Ben Franklin looked at the businessman with half-open eyes. "Stuart, we both know that our dear mother country is pushing her limits. They have forgotten the lessons of their own history." Ben smiled as four children ran into the room.

"Uncle Ben!" A blonde-headed girl ran into the elder man for a bear hug.

"My goodness!" Ben laughed holding the girl tightly.

"C.C. I told you to keep it outside!" Stuart rose up and eyed the three children standing in the doorway waiting on his daughter.

"It’s alright Stuart. Children are the future of this land." He waved the others toward him. "Are you going to introduce me to your friends?"

"Friends!" C.C. made a playful face. "Hardly!" Her face was mocking a young blonde-headed man rolled his eyes.

"I’m Niles, sir!" Niles, who seemed to be the oldest of all the children, smiled taking Ben’s hand. Ben smiled, noticing the two boys.

"Ahh! You are Marie’s two boys!" He took the dark-headed boy’s head now. "Hello Maxwell." He smiled shaking the younger boy’s hand.

"Half brothers…" Stuart grumbled under his breath.

"A pleasure to meet you both, and who is this little lady?" The dark-haired girl hid behind Niles trying to hide from the old man. "Don’t worry. I won’t bite!"

"Little? I’m younger than her!" C.C. protested and Niles pulled her back. "Don’t be a meanie, Niles."

Stuart sighed softly. "Her name is Fran. We took her in as one of B.B. charity cases. I think next year she’ll be fully adopted."

"She hardly talks!" Maxwell chimed in.

"Alright, children you have met Mr. Franklin run along now, and find D.D. and Noel." Stuart waved them all away.

C.C. leaned in, kissing Ben’s cheek who giggled at her playfully. "Now my dear, remember don’t be so hard on those young men."

"I’ll try!" C.C. skipped out following her playmates.

"I’m watching the boys for James Sheffield. I think he would prefer I keep Niles." Stuart grumbled pouring more tea. "They are the most disagreeable family, but B.B. would like to see either C.C. or D.D. marry Maxwell in the future."

"Something we both must remember, our children rarely do what we wish." Ben took a final sip of his tea and rose. "Same can be said of politics."

"That was really Ben Franklin?" Maxwell’s eyes grew wide. "That’s so amazing."

"He’s my godfather!" C.C. giggled, twisting and twirling around in her new dress. "Sarah’s going to come over later today!"

Niles rolled his eyes. "C.C. Is that all your head is full of--fluff?"

"Listen half breed!" C.C. growled as Maxwell and Fran moved out of their way. It was a signal for battle. "Don’t you have to go worship at your step-daddy’s feet after this?"

"Like you worship at your father’s feet?" Niles felt his face grow flush. "Little girl, there is more to life than just status, and who is coming over to play."

"You never know how to have any fun, Niles. Maybe you should become your brother‘s butler."

"If your kind of fun is sneaking into your father’s liquor cabinet with Fran and D.D., I’ll pass."

"How in the--" C.C. closed her mouth realizing that Niles had her cornered.

"I didn’t know. You just told me." Niles winked at the eight-year-old walking out.

"C.C., you can lighten up on my brother! Dad already gives him a hard enough time." Maxwell frowned looking toward C.C.

"When he lightens up on me… I’ll lighten up on him." C.C. sighed, looking toward the brown-headed girl running into the room. "SARAH!"

Maxwell blushed watching her walk in the room.

1775...

"I can’t believe you allowed that Sheffield boy to slip away." B.B. grumbled while helping C.C. into her party dress.

"Doesn’t it bother you mother? We might be heading toward a war with England? Uncle Ben hasn’t been invited over in… months!"

"C.C. you need to stay away from Ben Franklin. He has already put crazy ideas into your brother’s head." She pulled on C.C.’s dress trying to straighten it. "Remember a good wife doesn’t have such ideas."

C.C. fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Yes mother…" She groaned loudly.

"C.C.! Ladies don’t groan!"

"Mother, I’m sure you do a lot of things ladies shouldn’t do." C.C hopped down winking at her mother. "If you are worried about me finding a husband …doesn’t."

B.B. sighed shaking her head. "You are going to end up like that aunt of yours."

"You mean the extremely rich and smart one?" C.C. teased looking in the mirror. "I know Sarah can’t come. I wish society didn’t have such a silly practice."

"Only farmer’s wives show off a pregnant belly. Child what am I going to do with you?"

"Wish me a happy birthday?" She smiled leaving the room.

"Stop it old man, we both promise Sarah we would go." Maxwell smirked watching Niles shift.

"I should be in school why in the heck do I listen to James?" Niles looked at the small package. It took him forever to find it going from box to box. "She’s an uptight Babcock anyway."

"Old man what are you going to do if we have open warfare with England?" Maxwell dropped his voice so the drive couldn’t hear him.

"The same as you." Niles smirked he had known Maxwell’s mind on the subject. When Niles dared to come home from school he would hear both James and Maxwell argue politics. "You are going to become a father soon. Max I wouldn’t trouble yourself with such things."

Maxwell blushed with renewed pride. "Alright old man, no more talk."

The Babcock home was always huge and daunting to him. Niles preferred as a child to hide himself by talking to the servants rather than dealing with the adult Babcocks. "Niles!" Michael a freed black man who acted as the head of household took his hand. "Good to see you!"

"Michael, sir!" Niles took the man’s hand. "You remember my brother Maxwell Sheffield?"

Maxwell took the man’s hand. Niles walked side by side with Michael. "Any word from Fran of late?" Niles had felt like her protector growing up. Fran and him shared a bound of being inside this rich world, and yet out of it.

"Well, sir, seems like things are going well for her and Mr. Daniel. Boston is still locked up tight as a drum. Mr. Babcock does get letters from her, and sometimes Miss C.C…"

Niles felt his stomach growl again.

"Butterflies?" Maxwell smirked walking behind him.

"Stuff it." He growled back at his brother.

"Now Old man you should tell her how you feel." They both looked around the crowded house.

"You know the last letter I got from Fran; she was learning to be a blacksmith." Niles mumbled toward Maxwell.

"Sounds like her always breaking the normal rules." Maxwell smiled softly thinking about the young woman he knew so long ago. "Did she say why?"

"She claims the smithing helps her stay thin." Niles smirked as Maxwell tried to contain his laughter.

"Yes … that’s Fran." Maxwell placed his small present in the pile. Niles carefully placed the small box with the others, and moments later picked it back up.

C.C. was surrounded with a large number of young men she had no interest in. B.B. Babcock seemed to be forcing the best and brightest down toward her child. "She looks like a trapped pigeon." Maxwell grumbled sipping at the punch.

"I think she is rather enjoying herself." Niles teased, and at that moment felt the push from Max.

"What?"

"Well, old boy, go rescue her." Maxwell had his playful grin going. "Do it or I will tell Sarah you failed!"

Niles’s face dropped. Sarah Sheffield could be more of a terror than B.B. Babcock. The difference between was that Sarah would act out of caring. "Alright… Sir…" Niles added mockingly.

Niles parted the crowd. "So is this were we place our bets gentlemen?"

"Bets?" B.B. turned to face Niles.

"O! I’m sorry… I thought for a moment this was a horse stable." Niles teased noticing the flare in C.C.’s eyes.

"If this was a stable, Niles you would be shoveling…."

"C.C.!" B.B.’s jaw dropped watching her daughter with renewed worry.

"I must beg your forgiveness Mrs. Babcock, and ask to borrow your daughter for a moment. " Niles smirked holding out his hand toward her.

"I don’t think…" B.B. didn’t have enough time to finish before C.C. was lead away by Niles.

"Nice save half-breed." C.C. smirked looking up at his deep blue eyes. "What, or who do I owe the thanks to?"

"Sarah thought you might need an out, and since it would look indecent if Max did it." Niles teased noticing C.C.’s face start to twist.

"I’ll have to sneak by, and see dear Sarah again."

They both walked out into the garden followed by a male servant. "Is he really needed?" Niles eyed the elder man. "I don’t bite, that much do I?"

"That tongue of yours is very sharp." She pushed at her hair wanting to push her hair behind her ears. She quickly remembered her mother’s efforts putting it up.

"Yours can be equally sharp my dear." Niles lifted up her chin. "Ask him to leave C.C." His eyes seemed to twinkle like stars.

"William. Leave for a moment will you?" C.C. turned to face the servant.

"Miss Babcock the good lady will have a fit!" The servant took one look at C.C. face, and thought better of disagreeing with her.

"You are a handful do you know that?" Niles smirked shaking his head.

"I’m more than any man can handle." She batted her eyes at him. "You’re not even a full man Niles, didn’t you call me a witch last week?"

Niles froze looking at her face. "How in the--"

"You’re not the only one that now listens to servant gossip." C.C. moved closer tickling his chin. "I learned from the best."

"C.C. now is not the time for games." Niles wanted to get to the point.

"So serious now are we?" She lifted up her dress sitting on the stone bench. "Well I’m waiting for it!"

"Waiting for what?" Niles held his hand behind his. He felt his hand starting to shake.

C.C. licked her lips waiting. They had fought madly as children. The playful banter was always hiding something deeper. She looked up at Niles who was now frozen. "You know William will return any moment with mother in tow?"

Niles quickly found a seat next to her handing her a small box. Handing over the neatly wrapped package, Niles felt his heart skip a beat. "This is for you."

"Silly bell boy, you could have left this on the table." She began to unwrapping it and stopped once the box was opened. The silver ring caught the afternoon sunlight, and the diamond added to the twinkle.

C.C. was speechless as Niles knelt before her. "Ahhh now the harpy is tongue tied." He played taking the ring out of its box. "Do you know how long I have loved you?"

"I…I…" She couldn’t find her words, and felt the stinging of tears forming in her eyes.

"I have already asked your father, and he approves. Please C.C. in this world, I need you! I think you need me as well." He slipped the ring slowly onto her finger. "Marry me…" His final words soft with longing as he waited her answer.

C.C. blinked trying to focus. Niles was everything, her playmate, her secret crush she had kept from her mother all these years. Her father must have known, if he had given his permission to Niles.

"Are you going to give him a response kitten?" Stuart was yards away waiting with William who was also grinning.

Niles felt flushed feeling her arms tightly around his neck. He always guessed they would be around his throat not in a heated kiss. "C.C.!" B.B. Babcock roars noticing the pair in the lip lock. "Stuart what is going on here I demand to know."

"Our daughter was asked, I approved, and she accepted." Stuart smiled placing his hands behind his back. "

C.C. smiled looking into his eyes. "You really want to be stuck with me?" She held his face in her hands.

"I couldn’t stop dreaming about you." Niles purred back playfully. "When Sarah told me…"

"Remind me to beat her up later for breaking a promise." C.C. at last noticed the gathering group. Maxwell had made his way to the garden his jaw clearly on the floor.

"You didn’t tell me, old boy!" Maxwell lifted his head up.

"There is so much to do! We have to plan the wedding." B.B. was about to start in on all her huge plans.

"No." Niles said softly never taking his eyes off C.C. "I wish, I could give you a huge wedding, but we both know why?"

C.C. frowned shaking her head. "What side are you going to fall on?" She already knew her father supported the English.

"I love you." He mumbled kissing her forehead. "Always remember that."

"Alright Niles!" Stuart smiled walking toward his daughter. "She’s not yours yet."

"Not yet, sir." Niles smirked rising up to Maxwell shaking his hand.

"Come on my dear." B.B. pulled C.C., and Stuart out of the garden leaving Maxwell and Niles alone.

"Max." Niles’s voice was filled with dread. "I had to lie to him, like we did with James." Maxwell sighed placing a hand on his shoulder. "He thinks we are going to join the king’s army."

"Does C.C. know?"

"C.C. knows which side we’ll all fall. She’s smarter than anyone gives her credit for." They both walked inside into the gathering crowd.

"You’ve always given her credit Old boy."

Fran looked around at the gathering British troops on the streets. "Fran are you sure?" No one had known what had happened to her husband Danny back in New York. She knew that her adoptive family would just glance over the names of those killed by British troops that night. They would never notice Danny’s name."

I’m sure Paul." She smiled sadly. "It’s the least I can do…for Danny…" She watched as Paul readied himself for his long ride.

"You could go home Fran, and have a pleasant life of luxury." Paul took both her hands in his. "My wife and I are happy to take you under or wing. Happy to have you watch our children and learn from me. I just foresee better times for you."

"I foresee better times for us all. I know I’ll have to face my family with the hard truth sooner or later Paul." Her voice still had a nasal tone to it. B.B. Babcock had spent years trying to train the girl out of that awful accent. "I would just prefer to be on better footing."

"Alright, I must be away. Stay safe and stay inside for the night." He closed the shop door and Fran sighed. She pulled out a four leave clover. The dried plant felt so lifeless in her hands.

*"Look! I found it first!" C.C. laughed picking up the clover. "They say it will bring you good luck." *

"Maybe your luck did run out for me… "Fran sighed holding it tightly. "Oy, she climbed up the ladder toward her room.

"How did you manage to get Fran out of Boston for this?" C.C. ran her hands over her white dress.

"It wasn’t easy Kitten. Francine has been rather distant of late. Stuart shook his head watching the final touches on C.C.’s wedding dress. "I suppose Niles will be off after the wedding?"

"Too soon." C.C. frowned trying to hold back her guilty face. "Sarah is bringing Margaret to the farm house. "

"It’s awful! I trained you to be a high class lady and what does that boy want." B.B. snarled trying to keep her daughter still.

"Mother it’s his house. You can’t expect me to stay under your roof all my life?" C.C. hissed at B.B.

"He is a half breed C.C. You are better than him." B.B. felt the sharp pull from C.C.’s hand pulling him upward.

"Mother… Remember this… I might call him names, but if you ever put him down in front of me again. I would be prepared to face your maker." C.C. clicked her teeth with a low snarl.

Niles shifted looking at his finely made suit. Maxwell smiled watching his older brother in front of the mirror. "You look fine Niles."

"I feel rather silly." He groaned and reached to tickle baby Maggie.

"Would you like some luck?" The nasal voice shook the room. Fran smiled softly as the men turned. Sarah had her by the arm was also smiling broadly.

"I found her trying to hide herself away as usually." Sarah patted Fran’s arm.

"Hello scarecrow." Fran’s arms wrapped around Niles’s neck, and she hugged her friend tightly.

"Thank god! We have been worried about you." Niles muttered in her ear. "You haven’t sent me a letter in some time"

"I didn’t mean to worry anyone." Fran received the hug from Maxwell who handed over Maggie. "She’s beautiful." She shook the baby softly who gave her a small giggle as a reward.

"We missed you. Is Danny around?" Niles turned his head expecting the gifted craftsman right behind his wife.

"No… You know how Danny feels about Boston." Fran’s voice was light, both Maxwell and Niles detected the faint lie.

"How bad is it in Boston?" Sarah quickly changed the subject detecting the tension. "Are troops really shooting people on the streets?"

Fran nearly choked. She fought the bitter laughter that wanted to rise in her throat. "Oy… Sarah, I could tell you stories." She handed a small box over to Niles. "For luck."

Niles opened it slowly finding the childhood treasure now incase in glass. "Fran did you do this?" He gasped noticing the craftsmanship.

"A friend did it for me. I figured it was time to properly protect our given treasure." She winked toward the others.

"Come on my darling." Maxwell took Sarah’s arm as she took Maggie.

"Love you…" Sarah whispered in Fran’s ear walking out of the door.

"You know don’t you Scarecrow?" Fran’s voice was soft and broken.

"C.C. found Danny’s name among those fallen in the paper." Niles took her hand. "Fran, why didn’t you come home earlier?

"Why ask questions you already know the answers to?" Fran smiled touching his chin. "We are still two of a kind Niles; both of us don’t belong in this world."

"Yet somehow we both have to survive in it." Niles’s eyes started to water. "I mourned for him, and for you."

"Please… Don’t tell Daddy. I don’t want to come home and have B.B. hover over me." Fran groaned watching Niles’s smile grow. "You are going to blackmail me aren’t you?"

