~*~ 1773~*~

Lydia sat at a vanity in front of the mirror fussing with her hair. She wanted it to be perfect for tonight. She was in New Haven for Ben's graduation from Yale. He had invited her to accompany him to the dance for a night of well-mannered frivolity to celebrate Yale's commencement. Of course, she had been eager to accept but figuring out a way for her father to allow her to travel without him not raising suspicion, had not been easy. Much to her delight, Richard Woodhull had agreed that Lydia could be allowed to visit cousins in Massachusetts unaccompanied.

What he did not know, however, was that she planned on spending a few days in New Haven, Connecticut for the festivities. Lydia knew it was wrong to lie and deceive, but she had no other way to go about things, especially things concerning her love, Benjamin. Lydia had given her heart to that boy long ago and she knew she would never get it back. She assuaged her guilt knowing that she eventually would be meeting her family, albeit a few days late. It was the only way. So she simply had sent a letter to her Massachusetts relatives telling them to meet her at a later date than her father thought she was meeting them. As much as she hated to admit it, Lydia was growing fairly skilled in the art of deception.

Things had been arranged for Lydia to share a room with Missus Tallmadge while Reverend Tallmadge shared a room with his sons. The Tallmadges were fully aware of Lydia and Ben's predicament and her father's stern disapproval. They, on the other hand, thought the couple to be a good match. But Lydia could not even bring herself to tell them of her deceit against her father. She did not wish to be scolded by Ben's father. Ben was the only one who knew the truth of the matter. He had not chastised her when she told him, so she could only hope that he did not wholly disapprove of her methods. It was all for him after all.

Lydia smiled and then pinched her cheeks to give them a rosier appearance. She played with the curls that hung at the side of her head, still smiling. She was glad to be able to spend the evening with Ben. She saw very little of him during his time at Yale, but his letters always kept her pining and yearning. Every time she saw him, she wondered if he might decide to end things with her. That perhaps while at Yale he had found someone else. Someone smarter, prettier, better suited for him... But tonight, she did not have that doubt.

Tonight she just looked forward to an evening with him, hoping that maybe he might finally make good on his promise to her and propose marriage. They had talked about it plenty of times, but he had still yet to formally ask. Not that her father would ever allow such a thing. Although, she hoped that he would because it was still years yet before she could marry without the blessing of her father without eloping. While it was generally looked down upon in society, Lydia was not completely adverse to eloping. Not if it meant she could be wed to Benj. But Ben knew she also wanted her father's blessing on their marriage. It was a complicated affair.

There came a knock at the door. Slowly, she crossed the room and opened the door to reveal Benj standing there looking quite dapper. Lydia always found him handsome-looking, but she could hardly keep from looking at him. That very thought made her blush and Benj certainly liked making her blush. She cast her gaze to the floor and twirled one of her curls absently. Ben chuckled. He placed his hands on her waist to gently move her so that he could get past her. He pressed a kiss against her blushing cheek as he moved past her and he shut the door behind them.

But Lydia managed to get hold of her sense. She stood there with her hands on her hips, staring at Ben. "What are you doing here? You know you are not supposed to be here. What if we are seen?"

Ben just smirked. "I just wanted to see you, Lyddie." He placed his hands on her waist and tugged her a little closer. He kissed her forehead, never removing his hands from her waist.

Lydia smiled at the gesture. She had sorely missed him. But when she looked up at him and saw him looking her over and grinning, she shook her head. "And to think people think you are a well-mannered, responsible, proper gentleman."

"You know better." Ben chuckled and then slowly leaned in to kiss her properly. "Can't I get just one little..."

"Out," Lydia giggled, pushing him away. "I do not want to get caught."

Ben did not look too hurt by her refusal. In fact, he looked even more determined as he fished something from his pocket and swung it in front of Lydia's face. "I suppose you would not want this then, would you?"

Lydia's brow furrowed in confusion as her eyes went back and forth with the object he was swinging. She reached out to snatch it from him, but he quickly clutched the entire object in his hand and brought it to his chest. Ben then gestured for her to have a seat in front of the vanity.

Looking up at him, Lydia could not help but smile as she shook her head while complying with his request. She knew he was up to something, but she daintily moved across the room and sat down on the chair in front of the vanity, keeping a careful watch on him from the mirror.

Ben crossed the room, stopping behind Lydia. She turned to look up at him, but he shook his head and told her to turn around. She did as he asked. "Close your eyes," he told her.

"I am not certain I can trust you," Lydia teased him.

"Lyddie," Ben groaned. "Please?"

