Color The Sky

by Mystic Blade

Connor's life at Davenport homestead brings a sense of family after leaving Kanathséton as he makes new friendships with the residents and finds himself slowly assimilating into one large family. He partakes in a part of life that isn't tied to the assassins while one young resident tackles the new wild frontier to carve a dream for herself as they cultivate their new community.

38. Sisters

Music Inspiration: Really Slow Motion- "Forged for Greatness"

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Sisters

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23 April 1776

Martha and Caroline walked the dusty road with Myriam as they headed to Prudence's to help the new mother. Warren had gone to Boston to sell their goods for the day so Catherine suggested one of her girls head over to keep Prudence company. Martha had volunteered so she could spend time with little Hunter since Alice had developed a small cold.

Caroline took it upon herself to accompany her sisters wherever they wandered and although Martha fussed, she appreciated the protection. Myriam and Caroline had scheduled a meet-up by the bridge since they would head south to keep Norris company at his mine. Being a solo worker, he missed socializing with others so the two didn't mind joining him. Catherine had haggled with her eldest to wear a dress instead of her androgynous traveling attire. Martha had joked she didn't mind traveling with her scruffy brother, Carl, and the reverse psychology worked on Caroline. She'd donned a lavender summer dress that her mother had proudly sewn for her and added a brown bonnet to match.

Martha had smiled to herself at seeing her sister fuss with her stay the whole way. Although she hated it, the brunette assumed her mother was poking her to dress femininely after hearing about Caroline's romantic competition. Catherine figured it would only be a matter of time before either someone or time itself decided to wedge itself between her daughter and Ratonhnhaké:ton. Neither made a move to return to their old life as they focused on other ventures instead. If she wasn't married by thirty years of age, her child would be considered a spinster and Catherine wanted her children to find partners in life.

Caroline frowned as she glanced at her leather shoes since they were quite worn from last year. She wore the light women's shoes around town due to the easily walkable roads and muttered, "I hate wearing shoes like this."

"I keep telling you, boots are heaven" Myriam chided playfully because she invested in a great pair of boots. She emphasized her love for shoes by wiggling her left foot towards Caroline.

The sound of hooves from behind caused the three to move to the edge of the unpaved road and Caroline saw the only hooded man in Davenport leading a small wagon. The horses leading the wagon were James and Roger so all those three giveaways led her to Ratonhnhaké:ton. She hadn't seen him at all since March because once they had returned from their adventures in Nantucket, they'd gone their separate ways again. She had returned to working at the mill while he ran off to do whatever it is that he did.

Martha waved in the hopes that he was heading to Prudence's but as it came closer, she groaned, "Oh no. Carrie . . ."

Looking to the clear blue sky, Caroline begged silently, What did I do to deserve this torment, Lord? Was it stabbing privateers? Leaving my family? Eating that second helping of pie? What did I do to deserve the madness brought to me by this woman?!

Caroline debated whether to endure the torture or bolt and leave her loved ones behind. Myriam, however, clamped a hand down on her shoulder to keep her budged in place because she wasn't about to suffer alone. By the end of this, she was sure she'd feel the need to shoot the nearest tree in rage.

Ratonhnhaké:ton stopped the wagon as he noticed the three walking by on the right side of the road and asked, "Where are you three heading?"

They smiled pleasantly but, on the inside, they were annoyed to see Clara hitched to his side like a stubborn barnacle. She wore a brimmed hat instead of a bonnet and donned a pretty emerald dress fit for the upper class, her smile smug as she raised her nose to them. Why would anyone choose to walk when a carriage or wagon was available when knowing where to look?

Myriam's stare hardened at the woman who represented everything she stood against while Caroline was more frustrated than anything. If she heard another 'back in New York' or anything related to fashion, she'd slap the horses' hindquarters to send them galloping. For Martha, the city lifestyle that she'd dreamed of since childhood was slowly crashing down with the exposure to Corrine's grandchildren.

Except Walter, he is quite the dashing man, she thought fondly with mischief.

"We're heading to the Fortier farm to drop off Martha before heading south" Caroline replied politely as she kept her gaze solely on him. She tried to avoid Clara as much as possible to live in peace but as time rolled on, she realized that spending time with Ratonhnhaké:ton would have her attached. Clara had happily filled the shoes she'd left behind in 1774 and wasn't showing signs of letting go.

"Hop in, I can drop you off" he offered kindly to help the women but Clara smiled stiffly at them. She wanted her wagon ride to be for two alone without tagalongs but if she said otherwise, she would lose her rapport with him. Ratonhnhaké:ton motioned to her with a friendly smile and explained to his friends, "I was on my way to the inn with Clara but I don't mind."

"Yes, I was heading north but lost my bearings with the forest around us" Clara agreed with a soft chuckle to her error in navigation but the two hunters didn't buy it. She wasn't one to travel far past her grandparents' inn because she abhorred having dirt touch her clothing. Growing up in cities with cobbled roads, Davenport's dusty trails deterred her unless she had something in mind.

While the Burnett sisters might have given her the benefit of the doubt, Myriam had lived longer and been exposed to people like Clara. They were more than happy to fling money and expected their requests to come neatly wrapped in a nice package. Whenever she visited the inn for a drink, she heard the offhanded comments about what was proper for a lady and had been asked to dust herself outside before entering. Oliver had quickly put an end to that to ensure he didn't lose his loyal customers which annoyed Clara, resorting to storytelling about the great city to the west.

"I'm surprised to hear you walking so far in your expensive shoes" Myriam commented coldly because she knew the woman only traveled there to chat with him. Unlike Caroline that avoided the inn nowadays, she'd often seen Ratonhnhaké:ton visiting at her request. Clara waved a hand in dismissal to the remark to rebuff it and the huntress pointed out sharply, "And there's nothing up north, I should know- I live there."

Ratonhnhaké:ton saw the best in everyone and wondered if his friends weren't keen on Clara due to her city upbringing. However, Lance and David came from the cities and everyone loved them. The same went for the innkeepers. He wasn't sure what was going on between his friends and tried to smooth over any tension by smiling amicably, "I found her walking past the manor and we talked, can you believe she thought Washington was a tailor?"

"For a wagon ride, I bet she did" Myriam whispered bluntly and Caroline nudged her side as she tried not to laugh. Unlike the redhead who reacted only when provoked, Myriam was shrewdly frank.

"It seems New York doesn't educate you as good as it should" Caroline noted nonchalantly and watched Clara's gray eyes narrow. She believed all children, no matter their background, deserved the right to an education. Her mother had provided the best she could for her and her siblings, particularly her sisters, because they would never achieve a university education. It was reserved for men of high society- the two main factors she lacked in life. She respected Clara for having the financial background to support extra studies but instead of sharing them politely, she flaunted it as her right for being well-off. It was akin to a slap in the face for daring to believe others would be helpful and she'd never inquired about it again. Despite being seen as lesser, she refused to fulfill that belief as she questioned her, "For a family wanting to claim roots, you should know the men that fight to give you that liberty. Unless you're cheering for the Loyalists? The same ones who kicked your grandparents out of town."

"All I seek is to live in the city by summertime once my parents purchase our new home" Clara declared snidely to brush aside her play of ignorance for Ratonhnhaké:ton's attention but Caroline wasn't biting. Although, she truly did hope that she was gone by summertime and would release her claws from the man she cared for. It wasn't easy for her to bear it and her heart skipped a happy beat when she boasted, "We don't have to worry about building one there. Father's friends are good with purchasing land with homes already built and all we have to do is import new furnishings."

"On a store owner's salary?" Myriam asked skeptically because Corrine was a sweet old lady and had divulged different information.

Her daughter and son-in-law were leaving the busy city of New York to settle in the outskirts to offset the living costs and support their business. The oldest child, Walter, was more level-headed and helped his grandfather in the bar to experience the relaxed town life. He'd informed Myriam during one of her visits that while he helped with the family shop, his sisters were living past their means and joining higher social circles was their aim. Unlike Caroline who believed she was after Ratonhnhaké:ton's affection, Myriam had a hunch she was after his assets. Who would turn away a man poised to inherit a manor, had a naval ship, ran an import/export business, and managed a town? She wasn't targeting someone's heart; she was after coin.

"I'm pretty sure homes are still being built in the cities, mainly the ones away from the port" Caroline said matter-of-factly since she'd explored the eastern cities before heading to Boston. The cities were indeed fully built with homes dating back to the 1600s but the outskirts were still in development as newcomers arrived at the colonies for a new life.

"Oh, Carrie, living in tenements or rented homes might've been your custom but my family's monetary income allows us to purchase directly" Clara laughed softly to rebuff her reasoning since she'd lived in the cities all her life unlike the peasant girl. People like her would come to her father for trade or business and she knew their standard of living was far lower than hers. Even now, her dresses were a step up from church donations but far below tailored goods.

"I've lived here for six years, not the city" she snapped tightly to the veiled insult because she wasn't ashamed of her background. She'd gotten into arguments as a child and as an adult, she wasn't shy of beating down another woman. After threatening her with a gun last time, Clara kept her distance from her with passive-aggressive insults and scattered if they were less than five feet apart. Crossing her arms, she smiled confidently to the advantage she had over her and pointed out, "I'm also pretty certain I've seen more of the world than you have."