"I am just hoping you’ll at least come to my father’s farm house. If you promise to make that effort then I will not tell Stuart."

"Tell Stuart what?" Stuart Babcock eyed his soon to be son in law and his adopted daughter.

"How much I dislike B.B." Fran groaned trying to cover for Niles.

"Now tiger she’s your mother." He took her arm smiling. "Next time I want Danny here he shouldn’t miss a family event!"

Fran nodded keeping her eyes fixed on Niles.

Niles smiled watching the pair walk out. He lifted the encased clover in his hands smiling. "Hopefully you’ll treat me better than you did that little lady." Niles heard the door click and felt himself inwardly groan… James Sheffield had entered the room.

"Oy, this can’t be good." Niles sighed turning around. "James…" He eyed his step-father worried.

"Now Niles I promised your mother I would be on my best behavior." He reached over to fix his step-son’s coat. "You got quite a charming young lady. I hope you will think about practicing law in the city after this….rebellion is handled in Boston."

Niles groaned he wasn’t going to fight with him… Not today… "I’ll think about it Sir."

"Good… We could use your help once Maxwell is finished with his studies."

"Yes sir…"

"I am proud of you boy." He smiled patting Niles’s shoulder. Niles felt himself start to blush. He had always longed for this man’s approval. Niles had earned it by marrying a Babcock.

"It’s time old boy." Maxwell called inside the room.

The wedding was not the affair B.B. Babcock was hoping for. C.C. and Niles had only allowed fifty people to attend the event. Niles Butler wanted just close friends here. The only one that couldn’t attend was Ben Franklin. C.C. was at first heartbroken she had loved the old man, but something in his letter had brighten her mood.

Niles watched as C.C. came floating down toward him and Maxwell. Niles winked at his crying mother. "Now would be your only chance to run from her, old boy." Maxwell joked whispering.

"Can you outrun a horse?" Niles joked back. His heart swelled up causing him to blush as C.C. now was by his side.

*"C.C. what ever happens I’m going to join the Continental Army with Maxwell."* Niles had to tell her it was only days before he was going to marry her.*

*""Are you to chicken to join a real army?" Her smile was bright touching his chin. She watched as Niles’s face fell. "Niles! I was kidding! I love you no matter what army you join. I know you are joining the right side." *

Niles could barely remain focus what ever was to happen these next few months. He would have this time with C.C. nothing else mattered. "I do…" Niles said softly placing a wedding band to join her engagement ring.

C.C. smiled picking up a ring placing it on Niles’s hand. Niles couldn’t focus on her words. Niles wanted to be alone with her, and away from public viewing. Every moment they had together over the years had been shared, and he at last wanted to be selfish. He notice C.C. start to flush looking back into his eyes. *For tonight the war doesn’t exist… Only you.* He kissed her hands as the priest declared them man and wife.

Niles felt his inside groan sitting at the dinner. He wanted nothing more than to reach the hotel. "You are in deep trouble Mrs. Butler when I get you alone." He was going to enjoy calling her that!

C.C. blushed holding his hand tightly. "Why? You’re a sorry excuse for a man!" She jumped walking inside her father’s house. Niles responded by softly blowing on her neck. His hands started to reach out to her trying to find her soft skin.

"I mean to have you at last C.C." He growled kissing her neck. His kisses started to become more demanding.

"NILES..! That is not proper I don’t care if you are just married." Marie came up behind the just married couple. "C.C.! Niles! Inside now no skipping out like Sarah and Maxwell did."

"They had the right idea…" Niles grumbled as they both walked inside the Babcock home. This was one home that never did feel friendly to him.

Fran walked around the huge room avoiding all the guests. She was in no mood for this party, but was putting on a good front for her friends. C.C. managed to sneak up behind her. "Why are you hiding?"

"B.B. is giving me an evil eye. I thought it would be best to stay out of her way." Fran smiled hugging her neck. "I’m so happy for you. "

"Fran, I’m so sorry about Danny." She took her hands pulling her aside. C.C. spoke softly so no servant would over hear her words. "Why didn’t you tell anyone?"

"Because! We both know daddy would have demanded that I come home." Fran smirked letting go of C.C.’s hand. "Chastity, don’t worry about me this is your wedding day." Fran’s nasal voice only showed a hint of breaking.

"Come here my dear!" B.B.’s call rang out in the large house. C.C. let out a large groan.

"So you see we must support the crown. It only makes sense for our families in order to protect our interests. Ahhh! Francine!" Stuart pulled his adoptive daughter toward the gathering. "My daughter has been nearly trapped in Boston, because of those who would dare rebel against our king."

Fran felt her cheeks grow red. "Yes daddy." Fran’s words became soft while searching for her escape path. She quickly made her way away from the group. Maxwell and Sarah turned watching her run out of the house.

Niles entered the buggy waiting for the horse driver to move forward. C.C. had her arms now wrapped around his neck. "How long do you have until you sneak away from me?" They had a few hours before they would make it to his father’s house.

"A week then Maxwell and I must meet Ethan, or should I say General Allen." He wanted to pull away for her, but C.C. pulled him into a deep kiss. "You better be careful." Niles lifted up the clover. "Fran gave me this." He winked teasing her neck with his rough fingers.

"I doubt you’ll need any luck tonight Niles." She purred trying to remain decent. She wanted to curse her mother for the choice of an open carriage buggy. "How long have we waited?" Her hands teased him, as he teased her.

"Trollop, you better behave, or we’ll never make it." He groaned taking both her wrists forcing her to behave.

C.C. fell asleep during the two hour long drive to the small farm house Niles’s father had owned. It was one of the few things he had left his son. James Sheffield had paid for its upkeep and a small staff to look after it until Niles proved old enough to handle his own affairs. "You better not drop me." She groaned trying to wake up.

Niles held her tightly walking past the fence. He found the house open, and ready for his entrance. He did not stop heading upstairs with his new bride in his arms. C.C. had no time to enjoy the finely craved flowers in the walls, or the wood panels done by John Butler years before his death. "I’ll drop you." Niles groaned dropping her onto the feather bed. "I hoped you gained some strength from your nap woman." Niles pressed his body on top of hers.

"I don’t think you can keep up with me." She used her strength pushing Niles over and onto his back. "We will see who the better man is tonight." C.C. had opened a door wondering if he would tease back.

"Well at least tonight I’ll get my proof." Niles smiled teasing her one last time. She heard the tearing of her dress and giggled. Niles didn’t want to wait any longer. C.C. found herself unable to wait. The pinning of his shirt buttons flying across the room. Niles knew he might not get another night like this one, and he was determine make her feel his desire.

"Niles…" She groaned as he managed to strip her of her first layer.

"Why in the name of all that holy do women hide themselves in such clothing?" He groaned noticing C.C. had several layers of undergarments on.

"To torture men." She pulled his dress shirt from his leggings. His tent like groin was now rubbing against her thigh. "I see that it’s working."

Niles groaned taking her lips now freeing her soft belly. "We will see now who begs for mercy." His low growl make her skin crawl as he found a harden nipple. She started to seek a way to fight back. Her hands now found his groin undoing his ties pulling down his leggings.

"I don’t… beg…." She moaned loudly happy that this house was empty. She was fighting the desire… To … beg…

"We will see." Niles made his way down her belly pulling off layers. Freeing his now wife from the restricted clothes. She made a sound that caused him to gush with pleasure. Her hips rose up to met with his.

"Damn you." She groaned as her hands held onto his bare rear.

"I think you already did when you said yes." He smiled taking her lips again not giving her a chance to retort back.

C.C. felt the ache of joining with a man. The soft slow pull then as Niles bit her neck her mind was caught up in that pain. He had entered her fully without her even realizing it. "Niles…" Her voice was just a whisper… He was going so damned slow!

"Yes?" Niles was using all his will power to keep from rushing. His lips formed a teasing smile as he took hers.

"Please?" C.C. gave into defeat. She was rewarded with the full power behind his thrusts.

Maxwell sighed taking Maggie in his arms walking around his living room. "You see we live in interesting times Maggie." He had just finished telling her a story about an evil king that would tax his people, and of course Maggie fell asleep.

"You look so charming holding her." Sarah leaned on the stairway. She had been watching Max pace up and down rocking the babe slowly.

"I didn’t want to wake you my dear!" He frowned walking up toward Sarah. "I just couldn’t sleep, and neither could young Margaret here."

"Thinking about Fran too?" Sarah sat on the steps and Maxwell quickly found a space next to his wife.

"When we were children… She and Niles always had this understanding. I could never get close to him, but she could. I have this feeling she wants to make it on her own." Maxwell handed Maggie over to Sarah.

"I think something more is going on with her. Danny didn’t show up their must be a reason behind it." Sarah frowned rewrapping her sleeping daughter. "After you leave my darling I’m going to join C.C. at the farm house."

"I really wish you would stay in the city. It is much safer here." Maxwell started to rub his temples in worry.

"Now Max, We can’t live in fear, and besides C.C. told me Fran promised Niles she would make an appearance this time." Maxwell lifted his head up smiling.

"Good! I just worry about you my darling!" He leaned over rubbing his nose softly against Sarah’s

"How about we put this little one to bed and you show me how much?" Sarah teased him with a soft wink standing up.

*Well old boy… For tonight it can’t get any better! Let’s just hope this week goes by slowly.* Maxwell’s thoughts about wars would wait for another night.

Her hand reached over softly touching his bare chest. She wanted to make him stay a week here with him wasn’t enough time. Her lips softly kissed his neck. "Are you going to lie in bed all day?" She purred softly noticing Niles had playfully placed the four leaf clover over their bed. "Hoping to get lucky?"

"I think I already did." He laughed turning around pulling her into his arms. "I can never get enough of you Babs."

"Maxwell should be here with Sarah any moment." C.C. arched her back into his arms. "God! Niles!" She started to laugh feeling his roaming hands. He attached himself strongly to her left nipple.

"Maxwell should understand… These things!" He pushed her strongly against the bed. C.C. groaned softly as he pushed his necked body into hers. "I haven’t had my fill of you yet woman."

"Ah ha! At last you admit it!" C.C. tried pushing him forward, but Niles wouldn’t allow her to move. His playful smile filled the room with a bright glow.

"I admit that you are indeed a woman." He softly kissed her neck causing her to wiggle. "Every part of you, from your soft skin, to your demanding desires."

"My desires?" C.C. laughed feeling his hardness teasing her sore body. "You’ve keep me in this bed for three days." C.C. found herself frowning looking into his eyes.

"I love you always have." His hands touched her face softly.

"Promise you’ll come back." C.C. whispered softly in his ear as he pushed himself inside her. Niles was determined to push her fears away. He started sweeping her in waves of emotion and pleasure that rang out in the house.

Maxwell laughed walking inside the ten bedroom farm house. "Let me guess Martin… They haven’t moved yet?" He helped Sarah up the steps carrying little Maggie.

"Mr. Butler is getting dressed sir, and Mrs. Butler will be done in a few moments." He took bags off the horse drawn carriage.

"Martin…" Maxwell sighed walking over to the farmhand. "Undo the horses, and saddle them up."

"Yes, Mr. Sheffield." Martin left the room to a distress Sarah standing before him.

"It’s going to be alright my darling." Maxwell pulled his tearing wife into his arms.

"I will admit you look awful handsome in that Major’s uniform." She felt his strong arms around her.

"He just wants to boss Niles around at last." C.C. walked in the room. "The good Captain will be down in a bit." C.C. wrapped her arms around Sarah. "How are you doing?"

"Not good." She whispered softly in her. C.C. felt her own eyes tearing up as she turned to see Niles in his uniform.

"Well how do I look?" He turned around showing off.

"Like less of a man! How did you let Maxwell outrank you?" C.C. snickered holding onto him tightly.

"Is Fran coming…?" Sarah lifted up Maggie holding her babe tightly.

"She promised…" Niles sighed looking out the doorway. Niles pulled Sarah into his arms holding her tightly. "I’ll take care of Maxwell never fear."

"You’ll take care of me?" Maxwell snorted watching his brother and wife hug. "I’ll be watching your back, old man." Maxwell muttered patting C.C.’s back softly. "He’ll be alright."

"With the terrible twosome you can never be too sure." The voice was nasal but strong and clear.

Everyone turned face her. Fran dressed in simple clothes preferring them over the stylish clothes both Sarah and C.C. wore. "Fran!" Maxwell and Niles’s eyes both lit up rushing to hug the girl they had both protected over the years.

Maxwell quickly ended up by Sarah’s side. Niles held to Fran another moment. "I keep my promises scarecrow." Fran whispered in his ear as his arms were quickly replaced by C.C.’s.

The group of five stood still for a moment, looking at one another. "Alright!" Niles at last spoke up. "Who gets this?" he produced the four leaf clover waving it around.

"Niles you're supposed to have that clover for a full year." Fran smiled at his playful nature.

"I think from now on we better start a new rule." Niles took C.C.’s hand in his kissing it. "When ever the five of us meet we pass it on."

"Maxwell gets it next." Sarah couldn’t help, but feel an odd comfort.

"I shouldn’t… perhaps you ladies need it?" Maxwell tired to hand it over to his wife who backed away.

"No Max, take it!"

"It could save your life." Fran added quietly taking Sarah’s arm.

"Max…" Niles sighed noticing the hour growing short outside.

Maxwell sighed placing the treasure into his bag. "Alright…I know Ethan is waiting for us." Maxwell pulled Sarah once more into his arms.

C.C. found herself fighting her own fears as Niles pushed his muscled body into hers. "Remember keep your head down."

"Any more advice Babcock?" Niles smirked kissing her lips softly.

"If you die I’m going to come after you." She snickered spanking him softly.

Fran stopped both men before walking out. "From Boston…" Two silver coins placed in there hands showing English soldiers attacking a crowd. "So you can remember." She smiled softly walking away.

They both walked down the steps carefully as Martin held two horses at the ready. "Well Captain go give them hell!"

"Watch after them Martin." Niles leaned down to take his father’s old friend’s hand. "Make sure no harm comes to any of them."

"I’ll do my best sir!" He handed over a small pouch. "God bless you both!"

Niles and Maxwell both tipped their hats toward the women as Sarah felt faint. "What’s wrong sweetie?" Fran held Sarah upright.

"I just got a funny feeling…" She mumbled taking Fran’s hand in hers. "Like I will never see him again."

"He’ll be back." Fran smiled helping her into the house. "Coming C.C.?"

"In a bit." C.C. stood outside watching the horses disappear into the distance.

"They are WHAT?" Stuart stood before James Sheffield as his jaw as dropping. "I let him marry my daughter, and he told me he was joining the right side."

"He joined open rebellion." James took a sip of tea watching Stuart’s expression shift from shock to rage. "He took my son with him."

"My god! I have to go pull my own daughter out of his household." Stuart stood up looking around. "It’s bad enough Fran left for Boston today."

"Rumor has it your adoptive daughter isn’t exactly in Boston."

"What do you know Sheffield? Are you keeping up with my family?" Stuart eyed the English born gentleman carefully. He knew James worked for the colonial governor.

"You are an important business man Stuart. Everyone knows of your close friendship with Ben Franklin, so of course you are being watched. Now my wife, and I must deal with the shame of our sons fighting with rebels." James’s face twisted shaking his head slowly. "We all must do things to survive. The English army rules an Empire what can a Colonial army do?"

"I agree the crown will win this war, but what do you know about my daughter?"

James smirked sipping his tea again. "Which one?"

"Both! All three!" He growled hoping James would get to his point.

"I could give you the information … for a price!" He was now baiting Stuart.

"Leave Sheffield… Now…" Stuart rose up waving away his two butlers holding open his front door.

"How Babcock, don’t be hasty." James grabbed his coat smiling. "I am going to do what; I can to protect my son." He tilted his head toward Stuart. "Are you going to protect your family?"

"Leave…" Stuart now invaded James’s personal space forcing him out.

Niles smiled watching Maxwell arch his back. "Are we ready for this? Sir?" Niles laughed watching Maxwell’s face twist in pain.

