"How you ever talked Noel and Daddy into staying with Martin, Mary and the children… I’ll never know." C.C. smirked as Fran lightly tapped the horses with the reigns.

"She has the gift as Yetta would say." Nadine talked Fran into coming along. She had been telling the women tales of New York’s under belly, and the odd fact that Niles was well known by many.

"I want to know how exactly he became so close to Yetta without knowing she was my grandmother." Fran muttered thinking back. "Did Yetta use Niles?"

"Again! Yetta is a kind woman who saw Niles’s huge heart. I have only met him once." Nadine didn’t get the chance to finish Fran and C.C. both jerk their heads toward Nadine.

"You met him???" They both mumbled at the same time.

"Course, I was working for Katherine Parks at the time." Nadine didn’t notice C.C.’s mouth twitched in pain. "Did I say something wrong?"

Fran started to laugh loudly. "Did you ever hear how that … pairing ended?" Fran smirked as C.C.’s face started to blush.

"I heard at a dinner party someone took a swing at Niles." Nadine turned as C.C. now was bright red. "You did it, Mrs. Butler?"

Fran couldn’t stop her nasal laughter from echoing. C.C. felt her face burn as she blushed. If Nadine was apart of this servant’s underground… they all knew her most embarrassing moment. "I shamed myself…" C.C. grumbled.

"Babcock rule number…I think sixty-four… You must never show that you give a damn." Fran eyed Nadine who smirked.

"You did marry him?" Nadine looked into C.C.’s red face.

"Yes…"

"Then as mother always says… Rules are made to be broken… Now and then…" Nadine winked smiling at C.C. "If you don’t take chances in life…"

"Life is not worth living…" Fran smiled. "I did remember some things mother used to tell us." Fran let out a long sigh. "What does she look like now Nadine?"

"You’ll see for yourself Fran…I promise…"

"I’m going to sleep… Wake me when we arrive…" C.C. climbed in back of the carriage loaded with materials. Nadine took her place by Fran’s side.

C.C. turned around looking at the Sheffield home. "Mrs. Sheffield has gone all out for this party." Fran shifted in her dress. C.C. smiled at her sister. "Don’t be so worried."

"It isn’t often I’m at a social event C.C." Fran walked up besides Sarah. "What’s wrong with you anyway?"

"Nothing.." C.C. hissed, and Fran exchanged a knowing look with Sarah.

""Could it be, because this is a party for Niles and Katherine?" Sarah moved and stood in front of C.C.

"Chore boy can do anything he wants Sarah… I am not interested." C.C. tried to move forward. "Sarah! Stop this now."

"You care for him… Admit it before he marries her." Sarah smiled taking C.C.’s hand.

"He’s nothing but an old man anyway." C.C. growled looking around.

"She’s in love with him." Sarah and Fran both looked at one another sighing.

They watched C.C. pace around the room talking to any young man that she could. "How long before she explodes." Sarah smiled holding up a coin. "I say an hour."

"As…if…" Fran smirked. "Maxwell wants in on this?"

"I’m sure he might, and I’ll go ask Noel." Sarah skipped off and Fran tilted her head toward Niles shaking her head softly.

"What are you doing here young lady?" Niles walked over hugging Fran tightly. "Why do you look…so happy…?" Niles glanced at his best friend worried. "Should I run and hide?"

"Maybe…" Fran walked away slowly handing Sarah her coin. "Twenty minutes."

Niles turned to look at C.C. who was talking with two of Maxwell’s friends. "You boys better stay away from this young trollop… she’ll casts spells on you."

C.C. glared into his deep blue eyes. "Troll don’t you have a bridge to hide under? Or your new lady love?"

"Uh oh" Maxwell stood next to Fran, Sarah and Noel. "Here we go… Darn it I’m going to lose!" he started to rub his temples softly.

"I have many places, I could hide… at least I have a large selection of friends." Niles smirked as C.C. turned to face him.

"It’s like watching two wild dogs go after a piece of meat." Noel mumbled at the group.

"Well you have two at least … I’m sure your vaguely familiar with." C.C. hissed back, and the room gasped out at the comment.

"I don’t get it…" Maxwell groaned…

"Have Sarah explain it to you later." Fran smirked as Sarah blushed.