Clara was about to retort with disbelief to that laughable possibility but Ratonhnhaké:ton agreed, "She traveled from Scotland as a child and has already seen the Arctic Circle down to the Caribbean."

What? That can't be!, Clara thought with aggravated bewilderment because she expected the redhead to be as common as dirt that belonged in the backwoods. How could a girl like her afford to travel while she had more at her disposal?

She had no comeback for that at all since importing purchases and tutoring at home was where she drew her worldly intellect from. Caroline simply wagged her eyebrows to chide her even more, causing Martha to sigh to her sister's goading. Still, she couldn't help being proud of her sister for defending their humble beginnings. Clara grit her teeth to maintain her perfect composure and questioned tightly, "How? Your clothing isn't befitting of an explorer."

Am I supposed to walk around dressed as a sailor at home?, she thought blankly to her absurdity but figured it was due to preservation of her superior image.

Ratonhnhaké:ton blew her mind even more when he replied easily with the truth, "We travel together."

Caroline smiled warmly to the pride he heard in his voice and was glad to be a part of his crew. Clara wasn't particularly happy to hear they were in close quarters outside of Davenport and scoffed, "An unmarried lady can't travel with a man."

"Unless you're God himself, you can shove it" Caroline replied bluntly because only her parents had a say in her life. Unless she was the one paying for her sustenance, she had no right to comment on her lifestyle. Clara gasped to her defiant language but Myriam burst out laughing while Ratonhnhaké:ton and Martha hid smiles of their own. Snapping her fingers, she turned to her little sister and smiled widely, "Let's get you up there, Martha. Can't have Prudence worry about you."

She moved to help Martha get on the wagon seat and Ratonhnhaké:ton held out a hand to help. Martha grabbed his hand while her sister grabbed the back of her skirt to keep her figure linear until she could sit. Clara merely sniffed to sitting beside her and shifted her own layered skirt to warn, "Do be careful. My dress was imported from France and I'd like to wear it a week before the country sullies it."

Caroline was ready to stuff a mud ball into her mouth but winked at Martha since her dress was slimmer and couldn't do a thing. They took good care of their dresses and hated to be called dirty or unkempt. Clara might claim superiority by fashion but the fabric was far heavier and less mobile than Martha's, which was built for wearing for long hours without sacrificing movement. For all her chiding with her sisters, Martha didn't have the gumption to stand up to the older girl and scooted into the corner of the wagon.

"If your dress is that horribly made, you should ask for a refund" Caroline muttered offhandedly to her finicky nature and Martha muffled a laugh behind her hands.

Ratonhnhaké:ton smiled apologetically to the other two women as the front of the wagon became full and suggested, "You can hop in the back, there's hay for the horses but plenty of space."

"You should feel right at home" Clara smiled sweetly but it disappeared when Myriam cocked her rifle. The serious cold stare aimed at her wasn't playing around and Clara realized she was deadlier than Caroline. The redhead had threatened her in a private setting but this woman didn't hesitate to do so in public.

The woman was crossing a nerve with Caroline and it wasn't about vying for Ratonhnhaké:ton's affection. This was her community and she was trampling over it to be the queen bee alongside him. She would not play her little game and aimed to win by keeping her dignity intact. She squared her shoulders as she turned around and declined, "No, Myriam and I will walk the distance. We're not afraid to walk the trails but thank you, Connor."

She rubbed Roger's brown backside before giving it a gentle pat to let him know to head out. They watched the wagon head south of the trail to Prudence's and Caroline released a long sigh, "After this, we're going shooting down at the cove."

Myriam laughed as released the tension in her shoulders from that horrible conversation. Summer couldn't arrive soon enough and she smiled at her friend, "Just what I was thinking. We can even call the little targets names."

"There's only one name we're both thinking" the redhead frowned and hoped Martha would be fine with the short trip. She was more like Amelia by keeping a straight face and saying nothing improper but Caroline wanted to see more of her stubborn flair peek out. Still, she'd managed to stand her ground against the raven-haired girl and that was good enough for her.

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When Martha returned home, Caroline was getting ready to head south to Big Dave's to order bullets and new horseshoes for Sophia and Brave. Their newest neighbor had arrived in March, shortly after the New Yorkers, but he'd been a swell peach compared to them. He had proved himself invaluable as a smith as everyone ordered bullets, weapons, horseshoes, and other metalworks. After shooting tree stumps for practice with Myriam, she'd add in another order of bullets for her pistols.

Caroline smiled at her sister while she grabbed a random bonnet from the windowsill to place it over her head. If she left without one, her mother would have a lecture ready by the time she returned. So, she opted to borrowing her sisters to comply with proper skin care for a lady. Before she could ask how her time was at Prudence's, Martha threw her arms around her shoulders in a hug.

What's going on?, she thought frantically to her out of the blue hug and didn't know how to react to that. Martha was a lot like their mother who held their emotions in check and responded only when it was appropriate. Their own relationship was comparable to still lake water since they were bonded by blood but they didn't hold any shared similarities. Martha was more closely attached to Amelia than any of their siblings so she didn't expect the random hug.

"Carrie, I'm sorry" she sighed with regret which took Caroline aback completely. What was this about? Her eyes were wide with shock and she looked around to see if any of her family members were around. Where was Amelia when she needed her to switch places? She stood still but awkwardly patted her on the back to comfort whatever she was apologizing for.

Martha composed herself for the outburst and released her sister, who was more bewildered than anything else. Caroline's big unblinking eyes and open mouth weren't surprising due to Martha's strict propriety. She averted her gaze to the floor with shame for thinking herself better than her for many years but realized today that her sister was an admirable force. She smoothed her hands over her skirt to settle her nerves and admitted weakly, "For the longest time, I assumed the cities and its people were my future because I expected nothing but sophistication from them. Meeting these people, I realized. . . I was wrong."

"Your dreams aren't wrong" Caroline disagreed because she knew it stemmed from their meager beginnings. Martha had been the last to be born in Glasgow before their journey to the colonies and she remembered their hard times. Amelia had hugged her whenever children teased them incessantly at schools in the cities and Martha promised to never allow anyone to make fun of her again when she grew up.

That didn't excuse her recent behavior to her own siblings and she met Caroline's gaze to sigh with regret, "I don't want to be seen like dirt, I'm not strong like you or Elizabeth to fight back, even if I appear in control. It's brought us to arguments many times but I also love my family, despite my fussing."

Caroline didn't expect that amount of disclosure either because Martha was the most conservative. Amelia was the same to keep peace but the brunette stuck to her traditional rules to personify a proper lady. Her shoulders trembled as she tore her gaze away to peer at her shaking hands and she sniffled softly, "I realize that I've treated you the worst for following your dreams and for that, I'm sorry. You didn't deserve to be chastised for loving Connor, for wanting a life outside what's meant for us, to make a mark in this life. When I saw her today, it reinforced how similarly I behaved with you and it shamed me-"

"What did she do to you?" she interjected firmly because her mind was demanding answers for Martha's emotional outburst. The only cause was Clara since prolonged exposure led one to either being submissive or screaming. Her little sister was stubborn as a mule but she'd never shed tears in front of family.

Martha grabbed her into a restraining hug this time before her sister decided to grab her pistol and march up to the inn. She shook her head to reassure nothing had happened as the redhead struggled in her grip like an eel and answered, "Nothing, just the usual snide. My point is, you're my sister and if people in the cities are like that, I don't belong there."

Caroline narrowed her eyes with a suspicious look that Martha could only compare to their mother's and she replied, "Honest. Nothing happened."

"Martha May Burnett" Caroline warned as she pulled the dreaded full name on her sister, a move that was normally reserved for their mother. She'd never pulled that with anyone, except Elizabeth, and Martha flinched to being parented by her sibling.

She fidgeted in place under her blazing blue eyes but Caroline's stare only hardened at that. Remembering that she had a loaded pistol within reach, Martha sighed softly before muttering, "I headed to the inn before coming home. I wanted to see if Corrine needed help-"

"Was Walter there?" she asked matter-of-factly with a knowing smirk to her schoolgirl crush. Her sister's flustered face and instant blushing cheeks told her that yes, he was. When it came to the opposite sex, she was horrible at keeping secrets.

Quietly, Martha nodded to her secret fancy but Caroline said nothing as she continued, "He was helping them with serving food and we got to chatting. He invited me to walk the trails north before suppertime and I thought I was dreaming!"

Her bright happy eyes made the redhead laugh as her sister portrayed the love stricken maiden. Unfortunately, the look lasted only a few seconds before she sighed and covered her face to groan miserably, "Then Clara walked in and overheard us. She was aghast that he would consider such a thing with a country bumpkin-"

"What did he do?" she asked cautiously because depending on his reaction, it would prove whether he was decent or not. She didn't have many interactions with the eldest grandchild but out of all, he was the most approachable one. Her concern was whether the affection was requited and if he would be worthy for her sister.

"He told her a few choice words and she left" Martha giggled happily to hearing her angry footsteps recede upstairs and he'd laughed at her attitude. She couldn't do so out of fear of insulting the family and Caroline had told her to ignore her prattle so she'd listened and it payed off. Smiling modestly, she reassured her, "We still have that plan so I will ask mother if I can go. That was all, I promise."