"It will take some time to get use to that." He smirked watching Niles laugh. Two men saluted the pair walking toward the general’s tent. Niles and Maxwell both saluted Ethan Allen.

"Gentlemen, I am glad you could finally make it!" Ethan took their hands. "I would hate for either one of you to miss this party."

"I understand sir." Niles was already so formal.

"What’s the target General?" Maxwell wanted this over with now rather than later.

"Fort Ticonderoga" Ethan moved to open his battle map.

Fran walked the grounds slowly. "O no…" She saw Stuart riding toward the house. "Oy what is…. He knows." She answered her own question walking toward a waiting Martin.

"Is this going to be trouble Miss Babcock?" Martin looked to Fran whose face twisted at the sound of her adopted name.

"Martin… Call me Fran or Miss Fine please." She felt his eyes on her.

"Still fighting what you are tiger?" Stuart walked up hugging her tightly. "What are you doing here? I expected Sarah, but not you Francine."

"Hello Daddy." She held him tightly wanting to tell him everything she had been doing these past three years in Boston. All of Danny’s actives that had lead to his death.

"Daddy?" C.C. stepped out followed by Sarah. "What on earth are you doing here?" She rushed up taking Fran’s place in his arms.

"Do I need a reason to come visit one of my best girls? Where is Niles? Where is Maxwell?" He asked the question already knowing the answer. C.C. exchange worried looks with Sarah.

"Course either one of them are here. Fran is here without Danny…" Stuart sighed pulling off his riding gloves. "I don’t know where Noel is off too. D.D. has hidden her self away. Someone care to tell me what the hell is happening within my own family and friends?" He eyed the three women as Martin took his horse away.

"Stuart…" Sarah spoke softly. "You better sit down Mr. Babcock. This is going to take a while."

………………………………...................................................................................

Niles shifted looking around at his men. They had scored a small victory today taking the fort and it’s much needed supplies.

"Captain we need to have the men push these ox teams harder." Maxwell was now in his command role. Niles couldn’t help, but smirking being ordered around by his younger brother.

"Yes, sir." He saluted him, and watched as Maxwell moved his horse next to Ethan’s. Niles preferred to be with the men, while Maxwell was now on General Allen’s staff.

"You could have been sitting pretty like that." The private was an older gentleman. "You could have been apart of the staff too sir."

"I’m not pretty enough private to sit with those gentlemen." He smiled waving the solider onward. "We are pushing this to Boston boys!" Niles touched his wedding ring watching as the silver band made it glow in the light. "Please, God keep her safe."

………………………………..........................................................................................

"You mean to tell me Danny was involved in the mess out of Boston?" Stuart felt his temper rise, and his cheeks turned scarlet red. "I give another daughter to a man who promises to choose the right side, and what does he do??" Stuart threw up his hands.

"There is more than you know." Fran’s nasal voice came across soft.

"Oy…" Stuart sighed taking the tea Sarah had offered. "Sarah does your father even know about this?"

"Daddy doesn’t…"

"Know..." Stuart shook his head at the women. "I am going to have a strong talk with Danny if he hasn’t…"

Fran got up leaving the room unable to hear another word. C.C. stopped her father. "Daddy … Danny died a few months after Fran married him." Stuart blinked looking into C.C.’s eyes. "I don’t know all the details, but his name appeared in the paper as …"

"…As a man who caused problems for the crown…I’m sure…" Stuart turned to C.C. "If you knew why didn’t you tell me? She’s MY child."

Stuart’s words were bitter, and C.C. blushed from having kept such a thing from her own father. "I hoped… she would tell you on her own."

Sarah was taken aback watching this happen. She turned to look for a missing Fran. C.C. looked into Stuart’s stern stare. "He’ll be hanged as a traitor."

"Daddy…" C.C. walked away with Stuart hot on her heels.

"He’ll be hanged as a traitor to the crown, and you know it!" His hand reached out to turn her around to face him. "This isn’t the life I had hopped for you."

"What kind of life did you want for me, daddy?" C.C. felt talking to a brick wall. "Listen to me, I am not mother, nor am I D.D."

"Fran?" Sarah had found her leaning on a tree.

"I remembered his last words to me… This land is supposed to be free "She turned now to face Sarah.

"He did what he thought was right, and you couldn’t ask for anything else." Sarah sat next to Fran touching her hand.

"I remember my real parents Sarah… Sickly and poor… They so wanted a chance to practice their own religion without fear. "Fran held onto a silver necklace. "Since their deaths I have stood alone."

"We all love you … don’t shut us out." Her hand rested on Fran’s

Stuart turned to face C.C. once more unable to contain his rage. "I want you and Fran home … Tonight…"

C.C. was about to open her mouth, but instead another answered Stuart. "No…" Fran had moved quickly. "This is C.C.’s home now daddy, and I’m going to stay with her until Niles returns."

"Ugh!" Stuart grumbled. "Strong headed! Bull Headed!" He eyed the women. "Alright… Alright I will not drag you both out of here."

"Like you could." C.C. smirked she couldn’t remain quiet. "Remember daddy I can still best you." She winked handing her father his riding gloves. "You better head back now before mother notices you left."

"Going to tell her I have a mistress?" Stuart couldn’t help, but smile at her teasing. "I’m really worried about you and Fran."

"Daddy we are Babcocks. We’ll be alright." C.C. watch as Martin handed over Stuart’s horse.

"I only hope that they don’t regret their decisions." Stuart climbed on his horse and left.

"Niles…" C.C. closed her eyes feeling the cool metal on her ring finger.

……………………………….......................................................................................

Niles sighed enjoying the weight of his wedding ring. "How long you been married Captain?" The private he had spoken with earlier sat beside him smiling.

"We grew up together. We are newlyweds in truth." He smiled taking the offered drink.

"Ahhh, and you left her side to join in this mess?" the man couldn’t help, but laugh. He all the sudden stood up quickly causing Niles to jump as Maxwell came to join them beside the campfire.

"At ease, Niles, that looks wonderful mind if?" He tilted his head looking at the hot mixture Niles was drinking.

Niles coughed looking at the private. "Go ahead sir, I think private….?"

"I’m Edward, sir." He offered a small salute toward the officers. "Go ahead major drink up, and I can start telling fortunes."

Maxwell sipped at the drink which caused Niles to glare. "How can you drink that stuff?"

"You never had to play tea with Fran." Maxwell smirked taking another sip. Niles shook his head in amazement. "Yes Niles it was that bad!"

"How long before we see them all again? I wonder…" Niles sighed handing over this cup. "Here you go Private."

"Thank you sir!" The man looked inside the wooden cup stirring it around carefully. The man blushed having an odd look on his face. "I see many things sir!"

"Details man!" Niles grumbled he was rather enjoying this game. It was better than thinking about all the screams of dieing men he had heard earlier during the battle.

"You’ll see her again, sir." He smiled handing Niles his cup back. Niles felt his heart warm as he remembered holding her naked skin on his.

"Here you go private." Maxwell handed over his cup wanting to hear good news, even if he found this rather silly.

The private frowned, looking at the inside of Maxwell’s cup studying it. "You’ll out live this war…" The private added quickly getting up. Maxwell tilted his head looking at him.

"I haven’t dismissed you yet private?" Maxwell pulled him back down. "What did it say??"

"It’s not important sir." Edward now kept his head down, and his eyes focused away from Maxwell’s.

"Tell me what you see, and that’s an order…"

"Death of a loved one." Edward whispered getting back up and leaving the fire.

"Major Sheffield you must remember that craft is rather silly, and is frowned upon by the church." Niles placed his hand on Max’s shoulder. "Let it be Maxwell, both Sarah and Maggie are safe."

"I hope you are right, old boy…" Maxwell bowed his head in worry.

"Come on, maybe when we get close to Boston we can figure out what happened to Danny, and why Fran won’t speak of it." Niles took out a long pipe filling it with leaves. "Do not trouble yourself so Maxwell."

"When are we going to see the girls again?" Maxwell’s eyes grew distant.

"We must walk upon this path Maxwell, but I have a feeling they’ll find a way to see us." Niles remembered C.C.’s promise to hunt him down over the winter.

"I just remember something Fran used to say… ‘Oy, this can’t be good?’" Maxwell smirked as Niles laughed.

"Try and get some sleep Maxwell…Sir…" Niles rose up finishing his pipe patting Maxwell’s back.

……………………………….............................

C.C. found the farmhouse porch wonderful at night. The wooden rocker was a small comfort for her aching stomach. "Neither you nor Sarah have been feeling well since Daddy left." Fran handed C.C. some hot tea. "I left one nanny job only to find myself taking care of you two." She smiled sitting beside C.C.

"Well Nanny Fine, you do have a talent." She purred winking at her. "Noel’s joined the army… D.D.’s husband has joined."

"Daddy and B.B. know yet?" Fran grumbled sipping slowly.

"Not yet… News is George Washington was been made head of the army. This fight has only started, and already I feel a darkness coming."

Niles felt the butterflies enter his stomach while standing next to Maxwell. The man they stood before watched them with hawk like eyes. "I see you both did good service at Bunker Hill."

"Would have won too…" Maxwell grumbled to himself.

"That’s enough Major." He raised his gray eyes to Maxwell who blushed. "I would have you both ride with me."

"Sir?" Niles blinked looking at the elder man with renewed respect.

"I want you both to join me… What say you?"

Maxwell let out a deep breath walking outside the tent. "Well old boy things are becoming interesting. I can’t wait to write Sarah about this news."

Niles handed over a letter, and laughed at his shocked expression. "Don’t ask me how Fran does it… I am shocked that our letters make it to them."

"How do you know it’s Fran?" Maxwell stopped holding onto the letter tightly.

"She has a talent." Niles smiled quietly undoing C.C.’s letter. "I only wish she would write us one letter… Just one…"

"Niles… She’s still getting over Danny." Maxwell frowned remembering what they had both heard about Danny’s death. "My god Niles picture how we would feel if we…"

"A hate to think about it, sir." Niles walked inside his own tent after patting his brother on the back. The letter folded out slowly, a small piece of heaven far from home.

Dear Trouble, (Niles started to laugh C.C. had a new nickname every letter)

I fear hunting you down this coming winter might prove hard on me old man. YOU (It was underling heavily) did this to me! Keep your head down Niles. I will have to pay you back for keeping me hidden away for the next six months! I have to keep this letter short. Just remember you are in trouble Mr. Butler!

Chastity

Niles stood up smiling. She was-- They were going to have a child! Niles wanted to run home take her in his arms. Niles let out a long sigh as Maxwell entered the tent smiling just as broadly. "She’s going to have a baby!" They both said at once hugging each other tightly. It wasn’t long before a great sadness over took the pair.

……………………………….....................................................................

"I don’t know how you do it ,Miss Fine." Fran smiled watching Martin look at her shoeing a horse. "You watch over little Maggie, Mrs. Butler and Mrs. Sheffield…"

"Then I come here doing a man’s work?" She laughed causing the horse to jump softly upward.

"There are still good men out there." Martin’s voice dropped softly.

"Martin I don’t even know who I am anymore. For years I was the adoptive daughter of B.B. and Stuart Babcock. Soon as it was less fashionable B.B. pushed me aside for her blood children. My memories of the Fines left until Boston." Fran brushed the horse softly. Sarah walked carefully not wanting to interrupt, but she had to listen. "I ran into a man both me and Danny."

"Who was it, Miss Fine?" Martin listen closely to his new friend’s broken heart.

"My mother’s brother." Fran manage a faint smile. "He told me everything that had happened, and why I ended up adopted by Stuart Babcock."

Martin frowned getting up to help her. "What did he say?"

"B.B. Babcock is a cold woman, Martin. I’m sure you have heard the rumors."

"I have heard a great many things from both New York and Boston."

"My mother was married to a good man, but one day while working at a New York hotel ran into a rich business man. " Fran stopped her work rubbing her face into the horse’s side. "It was during the time B.B. was carrying Chastity."

Martin frown he had a sick feeling he knew were this story was going.

"My mother needed money, and felt lonely her husband had been working longer hours than her." Fran let out a long sigh shivering. "She found herself quickly pregnant unsure of who was the father."

"What happened?"

"Stuart Babcock used his contacts to have me placed at an orphanage. I ended up later in front of B.B. once other rich couples started to adopt poor children." Fran snickered finding herself bitter. "My uncle said… Stuart Babcock couldn’t take the chance of letting me go-- even if there was a small chance I could be his child."

Martin frowned deeply. C.C. had told stories on how Fran had pushed herself to try and earn B.B.’s love. Niles had once said to him that Fran Babcock had an odd understanding how he felt growing up. "What happened to them Miss Fine?"

"They are alive." Fran muttered softly. "I don’t look a thing like C.C., Noel, or D.D. What’s worse Danny shouldn’t have been out that night. Paul had told him to remain indoors. The English wanted to question him. My stupid curiosity cost him." Fran tried to hide her quiet sob.

Sarah was frozen. It had all made sense. Fran had stopped writing the Babcocks and them. Sarah slowly stepped backwards and out of the stables.

C.C. sighed looking at her mother’s letter. It was like every other letter she wrote. "Cold mother… Real cold." C.C. grumbled putting the letter down. "Sarah?" Sarah walked inside white as a ghost.

"I just got a sick feeling that’s all." Sarah retreated upstairs walking slowly. How could she tell C.C.?

C.C. frowned watching her best friend walk up the stairs. "She’ll be good company for the few months." She looked over some of the things Martin had written down about this farm. Fran walked in ten minutes later.

"Hello sweetie. How are you feeling?" Fran sat next to C.C. who offered her a glass of cool water.

"I’m fine plotting my revenge on Niles every time I think about him." C.C. snickered rocking back and forth. "Fran, if what you heard is correct this is going to be a long fight?" C.C. tilted her head toward the dark headed woman.

"The English are hard headed as we both know." Fran smiled shaking her head. "Should I go check on Sarah?" Fran sat up quickly as C.C. pulled her back down.

"You have been avoiding me. All of us." C.C. eyed her carefully. "I haven’t seen you act this way since you quit talking that time mother hired that speech tutor." She smirked remembering what Niles and Maxwell did to drive the fat nurse away.

"I think Mr. Sheffield had to pay daddy a few hundred pounds to replace everything they dirty with their catapults." Fran smiled brightly as C.C. took her hand.

"What ever is troubling you? I know you loved Danny, but don’t shut yourself out from the world. We need someone to care for us." C.C. smiled playfully.

"Where is Chastity Babcock and what have you done with her?" Fran teased and received a playful slap.

"You have done so much for us since they have left. Fran, I am sure Niles and Max miss you. "

"Your point?"

"Write them!" C.C. hissed handing a paper, ink and feather over. "If I recall you have rather pretty handwriting, even if you didn’t write home often enough."

C.C. retreated that night to the bed she had shared with Niles. Once again she took an odd comfort in the feel of metal. She closed her eyes trying to remember the last conversation they had in this bed.

"Why do you keep doing that?" Niles laughed playfully holding her tightly against his chest.

C.C. sighed looking at the wedding band trying to will him back into her arms. "Niles…" She mumbled grabbing the empty pillow holding it tight.

Sarah sighed in her own bed. She had not told Maxwell of the doctor’s warning about more children. She shifted in her bed trying to push the doubts away. Sarah then saw Fran’s face… She had been so broken blaming herself for Danny’s death…

Sarah sat up unable to stand it… If things go wrong…… Maxwell would fall apart… He would push people away… "It never hurts to be prepared." She pulled out the bottle of ink finding the quill.

………………………………..........................................................................................

Niles blinked at his words. *The general can’t be serious?* He looked at Washington’s face and grumbled to himself. "He’s serious…" Niles mumbled wondering what he had gotten himself into.

Maxwell quickly eyed Niles. *He’s not happy about this either.* Maxwell shook his head toward his older brother.

"Why are we even here then, sir?" a voice spoke out in the small crowd.

