. We met when Father had eaten spoiled meat this winter. I went to get him some medicine and he was there."
"I see. Are you courting yet?" I asked.
"No! I'm going to be 14 in a few months. He's waiting to ask then but, quiet mind you," she whispered.
"Every well." I paused, "Elisabeth! I'm so happy for you!"
"Me too!" She exclaimed.
"What does he look like?" I questioned forgetting the coffee cup in front of me.
"Well, brown hair, dreamy blue eyes, and average sized feet," she sighed.
"Not to burst anyone's bubble but, since when did we measure feet?" I asked.
"I have an attentive eye and besides you know my nervous habit has never changed," she defended herself.
"Oh, I still bite my lip when I get nervous. I always thought your habit was much better than mine. Adverting your eyes to the floor and all." I faded off.
"He is really smart for only being an apprentice for a year and he is 15 years old. He is a patriot and has two older brothers in the war..." She continued to talk about all the admirable traits that Peter had.

When she stopped I smiled and said, "He sounds like a real charmer and keeper. I can't wait to meet him." I paused, "I'm sorry I can't tell you of any of mine. I forgot about any attachments that is if I had any. Which I doubt I did." I said playing with my hands which were laying on my lap.
"No worries," she comforted. "You know..."
"Thank you, so is Peter going to take you to the Spring party?" I asked.
"Aye, he shall. Who are you going with?" Elisabeth asked.
"Oh, John. John Cole, if you don't mind that is. He asked me the other day and I accepted."
She slowly said, "Why of course not." Then a bit faster, "Not at all."
I looked at her, "Are you sure? You don't seem so sure."
"Just connecting the dots," she reassured, "When did he ask you?"
"Oh, the other day when I was coming into town. He bumped into me and noticed my letter and asked me."
"So, do you fancy him?" She asked.
"I don't know. Maybe. He did look handsome with his blond hair and all in the sunlight," I replied.
"Sunlight has that effect on people," she said half to herself.
We lapsed into quietness and my mind went over the conversation, "I'm sorry did I cut you off earlier were you asking something before I asked about your escort to the Spring party. Did you?" I asked placing my empty tea cup upside down on the saucer.
She thought for a moment before saying, "I don't recall now. But I was thinking that you should be careful."
"With your cousin?" I interjected.
"In general. Look," she took a deep breath, "I'm just saying as your friend you should be careful. With the accident a lot of things have happened."
Elisabeth looked like she was turning over something in her mind so I said, "Thank you. I think you are the only true friend. Besides you I know I confide in Ben but, he is leaving again?" I glanced about for the coffee spoon and found it.
"Aye, does that trouble you?" Elisabeth asked.
"Aye," I picked up the spoon and delicately balanced it on top of the over turned cup while continuing, "I was so worried when he escaped, I mean ran away, from my Father. Not entirely because of my Fathers actions in retrieving him but, if he would get more injured or worse, killed!"
"I see." She started.
"And this time he wound up with a fever and an arm in a sling!" I exclaimed. "How did he get that anyway?"
"I never heard the full story."
"Nevertheless, I admire his courage. Bravery to face battle once again to defend his country," I faded off. I turned to look at her, "Is it bad to worry so much?"
"Nay! Not at all!" Elisabeth exclaimed. "I mean is it natural? I mean I've known him since I was 9 years old! He's been such a good friend- that I can recall. Now. Now he hardly looks like I remember him. He's taller, muscular, more mature in the way he looks at life."
"Indeed. I've never been quite in your shoes before but, it is okay to experience a bit fear and overwhelming flood of proudness. I suppose it's comparing apples to orange with Peter in the medical field but, I am always worried when he goes into the country side but, love to hear of his adventures when he returns. And I am proud of him."