She decided to trust her and nodded silently, prompting Martha to release her with cautious reluctance. The brunette smiled at knowing she'd subdued her strongest sibling and stated sincerely, "I used to think you were foolish for straying past the expectations of a lady . . . but I'm proud to have you as my sister. You've never failed in protecting us and I envy your bravery to go out there all alone to live your own life."

Out of all her siblings, she never saw eye-to-eye with Martha but hearing that warmed her heart. There had been instances in their younger years where she felt inadequate as the oldest daughter when comparing herself to both Amelia and Martha, especially once she decided to dress differently than they did. Her face softened to the admission and Martha grabbed her hands into hers to declare woefully, "I don't want to be like her."

"Not everyone is like that out there, don't let them scare you" Caroline reasoned gently because there were kind people in the cities as well. Ollie and Corrine were a sweet couple that came from the cities and a stark difference to their descendants. Settlements would always be filled with a variety of people and she didn't want to discourage her sister's aspirations. Martha was the dreamer that longed to live in the cities like a proper lady and she added in, "We just happened to get the bad side."

"I'm not scared!" Martha blurted swiftly to avoid appearing weak but a faint smile touched her lips. Caroline shot her an amused look to her sudden gumption and the brunette justified proudly, "I'm a Burnett."

Caroline laughed to seeing that shared trait of resistance and squeezed their entwined hands to tease her with a smirk, "Should we assemble the War Council?"

Martha's shoulders slumped to hearing the newest nickname for their sisterhood meetings and sighed, "Is Eliza still trying to name our meetings?"

"It's one of her highlights of the week" her sister shrugged with a cheeky smile to their mischievous Elizabeth. She and Martha argued incessantly so Caroline hoped turning a new leaf would also lessen their discord as well. If so, their mother would be over the moon.

"Thank you for being my sister" Martha whispered gingerly to her eldest sister, the one who had torn apart old dresses to sew her a new style so she could have something of her own that hadn't been worn by her sisters. The one who had wiped off flour off her face when she'd cried about looking different when the schoolchildren called her freckle face. She had been a better sister to all their siblings than she ever had and she wiped her left eye as they blurred with tears, "I'll try to be a better one."

"There is a bright side to this annoyance" Caroline pointed out with optimism and tried not to catch the contagious sniffles of her sister. Martha was quick to grab a handkerchief from her skirt pocket to wipe her eyes and wondered what the positive outcome for having bothersome neighbors could be. Untying the ribbons of Martha's bonnet, Caroline lifted it off her neatly combed hair and smiled warmly with sincerity, "It did bring us together."

Martha's demeanor brightened to hearing that and her older sister assured, "There's nothing wrong with living in the cities. Once this chaos is over and it's safer, you should be free to live your life. Don't waste it on fear."

Martha didn't want to risk a traumatic event like Amelia had but at the same time, she didn't want that fear to deter her. As much as she loved her family, she also wanted to explore the large cities to have her own taste of that life. When she thought about it, her hopes were like Caroline's about living elsewhere . . . but without the thirst for risky adventure. Like Amelia, she wanted to prove that she could survive and build a better life after seeing what their parents endured.

Caroline saw the conflicted look in her eyes, just as she'd seen it in Amelia years ago, and she asked gently, "What does my little sister want to be in this life?"

Unlike herself, Caroline had never been judgmental of anyone's choices and she confessed shyly, "I. . .I want to be a seamstress."

She had always loved sewing alongside her mother and Amelia, learning from them as best she could. Once she began traveling with her father to Boston, she had peeked in tailor shops to see everyone at work. At home, she tried to imitate the latest fashions with extra fabric available to mimic the women of the cities but she stuck out like a sore thumb. Nowadays, she settled on creating seamless attire for everyday wear that was easy to wash but durable. It wasn't the high fashion sewing that she'd dreamed of but it was enough.

Caroline had never been one to put down anyone's dreams and beamed widely as she grasped Martha's shoulders to promise, "We'll make it so."

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1 May 1776

The fields of Davenport were an emerald sight that failed to change but Caroline felt a changing wind in her bones. Ratonhnhaké:ton had moved on, leaving her alone to wander the wilderness of their land. She didn't let the disappointment dwell in her mind for very long by reminding herself that she could hunt, fish, go horseback riding, and enjoy the company of new friends. Her improved relationship with Martha had allowed the two to mend their old indifferent rift and form a new bond. The brunette used her for protection and the redhead used her to hide and mend her ruined clothes from their mother.

Caroline was on her way to Lance O'Donnell's shop to buy whittling supplies for Samuel. Her little brother was eager to begin carving figurines like most men of the colonies and he figured having an early start would lead him to mastering it early. As a sister, she encouraged all her siblings' hobbies and took it upon herself to get him started.

"Caroline!"

Knowing that smooth collected voice anywhere, she turned around to greet Ratonhnhaké:ton as he walked behind her on the same road. His white-blue coat remained because his trademark outfit rarely changed and wondered how he survived the summer heat. He was quiet enough that she hadn't noticed him but she lived closer to the southern edge than the north like he did. Her trip would be shorter and she waved him over with a cheerful smile, glad to see him after the wagon encounter. She was always itching to hear about a naval mission but nothing had surfaced yet.

"Are we heading out to sea?" she asked enthusiastically with a hopeful smile for another trip. Despite the danger on a stormy sea, she had enjoyed the shore leave on Nantucket. With spring slowly shifting into summer, she wanted to feel the wind in her hair out at sea and witness the acrobatic dolphins jumping alongside the ship. By winter, whales would be in their harbors as they left the cold arctic for warmer climate.

"No, not yet" he replied earnestly because he'd yet to receive word from his contacts about trade routes needing assistance. Her shoulders slumped with disappointment at being stuck on land for a while longer and he offered a sympathetic smile. Being out at sea did make you forget your troubles. Pointing down the path, he asked with a small smile, "Would you like to walk south with me?"

She smiled instantly with agreement since this was the first time in weeks she'd seen him and nodded happily. Their trips on the Aquila was all she had in terms of bonding and although she yearned to see him, she wasn't going to beg. Her mother had instilled her with pride but there were times when she wanted to pour her heart out to him. As they walked together, she couldn't help but subtly close the distance between them.

It was the perfect vantage point to sneak glances at him but he caught the peeking from his peripheral vision. Ratonhnhaké:ton didn't mind the attention from her because their trips at sea brought strict professionalism on both their parts. Caroline looked to the fields on the right side of the path as bright flowers left a rainbow blanket that stretched into the forest and smiled widely, "I forgot how beautiful the flowers look at this time of year. Alice has been pressing flowers every day this month."

She chuckled softly to the delight her little siblings brought and took a daring chance by asking modestly, "Would you be interested in walking the fields in the southern outskirts?"

As much as he wanted to agree to that private outing, he already gave his word to honor another commitment. With the passing months, he began missing her when she wasn't onboard the Aquila and her commitment to their trips sparked a stronger attraction that the innocent flame he'd felt in 1773. He disliked having to disappoint her but it wouldn't be fair to the other party.

"I'm heading to the inn for supper with Oliver's family, they were kind to invite me" he explained quietly with a mix of awkward embarrassment and she faltered in her step. Was he seeing Clara again? Is that why he'd asked her to join him on the road? Because she was on the same route and he'd decided to have her company for a few measly minutes? He couldn't even be bothered with a spur of the moment walk just for them?

She didn't bother listening to the rest and merely followed as she became the tagalong pal. Was that what she'd been reduced to? It was a bitter pill to swallow but after all of the evidence flaunted at her, she couldn't deny it. She had hoped they could reunite but every week, she heard about his wanderings with Clara through the gossip mill (i.e. Martha) so she'd tossed that dream out the figurative window.

Keeping her emotions bottled tightly, she managed to maintain a calm tone as she implied, "You've been spending a lot of time with them."

"Clara invites me and I feel disrespectful saying no" he reasoned with a modest expression to his ongoing visits to the inn. Oliver and Corrine were an extremely kind couple and he couldn't tell them no when they asked him to stay for dinner. Clara was also keen on spending time with him and he didn't mind having new friends. Her youngest sister tended to ignore him while her brother was rather amicable, but Walter preferred Martha's company (or so he'd heard).

"Even to the point of ignoring your other neighbors?" she asked bluntly to the new favoritism he was showing and his brow furrowed to her insinuation. Without him passing by her homestead, her parents were unable to invite him and she rarely saw him alone while in town. Myriam and Norris had also been unable to nab a yes for stew night since it had become the quartet's tradition that year, so they'd been reduced to a trio.

Ratonhnhaké:ton returned a blank stare of perplexity before asking, "What?"

"With all due respect, you can avoid me but don't disappoint my siblings" she advised carefully about his new behavior around town and didn't want it affecting her younger siblings. They clung to his every word and enjoyed seeing him so being ignored for about three months was noticeable. Caroline's protectiveness over them won over her affection for him and she continued, "They've admired you from day one and I will not allow anyone to break a promise to them."

"I haven't-" he disagreed because he respected her family members as if they were his own.