"We will keep this army together gentlemen no matter what happens." Washington sighed heavily. "Dismiss"

Maxwell shook his head. "The King will never agree to help, He has little power to do anything but whine."

"So much for peace." Niles lifted up the tent flap and followed Maxwell out.

Late December ,1775.….…or Early Jan 1776

Niles warmed his hands against the flattering fire. He looked at this torn coat and sighed. His mind raced watching his silver wedding band catch the fire’s red light. His mind raced closing his eyes he remembered that Christmas before their wedding.

"Are you alright, old boy?" Maxwell sat down next to Niles. "You seemed to be hundreds of miles away." He place a soft hand on his brother’s shoulder.

"I was remembering last Christmas." Niles sighed, his breath filling the night air with smoke. "I miss her." he raised his hands up next to the fire.

"I know, old boy. I miss Sarah, and I have a feeling we are fathers’." Maxwell smiled trying to cheer him up, but failing. "Niles I know what you wish we could do."

"Ride home?" Niles snickered grumbling. "Don’t worry Major."

"She’ll be alright, old boy."

Niles nodded taking another deep breath looking toward the fire once more. Maxwell rose up to face an oncoming general while Niles remained seated. "C.C. isn’t who I’m worried about." Niles mumbled holding tight a letter.

Fran could barely lift her head off the table. "Martin, Is the doctor here yet?"

"John went to get him Miss Fine, but I fear we might be on our own." Martin placed the hot water down taking her hand.

"Did you see Sarah’s bed?" Fran stood up slowly.

"I did Miss Fine." Martin’s own voice started to crack. "I’ll be watching Mrs. Butler if you want…I can tell her what’s going…"

Fran raised her hand quickly. "I’ll tell her... Sarah should be awake, go spent some time with her, and call me if Sarah comes closer to delivering."

"The doctor might not come, and if that happens…?" Martin looked into Fran’s pale eyes.

"We face what happens. All of us." She touched the elder man’s shoulder then walked toward C.C.’s room. Fran knocked softly on C.C.’s door.

"Hello sweetie may I come in?" Fran didn’t wait for an answer walking inside.

"What’s wrong?" C.C. shifted upward looking into Fran’s tearing eyes. She wasn’t in labor yet, but the doctor had force C.C. and Sarah both to bed rest.

"Sarah’s in labor." Fran sat on the bed taking C.C.’s hand.

"She’s going to beat me." C.C. grumbled laying back down. "What’s wrong Francine."

Fran reached out to C.C. "Doctor is away. Sarah is in labor…my god C.C." She found herself whimpering in her arms. "She’s bleeding, and I can’t make it stop--Martin and I have tried everything."

She felt her own tears start to sting her face. "Does she know this Fran?"

Fran shook her head slowly as C.C. lifted herself from the bed. "Well come on now."

"My god C.C. what are you doing?" Fran screeched her nasal whine.

"Helping you." She took Fran’s arm smiling. "What ever happens we face it together." Fran nodded walking toward the long hallway.

Sarah was mumbling trying to sleep between the painful kicking. C.C. froze noticing the red that covered the white sheets. "Sarah?" C.C. lowered herself by her bedside.

"Sorry…guess I’m as bad as Niles waking you up…" Sarah mumbled as C.C. took her hand.

"Niles has earned his own punishment when I see him." She smiled pushing Sarah’s hair out of her face. "What are you trying to do to us?"

"Sorry." Her face twisted in pain as Fran moved to check on her progress. "I don’t mean to put this all on Fran either. "Sarah’s eyes met Fran’s. "Life is too important to hide away. To hide things from other people."

C.C. sat up looking toward her sister. "What’s she talking about?"

"Fran I heard you talking to Martin…about…" Sarah’s face twisted as she felt the urge to push.

"Don’t try to talk, that’s not important now." Fran mumbled looking toward C.C. shaking her head.

"C.C., Don’t let them shut themselves away from life." Sarah pulled on her arm. "Fran’s doing it. Maxwell will too. Please." Sarah whispered softly not wanting Fran to hear her plead.

"Fran’s right, try to rest." C.C. blinked noticing how cold Sarah’s hand felt.

"Promise me." Sarah’s eyes looked into C.C.’s

"I promise." C.C. felt her own tears swell.

"Martin!" Fran called out loudly.

"Yes, Miss Fine?" Martin walked in rubbing his ears.

"Get Mrs. Butler back to bed will you?" Fran grumbled as Martin lifted C.C. to her feet.

C.C.’s hand touched Fran’s shoulder. "Do what you can." Her whisper was soft.

Niles paced he could no longer contain his own tears. He couldn’t bring himself to hand over Fran’s and Sarah’s letter. Every man should feel Christmas was about one child’s birth, and not about death. Maxwell walked inside the tent he was lead by a Sergeant. "Niles, this better bloody well be important."

He had just come from a meeting with General Washington. Niles had meet with the General earlier that day asking a favor of the man. Niles gathered his courage, but this was one battle he didn’t wish to face.

"Here Maxwell." Niles handed over two letters one open, and one sealed. Max could tell Fran’s handwriting. She had been writing to both of them via-- One letter.

Dear Niles and Maxwell,

I only wish I could ride out and tell you myself. Sarah gave birth just December 15^th to two lovely children. The girl she named Gracie and a son she named Brighton. The children are both small, and the doctor worried about them. (Maxwell smiled then frowned tat the letter’s tone.) I don’t know how else to write this… Again letters are so cold… Sarah lost a lot of blood during the twin’s birth. She left this world a few days later…

Fran…

Maxwell froze his face having lost all its color. Niles wanted to speak … He wanted to say anything that could comfort him. What can one man say to another? "General Washington has given us leave for the next two weeks Maxwell." Niles stood up placing a hand on each shoulder. "Let’s go to the farm house."

What worried Niles more than anything was Maxwell’s reaction… He stood there nodding slowly. "If the General wishes it. We will leave in the morning." Maxwell quickly moved outside the tent.

"My god…" Niles closed his eyes looking skyward. "Please help him." Niles held his unopened letter from C.C. He had wept for the past four nights since receiving the letters. He hadn’t the heart to look at her words.

Niles found Maxwell already prepared to leave outside his tent. He tilted his head toward his younger brother. "Sir." Niles noted Maxwell’s red rimmed eyes.

"Let’s get moving Captain." Maxwell remarked sharply. Niles felt himself let out an inward groan. Maxwell was going to hide behind military rank to avoid the subject of Sarah.

"Yes, Sir." Niles grabbed his things he stopped to notice the encased clover in last night’s fire. The thing was still in one piece, but Maxwell must have thrown it away in a fit of grief. Niles knelt quickly grabbing the childhood treasure.

"Come on Captain. Let’s get this over with." His accent was cold and formal.

*Over with? Dear god Maxwell you loved this woman. You have three children to worry about now!* Niles found his horse at the ready. "Well old boy…" Niles whispered in the horse’s ear. "Let’s go home and see my girls." Niles was able to read his letter at last… It didn’t contain the normal taunting…

Dear Niles,

Emily Sarah Butler

Chastity

Niles smiled it was a simple signal. Niles knew in truth C.C. was in grief over Sarah, and could not bring herself to write anymore. "I’m coming home baby." Niles followed Maxwell’s gray stallion down the path.

Fran let out a long sigh looking at Martin’s list. "Hire who ever you can Martin." She handed the list back. Fran had taken over running the farm from a grieving C.C.

"Fran you must think about getting some rest. Surely Mary could watch the twins, and little Maggie." He had been worried about Fran’s pale face. "You can’t do it all Miss Fine."

"Either could God, but he created the earth in seven days." Fran smiled at Martin. "I’m alright going … Hire who you can. I’ll see to the children." Fran climbed the steps slowly. The twins had been a handful, and Maggie had been crying every night since Sarah’s death.

"You should listen to Martin." C.C. was out of bed. She had been snuggling Emily tightly. "Nanny Fine let the real nanny do her job."

"Mrs. Butler, I need these things to keep busy." She placed her hand on C.C.’s shoulder. "I sent a message to daddy and B.B. about Sarah…"

C.C. let out a long sigh. "Great…" C.C. turned back toward her room. "What we need is the happily married couple here to lighten the mood." C.C. sighed remembering what the doctor said about the twin’s health. Fran had willed those children to live. C.C. had already started to grieve both Sarah and her unborn, but Fran did the impossible staying up the first seventy-two hours of both Gracie and Brighton’s lives.

"She’s going to pushed herself too hard." C.C. grumbled putting on some clothes. The doctor wanted her in bed for another week, but the hell with doctors.

"Mrs. Butler!" Martin walked in covering his eyes.

"Stop that Martin! It’s not like you can see anything with all my layers." C.C. walked toward her dressing table placing little Emily in her basket. "I’m getting out of bed! To hell with the doctor."

"Fran will kill me, Mrs. Butler." Martin let out a groan.

C.C. let out deep roaring laugh. It felt good to laugh they hadn’t since Sarah pasted away. The house had felt so cold. "Trust me Martin. My bite does hurt."

"Dogs often have that effect Martin." Niles’s tired voice rang out in the room like a breath of fresh air. C.C. nearly fainted shocked to see him. His uniform was dirty and torn in several places. He needed a shave, but having his arms around her felt so good. Martin slowly made his way out of the room.

"Thank God. Thank God." C.C. mumbled starting to sob on his dirty covered coat. She kissed his lips softly trying to fight her own tears.

"Shhhh… Babs… Careful people will start to think you have a soft side." He held her face in his strong hands looking into her eyes. "I’m sorry…" He couldn’t finish his statement as a small cry could be heard. "Emily?" Niles’s eyes lit up in joy.

"Yes." C.C. was quick to dry her eyes picking up the small babe in her arms. Niles felt his eyes tear up again looking at the two sets of blue eyes looking back at him.

Maxwell’s hands went across the cold granite grave stone. He was sitting before it for hours. The soft felt tears came rolling down his face. "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" Fran smiled softly. "I think that is what your bible says."

Maxwell felt his rage well up inside. "She’s dead, Fran."

"Is she?" Fran sat next to him taking his hand. "I say there are three souls that would beg to differ."

"They don’t need me." Maxwell growled trying push her away.

"Maggie, Brighton and Gracie are your family. They need you." Fran took his hand, and he quickly pulled it away.

"I give them too you." His voice was full of grief and sorrow

"I don’t buy that Mr. Sheffield." Fran sounded almost like her old self willing to fight for a cause. "Maggie needs you. Not me. She doesn’t understand any of this. Now that you are." Fran groaned watching Maxwell get up suddenly walking off. "Oy." She eyed the grave stone. "I am unsure about this Sarah. Please God, give me a sign." Fran raised her head toward the sky, looking back down she let out a groan seeing the Babcock’s carriage in the distance. "Oy… This can’t be good."

Martin walked down the stairs quickly looking toward Fran. "Is this going to be trouble?"

"Who knows… Martin… Around my father… Miss Babcock please…"

"Ermm?"

"Call me Miss Babcock…" Fran grumbled stepping on his foot. "Martin… Go quick and tell C.C. that Daddy’s coming… "

Martin ran upstairs to knock on C.C.’s door. "Mrs. Butler, your father and mother are coming down the street."

"Oy!" C.C. groaned holding onto Niles. "Fran told them about Emily, and Sarah."

"Anyway we can run away with Emily… Now?" Niles smirked as C.C. nibbled his neck. "You keep that up Mrs. Butler your parents are going to see more of you than they have in years."

"Let me get dress what to help?" C.C. walked toward her waiting clothing.

Fran groaned watching Stuart and B.B. climb out of the carriage. "You don’t look pleased to see us my dear?" B.B. smiled reaching out in an odd gesture of warmth toward Fran.

"I am always pleased to see family." Fran looked at the woman.

"My dear, a little less nasal please." B.B. walked forward and Fran couldn’t stop her eyes from rolling.

"Be polite my dear." Stuart took Fran’s arm leading her inside the house.

Fran grumbled readying herself for a long night. Mary was downstairs with both the twin and Maggie. "Ahh poor darlings!" B.B. leaned over the twin’s cradle. "What a sad fate for such a fine woman. Sarah had …"

"Such a sad fate giving up your life for your children…" Fran snarled unable to suppress it. "Ahhh hello C.C., welcome to the fun."

"Mother. Daddy." C.C. smiled as Stuart ran to claim his granddaughter.

"She’s as beautiful as her mother." Stuart caused C.C. to blush.

Fran leaned over to check on a whimpering Grace. "My dear, you should think about getting married again, and grace us with grandchildren."

Fran wasn’t in the mood to deal with her adoptive parents after settling Grace down she took Maggie outside. "Mary dinner will be in an hour… I’m going to go out.., and gather up or other guest."

"How rude…" B.B. growled. "I tried and tried to train that girl…"

"You tried to change her mother." C.C. now took Emily out of Stuart’s arms.

"We want you both home C.C." Stuart eyed his daughter.

"I want my wife here… "Niles walked downstairs he was clean shaven and now in normal clothes. "I think a husband wishes overrides yours."

C.C. couldn’t suppress her laugh. "I always followed my own wishes, and I’m staying here."

Fran found him by the pond sitting. "Okay little one… Go say hello to daddy." Fran sat down in the grass letting go of Maggie. If Fran couldn’t reach Maxwell maybe Maggie could. Fran watched Maggie walk slowly toward her father. Fran sighed heavily hoping that the little girl would remember--or at least--

"Da- da." She small girl pulled on her father’s shoulder breaking him out of his day dream. Maxwell’s eyes focused on his oldest child hugging her tightly.

"I’ll take that as a small sign." Fran looked toward the heaven rising up to leave.

"Fran…" Maxwell’s voice was faint. "Thank you…"

"Remember Maxwell. I understand. Really I do." She smiled and turned to walk toward the house. Now the real goal is to get him to look at the twins.

"Oil…" Fran jumped out of her skin watching B.B. hold Brighton. "Why are you still here?"

"My dear! You don’t have to be so … hostile…" B.B. rolled her eyes putting the boy down. "I am not all that bad Francine."

Niles smirked standing behind B.B. "Well for a Babcock you’re above average." Niles walked past B.B. to hug Fran tightly. "Where is he?"

"By the pond with Maggie. I would give him a moment, and maybe if we are lucky he’ll bless us with his presence." Fran laughed softly giving out her nasal laughter much to B.B.’s dismay.

"C.C.’s with Daddy?" She looked toward Niles who nodded slowly. "When do you have to leave again?"

"General Washington would like us to head back within a week." Niles groaned taking an offered muffin. "Thank you Martin."

"Good to have you home at least for a while Mr. Butler." Martin smiled offering B.B. one as well.

C.C. closed the doors turning to face her father. "Who wants us to come home you? Or mother?"

"It’s not safe for you here C.C. I can only protect you for so long." Stuart groaned holding little Emily in his arms. "It’s bad enough your brother was on the march into the north, and now your husband and brother in-law are working with…"

"The greatest traitor of them all?" C.C. rolled her eyes. "Babcock rule number ten… if you can’t win keep on moving, and live to fight another day… I think this Washington is smart."

"He can’t win C.C."

"Care to bet, Daddy?" C.C. snickered taking back Emily. "I have this gut feeling as long as he stays alive… He’ll win."

"This isn’t a game my dear, Kitten." His thumb ran over his daughter’s cheek.

"Life is a game. Isn’t that how you treated Fran?" C.C. let out a soft hiss toward her father. "Sarah told me a few facts in a letter, Daddy."

"What facts?" Stuart sat down slowly feeling his skin grow pale.

"Your affair. Your game to get mother to adopt the right child. Do you know Fran found out about all this the day Danny died?"

Stuart let out a long sigh. "So that explains why she didn’t come to me. Why she didn’t come home."

"Think long and hard before you do anything Daddy. We are all on our last nerve here."

C.C. smiled watching Niles put Emily down. "She loves attention like her mother." Niles mutter loudly so C.C. could hear it.

"I sure do." C.C. wrapped her arms around Niles’s neck. "Now troll pay attention to me." C.C. growled kissing his lips softly. She lifted her hand up this his cheek feeling his now smooth skin. "Has it been awful for you?"