She smiled and gently closed her eyes. Ben's hand gently brushed the back of her neck sending shivers up her spine. Then something smooth and cold slipped across her throat. She was tempted to open them as she felt Ben's fingers fumbling against her skin, but she kept them closed.

"You can open them now," Ben whispered in her ear. She could feel the heat from his breath against her skin which caused her to blush. She knew they were not supposed to be alone like this, but Lydia liked being with Ben in this manner.

Lydia's eyes fluttered open and her eyes quickly focused on her reflection in the mirror. There was a white ribbon against her neck with a silver heart pendant dangling from it. A gasp escaped her lips as her hand reached up to touch the pendant.

"I-I hope you find it suitable," Ben said rather sheepishly. "I-I designed it myself. I-I was not sure if..." his words trailed off.

"Benj," Lydia sighed before she quickly got to her feet. She threw her arms around his neck and pulled herself closer to him. "I love it," she whispered.

Her words made Ben's face light up and his heart swelled with pride hearing those words from her lips. Lydia pulled herself onto her toes and gently pressed a kiss against Ben's lips. His hands found their way to her waist as he eagerly kissed her back. As Lydia kissed him again, Ben softly chuckled to himself. Lydia then quickly pulled back and looked at him incredulously.

"What is it?" Ben laughed as he wiped his lips with one of his hands.

Lydia removed her hands from around Ben's neck and placed them on her hips. "You knew I would do that, didn't you?"

Ben just grinned.

"Benjamin Tallmadge," Lydia hissed.

He laughed and reached out to take hold of her once again, but she took a step backward.

Lydia pointed toward the door. "Out. And if you do not leave right now, Benjamin Tallmadge you won't be getting any kisses from me tonight." Lydia was not really mad, but she certainly did not want her reputation ruined over this. Should her reputation be ruined, it could ruin any hope of her father blessing a union between them. Richard Woodhull would rather marry her off quickly to someone else than ever allow her to marry Benj, should her reputation be trifled with.

Thankfully, Ben didn't appear hurt. Instead, he just nodded and walked toward the door. Lydia chewed her lip as she watched him walk away. She really did not want to end this moment like this. He had been awfully thoughtful to get her the silver heart pendant.

Ben's hand reached out to twist the doorknob when Lydia called, "Benj!"

Ben stopped and turned to glance over his shoulder at Lydia who was running toward him in a very unladylike manner, much like she did when they were children. She threw her arms around him and kissed him once more. After only one kiss, Lydia pulled away. "I really do like this," she said clasping the pendant in her hand. "It was very thoughtful of you, Benj."

He smiled, holding onto her so that she would not fall over.

"I love you and I have missed you terribly, but you need to go before we are caught."

Ben nodded. He quickly pressed one more kiss against her cheek and the disappeared on the other side of the door. Lydia leaned her back against the door and sighed, running her fingers against the gift from Benj. She knew that her heart was completely lost to Benjamin Tallmadge and that there would be no getting it back.

~*~ November 1776~*~

Lydia nervously paced the bedroom she was occupying. She was wearing a new gown that had been delivered that morning. Her father had seemed to have no idea where the gown had come from, leaving Lydia to conclude that Colonel Cooke had it sent over for her. While the gown was beautiful, with intricate stitching and ornate detail, wearing it made Lydia want to vomit. Colonel Cooke no doubt had bought the gown for whom was assumed was his bride-to-be. Little did he know that she agreed to announce an engagement of sorts with John Andre before he could even attempt a proposal.

The whole thing had happened so fast that Lydia could hardly think straight. She wished she were able to talk with Mary or Anna about the situation. But most of all, she wished Ben were there to clear up matters. She wished Ben were there to put a stop to this whole thing. She wished the war had never started. She wished her father hadn't been so stubborn and refused Ben. Honestly, she just wished she were anywhere but where she actually was.

Tears stung at her eyes as Lydia leaned against the window frame, looking out at York City. This city seemed like her own personal hell. It was the city Ben had left her for, to join Washington's army and now it was the city of her current debacle. If she never saw York City again, it would be all too soon.

Knowing that if she continued pacing, she would likely vomit, Lydia took a seat in front of the small vanity afforded to her in the bedroom. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Dances were normally an occasion she would be thrilled with excitement to prepare for. This one she dreaded and the dread was plainly written on her face. She might have on a pretty gown and her hair might have been styled fashionably, but that did nothing hide her lack of excitement.