"Well at least I can admit something woman. You have your Babcock rules, which keep you so repressed you’ll end up just like your mother, mores the pity." Niles felt the sting of her right fist on his eye.

Fran held out her hand collecting payment. "Wait.. I got a feeling…" She raised her hand up as C.C. towered over a fallen Niles.

"Why do I love you?" She growled turning toward the door walking outside.

Fran and Sarah’s jaw hit the floor. "She admitted it! He’ll never believe it!" Fran pushed Sarah toward Niles. "Go Sarah talk to him!"

Niles shivered jumping up and down. "At least when we drill… I am warmer. "Niles groaned looking toward Maxwell. "What’s wrong with him?"

"His lady friend’s letter hasn’t arrived yet." Robert eyed Niles. "Your wife’s letter hasn’t come yet either. Why aren’t you in a state of gloom and doom?"

"When you marry a Babcock you remain in such a state." Niles smirked, causing Robert to laugh.

"The way you talk about your wife!" Robert laughed again handing over a small cup. "Here old man… A Corporal made this… It will keep you warm."

"Ah, thank you Captain." Niles took a sip coughing madly. "What on earth did he make this out of?"

"Carrot…" Robert smiled taking another sip.

"What I wouldn’t give for real wine…" Niles let out a long sigh only to be replaced by a slender long arm holding a deerskin canteen.

"I’ll be sure to hold you to that troll." C.C.’s husky voice rang out in his ears. Niles grabbed her quickly pulling his blonde into his wanting arms.

Robert smiled laughing at the sight of Niles mauling his wife in public. "Major…" Robert coughed a bit…" Major!"

Maxwell’s eyes lifted up to see her face. "Fran?" He reached up feeling her soft skin. "My god! You are here!"

"Did you think I wouldn’t come, Mister Sheffield?" She smiled hugging his neck as he started to kiss her cheek."

Robert hugged Nadine tightly not questioning the fate that had dragged her to him. Nadine, Robert, C.C. and Niles all watched Maxwell and Fran talk timidly. "So that’s who Fran is sweet on." Nadine’s voice was soft, but the nasal tone rang out in C.C.’s ears.

"Yes… You think it’s going to work Niles?" C.C. played with his hand noticing how skinny it had become.

"I think a little push, and a little magic… things might work out for the best." Niles winked kissing her once more. "Have I told you lately how lucky I am …that you punched me out?" Niles smirked, noticing C.C. starting to blush once more.

"You are never going to let me forget that are you?" C.C. sighed as Nadine started to laugh lightly.

"Not on your life Trollop." Niles winked.

"Fran!" Maxwell called out as everyone looked toward her… she was collapsed in his arms. "My god! What’s wrong with her?"

"Listen to me Mister Fine… We both know she could be my daughter." Stuart hissed softly toward Morty. "I can offer her things you can only dream of."

Babcock’s words made the man step back. "Mister Babcock, by the law she’s my daughter not yours."

"What's going on?" Frannie’s voice was soft whispering in Nadine’s ear.

"Daddy and Mama are having a talk with the strange man." Nadine held her little sister tighter to her chest. "Don’t worry sissy I’ll protect you."

"Mama says I’s might be going away… "Her face was twisted in pain looking into Nadine’s eyes. "What will happen if the strange man takes me?"

"Never forget where you came from." Nadine’s eyes looked down hugging her tightly once again.

"Oy.. Very…" Fran rubbed her head waking to face Maxwell’s worried face. "I’m alright Maxwell." They had placed her on a cot.

"No your not… C.C. tells me you been having these problems for weeks now." Maxwell’s hand ran softly across her chin. "I don’t know what would happen if I lost you."

"I’m made of steel Maxwell… Don’t worry about me."

"I’ll worry until you marry me." He smiled teasing her as their lips softly brushed one another. "What can I do to show you…? How much I love you."

"I could think of a few ideas." She held him tightly aware that he had lost even more weight. "Oy … We have to get some meat on those bones Maxwell."

"Niles said you and C.C. brought enough for a holiday feast. They have… Both been laughing… "Maxwell sat up looking at Fran. "They are up to something."

"Knowing Niles… I would say yes." Fran winked pulling him back toward her. "Now that I have you away from public eyes." Fran couldn’t help it the soft kisses quickly deepened turning into something more, and either of them heard the soft coughing.