"Pure hell, but I have a feeling you understand what hell is like. " His lips softly pulled on hers. "Seeing how your close personal friends with the devil himself."

"Only when making a deal to see your ugly face again." C.C. put her hands on her hips in a clear move to challenge him. Niles unable to stand it pulled her into a steamy kiss.

Fran pointed a few things out to Martin who walked away. His strong hands ended up on her shoulder. "Francine, Talk to me." It was Stuart’s soft yet strong voice.

"What do you want from me, Daddy?" Fran didn’t have the strength to take on Stuart Babcock not know. What was the old Babcock saying? Attack a problem at it’s weakest point. Well he had her alright.

"I’m sorry, I should have told you myself. If I had known how Sylvia’s family had multiplied." Stuart’s voice was full of sorrow. "I’m sorry my tiger."

"B.B. knows doesn’t she. That’s why. After my ninth birthday. She came to the table drunk. Isn’t it!" Fran growled turning around to face him.

"I was a damned fool, and came clean to her one night. I am sorry my dear. I should have told you." He pulled her into his bear like hug. "None of it is your fault… Fran… Danny’s death… Sarah’s… it’s not your fault…"

Fran felt herself whimper in his arms. She wanted to believe that he could be her father, but …the doubts remained. "C.C., D.D., Noel all have blonde hair and blue eyes…"

"Yes?" Stuart leaned back lifting her chin upward.

"I don’t…and I remember her…" Fran pulled away from him.

"Tiger… you are my daughter… No one else’s." Stuart stood their watching Fran walk away. He let out a long sigh turning to face Maxwell Sheffield. "Hello Maxwell how are you doing?" He offered his hand finding Maxwell unwilling to shake it, or unable. Maggie’s soft eyes peered out from behind his leg.

"She’s hurting." Maxwell cleared his voice. "Let her work things out on her own, Mr. Babcock."

"I wish … I could do that Maxwell … You’re a father… I would do anything for my children."

"But let them go?" Maxwell picked up Maggie who giggled. "Let her work it out… "Maxwell let Stuart Babcock alone with his thoughts. He walked the field toward the pond. Fran’s long black hair was waving in the wind looking out on the dark pond. *Maybe, Sarah was right in her letter… Maybe we can help one another…*

"Fran!" Maggie’s hand pointed toward the woman, and Maxwell managed a laugh. Maxwell placed Maggie on the ground allowing the girl to run into Fran’s arms. A twinkle pasted between their eyes. It wasn’t nothing more than a hint of a promise… Somehow everything would go on.

C.C. giggled pulling Niles’s shirt over his head. "Your parents are still here woman!" Niles growled as he felt C.C.’s hands run over his bare chest. Her lips demanding his full attention.

"How long do I have you for…?" She purred as his hands found the ties to her dress. They both dragged one another toward their bed.

"Two days." Niles growled pulling her first layer up and over her head. "Again we have guests here."

"They need to learn how to act like a married couple anyway." C.C. forced him to tumble on their bed. "Now. Be a good little servant, and serve me!" Niles took her hand pulling her body on his.

"Yes, my general." Niles sealed her lips with his.

Fran grumbled watching the Babcocks leave. She turned her head toward Maxwell. "You need a shave."

"I doubt. I could shave myself right now Miss Fine." Maxwell smiled teasing her. "My hands are still shaking."

"Come on." She grabbed his hand pulling him inside. "I did learn how to do more than just silversmith and blacksmithing in Boston."

Niles ran his tongue along her long neck causing a small moan to escape her lips. The echo of that wild noise shook the house. "Those two …" Martin grumbled handing over the shaving materials to Fran. Maxwell shifted uneasily in the set. "I swear after their wedding …people heard their noises from miles around."

Fran and Maxwell both looked toward Martin. "Martin… We so didn’t need to hear that about our siblings." Fran smirked taking the small bowl of water out of his hands. "Thank you Martin that will be all."

Another loud sound came from upstairs causing Maxwell to blush. "For heaven sakes!"

"Stay still" Fran wanted to laugh, but focused on shaving Maxwell. "It’s normal for them Maxwell you should know this."

"We were never… what do you mean normal?" Maxwell remained still fighting the urge to look directly in her eyes.

"Your thirteen birthday party when Niles stuffed that frog down C.C.’s dress?" Fran’s hands were quick and steady. "I try and picture that they are fighting up their."

"Knowing Niles and C.C. they are fighting while." Maxwell blushed as Fran made another pass. "Never mind."

Fran smirked shaving Maxwell’s neck carefully.

C.C. came running downstairs glowing. Fran’s arms crossed looking at her. "What?" C.C. blinked noticing her stern look.

"How did you find out?"

"Ermm… Sarah told me…" C.C. licked her lips looking into her deep dark eyes.

Fran let out a long sigh pulling C.C. into a hug. C.C. blinked it was a rare sign of affection.

C.C. smirked looking into her eyes. "I know I should be more caring toward you Fran, and for that I’m sorry." She brushed Fran’s hair back with her hand. "It’s just not who I am."

Fran smiled brushing C.C.’s hair back now. "We all have our ways."

"Indeed." Niles came walking downstairs smiling. "Speaking of our ways, Maxwell seen the twins yet?" Niles took C.C.’s hand kissing it softly.

"No…" Fran sighed sitting down in an empty chair. "I can’t force him either, and I won’t."

"Give it time." Niles grumbled.

"In life Niles… It’s the small things that are important. How much time does any of us have left in this world? You must live every day like it’s your last."

"Uh o… Fran’s getting all soft on us again." Maxwell walked in holding Maggie. "What did you two do to her?"

"Nothing!" Niles sat down pulling C.C. on his lap. "I could start something if you wish." Niles nuzzled C.C.’s neck causing her to jump.

Maxwell groaned sitting down holding onto Maggie tightly. "We leave tomorrow old man?" He looked over noticing Niles had attached himself to C.C.’s neck. "NILES!"

"Sir?" Niles looked around, and C.C. hopped off his lap. "Yes tomorrow, I wish we had more time."

"Would help if the two of you could keep your hands off one another." Fran smirked rocking in C.C.’s rocking chair. "Some of us have to eat in an hour."

"Well I’m sorry…" Niles smiled looking toward Maxwell. "Maxwell you should think about the children."

"What about them old man." Maxwell held Maggie so tightly she started to whimper. Fran didn’t have the heart to save Maggie.

"You are going to have to appoint a caregiver." Niles smirked as C.C. handed over a rolled paper. "Unless you want Mother and James to come gather them up."

Maxwell’s face twisted. "That would be interesting seeing how he joined the King’s Army."

"Did not!" Fran and C.C. both groaned softly.

"He did." Niles let out a long sigh. "That what mother’s letter stated. Along with the fact it would be wise to cut all ties for now."

Fran let out a long sigh. "Pardon me for saying this Mr. Sheffield, Mr. Butler. James was always uptight pain in the ass."

"Well said." Maxwell smiled writing a few things on the paper with ink and feather. "Does that look alright old man?"

Maxwell handed over the paper. Niles looked it over with C.C. trying to sneak a glance. "Are you sure about this Maxwell?"

"I think it’s the best choice." Maxwell smiled toward Fran. "Why don’t you skip dinner tonight?"

"What???" Fran sat up. "The twins?"

"We’ll handle them." Niles smiled as Fran rose up and walked slowly up the stairs. "Fran.? Maxwell?" Niles smirked handing C.C the paper.

"Fran." Maxwell snuggled his daughter tightly. "Let’s go see your brother and sister, shall we?"

Niles walked downstairs sighing. Martin had repaired his uniform. Niles stood before the mirror looking at it. "I don’t think I’ve seen it this clean in months."

"It was hard, Mr. Butler. I managed to clean Mr. Sheffield’s too." Martin smiled handing over his hat.

C.C. smiled looking him over. "I wonder the next time I see you troll what state you’ll be in?" She had been holding Emily … Niles pulled them both into his arms.

"You are in my heart woman. One would think you’ve bewitched me." His lips brushed hers. Emily added a whimper wanting their full attention. "O! I haven’t forgotten about you. Demon spawn." Niles kissed the small baby’s forehead. Emily giggles softly at her father’s insult.

"Oy, What a family!" Fran walked down holding Grace.

"Maxwell is coming, I hope?" Niles frown letting go of C.C. and Emily.

"He is with Brighton, who is sleeping." Fran smiled as Maggie remained attached to her leg. "Seems like the girls couldn’t’ sleep."

"Women always know when it’s time to say goodbye." C.C. frowned as Niles kissed her hand again.

Maxwell walked down the stairs slowly. "Ready old man?"

"Ready sir!" Niles lead C.C. and Emily outside. Maxwell caught Fran’s arm.

"Write me." Maxwell blushed three shades of red. "It will make me feel less lonely. Let me know how the children are. Please?"

Fran smiled "You didn’t have to ask Max, after all, we are all friends."

"Friends…" Maxwell stood still for a moment as Fran walked outside. In Max’s hand Sarah’s last letter…. Remained unopened…

Fran sighed holding the letter. She hadn’t had the courage to open hers. Sarah always did have a way to reach people’s hearts. "Sarah said her goodbyes to me before she died." Fran looked up to see C.C. standing in the hallway. Fran looked toward C.C.

"I killed her." Fran mumbled leaning forward.

"You saved the twins. The doctor told you that you bought her time…Fran… Sometimes I think you kept the twins going by the force of that will… If your not a Babcock in blood then your one in spirit." C.C. knelt next to her holding Fran’s hand. "I heard from Uncle Ben, and he’s invited us to stay in Philadelphia. The twins and Emily will be nearly old enough." Fran nodded her head slowly.

"It would be good to get out of this house." Fran sighed looking around.

C.C. stood up smiling. "Open the letter." She smiled leaving.

Fran slowly opened the letter placing her hand along the finely written words. She wondered why Sarah would take the time … before… Fran closed her eyes slowly…

Fran sighed opening the letter quickly now finding the courage she had lacked the days after Sarah’s death.

Dear Fran,

If you are reading this than something has gone wrong with the birth, and I have left this world behind. I have seen you these many years as children, and your hard childhood, and now I have a favor to ask of you. You talked about how in the Jewish religion it is healthy to speak of the dead. Please give my children memories of me. Fran, broken hearts do not last forever, and I would ask you to remember you have a caring heart. You will find love again. Life is a gift, Fran your smile lights up any room. Live again… Danny would want that for you… I will send him your love….

All my love… your friend

Sarah

Fran blinked noticing the date of her letter. "Seven days before the twin’s birth." Fran felt an odd weight lifted from her heart.

"Hello, Hello!" C.C. jumped down hugging the old man. "Uncle Ben!" She giggled as he held her tighter.

"I’m sorry my dear… It has been way to long, and look what kind of woman you have become!" His eyes turned toward Fran. "Francine!" He lifted her high in the air. "You have really changed my dear! "

"Changed?" Fran managed a small laugh. "You better mean that in a good way…" Fran touched his face.

"Ahh my dear if you were only older." Ben purred teasing Fran.

"If she was older my daddy would kill you." C.C. laughed causing Ben’s face to twist. Maggie walked down sucking her thumb looking up at the figure.

"This is Margaret Sheffield." The little girl offered an odd bow.

Ben giggled like a jolly fat man. "She’s Sarah’s darling alright… Fran, C.C. I was sorry to hear about her loss."

"We were all sorry Uncle." C.C. smiled handing Emily over to Ben. Fran turned to Mary who helped her with the Sheffield children.

Ben sighed showing them proper rooms. "You’ll forgive me, they are not the arrangements, I had hoped for."

"We are at war uncle… they’ll do…" C.C. smiled hugging him tightly. "Thank you for inviting us here."

"I thought after Sarah’s death you could use some time to regain your prospective." he smirked watching C.C. settle Emily down. "The reports we receive daily from Washington… are not good."

"Yeah, and yet they are still an army." C.C. smiled watching Emily sleep.

"Sometimes I wondered if you could truly be Stuart’s child." Ben smiled taking her arm. "Come let’s go gather Fran… I have some gentlemen, I wish Fran to meet."

"Uncle don’t start playing match maker for her…. She’s not ready for it."

"I never say it was a match my dear… I’m secretly hoping her and Maxwell find one another." Ben winked playful causing C.C. to cough. "What?"

"Niles hinted about that in his last letter. Fran and Maxwell had been exchanging letters these past few months." C.C. sighed rubbing her temples. "I can’t see Maxwell with anyone, but Sarah…"

"My dear, life does go on. We all must face that fact." Fran walked down stairs with a long tired sigh.

"They are all asleep! Oy!"

"Good! Then my dear you will both have dinner tonight with me… and my guests…" Ben quickly ran out causing Fran to set up.

"What is he up too?" Fran smirked looking toward C.C.

"Trouble…"

Niles grumbled reading C.C.’s letter. "They should be at Ben’s now." Niles folded up the letter placing it in his remaining pocket. "You know what sounds good right now… tea!"

Niles turned noticing Maxwell off in dream land reading Fran’s letter. "I’m sorry old boy, what were you saying?"

"You haven’t been listening to a word I have said! Now sir, for over an hour!" Niles hissed playfully. "Fran’s letter must be really good."

"She sends you her love." Maxwell had a boyish grin on his face. "Come on Niles all she talks about are Maggie, Brighton and Gracie…" Maxwell rode forward to join Colonel Burr.

"It’s what’s in between the lines… I want to know about…" Niles smirked following Maxwell toward the rest of Washington’s staff. Niles smiled softly remembering his first date… with C.C...

Thud! Thud!… Niles threw the rock even harder at her window

Niles laughed to himself softly running his hand along his wedding ring once more. Then it caught Niles’s attention… Maxwell was no longer wearing his wedding ring… "A good sign?" He mumbled to himself.

C.C. ran faster trying to catch Sarah. "I don’t think they’ll find us!" C.C. panted playfully. Sarah came to a dead stop behind a large tree.

"Maxwell seems to know everything about me… C.C. do you love Niles?" Sarah eyed her carefully.

"Is this the time for that question? Aren’t we playing a game? Where the heck did Fran and D.D. go?" C.C. looked around only to be pushed by Sarah.

"Answer the question would you!" Sarah hissed at her friend. "You are just as bad as Maxwell."

C.C. let out a soft giggle. "At least you know were you stand with him."

"Tell him then!" Sarah shifted her body to look beyond the tree. "You can do it Chastity."

"Let the troll win? Not a chance!" C.C. made a break for it stopping in her tracks noticing Niles with a strange woman.

Sarah groaned softly watching the event with C.C. Niles was with some… woman. "Who is that?" Her voice was soft filled with hidden pain.

"Her name is Katherine. Maxwell tells me that his mother is trying to play match maker for him…" Sarah eyed C.C. carefully. "You must live life C.C., or you’ll get left behind."

C.C. let out a long sigh grabbing the nearest pillow holding it close to her chest. They have heard little from Niles or Maxwell. C.C. now worried about her Father and Mother. A battle was going on in the heart of New York itself. Was Niles there now?

C.C. looked at her wedding ring trying to feel his presence. "Keep your head down troll." She grumbled getting up to a whimpering Emily. "I know … I know small one… I miss him too." She held her daughter close to her breast wondering how Fran was able to handle Sarah’s children so well.

Fran laughed holding onto Brighton and Gracie. "Come on Angel! You don’t want B walking before you." She lifted the small girl up snuggling her tightly.

"Daddy?" Maggie frowned giving her best pouting face. "Want …Daddy!"

Fran turned to face Maggie and Marry. "I am unsure what to do with her Miss Fine. She has been throwing a fit all morning." Mary an elder woman shook her head. "I was hoping you could…"

Fran placed Grace on the blanket grabbing Maggie. "It’s okay sweetie! I know you miss him… today of all days…" Fran frowned she had remembered it was Maggie’s birthday. "Uncle Ben will be coming, and we are going to have presents and cake."

"Want Daddy!" Her pouting face was full of sorrow and despair.