She must have taken my silence as I understood when I was still connecting the dots. Her analogy was completely understood when I heard, "I suppose we both fancy men with dark brown hair then."
I sat up straighter, "Wait just there Elisabeth Cole. I never said."
She cut me off, "Well, it sounded a little like that. Forgive me I didn't mean."
"No, tis..." Elisabeth arched her eyebrows, "How about a little bit?"
"A little?" I asked glancing at my tea cup to assure myself she wasn't offering me anymore.
"Felicity, do you fancy him at least a tiny bit?" She asked before giving me the pout, "I told you about Peter." "Elisabeth!"
I half whined half laughed out, "No. Yes. Yes. No."
"That's confusing," she said crossing her arms.
"It is. I have more important things to focus, focus my attention on." I stammered. I felt her gaze on me. It felt as if she were saying, "What could possibly claim my attention as of now. And just tell me?" So after a minute I laughed,"Okay. Tis just I find him attractive um, handsome. But, I haven't talked to him much since my accident and he's going off to war. What am I saying? It impossible. Benjamin Davidson is a whole four years older than me if not more and let it rest Elisabeth."
"Very well, sounded like a lot of but's and and's in there." She said hiding a smile.
"Look, he probably broke someone's heart already as he left to return to war and this trip back home it won't be mine." I stated resolutely tying to force my blush back from where it came.
"You are probably right but, I don't think he has noticed any one of those girls except one," she said with a knowing smile.

I guess I always liked him. Just not like liked him. What if this get out. No Elisabeth would never do that. It is impossible! Stop thinking about him! I was too preoccupied with my thoughts to hear her final comment. The sunlight that flooded into the room caught my eye and as I looked over towards it the pitter patter of the rain seemed to slow to a halt.
"Aye," I commented absently, "It looks like the rain is slowing. You mentioned you were going out to your garden before the rain came. Our garden isn't in bloom yet? Is it?"
"Nay, not yet. Perchance in a few weeks. I have been loosening the soil though. We have our perennials the rest of what I plant is food nowadays," Elisabeth answered. "
Do you still have those little white flowers in your garden?" I asked and when she didn't reply I added, "Four leafed. The petals almost look like hearts?"
"Aye!" She exclaimed, "Cornus Florida or commonly known as dogwood. Tis on the border of Annabelle's garden section. We used to pick them and twine them into wreaths for our heads. Or twist them into our hair."
"Indeed," I agreed. "The dandelions we mostly made into wreaths for our head while the dogwood we would intertwine into our hair. Their stems are fragile though- thin."
"True,"Elisabeth said before we started to laugh and talk about out adventure in the meadow that I love to ride through. After reflecting back on our mishap with the Arctium plants the rain had fully stopped and I went on my way with many thanks to Elisabeth and a promise to return her dress.

I forgot to stop by the store on my way back. I was too preoccupied thinking about how Mother was worried. If I did turn aside and check on Father I would have found him in the back room huddled next to the stove drying. I would have found John with him. If I paused and even looked at the shop I would have seen a slightly damp Ben checking the wagon that had a tarp securely tied over it. But, I didn't. I didn't even notice the puddles on the street. I didn't bother noticing the water rushing down the street in the sewer ditches or even the puddles that had splashed up and greet the hem of Elisabeth's dress.

My mind was focused on getting home and upon reaching the stable I dismounted and started brushing her down. With a neigh I realized I hadn't taken off her saddle or bridle. "Sorry Penny," I said as I went to remove the bridle. Either Penny's ears turned to iron or I just couldn't do anything right but, whatever the case was I couldn't get the bridle over her ears. When I did I stumbled back hitting my back on the side the saddlebags where. "I'm sorry Penny. I suppose I'm a little to clumsy today." I apologized putting the bridle back up where it belonged.

When I returned, I felt something you touch my foot. "Penny, you," I teased pushing her a bit further away from me. The rest of the equipment came off just fine and I was glad. I brushed Penny down while telling her how well she looked after me in the rain. As I dropped the sweat scraper which I use to remove access water from her I looked about me. The sun was still shining and so I will be dry for the most part as I go in. I was about to grab a horse blanket but, decided to let the sun dry her beautiful coat. "If I change my mind I'm right inside anyway," I decided out loud.

I scooped up a large arm load of hay and sprinkled it around in her stall. I returned with some more for her breakfast. Her bucket was still full and clean surprisingly. "Have a good morning, Penny," I said with a kiss, "Thank you again and I'll see you soon." I shut the door. Called out my hellos to Patriot, Independence, and to the other horses.

And with that I pushed the door open to the yard leading to my house. With my skirts hitched up I bounded carefully across the yard avoiding the puddles. I hope Mother won't be too mad, I thought as I neared the house. But, as I was landing my jump over the last puddle I didn't hear Mother's voice. I heard Nan's.