"SIR!" The Sergeant called out blushing at the lovers embrace. Maxwell stood up and straightened his uniform. "You are ordered by General Washington to …to…"

Maxwell smirked as Fran started to laugh putting back on her coat. The Sergeant was blushing at the skin Fran had been showing. "Well … Get to it man!"

"To his quarters!" Sergeant quickly walked outside as Maxwell blushed.

"Duty calls…" He leaned over forcing Fran back on the cot. "You rest… If I had my way… You’ll need every restful moment."

"We living in sin again Maxwell?" She teased causing him to blush once more.

"You will marry me… I promise you." He gave her a light peck walking outside. Fran took a deep long breath looking toward the tent ceiling.

"I know… I need to, and I should tell him." Fran mumbled shaking her head. "I just want to be sure he’s marrying me for me, and not because of Sarah’s pushing." Her hand ran along lightly touching her stomach. "Yeah… If I don’t tell him soon you’ll be telling him soon enough."

Niles watched Maxwell walked along the stone path. "Well?" C.C. giggled holding onto his waist watching Maxwell. "Hopefully the general will do his part." Niles couldn’t help but smile. He had C.C. by his side… A full stomach… and his uniform were patched. "Then after this is done… You’ll be all mine…" Niles waggled his eyebrows toward C.C.

"We will see who belongs to who when the night is done." She hissed playfully kissing Niles’s bottom lip.

"Major Maxwell Sheffield, reporting for duty sir." Maxwell stood up straight as General George Washington looked over his officer.

"Maxwell, are you aware of a small barn near here." Washington started to clean his glasses looking toward a shocked Maxwell.

"Yes sir, but you told us …"

"I am aware of what I said Major." Washington stood up smiling. "You are to report their tonight."

Maxwell left his stomach grumble. C.C. and Fran had brought food for a true holiday meal. Maxwell was going to miss out his face fell. "Yes sir."

Niles couldn’t help, but to laugh lightly at Maxwell’s fallen face. "Pity he doesn’t know this is a wedding feast. You my dear are … Wonderful" Niles kissed C.C.’s hand softly.

"Now if only Fran will … Play along." C.C. smirked looking toward Niles. "Well you are her best friend?"

Niles let out a soft groan. "Why do you always have to be right?"

"I’m going to hold you to that remark." She smirked walking away.

"Oy Vey…" Niles ran his hand in his hair wondering how he was going bring up this subject with a cleaver woman. "Well … I can’t live forever."

Fran sat up trying to put back on the layers of clothing that had been carefully placed around the tent. "Okay Scarecrow… What are you up to?" Fran placed a coat around her body noticing Niles’s smirk… "What? How long have you been standing there?"

Niles just stood their smiling. *Patience… she’ll tell you… If you just wait.* Niles held his hands behind his back. Slowly rocking back and forward looking like a man who was in charge of a major secret.

"OI you know don’t you?" Fran gasped watching his face as Niles slowly nodded.

Wait for it… Niles just held his playful grin watching Fran panic.

"I swear Niles… I will marry him… "Fran mumbled holding onto Niles hugging him.

Niles couldn’t help, but smile. "Do you promise?" He wasn’t sure why she was so…. Upset, but who was he to question.

Fran nodded slowly. "Just don’t hurt him."

Niles wanted to ask, why he would hurt Maxwell, but thought better of it. If Fran was promising him… This had played out better than he had dared hope for. "We are having a small party tonight. I will expect you in your best."

"Around here that isn’t much." Fran smiled wiping her tear stained eyes.

"Fran… It’s going to be alright…" He took her hands in his hand held her tight. "Remember! I promised you’ll always have me… No matter what." Niles smiled walking out the tent flap. "What the devil is wrong with her anyway?" Niles muttered softly wondering why it had been so easy. "Well Sarah… If you’re watching out for them… thank you." Niles eyed the darkening sky with a smile.

C.C. giggled enjoying Nadine’s company. "So… She’s been watching his children? He’s been writing her these letters…" C.C. had managed to show Nadine one of Maxwell’s earlier letters. "Oy they are soooo falling in love here."

"Yes…" C.C. smiled reading another. "She’ll kill me if … She knew I had these."

"You sure you’re family isn’t Jewish?" Nadine smiled brightly.