A string of pearls lay in an open case on the vanity. Her fingers brushed against them. Lydia knew them to be quite costly and no doubt were yet another gift from the man who intended to be her suitor, but she could not bring herself to take them from the case. Instead, she fished through her many petticoats until she found her pockets. From her left pocket, she retrieved the small leather pouch that contained her most precious keepsakes.

Lydia stared at the small leather pouch in her hand. She knew what she was about to do was highly unorthodox, but if Ben couldn't be with her this evening, she still wanted him to be with her. Opening the pouch, she pulled out the white ribbon and silver heart pendant necklace Benj had given her. Lydia softly smiled to herself, the only smile she had managed all day and it was because she could not help but smile when she thought of Ben.

After the leather pouch was safely back in her pocket, Lydia tied the ribbon on herself. Wearing Ben's necklace was a small act of defiance she could afford. Only she and Ben knew where the necklace had originated. Her father would be none the wiser. Those were Lydia's favourite acts of defiance, the ones her father did not know about.

While she was practicing her false smile for the evening, a knock came at the door. Lydia clutched the heart pendant as she turned to see her brother Abraham walk through the door. She rolled her eyes. After clearly avoiding him all day, he dare approach her now? Clearly, Abe did not understand that she wanted nothing to do with him.

"Lydia, I need to speak with you," Abe said, sounding out of breath.

Lydia stood up and narrowed her eyes at her older brother. "You have nothing I could want to hear, Abraham," Lydia hissed. She was still rather angry with him from the words they had exchanged in the carriage ride to the Brooklyn ferry. He had told her to forget about Ben and to accept her fate as her father's pawn, he had. But she could not do that.

Abe opened his mouth to speak, but Lydia was not willing to listen to him. Not after his part in this mess. She attempted to walk past him, but he took hold of her arm. Lydia sent her brother a scathing expression as she pulled her arm away from him.

"Lyddie, you need to hear this," Abe pleaded. "Last night I-"

"I do not care what you have to say, Abraham. Nothing you say could possibly make this situation any better. So, I do not want to hear it. Now, if you will please excuse me, I must prepare myself for an unwanted engagement which you had a hand in procuring." Lydia sneered at her brother before she stomped from her bedroom rather immaturely. She did not care.

Lifting her petticoats, Lydia ran down the stairs and opened the door for a bit of fresh air. Tears spilled down her cheeks. She did not want to be married off. Not to Colonel Cooke or John Andre. She belonged to Benjamin Tallmadge and he to her, there was no question of that. Lydia wanted to run away. Leave York City and find Benj. Only, she had no idea where he would be and if her father caught up to her while she ventured to find Benj, Richard Woodhull would surely marry her off the moment he found her. That would only complicate matters further for her.

The truth of the matter was, she longed for Ben. When she was with him, she always felt safe, knowing that he would love her and look after her. Unlike her father it seemed, who had ulterior motives. As much as she hated it, she had a part to play tonight. A part that would hopefully keep her father satisfied and her unwed to another until a better solution could be found. While an engagement to John Andre would not completely solve her problems, it would help make them more manageable.

Several soldiers dressed in red coats walked past her. Lydia gave them a small smile, not because she wanted to, but because if she was to perform her role convincingly, she had to start somewhere. The soldiers slyly smiled back. Lydia exhaled a breath she had been holding. By tomorrow morning, they would likely know who she was...or at least who she wanted them to know, because if they knew the truth, she might not make it out of York City unscathed.

~*~Flashback 1773~*~

Lydia waltzed into the ballroom on Ben's arm. Both of them were beaming with smiles. For years, Ben had endured teasing over Lydia, whom most of the other boys thought he was making up. And Nathan had been no help, joining in the teasing, despite having met Lydia. Now, Ben was finally able to show her off for all to see. Lydia was simply elated to be with Ben. She felt rather grown-up on his arm and could not help but hope that this was what it would always feel like with him.

Ben nodded to several of his classmates. To him, Lydia was the most beautiful girl in the room and she was on his arm. He was glad the expressions of some of his classmates seemed to agree with him. Ben led Lydia out onto the dance floor and he bowed toward her. "May I have the honor of this dance?"

Lydia smiled. "Who else would I dance with?" she teased him.

"I might manage to steal Miss Woodhull away," a voice drawled next to them.

Recognizing the voice, Lydia looked to her right to see Nathan Hale, Ben's college roommate, standing beside them with a devilish grin on his face. Nathan had fair hair and skin with bright blue eyes. While Lydia's heart belonged to Ben, there was no denying that Nathan was quite handsome. She was sure that there were many-a-lady looking to catch his attention, especially given what Ben wrote in his letters.