"Oy…Don’t we all… don’t we all." She held her tightly.

C.C. sighed walking up with two sealed letters. "Fran!" It had been the first word they received in a month.

"I wonder if they are going to say anything about New York." Fran opened Maxwell’s letter with a big sigh.

"Let’s hope it’s still in one piece. Mother would never leave that damned city even to save her own life." C.C. snickered opening Niles’s letter.

"Oy… Vey…" Fran sighed holding onto Maggie.

"You can say that again." C.C. grumbled.

"Good day ladies!" Ethan tipped his hat. He was a charming fellow who was apart of the Continental Congress. "How are you doing this fine day Mrs. Butler?" He kissed C.C.’s hand softly then turning toward a blushing Fran. "I wonder … could you spare your charming sister this afternoon?"

C.C. grumbled softly. Ethan had been borrowing Fran for the past month. "If it pleases her." She glared at Fran who smiled.

"It does…I will see you during your break?" Ethan’s lips hovered just a moment longer on Fran’s hand.

"Yes my dear Miss Fine." He winked tipping his hat once more walking off.

"I don’t like him." C.C. turned her head to face Fran. "Stop seeing him!"

"C.C. I’m not going to hear this again." Fran eyed her. "Between you and B.B. I get enough grief."

"I just want you to be happy, and I don’t think you love him." C.C. stood up holding Brighton.

"You want to talk.. Then lets talk about John…" Fran snarled softly at C.C. "Listen. I’m not married. In case you forgot… He’s dead!" Fran stood up taking Brighton away from C.C.

"Fran. I’m sorry. Maybe we are both lonely?" C.C. frowned grabbing her hand. "I know you’re not married, but I have this feeling."

"What feeling?" Fran turned to face her.

"Just a wish then… " C.C. blushed a deep scarlet red. "I see how you act when Maxwell’s letters come…"

"I’m not Sarah." Fran bit her lower lip.

"I know that…" C.C. held onto her hand tightly.

"Do you?" Fran gently pulled her hand away walking toward Marry.

"I do…" C.C. sighed softly holding onto Emily even tighter. John was another friend of Ben Franklin’s. A local business man he had been trained by Ben Franklin himself how to use a printing press.

"Hello my dear! What’s wrong?" He sat down next to her on the blanket. "Emily alright?"

"Yes…I’m sorry John. Fran and I are snarling at one another… Worried about Maxwell and Niles… Worried about Daddy and Mother…" C.C. felt his hand touch hers in a sign of compassion.

"Your Niles is a strong man. He’ll be alright!" John’s green eyes flashed as he squeezed her hand. "So you must remain strong for him."

"Yes…" C.C. blushed holding Emily tightly. "I just wish I knew … what was going on…"

"Would you like me to dig around?" John helped a struggling Gracie to her feet. "I would like to help you Mrs. Butler any friend of Ben’s, is a friend of mine."

C.C. held Niles’s letter tightly in her left hand. She would prefer to finish it in private, but John’s eyes were begging for attention now. "My parents… if you can find out what is going on in New York… Find out about my parents."

"Ahhh the lovely queen issues an order, and her knight obeys." John stood up kissing her empty hand. "I will see what I can find out about Lord and Lady Babcock this week."

"Thank you John…" She blushed as he walked away. "Niles…" She mumbled reopening the letter.

Dear Trollop,

I am sorry my dear for the lateness of this letter. I wish times were better, but fate has taken a cruel hand in this battle. The king’s army seek to cage us, and unless General Washington can out fox Howe… we could all be his prisoners soon. I was happy to read about Emily… I miss you both so much, but I fear escaping the good General’s side is all but impossible. My heart is always with you remember that love. My memories of you in our bed are all that keep me warm at night. Your playful laughter fills my heart with joy in the darkest of hours. Emily’s blue eyes light my way home. Stay safe C.C. I will try and write again soon.

Your Troll…

Niles.

C.C. felt waves of guilt sweep over her. "What’s wrong my dear?" Ben smiled leaning down to touch C.C.’s hand. "Not bad news I hope?"

"He’s fine Uncle. It’s just. I miss him." C.C. groaned holding his letter tightly.

"Ahhh. It’s okay my dear." He leaned down to hold a sniffling C.C. "You can let it out."

"Babcocks don’t cry." C.C. groaned trying to fight her own sobs.

"They don’t eat and bath either." Ben grumbled holding her tighter. "It’s okay to be human my dear. I think even your bullheaded father would understand."

"If he’s alright."

"All will be well! I have faith in that! Even in the darkest hour there is light my child." Ben held her tighter. "Think on how I feel my own son is against me. At least Stuart hasn’t come down on a clear side."

"What is going on with Fran?" C.C. contained her sniffling. Ben had given her things to do, but the one thing she couldn’t control was Fran Fine Babcock Michaels. "Is she falling in love with Ethan?"

Ben smiled looking down at his god daughter. "Always controlling aren’t we?"

"What will she do?"

Ben smiled holding on to Emily now. "You trust in your old Uncle Ben. I am truly a romantic at heart C.C. If I have my way, you’ll be spending time with Niles soon. If I have my way, all will be as it should be."

C.C. smiled eyeing Ben. "Dare I ask?"

"Don’t child… I’m a dirty old man "He wiggled his eyebrows at her. "Haven’t you heard the local rumors?"

"Dare I say … I have…" C.C. laughed feeling a happiness bubble inside her.

"You see! Niles would want you to laugh my dear… "

"He would want more than that…" C.C. muttered watching Fran talk with Ethan. "He would want me to go on the defensive."

Niles couldn’t believe it. He waves his men onward toward Brooklyn Heights. "Cornwallis is going to have a follow up attack…" He turned his head toward Maxwell. They both now had equal rank. "Max!" He pushed on Maxwell who shook himself out of his stunned stance.

"Sorry old boy! I let General Washington know we should withdraw over the East River before the British can block our escape." Maxwell leaned down hearing shots fly over head. "God sakes Niles …" Maxwell forced Niles’s head down lower. "Keep your head down! C.C. would kill me if anything happened to you."

"She would do more than that! She would bite your head off and feed it to dogs." Niles smirked lifting his head back up….

Bang!

"NILES!" Maxwell jumped grabbing at Niles who fell backwards.

Maxwell grabbed at Niles madly trying to set him up. "Niles? NILES!"

"Major, Is everything alright?" A sergeant rushed toward Maxwell.

"Stay there!" Maxwell groaned his eyes closed in silent prayer. Niles started to cough quietly. "Thank you, Sarah." Maxwell fought his own tears. "Niles."

"One would think you cared, Sir." Niles felt the blood drip on his head’s right side.

"It only grazed you… Thank god!" Maxwell lifted his head up slowly. "Next time… keep your bloody head down!"

"The Major was lucky…" Maxwell now had a private hold Niles still. "Another inch Major you would have been meeting the good lord face to face."

"He would have kicked me out of heaven if he knew who I married. " Niles grumbled as Maxwell started to wrap Niles’s head. His deep blue eyes looking toward a worried Maxwell, and Niles couldn’t help but smile. "It was more than just a little luck." Niles reached into his pocket pulling out the encased four leaf clover.

Maxwell gasped as Niles showed it off. "How did you?"

Niles placed it in Maxwell’s hand. "You need this more than me… "Niles smiled closing his eyes again.

"Major we have to get moving. I can help you carrying him." The Sergeant came running up to his commander. "General Washington has sent his orders to move out."

"Move out!" Maxwell called out.

Niles felt darkness over whelm him one moment. The next moment he was in a dirty cot with Maxwell’s unshaven face watching over him. "Was it good for you too?" Niles groaned rubbing his eyes. His head was pounding. "You look awful."

"Thanks… You look awful, too." Maxwell grumbled rereading Fran’s letter again.

"What’s wrong? I can see two of you, and yet… I can tell something is wrong." Niles shifted up trying to grab Maxwell’s letter.

"It’s none of your business, Niles." Maxwell hissed getting up. "I have to leave for a few days old man! "

"I’m coming." Niles tried to sit upright only to groan.

"You are staying here. I’ll send C.C. your love." Maxwell walked out of the room leaving Niles to blink.

"Bloody HELL." Niles groaned getting up putting on his boots.

C.C. let out a soft groan watching Fran and Ethan walk together. "It’s strange Uncle Ben…"

"What is, my dear?" Ben smiled placing a coat in the bag. "That Fran could love Ethan?"

"No that I’m letting this happen. Even after what? Never mind!" C.C. rubbed her head softly. "I have had a headache since last night. Strange thing is I could have sworn Niles was holding me."

"Ahhhh did the dream go into any more detail?" Ben waggled his eyebrows teasing her yet again.

"No." C.C. blushed. "Don’t mess with me today Uncle Ben. Daddy should be arriving today."

"Yes. I was sorry to hear about your brother being held by the British." Ben frowned handing over another coat to his servant. "I must go today to hear the report from General Washington. Would you like to come? It would be something to do before the small dinner party."

"It’s all the same, and it depresses me." C.C. grumbled picking up Emily. "I would rather go back to the paper helping John."

"My dear, I’ll force you." Ben smiled taking Emily.

"What are you up too?" C.C. placed both hands on her hips.

"Nothing my dear! Why would I be up to anything?"

"Why would birds fly?" Fran came walking down holding both twins on her hips. "Oy you would think. I gave birth to you." She winked at the giggling babies.

"There she comes! The bride to be!" Ben stood before Fran. "Are you happy my dear?"

"Did another letter come from Maxwell yet?" Fran looked around the walk way.

"The report hasn’t arrived my dear, and this time I want you and Mrs. Butler with me." Ben took the twin’s placing them on the ground.

"Uncle Ben what are the babies going to do watch themselves?" Fran grumbled waving her hand toward him.

"Marry? Janet?" Ben called out and the two older women both appeared. "Can you watch all the children this afternoon?"

"A pleasure Mr. Franklin." The young woman Janet blushed as Ben tickled her back.

"Thank you my dear!"

"Oy… Why do I feel like this day will be rather interesting?" Fran leaned against C.C.

"Well this is Ben Franklin we are talking about." C.C. snickered as she watched Ben tease Janet. "I wonder if he’s sleeping with her."

"He’s sleeping with half the town, but us." Fran smirked picking up Maggie’s blanket. "We are even rumored to be sleeping with him."

"No wonder I heard from Daddy." C.C. let out a long sigh climbing up the long stairway. "Shall we get ready to hear men groan while others fight?"

"Well we have to look our best." Fran followed her slowly.

Maxwell smirked walking in the long hall. Niles could barely keep up. "You should have stayed behind at camp old man."

"I don’t want to pass up the chance of seeing her… How in the hell did you manage to get US… to deliver the general‘s messages??" Niles tried his best to hide his makeshift bandage.

"I had to ask a favor old man." Maxwell looked down at his dirty uniform and sighed. "What is she going to think?"

"Who Sir?" Niles couldn’t help but smirk.

"Nothing old man…anything…" Maxwell tried to straighten out his hair. He lifted up the still unopened letter Sarah had sent him. "I’ll be right back…"

Maxwell felt his hands shaking opening the letter. He was expecting something, anything to help him in the next two hours. The letter was dirty from months of battles.

Maxwell,

I send her to you…

Love always

Sarah

Maxwell felt his heart skip a beat wondering what was going to happen. "Major Sheffield? Major Butler? We will hear your report now."

C.C.’s jaw dropped they stood in the hallway. "Niles?" She felt her eyes tear up again. He was sooo…. Skinny…. "Troll…" She hissed barely letting out her words as he raced into her arms.

"Trollop…" Niles’s arms held her small waist tightly.

Maxwell remained hidden watching Fran. "My dear you have to live your own life. I want to see you happy." Ethan kissed her hand causing Fran to smile. "You have earned some happiness."

"I have to watch….for…." Fran was stuttering. "I promised Sarah."

"We can watch them together! As a family!" Ethan’s face twisted in pain. "Until your friend Maxwell returns then maybe we can think about our own children."

"I can’t set a date until he comes home for good." Fran touched Ethan’s cheek softly. "I’m sorry Ethan."

"I’ll wait! Because you are worth fighting for." Ethan kissed her hand again. "I have to go back inside… See you tonight?"

Fran nodded standing still watching him go into the chamber. Maxwell felt the lump in his throat. "When all else fails do something rash." It was Fran’s favorite saying… Maxwell couldn’t think of a better time.. He managed to grab her from behind twisting her pulling Fran into his arms… Sealing his mouth with hers..

Fran gasped at first feeling the rough hands touch her cheek. She didn’t--wouldn’t--come up for air she was rather enjoying herself. Her arms now raised up wrapping around his neck. She pushed back for a moment breaking the kiss. Maxwell blushed turning five different shades of red. Maxwell felt waves of guilt wash over his body. "Fran… I’m sorry … I didn’t.." He looked into her stunned eyes.

Fran lifted her hand up to her swollen lips. He had kissed her senseless. Fran stood there looking at Maxwell with a different point of view. "Why?"

"I’m sorry…. I shame myself and you." Maxwell sighed pulling back, and walking away.

Fran shook her head trying to regain her senses. If Danny’s kisses had caused an earthquake in her soul… this one had pushed beyond her soul and shook the corners of her faith. Maxwell was walking away… after that! "I’m dreaming.." Fran mumbled looking at her hand again.

Max ran his hands in his hair. Leaving the hallway. His courage had left him now, was he dreaming? Could he taste her desires on her lips? Could he feel her loneliness? Or was it only he that felt this way about her? Maxwell stopped in the far hallway looking up. "Please Sarah… don’t let her marry him… I need more time… Let that be enough for now…"

C.C. pulled off his hat frowning. "What is this?" Her fingers went slowly around the bleeding wound.

"Why? Do you require some of my blood, leech?" Niles smirked grapping her hands kissing them. "I don’t have much time my love."

C.C. whimpered softly. "I miss you, and you can’t stay?" She fought her tears kissing his lips again softly. "Please just stay an hour…"

"Orders love.. Orders…" Niles groaned. She felt so soft… So clean… He must look like a mess. Under feed… unwashed in the same uniform that he had left home in which had been only partly washed. "God I wish … I could stay…"

C.C. kissed him yet again forcing all her passion into that kiss. She no longer cared who saw them. They both moaned softly in one another arms. "How long do you have?"

"Soon as Maxwell appears we must ride back… "He ran his hand down her hair. "You have grown more beautiful. Is Emily well?"

"Growing stronger everyday." C.C. now felt her tears fall. "When am I going to see you again?"

"Soon.. We will camp for the winter… soon." Niles saw Maxwell’s dark face heading toward him. "I wonder how things went with him." Niles pulled C.C. into yet another kiss before her question could escape her lips.

"Come on old man.. We have to finish our orders…" Maxwell placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You should … Finish what you started yourself sir and leave me alone with my wife…" Niles growled playfully noting Maxwell was still blushing.

"Niles!" Maxwell looked toward the ceiling sighing. "We have to do this before sunset old man."

Niles grumbled letting go his grip on C.C. "Dammit, he’s right…. Just a moment Maxwell would you?" He turned to face those deep baby blue eyes again. "I’ll be back… One last time before we leave…"

"Promise.." C.C. grumbled pulling on his hair. Niles yelped out in pain.

"Promise!" Niles growled. "Dammit woman, do you have to fight with me about everything?" He brushed the pain away looking at her once more.

"I could be all quiet about it, but I won’t." She smiled kissing him one last time. "You better make an appearance.. You have until midnight!"

"Yes sir…" Niles winked walking away.. "What happened to you?" Niles noted Maxwell’s color. "You look like you just stole one of mother’s pies!"

"I hope, I didn’t make a mistake." Maxwell rubbed his temples walking out the door.

Fran walked around the house stunned. Ben was leaving tomorrow for Paris, and Fran couldn’t focus. "Uncle Ben I’m sorry." she blinked running right into the elder man.

