"I won't stick you with it," Sara said as she pushed the needle through the linen. "I promise."
Aunt Catherine had been the one to suggest that Gil and Sara bundle, Uncle Jim had been strongly against it and said it provoked lust. Her aunt, however, had won and Sara was sewing Gil into a bundling sack. Gil and Nick had packed that night to head out the next day and Sara wanted to spend as much time with Gil as she could. Bundling allowed Gil to sleep in her bed, but with a board in place or sewn into a sack so that they would be protected from temptation. Uncle Jim had chosen a sack, though it was quiet warm outside.
"I'm not afraid that you'll stick me," he said.
Sara laughed. "I do hate to sew remember," she said.
Finally, Sara had sewn him up to the neck and she set down her needle and thread. "I wish you wouldn't leave tomorrow," she said.
Uncle Jim opened the door and looked in. "I think you shouldn't be bundling with Sara. I'll be watching," he said as he shut the door.
Sara laughed into her hand. "I think he is funny when he talks like that," she said.
The door behind them opened again and Aunt Catherine brought in some coffee. Drinking tea was the usual drink that she would serve guests, but tea was British and was taxed.
"I trust you will watch your hands," Aunt Catherine warned. "a child born out of wedlock is an embarrassment."
Sara nodded and climbed into bed beside Gil. It was odd laying beside him, but Sara had to get used to it if they were going to marry. She especially felt naked in her night-gown.
"Well, what do you want to talk about?" she asked when her aunt had left.
"How about you?" Gil said. "let's talk about you."
Sara picked at the pillow and blushed. "I'm not that interesting," she said
"Sure you are," Gil said. "I think you are very interesting."
Sara put her head on her feather pillow and looked into his eyes. "What interests you in me?" she asked.
"Do you want me to give you the appropriate reasons or the inappropriate ones?" he asked.
Sara blushed again and smiled shyly. She had been physically attracted to men before, but she never had one admit that he was attracted to her.
"Which ever ones stand out the most," Sara replied.
"Well," Gil said. "I think your eyes are tempting. They remind me of sweet chocolate. The kind that makes your mouth water."
Sara was all smiles. "What else?" she asked naughtily.
"Your hair," Gil said. "I've wanted to touch it since I first knew I loved you. I can imagine running my hands over it. I hope you don't get offended, but I can't wait until we are married," he said
Sara swallowed. "Nor I, but honestly I'm afraid," she said.
"You're not afraid of me are you?" he asked.
Sara shook her head. "No," she answered.
"Then it'll be alright," he said. "I'll be a good husband."
"I know you will be a good husband," Sara said. "I am just afraid that I won't do my wifely duties as well."
"I don't doubt you'll do fine. You're body and mind are well prepared to be a wife," Gil said.
Sara smiled and placed a hand on Gil's arm. Through the linen she could feel the heat of his body and she wanted him all around her. It wasn't just a temporary want with her, but out of love for him.
"If I let you out of that sack what would you do?" Sara dared to ask.
Gil chuckled. "I'd run from your uncle when he came in here," he said.
Sara smiled. "Well, just to keep you safe I won't do it," she said.
Gil chuckled again and Sara laid her head on his chest. It felt odd being close to someone who wasn't family, but Gil soon would be. She could hear the sound of his heart and his chest moved up and down as he breathed.
"Are you comfortable?" Sara asked.
"Yes," Gil replied. "I am very comfortable."
"I love you," she said.
"And I love you," he said.
Sara blinked and her eyes got heavy. She didn't want to fall asleep and waste precious time, but soon her eyes closed and she fell asleep.
~~0~~
The next morning, as soon as they woke up, Sara let Gil out of the bundling sack. She was sad as she pulled the thread out and Gil removed the linen.
"Can't you not go?" she asked.
Gil shook his head sadly. "I can't desert the army," he said.
Sara nodded and left him so he could dress. She wanted to go with him. Women helped the army by cooking and sewing all the time, but Gil had been adamant and Sara had dropped the idea. She went down the stairs to make breakfast and was soon joined by her aunt. Aunt Catherine's eyes were red from crying and Sara felt her heart drop. Everyone in the house would be downcast because Nick was leaving as well. The women prepared a big breakfast of pancakes and salt-pork. There was molasses to pour over the food as well as fresh milk to drink.
"Sara," Gil said when he came down. "I have something I want to give you."
Sara set the pitcher of milk on the table and went over to talk to him. They stepped into the sitting room and Gil pulled out a small brown bag. The bag was made of cloth and was tied by a drawstring. Sara took it and looked inside.
"There is money in here," she said.
Gil nodded. "It's for our home. I want you to keep it and keep it hidden," he said.
Sara nodded. "I will," she said.
Gil pulled her into a hug and they stayed like that for a moment. Sara didn't want him to see her cry, but she couldn't help herself.