"You can try," Ben said, taking hold of Lydia's hand. "But I fear your attempts will be unsuccessful." Nathan chuckled and smiled at the pair before Ben asked, "You have your own partner, do you not?"

"Aye, but I fear she only accepted my invitation as an invitation to search our Yale's fine crop of eligible bachelors." Nathan pointed to a group of ladies in the corner near the refreshment table, looking out at all the gentlemen in the room and talking amongst themselves.

"Are you not considered one?" Lydia teased.

"Only one of many, Miss Woodhull," Nathan answered. "Not all of us can be as blessed as you and Tallmadge on their first time out. Some of us must have a few rotten apples before finding the perfect one." Nathan winked at Ben.

Ben had ample opportunity to search out a few rotten apples during his time at Yale, but he always made quite clear that there was a girl back home for him. Some New Haven girls tried their hardest anyway, but Ben had never been swayed from Lydia Woodhull. He loved her, for as long as he could remember and he knew that he would love her until his dying day.

"Might I at least request one dance this evening?" Nathan asked Lydia. "You are quite the talk of the dance this evening and I it would be my pleasure to dance with you."

Lydia looked at Ben and he chuckled. "The decision is yours," he responded as they took their first steps of the dance.

She wasn't sure why she needed to ask Ben's permission. He was right, the decision was hers, but she had always been raised by her father to seek permission. Lydia nodded at Ben before she turned toward Nathan. "I might be able to spare a dance or two."

Nathan smiled and bowed before smirking at Ben. "I told you I might manage to steal her way, Tallmadge." Ben laughed. He knew Nathan well enough to know that he had no ill-intentions toward Lydia. Ben knew that Nathan approved of the relationship, not that he needed Nathan's approval. It was Richard Woodhull's he required, but it was nice all the same.

The music for a minuet began to start. Nathan pushed Ben, who was holding onto Lydia's hand, into the starting position for the dance, a position for the most prominent man and eminent lady. Nathan then went off to find his dance partner so that he might watch the dance with her.

Ben gave Lydia a look asking if she was ready. All eyes were on the couples on the dance floor. Lydia gently nodded her head while butterflies danced in her stomach. While she had hated the hours of dance lessons with Widow Browne, she was certainly grateful for them now. She was also grateful that Widow Browne had seen fit to train Ben as well, upon the insistence of Reverend Tallmadge that a young boy about to enter Yale should know such things. They had danced this dance too many times to count, but she was still nervous.

Ben must have noticed her nervousness because he gave her a reassuring smile. "Just imagine Widow Browne will let us go play if we get through this," he whispered.

Lydia chuckled. Ben always seemed to know what to say to make her feel better. It was then time to start the dance. Ben and Lydia bowed, as was customary before they took their first steps. It was almost strange to perform the dance without Widow Browne's scolding remarks in the background. But Lydia managed to glide gracefully around the room. Ben tried his best to keep a blank face, but he could not help but smile each time Lydia tried to catch his eye. She in turn blushed and smiled back each time Ben looked at her.

The pair were mesmerizing to watch dance. Those who stood on the side watching, only watched Lydia and Ben as they glided across the floor with such grace and ease. Widow Browne's dance lessons had paid off. When the dance finally came to an end, Ben and Lydia bowed and walked off the floor in search of refreshments.

~*~ November 1776~*~

When the guests began to arrive for the ball, Lydia found herself feeling rather ill. Her stomach hurt. It wasn't out of nervousness like the dance she had attended with Benj, but rather, pure dread of what was to come. She turned her back to the people and pinched her cheeks, trying to hide her pale colouring.

"Try to look like you're enjoying yourself, Lydia," her father leaned over and whispered to her.

"Why?" Lydia asked defiantly. "I thought it was a sin to lie."

Richard's eyes widened in shock momentarily before he quickly masked his shock with a facade for the other guests. He smiled at several officers who walked by but managed to say through gritted teeth. "It is also a transgression to act ungrateful, my daughter."

Lydia puffed a stray tendril of hair from her face. "Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged."

Richard arched an eyebrow "Then, lest you forget. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord."

Lydia's brow furrowed and her hand clenched into a fist. She silently reminded herself that she had a part to play in all this. She raised her chin and set her jaw in defiance. Only a little while longer until she made a mess of her father's plans for her. She needed to keep herself in check, as to not raise suspicion.

Colonel Cooke approached her with a grin on his face. Lydia attempted to keep her composure as he reached for her hand and kissed it greedily. She hated the feeling of this man's lips on her. The only lips she liked touching her were Ben's. His kisses were much softer and much more loving. Lydia kept her repulsion to herself.