"Sammy's been waiting since last week to learn whittling from you instead of boban" she reminded sharply because her little brother kept a strict lookout by the windows at home. Ratonhnhaké:ton had met Samuel on one of his days with Norris and the young boy had asked for help on his next hobby. When his brotherly hero failed to appear, Samuel had been crestfallen but hopeful that his friend would come see him. Caroline was fine with her heart breaking but she wasn't about to let the same befall her siblings, informing him stiffly, "Seeing as Miss Clara has occupied your time since then, I'm heading to Mr. O'Donnell's to buy a kit. My woodwork ends at chopping lumber but I'll give it a shot."

Oh.

He'd completely forgotten about Samuel last week once Clara found him by the manor and requested his company. He didn't want to be rude to their newest neighbor (aside from Big Dave) and had accepted, pushing back his little friend. His reasoning was that he'd have time for both but it had escaped his mind once other requests came in from Clara. Caroline's face was unreadable but her blue eyes were shrewdly cold, causing him to wince with embarrassment. It was never his intent to hurt anyone's feelings, especially children, and having it happen against the brother of the woman he cared for didn't do him any favors. Guilt filled him for falling back on his promise to the little redhead and hoped Samuel held no ill will towards him for his mistake.

Is it too late for me to run back to the manor?, he thought with extreme mortification to the figurative hole he'd fallen into.

"I. . .Caroline, I'm sorry" he managed to stammer nervously to offer an apology but she had grown used to hearing it. The apologies and rain checks had been mounting since March and she was done believing it would change. Ratonhnhaké:ton wrung his hands with burning embarrassment as Caroline picked up her pace to create distance between them. He was not in good standing right now, was he? Quickly, he followed her to explain and blurted modestly with the truth, "It slipped my mind-"

"Don't tell me that, tell him" she cut in sternly to make sure her brother wasn't disappointed again by his hero. Samuel was still a child with an innocent view of the world and she had to shield him from harsh realities until he was old enough to comprehend them. She would do her best to cheer him up but it would carry more meaning if Ratonhnhaké:ton spoke to him.

He had to fix this snafu before Samuel called him a liar (not to mention, lower that intensifying glare from her) and proposed hastily, "May I drop by later today?"

"You can ask my mother, she's the lady of the house" she replied matter-of-factly to leave the resolution of that unfulfilled promise to him. She would do right by her brother by trying to whittle but she wouldn't force Ratonhnhaké:ton to do anything. She respected everyone's autonomy, even if she didn't agree with their choices, and avoided his gaze as she requested quietly, "All I ask is not to tell them promises you can't keep."

He had nothing to say to that and sighed softly, regretful that he'd been careless with his littlest friend. Seeing as he was heading to complete one commitment at the inn, he would visit the Burnett homestead afterwards. He would never want to insult the family who had taken him in without question and assured her, "I don't break my promises."

Caroline said nothing in reply because her objective was to buy the whittling tools and return home. If her attempt to carve anything decent failed, she'd hurl it into her mother's mulch pit and ask her father for help. Her ties to Ratonhnhaké:ton were now bound to the Aquila alone, especially when her friends couldn't pull him away for a get-together. Her family came first and for the first time, she began to truly process how to build a life apart from his. Six years of camaraderie were hard to erase but her respect never waned, which is why she was adamant on attaining a career as a navigator. She wanted a solid foundation, not to mention financial stability, to break away on her own and carve out a permanent future.

The diverging road ahead only served to solidify her ruminations and she refused to look to the left, knowing the cozy inn was within sight. She'd already traveled a lonely road once so embarking on a new path wasn't new, seeing the green blanket of trees before her as another adventure. If Ratonhnhaké:ton was ready to build a new life as an adult, she wouldn't stand in his way.

"Enjoy your evening" she whispered sullenly because he'd go on to eat a hot meal at the inn when in other instances, he'd be in her home. How could it not hurt? What did Clara provide that she couldn't? She was respectful, humble, friendly, and could shoot you with pistol if needed to. Was she no longer feminine enough for him after he saw what city girls of the higher social ladder looked like?

"Caroline-" he beckoned to meet her gaze just once but she kept her sight set on the horizon. He was aware he'd disappointed her sibling but he didn't want her to believe he was a liar. His actions were fueled by honor and integrity, just as he'd been taught in his village, and continued to follow those virtues to that day.

Her eyes met his but the cold expression lurking within surprised him when she uttered quietly, "When you need someone to walk with out of convenience, please don't look for me. Go fetch your girlfriend, I'm sure she'll happily fill the role that I've left behind."

He barely heard her farewell before she turned swiftly and headed towards the carpenter's home. Caroline didn't lower her speed because she wanted to create distance quickly to avoid continuing the conversation. She couldn't help but feel like a used-up washcloth that was on standby when they were needed as the last alternative. She hadn't wasted years of affection to be reduced to that pathetic fate. Her eyes stung with fresh tears but she closed them, thinning her lips tightly to regain her composure.

A lady would not allow her true feelings to surface.

---

12 May 1776

Caroline and Martha had traveled with their father to Boston for his weekend check of the store. Amelia had yet to approach the subject of returning to the city, so the sisters didn't mention it. When she was ready, she would let them know. Overcoming trauma wasn't easy and if being by her family soothed it, nobody would say anything. Caroline was accustomed to repressing and brushing off tense situations, especially now that she traveled on the Aquila, while Martha held a stubborn streak that didn't exist with Amelia. For the first time, the two sisters found themselves traveling together as adults instead of children.

Their father's new floor above the store had been completed and was now fully furnished for guests. It didn't have a cooking area for safety reasons so they would have to purchase food from nearby inns or buy ingredients for meals at stores. The two didn't mind one bit after years of cooking alongside their mother and the new space was large enough for the two to run around, compared to the old cramped room below. Godfrey had given his daughters the tour to their home away from home in the city and with two bedrooms to spare, the sisters happily shared one. They had the same furniture as they did back home to bring a familiar touch and a separate room to bathe in- it was a dream.

Godfrey spent his day taking care of paying his store employees while checking their inventory, updating records, and collecting their profits to take it to the bank. Caroline had never felt prouder walking to the bank alongside her father as his protection, keeping her pistol tucked inside her fashion bag. Meanwhile, Martha had been sweating bullets to the idea of being robbed in broad daylight. Even when Caroline offered to lend her a knife, the brunette sputtered with shock and decided to stick behind her family.

When they returned to the store, Godfrey didn't stop to work on his newest task while his daughters lingered outside. The sound of sawing wood echoed in the air while seagull calls mixed in as their little two-story building laid nestled by the edge of the port. Caroline quirked a curious eyebrow to Martha's darting wide brown eyes and she chuckled with mirth, "Would you stop? I can't determine whether you're about to bolt or hurl your lunch somewhere."

Martha's mouth opened to resemble a fish out of water and Caroline shook her head before smacking her backside gently. That was enough to yank her mind back into gear and the brunette smoothed down the back of her dress with an upturned nose. Yep, there was her regular sister.

"Banking is a man's job and I'm not fond of being mugged my first day here" Martha pointed out stiffly and crossed her arms to push her point across. True, she was expected to stick close to her father while exploring the city but placing herself in potential danger was not. What would her mother say if she heard about their banking trip?

"I've shot men that tried to rob me, it gets easier every time" Caroline shrugged casually with a witty smirk, causing Martha to hyperventilate all over again. She'd done what?!

Caroline realized her bold joke had done more harm than good, leading her to sigh at her sister's squeamishness. If this was Elizabeth, she would laugh and if it were Amelia, she would simply listen. Martha was a whole other mess as propriety ran strong in her mind and Caroline leaned against the white wall of the storefront. Snapping her fingers in front of Martha's face, she reassured, "Don't worry, I'll make sure you get home in one piece. Besides, what happened to that old Burnett courage?"

"There's a limit" Martha fussed to evade being called chicken by her big sister, mainly because she knew it was true. She didn't carry Caroline's boldness or skills as she stuck to her conventional role as a colonial woman. There was an inner flicker of curiosity to peek into Caroline's lifestyle but society's norms kept that spark at bay. What man or employer would want an outspoken woman?

Then again, she's found work more often I have and has had a relationship, Martha pondered to second guess herself and decided to tread cautiously. Her sister's interests didn't align with her own but together, maybe she could learn a few things to protect herself while maintaining her proper appearance.

"What do you expect to do when you have to deposit money in the bank?" Caroline questioned wryly because she expected her sisters to have survival skills. Amelia had survived a cannonball to her employer's house, Elizabeth was practically her miniature copy, and Alice had begun using the word no. She was aware of Martha's strict piety but she didn't want her sister handing over all of her belongings, heart, and body to a man for complete control. There had to be equal footing on both sides to function properly as a team.

Martha squared her shoulders to appear confident and declared simply, "My husband will do it."

This time, it was Caroline's turn to stare back flabbergasted as she sputtered incomprehensibly. She expected her partner to handle their joint finances? What if he was a scoundrel and ran off one day? What if he horribly mismanaged their money and property? Martha shrugged nonchalantly before crossing her arms to point out sharply, "Father handles everything at home."

