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John (the apprentice) POV
"He is delirious," I heard the doctor say.
I am very ill. No buts or if about it. If I was younger I could blame it on Mr. Benjamin Davidson after all wasn't it because of him I wanted to go the extra mile to prove my worth to Mr. Meriman? But, I'm not young. I'm a maturing man in the verge of adulthood. 16 years old and I sailed across the world during wartime! Got a job as an apprenticeship! In love with my master's daughter! No, if I was to tell the truth of how I got ill it is because of me.
"Will he be okay?" I hear the voice of my Aunt as a cold hand is pressed lightly to my forehead.
I am jealous of how Felicity's green eyes light up when she talked about how daring Ben was during his war adventures. When we would go on rides or errands the families always asked about the "other apprentice." How Mr. Merriman said Ben was a good lad at heart, hard worker, and a part of the family. Oh! Felicity couldn't contain her joy when a letter came from him. She never said anything. She didn't have to. It was apparent she was in love with him.
"Try and keep his temperature down, please," the doctor requested.
I don't know why I tried to intervene. Honestly. I just loved the way she made me smile, not miss my family, and just be me. It made sense her unique happiness came from the love of her family, her different look on life, and the hope that one day she would be reunited with her Ben. The past month before Ben arrived she had seemed more distracted and her dimpled smile would only shine on occasion. I had connected the dots the day before he arrived. I had overheard Felicity talking to Elisabeth how Ben hasn't written in a long time. They made each other happy. Am I still willing to risk that?
"Of course I will," came another voice.
I was jealous of him and when I saw him I nearly loathed him. I couldn't though. I had a habit of staring at him from behind the front desk. Seeing him tired, broken, slightly untidy. No, not a loathing for it boiled down into jealousy. So, three days ago I offered to go the extra mile and bring in the shipment of goods that had arrived. It poured. And even though I felt each drop I pushed through and finished unloading. Mr. Merriman, Marcus, and Ben urged me not to. Marcus ended up helping me move them into the shop while Ben took them into the back storeroom. Mr. Merriman took care it from there.
"Very well then, that is all that I can do at the present..." I couldn't hear any more.
Well, I got the praise I wanted but, now? I could go without them. The chills, the fevers, and the discomforts I am enduring have influenced me slightly. Throughout my feverish mind I have been seeing flashes of Felicity. They bring me such discomfort and joy at the same time. Perhaps...
Mrs. Meriman's POV
"Amen," I added to the chorus of the others as we lifted our hands to place our napkin on our laps. A supper of potatoes and gravy sat before us as we adjusted ourselves comfortably. I saw to Polly's bib as John spoke up, "We were hoping to have another at our table this evening."
"John?" I asked.
"The apprentice? Aye. Cole is unfortunately in bed with a fever." He said.
"Poor lad, have you visited him?" I asked.
"Nay, the doctor said he shouldn't be bothered he also said he was on the way to our house. How was the visit may I ask?" He asked directing the question openly.
Felicity had her mouth preoccupied chewing the potatoes so I answered, "Very well, I think."
Felicity swallowed and half swiped her napkin across her face quickly, "Me too Father. He had no concerns."
"That is good to hear," John commented.
"Felicity was out in the barn when he arriv-ouff!" Nan sweetly added. I could only guess it was Felicity's foot that smartly found Nan's ankle. So, I shot Felicity a quick but, forgiving frown.
"He was later than planned," John said trying to quench any potential fire, "I just do hope you were safe though."
"Of course," Felicity agreed.
I turned to help Polly scoop up the right proportion of potatoes that could fit on her spoon.
"When I spoke to the doctor he said John had a set of chills and a high fever. Was the poor lad stuck in the rain?" I asked.
John dabbed at his mouth with his napkin, "Perhaps he got caught on the way home. But, there was that day a while ago when he insisted that he unpack the supply wagon."
"A big help but, unneeded," commented Ben from across the table.
"We tried to convince him otherwise," clarified John, "In the end it got unloaded."
"I just hope he gets better soon," added Felicity.
"Aye!" Chimed Nan.
"In the meanwhile, I'll fix up a basket for Mrs. Cole and perchance you can drop it off tomorrow when you go into town." I suggested.
"Sounds lovely dear," John smiled.
"Father, may I visit Elisabeth tomorrow?" Felicity asked.
John looked at me and I gave a tiny nod of my head. He finished chewing before saying, "I don't see why not. You can around noon when you bring us our midday meal. They are busy with a sick one so be mindful of that."
"Elisabeth would love the distraction I am sure," Felicity hopefully reassured.
"Be sure to offer to help," I quietly added.
Felicity spun her head toward me making her red curls fly about her. "Of course, that too." She agreed.
Felicity POV
The next day I carried the basket into town. Mrs. Cole was home but, Elisabeth wasn't so I left the basket with her and well wishes for John. I had wanted see both the young Coles but, as luck would have it I didn't see them for the next week. I had spent most of my time with Penny, learning simple chores and stitching, or helping around the house. I kept my distance from Ben. Not in a bad way but, I felt the urge to blush each time I was near him. I exchanged pleasantries and inquired about his recommitting to the war. He was serious and as a result spent most of his time at the camp located close to my home. As for my memory, it held its ground. I didn't recall much save the notes I wrote for myself.