She was grateful when Major John Andre came into view. It was an odd sort of relief. She would have been more relieved had it been Ben who walked through the door, but for now, it looked like John Andre was a welcome sight, her temporary savior. She found it odd that she found herself smiling at him. Even her father found seeing her smile odd, but he welcomed the sight after her appalling behavior thus far.

Major Andre approached Lydia with a smile on his face. "Good evening, Miss Woodhull," he greeted bowing toward her.

Lydia genuinely smiled back at him. "Major Andre," Lydia greeted with a curtsy.

"Judge Woodhull," Major Andre greeted Lydia's father. Richard shook Andre's hand. "I was hoping I might borrow your beautiful daughter." Andre offered Lydia his arm and before her father could object, Lydia accepted his arm. Anything to be rid of her father.

Major Andre led Lydia around the room and onto the dance floor where other couples were gathering and the strings were warming up. "I trust you know how to dance, Miss Woodhull?"

"Of course. I might have been raised in sleepy Setauket, but my father had the foresight to raise me properly. Although, I must confess I did not particularly enjoy dance lessons with Widow Browne."

He smiled. "Then let's hope you find dancing with me more enjoyable."

Lydia tried to smile, but she couldn't help but think of Ben. It felt almost a betrayal of him. But she had to do this. Her plan was insane and she knew it, but people did unconventional things for love.

The strings began to play the same minuet she had shared with Ben three years earlier. Major Andre and Lydia bowed toward each other and the dance began. Just as she had with Ben, Lydia danced with grace and poise on Major Andre's arm. She found herself smiling a time or two, but each time she did, she swore she could have seen Ben dancing with her...not Major Andre.

Major Andre was a fine dance partner, but he was not Ben. When the minuet finished, Andre led Lydia to a corner where they were still under the watchful eye of her father, but alone enough to have a moment to themselves.

Warm from the dancing, Lydia waved her hand in front of her face. "Perhaps a drink?" Major Andre offered. Lydia shook her head. "We need to make this look convincing then." He looked right in her eyes. Lydia nodded her head. She noticed he had dark blue eyes, she had never paid much attention to his eyes before. The only eyes she ever looked longingly into before were Benj's. It almost felt too intimate of a gesture to be looking at another man's eyes in such a manner.

"On the count of three, I need you to smile one of the happiest smiles you have ever smiled," he whispered, not breaking eye contact with her. Once again, Lydia nodded her head. Her heart was screaming that this was wrong, but her head knew it to be the only viable option.

"Three. Two. One."

Lydia's face immediately brightened. Only, her thoughts were on her favorite memories of Ben. They flashed through her head and for a moment she imagined that this was the proposal she always wanted from Ben...that he had received her father's blessing and that this blasted war was not being suffered through.

Major Andre smiled. "Nicely executed, Miss Woodhull."

She was then brought back to reality, but she did not let the facade fall. She had to continue the charade that this was the happiest day of her life. Major Andre placed her hand on his arm and walked her toward the string quartet. He grabbed a glass of Madeira before he told them to stop playing.

After what felt like an eternity, the string quartet finally stopped playing. All eyes turned their direction to see why the music had stopped, but Major Andre stood there proudly, practically beaming with pride. Lydia thought him to also be a phenomenal actor.

"If you will lend your ear to me for a moment please, I have blessed news to share with all of you. Miss Woodhull, has agreed to do me the honour of becoming my wife." John Andre took her hand and placed a gentle kiss on it. Lydia blushed at the gesture as the room burst into a hearty round of applause. Major Andre raised his glass in the air and those with glasses also raised theirs.

"You've spoken with my father?" Lydia asked through a forced smile as she glanced to find her father to see his reaction.

"No, I'm forcing his hand," John answered lowly. "If he denies my request, then he will likely lose his credit with his military connections, the last thing he wants."

"What about Colonel Cooke?"

"Colonel Cooke is a businessman. I suspect we shall have a chat later this evening and he will agree to our engagement for a nice sum of money."

Several British officers came up to Andre and gave him congratulatory slaps on the back. Lydia felt like she was going to be sick. She was being bartered around like she was nothing more than an animal, but still she kept a forced smile on her face. It was her only way to Ben.

But then Major Andre did something that surprised her. He walked over to the string quartet and he took the violin from one of the players. He rested the instrument on his shoulder and with a grin on his face he said, "For my bride-to-be."

He then began to play one of the most beautiful melodies Lydia had ever heard. She was quite taken aback. So much so, that her hand flew over her mouth in shock. For being a sham of an engagement, Major Andre apparently knew no bounds. He smiled at her as he played the song and Lydia couldn't help but smile beneath her hand.