"That's because he's our father- wait, that's hypocritical of me" Caroline began to retort but stopped short at realizing her contradicting views. There were good men in the world and then there were scumbags so her hope lay in her sisters finding a good partner. She knew Martha was having her first crush with Corrine's grandson and decided to give a fair warning, "Regardless of the man, tragedies can happen so you must always be ready to tackle the reins of your own life."

The brunette sighed dramatically to the pep talk and eyed her suspiciously to declare, "If your husband goes to the bank one day for you, I'll give you such a tongue lashing."

"Deal" Caroline agreed to end the topic of gender roles and enjoy their short trip in Boston. Martha's eyes lit up to winning the conversation against her eldest sister and the redhead let her have it. If it fluffed her pride and let them explore, she didn't care. Flicking her thumb towards the interior of Boston, she suggested with a charming smile, "Let's go to the shops."

Martha was surprised to her enthusiasm to shop of all things, considering weapons and ships were her fancy nowadays. She missed the teenager that had come back from Boston to regale her about the beautiful bonnets and silk dresses from the shops. That Caroline had gone out the door the minute she'd left in 1774 and Martha hadn't seen her come back.

Caroline pointed to her sister's canary yellow dress because she was dressed finely for the city while she donned a casual grey dress with a pink kerchief over her shoulders. Standing side by side, they didn't appear related at all or from the same social class. Her little sister needed a figurative kick to jumpstart her dream and she reminded with a grin, "You want to be a seamstress. Let's work on getting your name in town."

"What? By ourselves? Out there?" she blurted nervously with a squeaky voice as her bravery left her completely. Her hands wrung together feverishly before her shaky fingers pointed to the road leading away from the dock area.

It reminded the redhead of a little fawn left on its own in the forest and she bit back a laugh as she answered confidently, "Yes, I did it all the time with Amelia."

Martha bit her lower lip uncertainly because she'd never been on her own in the large port city. What if a carriage barreled down the road and struck them? What if a mangy mutt bit her leg? What if she did get mugged this time? How could her sister, not to mention Amelia, stroll so carelessly through the city without a man to protect them.

Caroline knocked loudly against the open doorway with her fist and hollered, "Boban, I'm heading out to see the tailor shops with Martha!"

The brunette expected a stern lecture on safety or to be ordered back inside but instead, she balked when she heard their father yell back cheerfully, "Stay safe!"

"But. . .but. . .but-" she stammered anxiously as her heart began to beat horridly against her ribcage. Her father was accepting this? How could her sister appear so calm when many dangers lurked in the shadows?

"Say but one more time and that's your new nickname" her sister teased dryly to calm her down before she ended up having a panic attack in front of their father's store. How did she expect to live in the cities if she couldn't walk away from their family and take a simple stroll by herself? Quite frankly, she'd rather tangle with a drunken thief than a rabid wolf back home.

"Carrie!" she exclaimed indignantly with flushing pink cheeks and practically closed her brown bonnet from Caroline's sight. Oh, she could just faint from humiliation and the potential danger! Her sister's boisterous laughter wasn't doing her any favors either.

"We'll have fun" the redhead promised with a suave wink and wrapped an arm around Martha's quivering shoulders. The brunette crossed her arms as her shoulders slumped, reminding Caroline of a stubborn turtle withdrawing into its shell. She shook her little sister like an ale keg to rattle some gumption into her and declared jovially, "It's time for Martha's and Carrie's adventure."

"I fear it already" Martha muttered flatly to the madness she could fall into alongside her. This was the same woman that had left town, hopped on a stranger's ship, fought pirates, shot robbers (apparently), and was now traveling on the Aquila. She'd be surprised if she didn't return home with tears in her skirt and blood smeared on her person.

Caroline used her free right hand to flick her sister's forehead, earning a stubborn 'ow', and she grumbled, "Spoilsport."

---

The girls had traveled the western sector of Boston where tailor shops lined the entire block and the two bonded over dresses. Hats didn't interest Caroline anymore since she was more enthused with having the wind brush through her hair. Instead, the sisters fawned over bell skirts and kerchiefs to dress up their attire. Unfortunately, that didn't help Martha's case when they realized that shopping wasn't going to earn her a job.

Caroline resorted to using the clumsy dimwitted buyer routine as she pretended to be the stereotypical country girl. They played their advantage to the fact that they were physically different in appearance and Martha was the better dressed woman. The two went store-by-store playing buyer and the expert shopper as Martha pretended to sell merchandise with her knowledge. Caroline would boast that they should hire the gal and when the shopkeeper would stare back quizzically, she would grab her money back and exit the store. Otherwise, she was bound to run out of money buying random items.

So far, it had earned Martha two interested parties so it was a start.

"Did you have to resort to Gaelic in the last shop?" she asked awkwardly because watching Caroline try on multiple scarves and a whalebone stay outside her dress was odd enough. Their pretend haggling and education took a hilarious turn when Caroline needed to buy new stockings.

"All I know is wool and cotton stockings for winter and summer- that's it" Caroline shot back defensively because she'd become extremely comfortable wearing breeches and boots. Skirts were too fluffy and cumbersome to deal with but she wore them for her family's sake.

"Are you happy with your new stockings?" Martha chided with a smug grin to her tailoring knowledge and looked down at the paper bag her sister held. Caroline tucked it behind her back protectively since she carried her femininity in subtle tones.

Being back in Boston, Caroline had decided to peek in around the taverns in the city. She wasn't aiming to get drunk or purchase anything, especially without her friends or crew around. While she'd peeked her head in for a hint of catching Duncan Little, her destination was the Green Dragon where they'd originally met. She figured if that was his common spot to shepherd confused wanderers, she'd start there. Martha had been squeamish in even daring to approach city taverns, remembering her mother's teachings.

"What are we doing here?" Martha asked uncertainly and narrowed her gaze to patrons going into the tavern. This wasn't a place for a respectable lady. Her nose wrinkled to the smell of alcohol filtering out whenever someone opened the door and fought her instinct to pinch her nose. She glared at her sister for the audacity to bring her to such a place and fiddled with the strings of her bonnet, chastising sharply, "This is a place of ill repute and debauchery. . . at least, that's what mother says."

"I'm searching for a friend" her sister explained easily and opened the door to enter the tavern. Martha's hands flew to grasp her free arm for security and she bit her bottom lip to subdue her fear. She wasn't meant to be in places like this! Caroline didn't bat an eye to her skittish behavior and reassured with humor, "Come now, I'll protect your virtue and reputation against strangers we'll never see again."

"That's not what I was thinking" Martha retorted defensively because she'd rather have a man instead of her sister defending her honor. Women of their time were meant to be meek, polite, and like children, to be seen and not heard. Caroline simply shot her an amused glance as they stepped into the tavern, the mix of tobacco smoke and alcohol strong in the air. She fought the urge to dry heave into the nearest corner and warned sarcastically, "Stop trying to read my mind before I declare you a witch."

"Let's not backtrack into repeating history" Caroline muttered dryly because the Salem witch trials were a dark piece of history that was still fresh. People didn't believe in that gibberish as much but they stuck close to their bibles tightly enough that the hysteria could always reignite. Religion was strictly entwined with colonial life but she didn't follow it devoutly, smirking at Martha to joke, "Otherwise, I might question how your whites are so clean."

"Carrie!" her sister shushed swiftly but the corner of her lips fought down a smile. Meek and polite was not what she'd describe her witty sibling, even when she wore a pretty dress.

"Don't be shy, I'll even buy you a drink" she offered lightheartedly with a wink and grabbed an empty beer bottle from a table. Anything within reach could be used as a weapon and she hadn't been kidding about protecting Martha. Alcohol was a powerful drink and if one couldn't handle their liquor, it could ruin more than one life in the process.

Martha's gaze darted between the bottle and her cheerful face to question suspiciously, "Are you sure you've always been a girl?"

"Pretty sure" Caroline replied flatly to the insult and didn't shy away from emphasizing it by pointing to her chest. Martha quickly batted her hands down to keep her sister proper in public but the redhead simply laughed. Was this how she'd been years ago when she first ventured into Boston? If so, time had changed her drastically.

A lumbering man treaded too closely for Martha's comfort and the brunette huddled behind her sister to avoid the lecherous gaze. Caroline didn't flinch in returning an intimidating glare to the quite inebriated man and shattered the end of the bottle across the table's edge. Martha released a frightened yelp to the noise and watched her sister take a defensive position. She pointed the sharp jagged edges at the man and narrowed her eyes to snap, "Keep walking, sir."

Martha blinked with stunned surprise when the man stumbled away as he decided a fight with a woman wasn't worth his time. Caroline tossed the broken bottle into the nearest trash can before it invited more trouble and grinned, "Took me a few tries to get it to actually break in half like that."

"Carrie, why-" the brunette sighed worriedly to their presence in a bar where they were outnumbered.

"I'm beginning to think beer is not your friend in taverns" a familiar Irish voice interrupted the whispering sisters and Caroline turned to find Duncan Little sitting in the corner. He hadn't changed a bit and kept to himself, away from the lively crowd by the barkeep. Caroline grabbed Martha's shoulder to pull her along, frowning when her sister dug her heels against the floor. Honestly! She let go to approach her friend and shook her head when Martha tagged along behind her with haste to avoid being left alone.