"We are too…."

"Evil?" Niles appeared behind C.C. kissing her neck. "Everything is done my Trollop, and oddly enough it was easy."

"Why does that worry me?" C.C. muttered.

Fran mumbled trying to step out of the tent carefully. "How are along are you?" Nadine walked up taking her arm.

"Pardon me?" Fran blinked looking toward her sister.

"Francine you are talking to a woman that has given birth to four boys. You may be able to fool the others, but not me." She smiled touching Fran’s cheek. "How far along are you?"

"I don’t think the rest of the camp heard you Nadine! " Fran grumbled walking along slowly toward the pathway. She stopped sighing looking toward her stopped sister. "Two months."

"Why not tell him?"

"I just have to be sure…" Fran mumbled looking down toward the ground. "I gave into my desires, and look what happened."

"God granted you something… you have always wanted…" Nadine smiled taking Fran’s arm.

"Which is?"

"A family, and yes Fran he loves you… I see it in his eyes. I saw the panic in his face when you felt to the ground. His heart would break if anything should happen to you." Nadine smiled and Fran looked away.

"Sarah is still between us…" She let out a long sigh. "I am not…"

"Her? Course not… You did love her?"

"She was a close friend Nadine. I felt guilty."

"Let go of that guilt. Do you remember what mother once said to us before you left? The dead do not want us to feel guilt. They want us to feel happiness while we are alive." Nadine smiled noticing the barn. "Take your own advice … Or mothers … take a crazy chance… You might find what you always wanted."

"Which is?"

"A family."

Nadine stopped coming face to face with a long gun barrel. "Oy this can’t be good." Fran soon froze to stand side by side with her sister.

Fran giggled finding Niles in the kitchen. "B.B. forced you out of the room?" His smile was soft, and one filled with understanding. He had been pushed out of the room by his mother. They had a guest today some English count they wanted to impress.

Fran nodded slowly. "Are we going to escape to Yetta’s, Sam’s, Jack’s? " Fran’s voice was quiet, as she started going down the list of servant friends Niles had. "Where we going Niles?"

"Want to see Old Yetta? It’s been a few weeks!"

"Okay! She always has candy waiting for us anyway. "Fran took the older boy’s hand with a smile. "Tell B.B. if she comes looking for me… I went to my lessons."

"You can go ahead and say what you feel around us Miss Babcock. The butler bowed handing the girl a cupcake. "Don’t worry we won’t tell."

"Tell her to stick it up her ear!" She managed a rare giggle as Niles winked at her. They both went out on the street slowly. "Is it true what they say about us?"

"What do they say about us?" Niles leaned down listening to Fran.

"That we are… Bas…" Fran couldn’t say it her face blushed as Niles’s twisted in pain. "I’m sorry Niles… "

"You remember what you told me? A few months ago when I got in trouble with James?" Niles smiled the girl was always full of advice, but never followed it. "It’s what a person has in their heart, that’s what maters. Do you feel like a … well that thing that B.B. called you?"

Fran shook her head slowly. "No… I’ll bend, but never break."

"Babcock mottos… Fran… You are far from any Babcock. Hold onto your past. Why do you think Sarah and I help you get to temple now and then? " Niles lifted her up carrying her up and over the metal doors.

"I’ll never be a real Babcock will I? Niles?"

"God, I hope not… I can only take one C.C. and D.D. at a time. Come on little one let‘s go have some fun." Niles grumbled taping on the door.

Nadine smirked looking down the gun’s barrel. "Robert… If you don’t stop goofing around." She pushed the gun barrel aside, laughing. "What do you think your doing?"

"By order of the general! I am to take Miss Fine here to the barn." Robert had a smirk on his face.

"Knock it off Robert…" Nadine smirked waving the gun away. A look passed between Nadine and Robert. "Alright Robert we will play this game." Fran let out a small groan.

"This had better be good." Fran grumbled following her sister inside the barn. Fran froze looking over the barn how it had been decorated. "Oy Vey…"

"Private…" Robert smirked.

"Yes sir…" The private walked over he was rather enjoying a new coat.

"You have your orders…Correct?" Robert smirked as his wife.