When Major Andre had finished playing, the room burst into applause. He handed the violin back to its owner and returned to Lydia. "Who was the composer of that piece?" Lydia asked. "It was absolutely divine."

Major Andre smiled sheepishly. "Some cad by the name of John Andre."

Lydia stopped suddenly and blinked slowly at him. "You composed that?"

He nodded his head. "I was up all night last night. I hope that you do not mind that I wrote it for the occasion, with you never far from my thoughts."

Lydia could feel her throat beginning to tighten. No one had ever written her a song before.

Major Andre took Lydia's hand and looked into her eyes. "Now, I must apologise for being such a cad last night. I only led you to believe that I will release you from our engagement. But I never told you that should we both find ourselves in the throes of love, I will marry you..and I must confess, that last night I could not help but hope that one day that very thing become reality."

Once again, Major Andre had managed to shock her. She had no words. Had she not already given her heart to Benjamin Tallmadge, Lydia could have easily seen herself falling for the major. And for that, she felt somewhat guilty.

"You need not say anything," Andre whispered before he kissed her hand. "Now, let us celebrate our engagement and deal with other matters when they arise." So, Lydia and Major Andre rejoined the party and shared in the jovial celebration.

Long after the festivities had ended and Lydia had changed into her shift for bed, a knock came from her door. Lydia was still up reading Ben's letters while tears streamed down her cheeks. She quickly stuffed Ben's letters beneath her pillow before she picked up a candle and walked toward the door. Lydia slowly opened the door to reveal her brother. He pushed his way inside and quickly shut the door behind him.

"What have you done, Lydia?" Abe hissed barely above a whisper.

"What do you mean?" Lydia asked her brother, setting the candle down on her nightstand.

"You've certainly made a mess of things. What I wanted to tell you earlier was that I had information to pass on to Ben. I wanted to apologise for being such an arse."

Tears stung at Lydia's eyes. "It wouldn't have changed things, Abe. Father intended on marrying me off to Cooke. Tonight's ball was to announce his engagement to me."

"Only Andre beat him to the punch." Lydia nodded her head and Abe shook his. "Father is going to be furious."

"It was the only way," Lydia pleaded. "Major Andre's at least offered me a long engagement to get to know him..." she trailed off, not telling her brother the full truth. "Colonel Cooke would have insisted on a Christmas wedding."

Abe nodded his head and then furrowed his brow. "Why do I get the feeling like you're not telling me something?"

"Do you not like the feeling, Abraham?" Lydia questioned. "I am not entirely sure I can trust you with the matter. You keep changing your mind. So, until I know where your loyalties truly lie, that is as much information I am willing to divulge. Now, if you will excuse me, I would like to get some rest before our journey tomorrow."

Lydia practically pushed her brother from the room. She closed the door and leaned against it before she broke into silent sobs. She had certainly made a mess of things. But then again, she had complicated matters last June.

The next morning, breakfast was a rather somber affair. Colonel Cooke did not join them for breakfast. He had probably drunk too much the night before, especially after learning that Lydia was engaged to John Andre. His maid said that Colonel Cooke wished them safe travels and that he looked forward to seeing Richard in York City before the month was through. Lydia bowed her head. She knew her father's next visit would take place on her birthday. For as long as she could remember, her father always travelled to York City on her birthday. He did not like to be reminded of the day he lost his wife, despite gaining a daughter, so he always went away around then.

As they were about to depart the home of Colonel Cooke, Lydia was surprised to see Major Andre strolling toward them. "Miss Woodhull," Andre addressed with a smile on his face.

Taken aback, Lydia was too stunned to remember her manners. "What are you doing here?" she questioned.

"I know not when I will see you next, so I came to see you off," Major Andre said.

"As any good fiance should," Richard Woodhull said with a slight smile on his face. He then thrust his hand toward Major Andre. Major Andre watched Richard closely for a moment before he accepted the man's hand. It was as if something unspoken happened between the two of them.

"We'd best be off," Abraham said approaching with his hands behind his back. "I would like to make it home to Mary and Sprout this evening." Abe looking at Lydia rather pointedly. She knew that he had something else he would be taking care of first. Whatever it was he found out to pass onto Ben, he would be wanting Anna to hang a petticoat.

Lydia's stomach twisted in knots knowing this while they were standing beside Major Andre. She wanted Abraham to pass information onto Ben, but what would Andre ask of her? She did not want to do anything that might cause Ben harm, but she needed to keep herself safe. Abe was right, she certainly had made a mess of things.