Duncan was amused by the two feuding women but he wasn't surprised to the redhead's quirks. The first time they'd met in the tavern, she'd managed to lure sailors into a bar fight and hopped onboard a ship with him a few days later. He was glad to see she'd made it back to Boston in one piece after wondering what happened to her and nodded in welcome, "We have to stop meeting like this."

"Mr. Little, long time no see" she greeted with a friendly smile to the only acquaintance she had in Boston. Living out in the countryside, she didn't desire to wander into the city at all unless her father asked it of her.

"Miss Grace" he reminded her of the fake moniker since she was dressed as a woman this time rather than a man. He figured her hair had grown out after a year- either that or she kept a bonnet on to hide it. Caroline smiled to the old name while Martha looked at her quizzically and he reasoned, "I figure you kept that alias for a reason. Please, sit down."

Caroline took the offer without hesitating while Martha gawked at her laidback behavior. Why wasn't she eyeing everyone suspiciously? She yelped with alarm when Caroline pulled her down into the next seat by the back of her skirt, surprised to her strength. She brushed her away with a stubborn pout, refusing to meet either of their gazes. The redhead refrained from removing her bonnet to smack her sister but sympathized that this wasn't her cup of tea.

"I'm glad to see you've fared well after a year" Caroline spoke warmly at seeing her mentor at sea had survived another year in the tumultuous colonies. Duncan shrugged lightly since he'd experienced high and lows in his life but his secret work with the Order had become meaningful for him. Looking to her wide-eyed sister, she piped up gently, "Might I introduce you to my sister, M-"

"May!" Martha shouted hastily to hide who she was from any prying ears and blushed with embarrassment.

"She's practically a kitten in a cougar's den" Caroline chuckled softly and aimed a doting look fit for a new mother towards Martha, causing the latter to frown. She hadn't expected her first day in Boston to be filled with tavern visits and hoped the smell wouldn't linger in her clothes. Once she returned home, she would scrub her skin raw and hog the bathwater until she felt clean. Caroline flicked the top of her bonnet with her fingers and lectured, "Stop glaring."

"Not every bar breaks into a fight" Duncan advised to soothe the young woman's concern but Martha crossed her arms, slumping in her chair to withdraw. Caroline had now decided her new nickname would be the Prissy Turtle but would use it in private to prevent the snowball effect with Elizabeth. Duncan could clearly see the two women were on the opposite spectrum of propriety and joked lightly, "We've fought worse than a few drunken patrons."

Caroline laughed behind her hand to the pirates and drunken sailors they'd tangled with. She'd been a simple deckhand enduring hard labor back then but she didn't regret a single second of it. Every adventure was better with a buddy to share it with and she inquired about the recent changes, "Are you still traveling or wandering into inns?"

"A little of both" he answered because he traveled wherever Connor needed him to. When he wasn't on a mission, he'd made the Green Dragon his covert spot to hear interesting gossip or to help unfortunate souls. Remembering her plucky attitude, he wondered about her latest venture and asked, "How about yourself?"

"Sailing" she revealed with an ecstatic smile, puffing her chest proudly to her newest job. The Aquila was a majestic vessel that captivated her and she was determined to reach her full potential. Back in 1774, she expected to be a hunter but that dream failed and sailing became her escape. Two years later, that fascination failed to leave while hunting was her hobby at home to provide food and earn a few coins. Leaning back in her chair, she grinned confidently, "Turns out the habit is harder to kick."

Duncan remembered the last captain being strict, particularly to the lowest rank, and advised, "I do hope it's with a reputable company."

"My friend is the captain so I've never felt safer" she assured brightly because she trusted Ratonhnhaké:ton to bring their crew home. That, and Faulkner would refuse to leave the Aquila until she was in perfect tip-top shape. She would not board another vessel unless she had a friend to share her adventures with or knew the captain personally.

"Is your sister traveling with you too?" he asked with curiosity to the jumpy brunette and Caroline snorted to that horrible idea. By the end of such a trip, one of them would likely have gone overboard by choice or accident.

"No!"

Martha's outraged exclamation echoed through the bar and she slapped a hand over her mouth quickly to avoid luring attention, not that anyone really cared. Caroline's deadpan face only served to confirm that answer because she adapted to her environments, not fought against them. Duncan's face faltered to the lack of synchrony between the two sisters and remarked, "I take it that this isn't your little redhead wanderer?"

"Wait, you told him about Eliza but not me?" Martha snapped with annoyance to being discarded from the family tree. Even with a stranger, she'd favored Elizabeth over her? Grudgingly, she wasn't surprised since they were two peas in a pod nowadays. She had also avoided interacting with the two in the past unless it was ordered by their mother.

"What happened to being an invisible fly on the wall?" Caroline questioned the hot/cold treatment she was receiving from her and threw her hands into the air. Martha had no reply to that because she wasn't certain whether she wanted to be involved or not. Growing up was not what she expected it to be and crossed her arms huffily, grudgingly accepting to being a figurative fly. Caroline ignored the self-loathing, being familiar to it years ago, and leaned over to smile slyly, "Which reminds me, I never finished my fly on the wall training."

Duncan hoped she was still interested in pursuing her potential as an assassin, not that he'd tell her that just yet. He required approval to do so since trust was a commodity during the ongoing revolution and enemies lurked everywhere. Still, he offered her the chance to prove herself by proposing, "The Green Dragon is my spot so whenever you're in town, I'm free to continue the old lessons."

Martha was at a loss to what they were talking about, hoping it wasn't anything illegal or violent, and Caroline explained, "Duncan helped me to survive on my first ship, not to mention escaping sticky situations at port."

"So, you're the shameless lout that our father should be knocking upside the head!" the brunette exclaimed with sudden gumption as she pinned the blame solely on Duncan for putting her on a ship. If it wasn't for him, her sister would've found her way home far earlier and saved their parents the heartache! Her hands itched to find something to throw at him in protest but she frowned at seeing a bare table.

Caroline slapped a hand over her forehead as the conversation headed south to sink into the deepest trench. The bright side was having her sister care for her wellbeing, but embarrassment tinged it when Martha attempted to swat him with her handkerchief. She ended the rebellious protest by yanking it out of her hand and admitted frankly, "Duncan didn't do anything wrong. Without him, I probably wouldn't have made it home at all."

Martha grumbled under her breath to being lectured but her sister patted the top of her bonnet to smile warmly, "But I appreciate your sentiment."

The younger Burnett shook her head to the madness around her and decided on sticking by the store tomorrow. How did Elizabeth find this wandering lifestyle alluring at all? The alcoholic fumes were practically giving her second-hand inebriation and the endless chatter hurt her ears. Being stuck on a ship with a similar scenario plus danger, she was aghast that Caroline enjoyed any of it. What had happened to her sister that enjoyed books and gardening?

"Your friend from the south sent me letters since she couldn't remember your township" Duncan informed her about the other interested party in her whereabouts and Caroline tapped the table happily. She would be more than happy to reunite with Aveline if she was in the area and wondered what her letters had in store for her. Her affiliations lived in Davenport only so extending her social circle was exciting for her. The southern colonies had been humid for her taste but the food had been heaven on earth.

"I can't wait to read them" she chuckled with glee to the gift awaiting her and looked at her sister, who displayed none of the cheer. She nudged her left side to simmer her annoyance and Martha's face fell into dismay when she piped up cheerfully, "Now, let's catch up an entire year, shall we?"

---

Godfrey had invited his girls to the dock for an errand and they had happily agreed. Caroline was more than eager to see the endless boats lining the port while Martha obediently followed their father. After being shocked and flabbergasted by her sister's adventuring, she was glad to have their father join them. If she couldn't control Caroline, their father could.

"Are you blushing at ships?" Martha asked with disbelief as the redhead fanned her face. Caroline smacked her left shoulder for the jab and refused to apologize for her wandering eye. Ships were fascinating to her in comparison to simple wagons and carriages, mainly because you could attach weapons to them.

"You enjoy fashion, I'll enjoy ships" she quipped back to silence her chiding but Martha simply shook her head. They were quite different indeed. Caroline didn't make it better when she sighed dreamily and pointed to a Spanish frigate to purr, "Hmm, would you look at those varnished bannisters?"

Martha sidestepped aside from her odd sister in the hope that passerby residents didn't associate them together. Godfrey saw the humorous disparity between his daughters and wrapped his arms around their shoulders to bring them together as a family. He was a believer in family and although he was aware that his daughters varied greatly, he wanted to instill loyalty within them. This time, the girls bonded together by feeling like little girls all over again instead of the adults they were.

Caroline shot Martha a deadpan look that clearly read 'this is your fault' but the brunette turned away to ignore her. She'd rather have embarrassment from her father's affection than infamy from Caroline's wayward behavior, piping up curiously, "What're we here for, boban? Supplies?"

Godfrey blinked with surprise that his children were lost to the purpose of their dock trip. Both girls figured it had to do with the store or buying goods to take back home. The trip walked past the docked ships and he informed them, "Did you girls forget about your cousin Patrick?"

The sisters shared an uncertain gaze because they didn't remember squat and Caroline answered hesitantly, "If we say yes, does that mean we don't get ice cream?"