"Don’t be sorry, my dear, it’s not every day a beautiful young woman throws herself at me!" His eyes lit up causing a nasal laugh to escape her throat. "What’s troubling you now my dear! Sit and-- As you used to say.. Dish?" Ben sat on the stone bench patting a seat next to him. "Francine the one thing that made you different than your Babcock sibling was your ability to open up."

Fran let out a soft groan. "I feel like I’ve been kick in the teeth uncle. I’m not sure what to do, or how I feel." she found herself flopping down next to him. "First he shows up out of the blue.. Kisses me senseless, and then runs off!" Fran stopped herself turning toward Ben. "You knew…"

"Beg your pardon?" Ben lowered his half-moon glasses looking into her eyes.

"Oy! You so knew!" Fran stood up her jaw hitting the floor, and Ben quickly pulled her back down into her seat.

"My dear. So I knew, but you must ask yourself why did he run? Why are you seeking Ethan out? A man who… Looks a lot like Danny? I am not your father, but in this case I feel I should be over protective of you." He took her small hand in his. "Why did he run?"

"Scared…" Fran mumbled softly.

"Why are you acting half stunted at his kiss? Could it be you feel something for Maxwell, you don’t feel for young Ethan? I remember over hearing you tell Niles… Marriage means little unless you have soul shattering feeling behind it." Ben winked at Fran. "I don’t take my own advice either Fran, but I do try to learn from others. "

"Maybe I’m scared too. Since Danny‘s death I have felt only half myself. Sarah‘s death made things worse." Fran looked down at her hands.

"Ahhh. Face your fears, child" He hugged her tightly. "You and C.C. will be returning to the farm after I leave?"

"Yes." Fran muttered still trying to shake off Maxwell’s kiss.

"That’s good, I heard from John today. You will have a guest waiting for you there. " Ben smiled looking toward the heavens. "Storms come, but they go.."

"Without them flowers wouldn’t grow." Fran grumbled remembering her own poem. "Is their anything you don’t forget or forgive?"

"Maybe my own son." Ben sighed. "That my dear, is my worry not yours."

C.C. snuggled Emily tightly putting on her best dress. "Niles is coming! Yes, your daddy will be here to see you." She ran her fingers a cross her cheek. "You want to know a secret Emily?" She tickled the babe’s chin. "I missed the little annoying bootlicking troll so badly."

Emily let out a small sounding giggle at her daddy’s nick name.

"Sounds like you have too." C.C snuggled the girl’s nose. "We have to take what moments we can."

"Indeed!" Ben smiled looking at the pair. "I have never seen the Butler women look lovelier."

C.C. bowed smiling. "Did Maxwell make his move?"

"Yes my dear.. You are a little fox aren’t you!" Ben gave out a jolly old laugh. "How on earth you managed to bully General Washington with a letter to sent Maxwell and Niles for a day… I’ll never know."

"Babcock rule number three… Let no one stand in your way." C.C. put Emily down in her crib. "I have one night to hold him in my arms. If Maxwell can stop Fran from making a mistake.. Then my promise to Washington will have been well worth it."

"C.C. my dear… it wasn’t a promise.. You bullied him with those supplies."

"You say bully .. I say promised " C.C. flashed her smile. "To each their own.. At least it will help Niles and Maxwell to have some kind of a Christmas this year. I did what Niles would have done."

"Or a Babcock…" Ben leaned over to kiss her cheek. "I’ll see you both, Downstairs my dear."

"Maybe…if we are lucky little one.. We can make Fran your aunt twice over."

Fran was still rubbing her lips testing them. "I have lost my mind." She leaned over watching the sleeping children. All three had fallen asleep on the bed, and Fran didn’t have the heart to wake them.

"They’ll be up early tomorrow if you let them sleep now Miss Fine." Mary walked in behind Fran.

"I don’t have the heart to wake them… They look so much like Sarah.." Fran sighed looking out the window. "I so want my own family. My own children, but…"

"Life is a journey. You never know were it might lead. You better start getting ready for Mr. Ethan." Mary smiled walking out.

"Yeah, Ethan" Fran groaned. *If I can ever get Maxwell’s kiss out of my head.*

Ben’s servants had went all out for a farewell feast. The best they could find during wartime was placed on the table. Ethan turned to face the table. "Mr. Franklin sure does expect the best."

"Uncle Ben was always a man of fine tastes." C.C. came down in a soft gray dress. "He expects the bests for anyone he loves as well."

"Mrs. Butler, why do I have this feeling you don’t like me very much." Ethan smirked kissing her hand.

"She’s a Babcock old boy! They snarl and bite hard!" Ben walked down his stair’s taking his hand. "John I hope isn’t far behind?"

"My cousin is always running late." Ethan smirked handing over his hat to a young man. "Like your dear sister, C.C. Where is Miss Fine?"

"She’ll be coming down. Sooner or later." C.C. grumbled as more guest started to arrive.

"May I offer you another drink Mrs. Butler?" C.C. froze…. It couldn’t be? She turned around slowly.. All of Ben’s servants wore masks that eve, but there was no mistaking his voice.

"Niles." C.C. hissed joyfully. "What are you doing here!? What kind of game is this?" He wanted to pull him into her room at once, but thought better of it.

"Have you ever played chess, Mrs. Butler?" Niles kept a formal stance.

"My husband cheats at it." C.C. grumbled wishing she could touch him without drawing attention.

"Isn’t that the Babcock way? If you can’t win? Cheat?" Niles started to laugh walking away serving another person.

"What… is going on now…?" C.C. let out a soft groan looking toward the stair case…"What’s keeping…? Fran??"

Fran let out a long sigh looking down at the ring. Her mind started to race thinking back.

"Do you love him?" Maxwell moved closer to her. "I might have to beat him up if you do." He flashed his boyish grin.

"I can hold him down while Max does his work." Niles winked watching a blushing Fran.

"He’s my equal…" Fran tried her best to escape.

"What does that mean?" Max let out a soft groan. "Has your mother been filling your head with rubbish again?"

"Max… Niles… Look Noel as already offered to beat up Danny once, and I love you both but… Let me find my own path…" Fran grumbled.

Maxwell lightly pulled on her arm. "You could do better… you know this…"

"Niles… even if he’s my best friend, and bull headed has eyes for C.C. … You… Are deeply in love with Sarah.. I have to make my own way Mr. Sheffield. That’s all." Fran slipped out of his grasp. As Fran ran off she heard Maxwell groan.

"What the devil does that mean, Niles?"

Fran put the ring away once more grumbling. "I did love you… Danny…" She looked at herself in the mirror again. At first her eyes didn’t focus in on the man behind her. Gasping Fran turned once more to face Maxwell Sheffield. "What the devil?"

"What the devil…" C.C. groaned wondering what Niles was up too. *This better not be another trick he’s going to pull like he did last time.* C.C.’s mind flashed to a picture of Niles sneaking into her all girl afternoon tea dressed as a butler. "Oy.." She quickly downed the wine noticing John and Ethan looking this way. "Niles you better have a good reason for playing this game." She muttered walking up toward John.

"Hello my dear! You seem distressed?" John leaned down kissing her gloved hand. "Anything I can do?"

"Pray that I don’t kill anyone tonight." C.C. grumbled to herself…John blinked. "Nothing John… Just a bad night."

"Fran…" Maxwell’s voice was weak as he knelt by her side. "I’m sorry… I don’t know what came over me." He looked up in her soft eyes as her hand started to lightly touch his cheek.

"What did come over you Mr. Sheffield?" Maxwell started to nuzzle her hand enjoying her touch. "Some cosmic force pushing you?"

"Don’t marry him.. Please.. Fran.. Don’t marry him." He felt his eyes starting to tear up. He had never felt this kind of fear since Sarah’s death.

"You have a war to fight Maxwell." her hands released him, and at that moment he pulled her into his arms on the floor kissing her deeply. He had to take a chance. Maxwell could felt the guilt fighting for control once more, but his fear of loosing her had grown wild.

"I’m going to see to Miss Fine." Ethan grumbled starting to walk up the stairway.

"I beg your pardon, sir. Miss Fine isn’t feeling well. " Niles couldn’t help, but smile. Maxwell wanted a chance to stop Fran, and he needed time… "She will be done sometime later sir."

Ethan grumbled trying to look past Niles. "Alright!" Ethan sighed walking back down, and Niles winked toward C.C.

Maxwell could felt Fran become more active in their kiss. Her hands seeking out to touch him reassuring herself she wasn’t dreaming. Maxwell pulled at Fran’s hair causing it to fall down. "I love you…." Max let out a soft groan pulling her toward him.

Fran pulled on his uniform freeing the damaged shirt from his pants. Pushing his shirt and dress coat aside Fran was getting swept away by his desire. She felt her own dress leave her body freeing her.

Niles smirked waiting for her to walk by. With a soft pull she was in his arms. "Hello Mrs. Butler." Niles purred in her ear.

"Niles." C.C. let out a soft giggle turning around. "Do you mean to have your way with me in my Uncle’s closet?" She couldn’t see him in the dark small space. "It’s unseemly."

"Your point Babs?" His lips teased her neck. "I have been gone for months woman, and you worry about--" Niles didn’t have time to finish having her lips seal his mouth. C.C.’s hands quickly went to work on his clothes unable to contain her own desire and longing.

Maxwell’s lips grazed her soft belly as he lifted her up placing her on the bed. Either wanted to escape this as he covered her body with his. Fran shivered madly feeling his hardness rub her thigh. Her hands explored the bare chest She at shock to discover how thin he had become. She let out a sharp gasp looking into his eyes. "Maxwell."

"Shhhh." His lips touched her again then traveled toward her harden nipples. Fran bit back a loud moan.

The small space made their assault on one another interesting as Niles was able to free her dress enough to expose her breast causing him to groan. His lips found hers as he used his rough fingers to tease.

C.C. couldn’t stand it reaching and pulling down his trousers. She found him more than ready as she held onto his hardness. Niles had to hold back a loud yelp. C.C. smiled wickedly. She knew Ben’s party was going on a few feet from them. They would have to remain quiet. "This .. Should prove interesting." C.C. purred in his ear.

Maxwell’s back arched at her kisses. Fran was exploring every inch of his skin. It felt like she was kissing away every tear, every pain he had suffered since Sarah’s death was starting to melt away. They both seemed to be in a world… that was far from war, or pain.

C.C. leaned down her hands teasing and squeezing him. She could tell Niles wanted to scream out.. She was rather enjoying this game of chest, because she was winning. C.C. at that moment jumped as Niles was able to touch her very center. "Nicely played.." She groaned softly in his ear.

"Give in. I will win.." He hissed pushing her against the back wall.

"Not a chance!" C.C. hissed not letting go.

Maxwell felt like a creature released for the hunt. His prey had given in so easily. She had to feel the same way. "Love you." Fran’s voice was a whisper in his ear. It had caused him to stop his attack on her. They locked gazes each unable to speak. Slowly their bodies joined.

Niles groaned out fighting back a larger moan as he entered her. "Dammit… alright. You win!" he knew someone had to hear his last moan. Why they both hadn’t been caught was beyond him. Maybe Ben had been guarding the door. He had to have his fill of her thrusting filling her with his presence.

"My God." C.C. groaned as Niles entered her body.

"Your god maybe." Niles purred kissing her lips.

Maxwell held her tightly wrapping her arms around her small waist. She felt his light touches on her back. "I’m sorry. I lost control." Maxwell’s voice rumbled playfully.

"You had help." Fran turned to face him. She had fallen in love with him. "How is it possible?"

"What?" Maxwell had a boyish grin on his face.

"You have only been writing me a few months, and I fall hopelessly in love with you." Fran received a small piece for her remark.

"So?" Maxwell smiled at her.

"You better make an honest woman out of me." Fran snarled as Maxwell shut her mouth with his.

Maxwell blinked wondering if last night had been a dream. The darkness surrounding the room, and Maxwell felt the empty bed. Maxwell let out a soft sigh. "I’m here Maxwell. I had to make an appearance down stairs." Fran came forward to sit on the bed’s edge.

"For a moment I thought you might have left." His hand came up touching her cheek. "I could handle anything, but losing you."

"I’m not Sarah." Fran’s eyes narrowed.

"I know…" Maxwell flashed a playful grin.

"Do you?" Fran tilted her head starting to pull back.

Maxwell wouldn’t let her run. Not after he had taken the chance in coming to her. His own fears bubbled to the surface fighting them once more he gently pulled her back down to him.

C.C. mumbled her hair was completely down. No one noticed that under her dress her underclothes had been completely torn. The dress was in good shape, and her hair looked fine now thanks to Janet handing her a comb. "Janet where is Ethan?"

"He left." Janet giggled madly. "Miss Fine handed him the ring and he left!"

"Pity my poor cousin has vowed to fight on." John laughed looking at C.C. "Your hair looks much better down anyway." C.C. blushed bright red. Did he know?

"Drink sir?" Niles came up to him in his servant outfit.

"Thank you, Niles." John took a crystal cup. C.C.’s jaw dropped. "Don’t be so shocked my dear."

Niles flashed a sly grin. "I will go check on Mistress Emily for you Mrs. Butler." Niles gave her a mocking bow walking away.

"You never told me!" C.C. pushed on her friend.

"True enough my dear, but in any game… you don’t relieve all your hidden pieces." John smirked walking away leaving C.C. still stunted.

Niles found her in a small room. She was sleeping next to the twins. "Ahhh, I have been away too long. I’m sorry my Babcock." His hand went along his daughter’s back. "I fear it will be some time before I can see you again." Niles felt his face tears had started to roll down. "I will be back… I promise." His hand had captured a few of her blonde locks. Niles tilted his head looking into Maggie’s eyes. "Shouldn’t you be sleeping?"

Maggie smiled brightly holding up her arms to him. Niles held Maggie tightly. "Your daddy should be in soon. Keep them all safe for me… Your in charge of the little ones." He eyed Maggie who nodded. "Good girl.." He placed her down tucking her in.

"Your getting good at that." He heard her nasal voice and smiled. Fran walked up her hand tracing his grazed bullet wound.

"You came close." She smiled looking into his deep blue eyes.

"Luck saved me of course." He leaned over looking at Maggie again who had been watching the adults. Niles played with the craved angels hanging over Maggie’s bed. "Sarah?"

"Yes." Fran smiled looking into Maggie’s eyes. "I don’t want her to forget her."

"Not as long as we remember." Niles grinned turning to face Maxwell. "Sir?"

"They have gotten so big!" Maxwell laughed softly holding Fran from behind. Niles smiled watching their contact. "How much time have we missed old boy?"

"Too much I fear." Niles grumbled feeling the sharp pull on his head.

"Too much!" C.C. hissed. "You and your games."

"I play to win my dear." Niles winked. "I still have more tricks up my sleeve, Trollop!"

"Oy, here we go again." Fran groaned watching Niles and C.C.

"Maxwell." C.C. focused her glare onto him. "If you hurt her in any way. I’ll kill you." C.C. hissed.

Maxwell rolled his eyes looking toward Fran. "I know C.C."

Niles pulled out the encased four-leaf clover handing it over to C.C. "A little luck my love for the trails to come." Niles kissed her hands. "Perhaps we will all gather this winter for a wedding?" Niles glared toward his younger brother.

"Niles! I know."

"Can you give me a clue?" Fran smirked looking toward Niles. "Stop teasing him, Scarecrow."

"In order to give you a clue. Niles would have to have a brain." C.C. teased and received a quick kiss.

"Quiet you!" Niles touched her cheek playfully. "I’m trying to defend your sister’s honor!" he smiled as Fran’s jaw dropped.

"How the devil do you know?" Maxwell went pale looking toward a hissing C.C.

"There isn’t time." Fran grumbled toward them all. "This matter has to wait until we greet you at winter camp."

"Ahh!" Niles smiled broadly. "So you are coming then?"

"Wouldn’t miss it for the world."

Maxwell pulled Fran toward him again. Things could wait for now, but he wasn’t letting her get away if he could help it.

C.C. let out a soft groan. They had not traveled directly home. They had made one stop in New York City to seek out B.B. and Stuart… only to find the Babcock household closed. "I don’t understand it." C.C. picked up Emily putting her down, and then took Brighton from Fran.