Major Andre escorted them to the Brooklyn ferry. Before Lydia boarded the ferry, he kissed her cheek. Lydia blushed. Her father chuckled because he thought she was embarrassed by such a public display of affection, but that was the least of her worries. Major Andre helped her board the ferry before he told her that he looked forward to corresponding with her. Lydia knew there was a hidden meaning to his words. She simply smiled and nodded her head.

Her father looked rather happy during the ferry ride, which surprised her. He said nothing to her, which Lydia was fine with. The carriage ride back to Setauket was uneventful. Abraham and her father conversed with each other, while Lydia kept to herself inside the carriage. Not that she particularly enjoyed being alone with her thoughts either, but it was better than speaking with her father.

Upon their return to White Hall, Richard pulled the carriage into the lane leading to the house. He drew the horses to a halt before he moved to open the carriage door for Lydia. She accepted her father's hand down. Much to her surprise, her father held onto her hand. Despite the fact that the sun was nearly set, Lydia could still see her father's smiling face.

"A major for a son? Lydia you have made your father proud," Richard Woodhull offered before he pressed a kiss on the top of his daughter's head.

Lydia's brow furrowed. She thought he would have been furious for the scene she caused, but since they had disembarked Colonel Cooke's home, he had a rather happy demeanor. Lydia was not sure she liked that, but Richard continued.

"I only wish I would have known of Major Andre's interest sooner, then I would not have so fervently courted the idea of Colonel Cooke. But Major Andre seems eager to work things out with him, striking a good bargain for all parties involved."

Lydia nodded her head.

"To think, a daughter in York City. Think of all the fine parties and social standing you shall be privy to. Just the thought alone makes a father proud. And more grandchildren."

"We would like a long engagement, Father," Lydia told him.

"I have a feeling you two will be wed sooner rather than later, judging by how happy you looked last night. Thank the Lord I never gave that Tallmadge boy my blessing. What an embarrassment he would have been to us. Major Andre will make a finer son than that Tallmadge boy could ever hope to be"

Lydia's throat tightened. She did not appreciate her father talking of Ben in such a manner. But as far as he knew, she was happily engaged to Major Andre and for now, she needed him to think that. If he believed she was happily engaged, then he wouldn't try to force her into an engagement. And with Major Andre in York City, it made it harder for him to rush the wedding. Lydia would be certain to refrain from any visit to the city should her father decide to hurry things along in that regard.

"Father, I would like to take a walk with my sister," Abe said.

Richard nodded his head. "Just make sure to keep her safe, Abraham. She's an engaged woman now." Lydia and Abe stayed near the carriage while Richard strode into White Hall to share the blessed news with Major Hewlett.

"I thought he would be angrier," Lydia mused with a furrowed brow. "He hasn't spoken with me since the ball."

"You didn't see him that night," Abe said rather pointedly. "He was furious that you may have cost him his friendship with Cooke. But the next morning, Father found out that Andre had offered Cooke more money that he had for you. Cooke was more than pleased with the sum and happy to continue his days as a bachelor."

Lydia nodded her head. "Will you go ask Anna to hang a petticoat now?" she asked.

Abraham looked at his sister hesitantly. "Aye."

"I am coming with you. I am in need of a good chat with Anna now more than ever."

"Lyddie, you're engaged to a British officer."

Lydia rolled her eyes. "I need not be reminded of that, Abraham," she growled. "But that is all. I am not wed to him, nor do I love him. I still fully intend on helping the cause. I-I just need to talk with Benj."

"Oh, about the fact that you are engaged to a British officer?"

"That is between me and Ben."

"You're engaged to a British officer!"

Lydia was frustrated with Abraham's theatrics. She knew her situation far better than he ever could. "I heard you the first two times, Abraham. Now, shall we head to Anna's?" She stood a little taller, daring her brother to defy her. Thankfully, he did not and they made their way to Anna's house.

As they drew closer to Strong Manor, Lydia noticed a light on in the barn. She pointed it out to Abraham and he suggested they try looking for Anna in the barn first. Lydia followed her brother's lead, holding tightly onto her cloak.

Once they were near the barn, they heard voices talking in hushed tones. One belonged to Anna. The other sounded familiar, but it seemed out of place. "Woody only thinks he's changed, Annie. Mostly his problem is that he married the wrong woman."

"Caleb?" Lydia whispered with a furrowed brow as Abe pushed his way into the barn. She groaned as she heard a gun click and then followed her way inside the barn.