Ice cream had become the newest craze to hit the colonies but as always, the rare dessert was for the elite. Caroline and Martha had caught wind of a store that had boasted owning the new creation in their parlor and the girls were eager to try it. They had decided to combine their money to buy one cup and share it to enjoy the new creamy dessert.

Godfrey didn't have the heart to say no to his children and squeezed their shoulders. It was clear that they'd forgotten one of their supper conversations at home and he gave them a hint, "Do you remember Uncle Joseph's letter back in March?"

"What does the new baby have to do with the docks?" Martha asked with confusion because she was the only one, besides Amelia, who paid apt attention. Caroline, on the other hand, was too busy trading jokes and stories with their youngest siblings.

Godfrey shook his head with amusement because the news of little cousins excited them. Before they could take another guess, he explained, "Your cousin, Patrick, from my eldest brother is arriving at the colonies. He was staying with your uncle Joseph up north for the month and is due to arrive today around this time."

"We're having company?" both girls asked uncertainly because they hadn't seen family members in years. Caroline had been about eight years old when she'd last seen her uncle Joseph in New Hampshire. Their father had worked a season selling lumber up north before deciding to head south to warmer climates and work opportunities.

"Your cousin's going to work at the mill to see if he likes it here or the north" Godfrey finished telling the news and Martha's face fell at having another person living in their home. Wasn't eight people enough already? Caroline, however, smiled with delight to seeing an old family member and remembered roughhousing with her older cousin.

"His roughhousing best be better if he hopes to tangle well with the trees" she joked lightly at beating him in their backyard brawls until her mother chastised her for behaving like a boy. She couldn't really help it when she'd been the only girl that wanted to while Amelia played with dolls.

Martha was suspicious of the newcomer and as a woman, she was protective of what she had and demanded, "How long is he staying? Is he getting my room? I've spent four years decorating it!"

"That's your concern?" Caroline laughed to her worries on who would claim her material belongings and Martha crossed her arms. She had been used to sharing her bed with her little sisters for years until their father crafted private rooms for them at home. While Amelia kept her old room and Caroline shared the main room with Elizabeth, Martha was happy to only share her room with the gentle Alice. There was no way she was relinquishing her hold on her small room. Godfrey couldn't help but laugh at their quarrel instead of defusing it like his wife would. Living in the colonies, he was an ocean away from his family (apart from his brother, Joseph) and he figured having blood relatives visit would help his children seek out to those bonds.

"I don't have the luxury of skipping town" she shot back matter-of-factly because Caroline was simplistic with her style. She tucked away her belongings and trinkets in her old trunk and that was it. She didn't see the need to separate jewelry, makeup, and attire like her other sisters.

Caroline quickly raised an indignant finger to point out sharply, "It's called seafaring!"

Godfrey shook their shoulders to snap them out of it but his oldest quickly added in, "Besides, you didn't argue with me when I brought you that bracelet from Maine."

Martha sputtered with embarrassment as she lost the argument (what was it anyway?) and threw her hands up. Despite their faults, she agreed that Caroline did take care of her as an older sister and would have her a million times over than another that would ignore her. Her gaze caught onto her right wrist as a green glass bead bracelet decorated it and she murmured with admiration, "It is nice."

The redhead snorted to her sudden change of mind, amused by her stubbornness. Peering between the bustling crowds of sailors and residents, she piped up, "So, any clues to how-"

"Uncle Godfrey!"

"That was fast" Caroline muttered to losing out on using her detection skills within large crowds and dropped her shoulders. The flicker of excitement that rushed through her blood was pinched out of existence as everything went accordingly to her father's plan. Boy, she hoped she'd be on the Aquila soon.

There weren't too many redheads that stuck out at the docks like they did since Martha decided to wear a bonnet. Between Godfrey's vibrant red and Caroline's auburn red, not to mention all their freckled faces, the Burnett family was hard to miss. They spotted a light redhead man in his early 20s wearing his best clothes, which for a modest fresh-faced colonial, was simple breeches and light coat over a tunic. The Burnetts were never a wealthy family, far from it, so they arrived in the colonies with the barest necessities to survive. Despite the bumps in the road, the years of sacrifice to build a life across the sea had worked out for their family.

Caroline couldn't help but wonder if this is how her father appeared to others when they'd arrived a decade ago. The bright hair and tall build could intimidate others because they weren't short in stature but they were humble folk- though prone to emotional outbursts. She waved to the man approaching them, watching him take off his wool hat in respect and readjusting the leather knapsack hanging behind his shoulder.

Godfrey held a sharp memory of his family members and remembered the brown-eyed freckled boy that had run from Caroline, for some odd reason. Holding out his right hand, his nephew grasped with a broad smile full of relief and Godfrey greeted him boisterously, "Patrick, my boy! You grew like an oak! How'd you spot me so fast?"

"You look like an older version of Uncle Joseph" he replied easily because the brothers shared great facial similarities and knew his uncle Godfrey had a bundle of daughters compared to his other siblings. The years hadn't changed him very much, except for a few gray hairs and wrinkles that came with age, and his voice remained the same. It hadn't been hard for Patrick to pinpoint him because he himself had grown up from being a lanky farm child. Shaking his head, he looked towards the docked boats and sighed with relief, "I've never been more thankful to land safely. I can't imagine doing this with a family in tow so I'm happy to be here."

"A voyage across the sea isn't easy" Martha agreed sympathetically because she was too little to remember most of the the trip with her parents. Her eldest sisters, however, held vivid memories and figured that's where Caroline picked up her interest. She agreed with her cousin because sea travel didn't appeal to her in the slightest.

"Patrick, I'd like you to meet my girls" Godfrey beamed proudly to his children that had now grown-up from the little babbling bairns back in Scotland. The eldest three were the only ones capable of remembering his homeland and hoped they would learn more while Patrick stayed with them. Patting his law-abiding daughter, he introduced his third oldest, "This is Martha, she was just a bairn when she left Glasgow."

She curtsied with politeness to welcome her elder to the New World while Caroline refused to do so. She might be wearing a dress to portray herself as a lady but she held out her hand to convey equal respect. That, and save her knees the extra pressure. Godfrey wasn't surprised by his oldest since he'd raised her to carry herself confidently and smiled, "You remember my oldest, Caroline?"

Caroline grinned slyly before welcoming him with a deceivingly friendly chirp, "Welcome, Patrick."

His mind flickered to old memories where she would rub his head raw, flip him over into mud, and jump out of hay bales to scare him. Although he was two years older, it had been crystal clear who had been the dominant one during their games. Part of him had wondered if she'd been a boy in disguise but facing her again threw that thought out the window. His Aunt Catherine had been a respectable lady so he wasn't surprised at Martha's appearance but Caroline carried her mother's sharp edge.

"We're going to have loads of fun!" she promised a little too cheerfully and the manic grin that followed sent him shuffling behind her father. Yep, she still had it. Martha shot her a glare for scaring their newest relative away and the redhead waved a hand to brush aside her joking, "I'm only kidding, I outgrew that wild phase a bit back."

"Really? You could've fooled me" Martha chided jokingly because they had Elizabeth following in her steps and Caroline moved her right hand to mimic a nagging hen by touching her fingers and thumb. Martha's bell-shaped dress didn't help to thwart that image when her chest puffed with indignant offense. Caroline mimicked her expression for fun's sake, leading Martha to ignore her antics and asked politely, "So, what brings you here?"

"I decided to take my chances at a new life in the colonies" Patrick explained cheerfully, echoing the sentiments of many New World immigrants, and hoped his decision wouldn't be one of regret. His uncles had moved across an ocean to make their new lives and Burnetts weren't new to being bitten by the wanderlust bug. Looking to his uncle, he smiled graciously to declare appreciatively, "Thank you for letting me work at the mill. Uncle Joseph was busy with his wee one so I figure I can head back north once I've earned some decent savings. Either that or find my footing and claim a homestead like you did."

"If you liked it back home, Davenport is a lot like it" Godfrey informed cheerfully about his beloved home town. If he could convince his family to move to the colonies and help them make a new life, he would do that. The world was changing rapidly and his children would inherit a different life than he'd had, not to mention the new technology to match. Patrick nodded agreeably to learn all that he could, reminding Caroline of herself years ago, and her father continued, "We're away from the cities but have stores and medical care just a wagon ride away. We've got fishing, hunting, and livestock to care for. It's a lumberjack's paradise, it is!"

His daughters chuckled to his enthusiasm but it was infectious to his newly arrived relative. Patrick couldn't wait to see what this new town had to offer and piped up excitedly, "Sounds great!"

Samuel's going to run in happy circles to having another male relative around, Caroline thought with amusement since he complained that he was outnumbered at home. With Daniel and Hunter being babies, not to mention Ratonhnhaké:ton's frontier trips, Samuel was left alone to entertain himself.

"Let's take a walk around Boston and get you familiarized" Godfrey proposed to his nephew to show him around town and asked out of curiosity, "You ever heard of ice cream?"

---

29 May 1776

Ratonhnhaké:ton passed by the mill to drop off Samuel at home after a day of helping Norris clean up ore. After having that sharp wake-up call from his sister, he refused to ever forget a promise to his little friend. Samuel never held any grudges against anyone and had been none the wiser about everything. Ratonhnhaké:ton noticed Caroline eating by the log benches designed for the mill workers and saw her laughing alongside a redheaded man. She'd always eaten lunch at home or alongside her father, who kept a strict eye on his workers, and wondered when this had started. More importantly, who was the man making her laugh?