"C.C. I’m sure they are fine." Fran blinked holding her side.

"Are you alright?" C.C. took Fran’s arm leading her toward the house doorway.

"Just tired C.C. " Fran lifted her head looking toward the house "Noel?"

C.C. turned to see his soft gray blue eyes smiling. "NOEL!" She ran up holding her older brother tightly.

"Hello sis! Nice home you have here! Fran! Hello to you too sis!" Noel smiled his dusty uniform hung on his body loosely.

"I heard the British had you!"

"They did.. Until some odd gentleman helped in my release. I have been given the next two months off to recover. Luck you came, because I have only a week left."

"Recover?" Fran and C.C. said at once looking at him. He did look rather pale.

"He’s been a mess Mrs. Butler!" Martin walked down helping Fran with the children. He leaned over helping Mary from the cart as well. "Fevered and half mad poor fellow."

"Niles’s good man here has me on the road to recovery." Noel smiled holding Emily now tightly. "Let’s get inside. I’ll tell you all my news."

"Noel, Mother and Father, D.D. and her husband??"

"Inside C.C. there is much to tell." He held Fran’s waist tightly.

Niles smirked watching Maxwell pace up and down. He was feeling guilty. "She wanted to wait?"

"Yes…. I don’t’ believe it myself!" Maxwell looked skyward. "I would have married her that night." His head turned quickly toward Niles. "You don’t think she’s trying to prove something to me?"

"Possible. I would think likely--" Niles smirked trying to repair another tear. "My boots are worse, and winter is coming." Niles looked toward Washington who was pacing up and down. "I don’t know why he tries anymore."

"Tries to what old boy?" Maxwell mumbled finishing his letter.

"Ask for supplies." Niles rubbed his aching feet. "Your feet look even worse, Max."

"I’ll live."

"You better! You still need to redeem the family name."

Maxwell coughed madly. Niles would not let go the fact he had slept with Fran.

Noel let out a long sigh that ended with a coughing fit. "Master Noel you are still not well enough to be out of bed." Martin walked up handing Noel a cloth.

"Where is Daddy?" Fran handed over a drink of water to a pale Noel.

"They are going to hang him as a traitor to the crown." Noel deadpanned looking into Fran’s and C.C.’s eyes.

"But why? Daddy hated the war, and I thought was helping out the crown." C.C sat down taking Noel’s cold hand. "He would never change his mind…"

"Unless he felt he had too…" Fran finished C.C.’s sentence looking into her eyes. "I’m not sure why… "

"When are they going too? What about mother?" C.C. felt panic grip her heart slowly.

"Martin… How fast can a message reach New York?" Fran turned toward her friend. "Via the routes we talked about?" C.C. and Noel both tilted their heads not following the conversation.

"A week tops!" Martin sprang to attention.

"What are you doing Fran?" Noel took her hand. "Don’t endanger yourself."

"What is life without a little risk?" Fran smiled finding ink bottle and feather.

"Oy, this can’t be good." C.C. sat up. "What are you doing?"

"Once many years ago as children, Niles and I helped out a woman who taught us about a …. group of servants that would pass along information, and help others who needed it." Fran smiled softly writing quickly. "Yetta was her name."

"Ahhh! Old Yetta! I remember her from my days in New York City. She used to work for many different British Generals at the time." Martin smiled taking the paper Fran offered.

"She owes Niles and me a favor. We…. Ermmm met her when I used to sneak to temple." Fran blushed as Noel gave her a harsh look.

"You never gave up that faith did you?" Noel grumbled sipping the water slowly.

"I would never ask you, to give up, who you are. Noel it was the only link to my past." Fran sighed as Noel frowned.

"I will send this note then Miss Fine." Martin smiled walking out of the room.

"She’ll ask for something in return." Fran mumbled tapping her chin.

"We are trusting a woman we don’t know?" C.C. blinked.

"You always wondered where Niles and I went when those dinner parties were being thrown for nobility. B.B. told you all that we had been shipped off to lessons for the eve, but in fact she had pushed us toward the servants. "

"That is why Niles was always so close to servants in every household we would enter." C.C. grumbled remembering Niles would always be on first name basics with everyone.

"B.B. always thought servants held no power, but I tell you they run New York." Fran smiled looking at something in her hands.

"Mother is being held with Dad… She’s not under arrest, but they feel she’ could cause trouble." Noel grumbled looking toward C.C. Fran blinked trying to keep the world from spinning out of control.

"What’s wrong Fran?" Noel sat up. Fran held onto the chair tightly.

"Nothing."

"Oy. I’m not sure." Nadine looked toward Yetta. "Grandma Yetta, They already question me daily with Robert a part of Washington’s army."

The Old woman smiled from her sick bed. "I could tell you a few stories my dear, but you’ll do it! "

"Mother always hated Babcocks with good reason. " Nadine sighed putting on her maid uniform. "I hate them too for the same reason, and yet you are helping one?"

"Oy… that father of yours. It’s his own damned fault." Yetta growled in bed. "I could tell you the story about your grandfather…."

"Enough Yetta," Nadine smiled. "I’m doing this for you. Mother may never forgive me for helping out a Babcock."

Nadine walked out the door grumbling as Yetta’s eyes twinkled. "She may if it restores Francine to her true self."

C.C. sighed holding a sleeping Emily. "Only one more month until I see your daddy." She held Niles’s last letter tightly. She could read in-between the lines better than anyone. Things were not going well with Washington’s army.

"Please God… Let him still be in one piece once they hit winter camp." She let out a soft groan.

"Sounds like the same prayer I keep on praying for Maxwell." Fran walked up on C.C. smiling.

"What is going on with you, and Max? What did go on? I see his letters to you have went from one page to dozens."

Fran started to blush then leaned against the wall.

"What’s wrong Fran you been out of sorts for the past few days." C.C. placed Emily in her crib holding onto Fran.

"I think B.B. might be right about me. I am a disgrace." Fran mumbled holding onto her stomach.

C.C. quickly rose up to catch a fainting Fran. "MARTIN!"

Martin had looked down to find Fran a crumbled limp body on the floor. "Miss Fine?" He knelt besides C.C. "Is she alright Mrs. Butler?"

"Good Lord I don’t know." She felt her forehead. There was no sign of a fever. "Help me get her into a bed, and afterwards tell Mary to watch the twins tonight." C.C. felt a rush of terror sweep over her soul… Sarah was dead… What if they lose Fran now?

The doctor grumbled leaving her room. "Well? Is she going to be alright?" Noel hopped up looking into his aged eyes.

"She’s a hard headed woman.." The doctor sighed softly shaking his head. "She’ll out live us all."

"What was wrong with her?" C.C. looked toward the stairway.

"Stomach problems you can say." The doctor looked away walking out the door.

"Stomach problems? Fran? Riiiiiighhhht." Noel shook his head. "He’s not telling us something."

"I’ll go talk to him." Martin ran outside to follow the doctor as Noel and C.C. made their way upstairs.

Fran was looking toward the ceiling muttering softly to herself. "Fran?" C.C. slowly walked inside her room.

"I’m in one piece… sort of…" Fran’s smile brighten up the room causing a deep sigh of relief to escape. "Next time I’ll remember to eat."

"You forgot to eat?" Noel’s jaw dropped.

Martin’s jaw dropped as the doctor walked away. Turning he came face to face with his old friend. "Jack! How are things in New York City?" He smiled at the young page.

"British are having a grand old time." Jack grumbled placing the letter in Martin’s hands. "For Miss Fine" He tipped his hat. "Pardon me it’s a long ride back."

"Indeed." Martin looked down at the letter.. This would be either Stuart Babcock and B.B. one chance of survival, or a death sentence.

"What I wouldn’t give for some roast duck right now." Maxwell groaned watching the British camp.

"What I wouldn’t give for some food myself." Niles mutter waving his other two scouts away. "We will have to tell the general yet again we need to march."

"Bloody hell that is all we do Major." Captain Robert Henderson had been riding with Maxwell and Niles for a week now. "I would prefer a good fight to this running."

"We do was we are told Captain. No more, no less." Maxwell grumbled. "Although Major Butler did General Washington say anything about not gathering supplies?"

"I don’t believe that was on his list on his things of what not to do." Niles smirked.

"Alright lads. Make sure your not seen. Take what we can only carry quickly." Maxwell felt his body shiver.

Niles smiled riding next to Max. He never looked more dashing in those stolen boots. "That should last you a good long while." Their five men crew all feasted on some stolen nuts, and one of the roast ducks. "I have never tasted heaven before."

"I have." Maxwell could hadn’t hide his smirk.

Niles moved his horse closer to his half brother. "Details and remember you’re talking about my best friend."

Maxwell raise his eyebrow. "Niles." He rolled his eyes once speeding up his horse. Niles let out a loud laugh.

"He always that uptight." Robert handed over some more duckling to Niles.

"Only when it comes to his honor. He’ll be marrying that girl next time we see her again, and I’ll make bloody well sure of it."

"You can find a priest within camp. " Robert smiled tilting his head.

Niles’s face twisted slowly. "She’s Jewish."

"Then look no farther." Robert tilted his hat toward Niles.

Niles started to cough softly. "You’re a man of god? Why are you?"

"There are times that even god would understand the need to stand up. Did he not send David after a giant?" Robert smiled shaking his head. "We all fight for freedom my friend. My wife’s family has been plotting for years for this chance."

"So… Once I get her into camp. You’ll make sure they are properly wed?" Niles rubbed his newly gloved hands together. "Wonderful. "

Fran sighed looking at the letter. "Well?" C.C. had been worried they had both heard rumors of terrors going on in New York.

"Within the hour. That is all it says." Fran smirked handing over the note to C.C. "Meaning any moment we should."

Fran tilted her head hearing the coach. "Come on Noel." C.C. turned as her brother walked forward. "Fran stay in bed."

"Oh no! I’m coming down just give me a moment." Fran rushed to dress.

"Kitten" Stuart looked thin and pale holding tightly his daughter. C.C. laughed even hugging her mother. The figure that had been driving the carriage still had their hood on.

"It was awful!" B.B. groaned. "Manhandled by the King’s men. And These people!" She waved her hand toward the hooded figure.

"Thank God your both safe." It was a rare thing for Fran to hug B.B., but this time both women gave into the urge. Everyone stood and turned toward the hooded figure.

"Thank you Thank Yetta for me as well." Fran smiled starting to turn, but instead she heard a soft nasal voice not unlike her own.

"I see the small girl I once knew. In the woman that stands before me."

Fran froze… closing her eyes slowly… Fran felt her body shiver. Stuart who could barely stand on his own power came to stand before Fran. "Who are you? What do you want with my daughter?"

The figure couldn’t help but laugh. Her hood dropping down to relieve her soft dark eyes. "Oy vey Babcock! I just saved your life, and now you get all defensive."

She tossed her blonde hair back and forth. "I don’t care what you are!" Stuart grabbed her wrists.

"Nadine." Fran’s whisper was soft as her eyes widen. Nadine looked toward Stuart who dropped her wrists.

C.C. paced up and down watching the twins play with Emily on the floor. "You don’t think I took Fran from her family." Stuart was looking pale and sickly from his ordeal.

"Daddy, you taught us all the Babcock rules remember?" She leaned down toward her father. "Rule number ten… always take what’s yours." C.C. snickered watching a pale Fran talk to Nadine outside. "Question is Daddy was she ever really yours?"

"She’s my daughter, I admit." Stuart grumbled eyeing upstairs. "I don’t care what your mother, and others think."

C.C. turned her eye to Noel who shrugged. "If I was in Dad’s shoes… I would have gone after her too C.C." Noel shifted his body down on a chair trying to keep from coughing.

"Great. One of these days we have to show the world we are indeed human, and not a bunch of thieves." C.C. picked up Emily snuggling her child. "Somewhere out there your daddy is laughing, and making a comment." She whispered softly in Emily’s ear.

"Why are you so pale?" Nadine touched Fran’s arm.

"I’m alright." Fran smiled studying Nadine’s face. "Who am I?"

"Who do you want to be?" Nadine smirked as they both broke down in laughter.

"I’m not sure anymore." Fran smiled tearfully. "Are they still living?"

"Yes, and when all of this is over if you want Fran. I’ll take you to them." Nadine pulled her into a tight hug.

C.C. smiled softly watching the pair outside. "Daddy, for once in your life… Think about something other than what belongs to you. If there was even a remote chance that Fran wasn’t your daughter…. "

Stuart’s face twisted and turned. "She’s still my child. She’s my daughter as much as you or D.D."

Niles jumped up and down trying to warm his aching feet. "I wish… I should have taken boots from that rotten British camp."

"I should have taken a pair of those riding gloves." Maxwell muttered noticing how Niles had aged over these past few months.

"What?" Niles blinked his blue eyes at Maxwell.

"Nothing old man, and I do mean old man." Maxwell smirked eyeing Robert who couldn’t help, but laugh.

"Listen, At least my graying hair is all over, and I don’t have a stripe." Niles raised his hand up pulling on Maxwell’s hair.

"I think it makes me look handsome." Maxwell tossed his hair in a boyish style.

"Mother always did say you were a little vein." Niles smirked opening his letter. "Is everything ready Robert?"

"Yes Major!" Robert muttered trying to pull his torn coat tight. "It wasn’t easy, but thanks to General Washington.. I think at least we will make a good show of it. Everything ready on your end?"

"Let’s hope Babcock’s timing is exact." Niles sighed thinking about holding C.C. in his arms once more. "I want to hold her so badly."

"My wife and boys must be up to no good with the family by now." Robert grumbled looking toward Niles’s letter. "You managed to get a letter from your wife every week. I wish Nadine could write more than just a few words."

"She never learned?" Niles was taken aback.

"Most of the lower class of New York can’t Old man." Robert smiled he had taken after Maxwell calling him that. "Course from your tales you spent most of your time with household servants rather than your own family."

"Niles and Fran always escaped proper lessons by spending time with the household staff." Maxwell smirked as Niles felt his cheeks blush. "I wish .. I had tagged along just once."

"We had some wonderful times. They made us feel less… lonely…" Niles smiled remembering all the cookies, and presents the servants had given them over the years.

"You and your friend? Why would someone related to the Sheffield’s lack for friends?" Robert titled his head.

"Max and I are half brothers, Robert. My father was a simple doctor, and on the side he ran a small farm. My birth was rather … low by society’s standards." Niles grumbled keeping hidden the fact his mother never married his father. He was given his father’s estate, but that cloud had always hovered on the tips of the elite of New York. It was that fact that tied him to Fran… They both belonged to a world that didn’t accept them.

"Old man.. You are never anything but a class act in my book." Maxwell smiled placing his hand on his elder brother’s shoulder.

"How far is it until Christmas?" Niles muttered noticing a few more snowflakes falling on his head.

"Few weeks off…" Maxwell muttered blowing into his cold hands. "The kids must be growing like weeds now…. I wonder how they are doing… " Maxwell eyed the fire letting out a soft sigh. "I miss them and dare I say, Fran."

"I bet you do." Niles smirked. "Admit it Maxwell, you should give in now and marry her."

"If she would only say yes." Maxwell grumbled causing Niles to do a double take.

"What do you mean if only she would say yes?" This was information Niles hadn’t heard before. "When did you ask her?"

"The night I pasted an eve with her." Maxwell left his cheeks blush.

"She said no???" Robert joined Niles in his shock.

Niles and Robert past a look. "What we going to do if this doesn’t work out?" Robert whispered softly in Niles’s ear.

"It’ll work out, dammit. C.C. has promised to do her part." Niles sighed looking toward Maxwell. "Course it would help for a heavenly guide?" He looked toward the heavens. "Hopefully Sarah might "

"What’s going on, old man?" Maxwell grumbled noticing the pair in a private chat.

"Nothing sir, we are just going over your Christmas gift!" Niles was halfway teasing. Dammit Fran, give into your feelings once, If everything goes right you’ll be his wife. You belong together now!