"Where will you go?" she sobbed into his shirt.
"I think Rhode Island," he answered.
Sara blinked back her tears. "I am begging you not to go," she said.
Gil put his hands on her shoulders and held her back so that he could look into her eyes. "I have to," he said. "It's my duty. I'll be home soon and then we will marry."
Sara wiped her eyes on her apron and nodded. "I understand," she said.
They returned to the table and sat down. Everyone ate what they could, but most of it was wasted.
~~0~~
While the men packed the horses, Aunt Catherine and Sara packed some food for their traveling. They packed apples, bread, and dried meat. Sara wanted to make Gil some pudding, but she didn't know how he would carry it.
"I suppose that's everything," Nick said as he tied one of the bags of food to his horse.
Aunt Catherine and Sara hugged Nick. "Take care," they said.
Gil took his hat off and Sara walked over to him. This time, unlike the last, she knew what to say.
"Goodbye, my love," she said. "I'll be watching for your letters."
"Goodbye, my dear," Gil said. "I will write you every chance I can."
Sara threw caution to the wind and gave him a kiss on his lips. She wasn't quiet sure if she was doing it right, but she did her best. Gil put his hand on her waist and returned the kiss. When they parted Sara smiled.
"I'll miss you every day," she said.
Gil kissed lips once more. "I hate leaving you, but I'll hurry back," he said.
With that he turned and mounted his horse. Sara gave the horse a pat and kissed it's nose. It gave a whiny and stamped it's hoof.
"Goodbye, Gil," John said.
"Goodbye, John," Gil said. "protect Sara for me."
John nodded. "I sure will," he said.
Gil and Nick chirruped their horses and they rode off over the hill. Everyone stood watching as the sun came up.
"Come John," Uncle Jim said. "there are chores to tend to."
~~0~~
August 1778
Sara hid the money Gil gave her under her mattress. Uncle Jim told her that a seamstress in town was looking for help and he had made a point about mentioning her. Sara was eager to add to the pile of money that she and Gil could afford to build their home. She got up early the next day and went to work for a woman named Mrs. Larson. Mrs. Larson was a mean, bossy woman who liked to tell Sara what to do. Sara worked as fast as she could all day. She sat hunched over with a sewing needle and her shoulders ached, but the vision of their own home made her work faster. When she got home one day from work a letter was waiting for her and she was pleased to see that it was from Gil.
My Darling,
We made it to Rhode Island and all is well. The air here is hotter, but the towns people are nice. There is a woman here who reminds me off you and I can not help but wish you were here with me. As soon as I get back we will start building our home and we will marry. My lips still feel the kiss you gave me and I can't wait until were are finally alone together.
Your Darling,
Gil
Sara sighed at the letter and held it to her breast. She walked up to her room to set it with the rest of the letters she got from him and sat down at her desk. She took out her ink and pen and wrote a response to him.
Dearest Gil,
I am so glad to here that you made it alright. I am I am pleased to announce that I have added more money towards our pile. I imagine being your wife sometimes and wonder what our home will look like, but most importantly I imagine you coming back to me. I miss you more than I can write, my dear. I wish I could kiss you once more, to feel your skin on mine. You are my love.
Your Dear,
Sara
~~0~~
The days seemed to drag by for Sara. Its seemed that time was her enemy and that each night would never come. Then, when she was in town one day, she heard news that made her heart sink. It was in the late afternoon, when her work day had nearly finished, that she heard it.
"I hear this was a battle in Newport," Mrs. Larson told a customer. "nearly a hundred men wounded. We've had worse I suppose, but Mrs. Jenkins lost her boy."
Sara gulped. "Gil and Nick are in Rohde Island," she thought.
"Do you have a list of who were killed?" she asked.
"Those shirts are not mending themselves!" Mrs. Larson said. "I'll ask you to keep to your work."
Sara sighed and gritted her teeth. If Gil was one of the men killed then she would quit this job. What use was it if her dreams of a life of him were about to be dropped at her feet. As soon as the sun had set she hurried home and up to her desk.
My Dear,
I have heard tell of a battle in Newport. Are you wounded? Have you been killed? I wait for a letter from you. I cannot bare the thought of loosing you, my dear.
Sara
~0~
The following days were a waiting game. Aunt Catherine had heard the news of the battle and waited for a reply as well. Every night Sara would sit up with her knitting. She was making a shirt for Gil and hoped that he could wear it. Finally, one rainy day, they got a response.
Dear Sara,
Nick and I are both fine, but we came close to dying. I would never leave you if I can help it and I am sorry that you were so worried. It looks like this war won't end as soon as we had hoped and I don't see me coming back to you soon. I am sorry to say this, but please keep the faith. I love you and I will always be yours.
Gil