His eyes narrowed slightly to convey his interest in that new development and he inquired, "Samuel, who is that next to your sister?"

"Oh, that's Patrick" he answered cheerfully to their newest houseguest, who had quickly become a part of the family. Not that he wasn't already, that is. Samuel couldn't imagine being an ocean away from his parents and the two shared stories every night. Being born in the colonies, he didn't know either of his parents' family back in Scotland so he was happy to learn about his roots. Ratonhnhaké:ton raised a curious eyebrow to his excitement and he added in helpfully, "He's working for boban at the mill."

That didn't add much information to his nagging curiosity but Samuel was a child, unaware to the cares of adults. Nonetheless, he appreciated his input about this new man and stated simply, "I see."

"You can drop me off here, Connor" he piped up happily because he could tag alongside his family for a bit before heading uphill and dismounted the horse. Ratonhnhaké:ton had to remind him to be careful, like any parent, but the little redhead insisted he'd become accustomed to it after hitching rides with him, Caroline, and recently with Elizabeth. He picked up dust with his dismount but skidded away with a perky wave of the hand, "Thanks!"

Ratonhnhaké:ton watched him scuttle off with a happy welcome wave of the hand for his sister and Caroline hugged him with a warm smile. Both Patrick and Caroline offered food from their plates to share with Samuel, but he was sated with a roll of bread only. Patrick piped up that he needed meat to develop the classic Burnett strength but the siblings laughed at the joke.

What is going on here?, he thought with curiosity to how familiar they were acting around each other and wasn't comfortable with that. Caroline had a routine built around her family and a strict preference with who she ate, which raised his suspicion. Her gaze met his as she spotted him on the road and he offered a quick nod before leading his horse onwards. Their own friendship had become awkward as he felt tugged between two women who were not seeing eye to eye, but he couldn't figure out why. They were nice to him but not towards each other- it was a conundrum.

Women are confusing, he thought to the unexpected twists in life that managed to weave him into their web.

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A/N: Sorry for the wait on this next chapter, dear readers, healing after an injury at work led to an unexpected promotion so I've been trying to balance that new role. Martha and Caroline have had a rocky relationship at best as sisters so interacting with their temporary neighbors have been enlightening for Martha. She's also the least likely person that Caroline would have meeting her friends from her naval life so that was intriguing to write. We'll be seeing more of Duncan in the upcoming chapters with Bridewell Prison as well. Just as the jealousy bug has begun biting Caroline, it will begin biting Connor too.

Thank you to my new readers and last chapter reviewers:

Thunderstrike16: Their lovebird reunion is approaching. I originally planned for them to reunite in Davenport where they met but switched it to the Aquila since she's their passion. Having Haytham bickering with Connor onboard about his life's decisions will be the highlight of their time together.

Ladyefriyeet: Your headcanon is totally right! Haha. It's pretty obvious that the two live very different lives and with Connor, who's accustomed to surviving off the land and living simply- their personalities will hilariously clash. Add in that Haytham will try to parent/heckle him while he's grown up alone most of his life- another fight waiting to happen.

East Coast Captain: You're right, there's many accounts on women on the front lines. Even as far as the Revolutionary War.

Jojorichief: Thank you for loving the story! With the new AC games (and fanfics) that have come out through the years, some stories fall through the cracks. Still, thank you and I hope it wasn't a long wait!

Next Chapter Excerpt:

Caroline unfolded the paper and recognized Duncan's writing as he sent a shorter note this time. Expecting final closure on Ratonhnhaké:ton's disappearance, she found more ominous news:

Dear Ms. Burnett,

I was able to piece together Connor's next steps once he arrived here but I am afraid the news isn't good. Before you worry, he is alive but he has been detained for a crime he tried to stop. I have several friends working to prove his innocence but other political powers are at play right now. As a lady, I wouldn't ask it of you to travel to New York but as his friend and shipmate, I request your aid if you can supply it. You can find me in the tavern called the Golden Goose on most days since that is where I collaborate with friends that aim to see him free.

Your friend,
Duncan Little

She was crestfallen to read that he wasn't going to be coming home soon and worse, he'd been arrested. What kind of crime had he tried to stop? She knew he was kind in helping but she hoped it wasn't a murder that he intervened and was pinned with it. Her hands shook with dread and anger to how he was faring in the hands of authorities. She was aware of the shaky relations with native tribes as colonials saw them as nothing more than savages so she worried he'd be given a worse treatment than a common criminal.

Elizabeth peeked at the letter as she stood on her left side and murmured softly, "I'm guessing it's about Connor?"

She didn't hide secrets from her family any more and handed the letter to them. She didn't have the heart to read it aloud and her sisters read it silently. Curiosity turned to worry as they processed the serious predicament their friend had fallen into. Caroline wanted him home safe but to do so, she'd have to leave again and it had been a disaster last time.

"Carrie, we have to go!" Elizabeth exclaimed with concern and she grabbed Caroline's arm to shake her lightly. They couldn't abandon him to the authorities and never see him again. He was their friend- no, their brother- and he deserved what help they could provide.

"We?" Martha and Caroline echoed in unison to object to her sudden idea.

Martha shook her head to chase away her dreams of bravado for reality and pointed out, "First of all, none of us have been to New York and what can we possibly do? Not to mention, our parents would disown us."

"Pshh, it didn't happen with Carrie the first time" she scoffed offhandedly because a serious lecture was all she earned and Caroline blushed with embarrassment. She didn't like knowing she'd caused her beloved parents grief and wanted to avoid repeating that. It wasn't a proud moment for her and she aimed to atone for it by never lying to them. Pointing to herself, Elizabeth grinned widely and piped up proudly, "I can watch your back and shoot-"

"Animals are far different than humans" Caroline interjected sharply because she wouldn't dare involve her siblings in a firefight. It was one thing for her parents to worry about her but she couldn't let that spread to her other siblings. She didn't want her lifestyle to mean that she could do as she wished without concern for repercussions and reminded firmly, "We are good law-abiding folk."

"So you're just going to let him rot in a grimy jail?" Elizabeth argued heatedly because he always helped their family and she wouldn't dishonor him like that. If she had to smack a few guards at night and jimmy open a lock, she would do so!

"I never said that" the elder redhead snapped tightly because he was her captain. He was the one she loved and to know he was somewhere she couldn't hear or see him, it was crushing. Her roles were struggling to balance out as the problem threatened to break her identity as a daughter. She faced a difficult choice again and disclosed her feelings for their understanding, "What can I do? The moment I walk out that door, I will disappoint our parents again and break my promise. If I stay, I will break my promises to him."

"Assemble the War Council!" Elizabeth declared defiantly and raised her right arm to use it as a figurative flag. They would tackle the Connor problem as sisters so she would gather the rest of their troop. Caroline sighed to her insistence to meddle in her decision while Martha was curious to see how this would play out.

When Elizabeth showed no signs of stopping her mini stampede into their home, Caroline groaned, "Oh, for God's sake-"

. . .

Caroline's eyes were half-closed as Elizabeth, Martha, and Amelia talked amongst themselves. They didn't invite Alice this time due to her meek nature and they didn't want her to worry either. The four women had gathered in the stables to continue the chores of the day by covering the stable floor with hay for their three mares, the gelding, the foal, and their cow. They had come to Davenport with only Molly and Dolly but added more friends to their animal family over the years.

"It's dangerous to travel alone" Amelia pointed out with a shake of her head to risking one's life in the outdoors. It was fine with a partner watching your back but you were a vulnerable target if traveling by yourself, especially as a woman. When her parents did buy a newspaper from the city, there was always an article about someone missing or dead. She didn't want anything to happen to her best friend and stated gingerly, "Please think of the dangers with wild animals or thieves."

"I won't be on foot this time, I can take Sophia" Caroline replied as she weighed her options to travel north by herself. Her beautiful golden mare neighed at hearing her name as she trotted in the field reserved for the horses next to the stable. She was a loyal horse on all of their trips around Davenport and trusted her as her number one.

"But Brave soared through the wind like a war horse" Elizabeth reminded to put in a good word for her own horse. Ever since arriving at his new home, he was incredibly loyal and tagged alongside her. Caroline swatted her sister's butt with an empty wooden bucket as she set them against the wall to fill them with feed.

"I was there" she said dryly to the first and only battle she'd witnessed in her young life. it was something she never wanted to relive. Amelia rubbed her arms as goosebumps erupted to the awful memories she'd been left with. Martha glared at the redhead for bringing up the past, especially for Amelia, and Elizabeth quickly apologized.

Elizabeth's words, however, reminded Amelia that if Caroline hadn't headed into Charlestown and left for Davenport, she wouldn't be alive. She owed her life to her sister's efforts and guilt struck her for trying to protect her when Connor needed their help just like she had. Furrowing her brow with sorrow, she gazed at Caroline to voice softly, "I can't tell you not to go because you saved me. If I took away that opportunity from Connor, I can't be responsible for that heavy guilt. All I can say is to keep yourself obscure and always have a gun at your side."

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Thank you for reading!