"Lyddie-girl, you too?" Caleb asked with a toothy grin as he lowered his gun. Lydia just nodded her head as she made her way beside Anna. With a smile on her face, Anna reached out and gently brushed Lydia's shoulder.

"Well, are you going to tell them why we're here or not?" Lydia asked, looking at her brother.

"I bear gifts from New York," Abe said with a grin on his face.

Caleb laughed heartily. "What'd you find out?" he asked.

Abe looked at Lydia. For a moment, she thought that he was going to break the news of her engagement. Lydia's stomach flipped. But instead, he said, "Well, that while the Royal Army prepares to stand down for the winter, a brigade of Hessian mercenaries 1,500 strong readies to march to Trenton."

Lydia breathed a sigh of relief as Caleb started to laugh again. "Gold. It's gold. I gotta get this back to Ben right away."

"There's something else you gotta know."

Lydia took a step between Abe and Caleb. She reached out and touched Caleb's arm. She wasn't sure she could trust Abe to keep her engagement a secret and Lydia wanted to be the one to tell Ben. Not Caleb. "We will help you get out," Lydia said before Abe could say any more. "You can trust us."

Caleb found Lydia's last statement a bit odd. "I do. I do trust you," he said.

"What Lydia means is that she found another way to help out the cause," Abe said in a low voice.

"Abraham, don't," Lydia hissed.

Both Caleb and Anna looked quite confused. "What is going on, you two?" Anna asked with her hands on her hips.

Lydia looked at Abraham pleadingly. "Not now."

"Either you tell them, or I will," Abraham told his sister. Lydia folded her arms across her chest childishly. She hated her own game being played against her. Lydia shook her head. "Fine," Abe said. "Lydia is engaged to a British officer."

"What?" Caleb roared turning angrily toward Lydia. "What about Benny-boy? He loves you. He..."

Anna placed a hand on Caleb's shoulder, cutting him off. Surprisingly, Anna's reaction was the exact opposite of Caleb's. Her demeanor remained calm. She placed herself between Lydia and Caleb. "I'm sure there's a logical explanation."

Lydia nodded her head. "He-he's also adjutant of gathering intelligence. I have no intention of marrying him. I-I'm just trying to placate my father while helping the cause."

Caleb exhaled. "I don't like this. Not one bit. And Benny-boy won't either."

Finding her courage once more, Lydia placed her hands on her hips and stood tall against Caleb. "I didn't really have a choice in the matter. Or would you have preferred I be married to another officer by Christmas? I don't have to explain myself to you."

"No, but you will have to explain to Ben."

"Which I fully intend on doing...on my own...without your help, Caleb. I need you to trust me." Lydia and Caleb locked eyes, her stern expression refusing to break away.

When Caleb saw that she was not going to back down, he nodded his head. "I might not understand, but I do trust you Lyddie."

"So, you'll let me tell him then?"

Caleb sighed. "I don't know if Ben will be able to get away. He was reprimanded rather harshly for Simcoe."

"Simcoe? What of him?" Abe asked, interrupting them.

Caleb winced slightly. "There-there's something you need to know..." He sounded rather uncomfortable as he spoke the words. He opened his mouth to speak again, but Anna cut him off.

"Let them hear it from me," Anna said, gently touching Caleb's arm. "Simcoe is dead. They hid his body to make it look like he'd run off like the cowardly blackguard he was."

Abe nodded his head. Lydia felt a slight wave of relief crash over her. Given her current situation, she had forgotten the torment that was Captain Simcoe. Thank the Lord he would no longer be a thorn in her side. But that still didn't take care of her current predicament.

"Caleb, I need you to get Ben here...for my birthday. He always comes on my birthday. I will tell him then."

"I don't know, Lyddie," Caleb sighed.

"Caleb, please? I need Ben to understand. And if anyone can make this happen, it's you."

Rather reluctantly, Caleb agreed to try. He still was not sure he could make it happen, but he would try. Abraham stayed in the barn with Caleb while Lydia headed for the house with Anna. Lydia was in need of understanding company now more than ever.

Author's note: Sorry it's been a while! Things have been kinda crazy since I last updated. I moved 2,000 miles across the country, got settled into a new job, then within the last 6 weeks I broke my toe, ruptured my eardrum, had an old friend die, found out my godmother has Alzheimer's, and I suddenly got temporary custody of my little sister. So-crazy times. But thank you so much to those who read this and stuck around. I really appreciate it. I hope that you liked this chapter! :)

I just wanted to say thank you to those who reviewed my last chapter! It means a lot to me.

Also, thanks to nixdragon for beta-ing for me.