The first Sunday of April came around and as I walked back from Church with my family I couldn't help notice the flowers blooming about the town. As the sampler that hung on Miss Manerly's wall says, "April Showers Brings Spring Flowers" held true I hoped the other sampler stood true as well. "Spring, a time for fellowship and new opportunities." I would just have to wait and see.
Sunday- April 5, 1778
Upon leaving church today with my family Elisabeth Cole stopped me. She apologized for being busy with John and the Lady's sewing circle the past week. Supposedly they got extra cloth and were able to make more bandages and shirts they had in a long while. I said there was nothing to forgive, which there really wasn't. She proceeded to invite me over for tea tomorrow morning which I accepted. Perhaps I'll pick a few of those flowers on the way to her house as a way of thanks.
The following morning, Felicity went to the Coles house and took her own advise picking a variety of flowers along the way. Taking a deep breath she knocked on the Coles door. It took two times but, the door swung open.
"Hello Miss," chirped a young servant.
"Hello, I'm Felicity. I'm here to see Elisabeth. Is she available?" Felicity asked.
"Why yes. Follow me this way."
Felicity followed her lead and was lead into the sitting room where Elisabeth stood.
"Elizabeth!" Felicity called out with a smile.
"Felicity, what perfect timing! I came out here to catch my breath."
"These flowers are for you," Felicity paused while handing them to Elisabeth, "Just a little something to brighten your day."
"Thank you. They are gorgeous!" Elisabeth said inhaling the colorful bouquet, "Janie, will you put these in some water?"
Janie hustled away while Elisabeth and Felicity sat down.
"How are you doing?" Felicity asked.
"I'm fine thank you. Busy and a bit worried but, I'm truly fine," Elisabeth reassured.
"I'm glad to hear that. How about the rest of your family?"
Elisabeth stood and reached for the pot of coffee, "Care for some coffee?" When Felicity nodded Elisabeth continued on, "Mother is the main care provider and so she is rather tired and worried. The doctor says the English blood isn't as strong as those of the colonists. Either case John is still sick. His fevers subsided a few days ago and now he is in a stupor of sorts. He mumbles at times and we try to feed him but, the doctor says to let him rest and he should be wake up soon. But where are my manners? Milk or sugar?"
Felicity sighed, "Milk please."
Elisabeth busied herself with pouring the milk as she went on, "The fever was something awful I'm glad he pulled through it. It gave Mother headaches thinking of the best possibility of explaining what happened if something did happen to family in England. Do you know what I mean?"
"Yes it would be dreadful if something did. I'm glad he pulled out of that stage and I'm sure he will pull out of this stupid as well. He has such wonderful people looking after him."
"That I agree," came a deep voice.
"Father!" Greeted Elisabeth.
"Mr. Cole," Felicity acknowledged.
"My dear Elisabeth and Felicity. I hope you are enjoying your te-coffee."
"Yes we are!" We answered in harmony before giggling.
"Well, I best check on your Mother," he said mostly to Elisabeth, "I'll leave you two to your talk of spring parties and the alike." And with a half playful how he left.
"Spring party?" Felicity asked.
"Yes, on the 18th of this very month! The Templeton's are holding it and your escort happens to be in feverish stupor right now."
"John, your cousin? He wanted to be my escort?" Felicity asked almost in disbelief.
"Yes, maybe he still will..." Elisabeth faded.
"Will this be my first time being escorted to an event without my father being the escort?" Felicity asked hesitantly.
"Of course not. Ben being the first. Plenty of young men out their believe that you turned into a fine young lady and I can't help but, agree."
"You are too kind and I must say you didn't turn out too bad yourself," Felicity said in a light manner before dropping an octave continuing, "You are really beautiful Elisabeth both inside out. I'm proud to be your friend."
"Thank you!" There was a moment of quiet reflection before Elisabeth started thinking out loud, "Now I have an escort and you do too in a way but, even if John was better the doctor really wouldn't let him out. The party is in thirteen days after all! Your father could do justice or perhaps William. No, no, no rather too young for you. Perhaps Ben will still be here?"
"I think he leaves the following day," Felicity whispered.
"Well then give him an afternoon he is going to remember!" Elisabeth urged.
"I don't know how to even ask," Felicity muttered.
"Tis is a mans job normally so, leave subtle clues or just never mind that and ask him!"
"No!"
"No to which?"
"No to both! I won't be a young lady leaving little clues whatever they be. I'm not that desperate!"
"Fine!" Elisabeth said determinedly.
"Fine?"
"Yes, I'll just have to find some stranger who will do the job." Elisabeth peered out the window for dramatic effect.
Felicity was shocked, "You wouldn't!"
Elisabeth cocked an eyebrow, "Try me."
"Fine, we will see."