"You better tell me what’s going on!" Fran couldn’t move as Robert led the women toward a small storage room. Awaiting Fran was a white covered long dress with matching white rabbit skin coat. Nadine stopped laughing. "Robert … you devil…"

"I been set up haven’t I?" Fran turned to face Robert who nodded.

"Now… My new sister." Robert kissed Fran’s hands. "He loves you… You love him… In an hour’s time… Everything will be ready."

"How did you? What about the children? What about?" Fran looked like a trapped animal looking around.

"You love him Fran. He loves you." Niles’s soft voice filled the room causing her to turn. "The kids are still young, and they will understand. The Babcocks… well…expect for a few. Didn’t they push you out of gatherings before?" Niles smiled touching Fran’s cheek. "Give in little one…"

"You haven’t called me that in years." Fran felt her eyes start to tear up.

"Well you haven’t really ever been small, now have you?" Niles smiled taking her hand. "C.C. had to be sneaky to get this past you, and you better not disappoint her." Niles winked walking past Robert. "We shall leave you two alone… I’m sure Babcock will turn up. She always does."

Fran felt a cold shiver of fear run down her spine. "Niles?"

"Now Fran… Remember you promised." He smiled closing the door leaving the private station at his guard post. "Please Sarah let her give in…" Niles mumbled to himself.

"If she’s anything like the other Fine women… She’ll give in… They can never refuse a wedding."

"Now shall we go meet the groom… for our mission?" Niles smirked looking over at the dark headed man.

"This is going to be … interesting." Robert couldn’t help but chuckle.

Maxwell walked past the campfires cooking three cattle C.C. and Fran had brought. Everyone waved, or saluted him as he past. This mission had left him in a gloomy mood. He would rather be spending this night next to a campfire, and then snuggled next to Fran’s warm body. "If only."

"Having sinful thoughts brother?" Niles smirked as Robert leaned on him.

Robert flashed his quick salute, and smiled. "Major you look a little pale."

"It’s bloody unfair!" Maxwell groaned as Robert, and Niles feel in behind him following his movement. "Fran and C.C. brought this wonderful holiday feast, and we are going to be off…" Maxwell stopped.

"What is it sir?" Niles couldn’t help, but smile…

"What’s going on?" Maxwell eyed the pair.

"Sir?" Robert looked bright eyed and innocence.

"You two have had those silly grins on your faces for the past ten minutes." Maxwell grumbled eyeing Niles. "Well, Captain I order you to tell me what my brother is up too?"

"I have higher orders." Robert couldn’t help, but laugh. Niles had been right he would try something like that. General Washington was amused to order Robert’s silence.

"Why are you two dressed in your best uniforms?" Maxwell had noticed Niles was dressed in his newly repaired uniform. "Alright…answers…"

"Sir, we have to meet the good general at the barn." Niles walked Maxwell. "I would hate to disobey our leader."

Maxwell let out a long sigh. "This had better be good." He noticed at the stars twinkled brightly in the sky. The starlight did nothing to warm his cold bones, but something about that sky made him feel warm.

Niles stood before the waiting troops that they shared command over. They stood before a rather large box. "What the devil?" Maxwell stood to notice his troopers wearing only their best. A Sergeant picked up the box handing it over to Robert. The men exchanged salutes, and a smile.

Robert now stood before a gasping Maxwell. "Sir on behalf of Major Butler, Myself, and the rest of the boys." He opened up the box displaying a brand new uniform. "A man should look his best." Robert pulled out the new coat.

Maxwell blushed looking around. "Why?"

"Now sir… If we told you why… That would ruin the surprise." Niles had a cherish grin on his face. "Everything about ready my love?"

C.C. smiled walking out of the barn. "I think even you would approve." C.C. placed something in Maxwell’s hand. "Here’s a hint of what’s going on Maxwell."

Maxwell opened his hand looking at a small golden wedding band with one diamond in the center. His jaw dropped looking around. "She… She… Told me… Last time…"

"Sometimes… You just need a good push." Niles winked taking another box from C.C.’s hands. "You pardon me sir… I must check on your wedding feast., and of course you must prepare… Men you have your orders."

Niles walked out with C.C. on his arm. "What are their orders exactly?" C.C. couldn’t help, but laugh.

"If he tries to escape … shoot him." Niles winked kissing C.C.’s hands. "Just wait until I get you alone my dear."

"What are you going to do?"

"Everything I’ve dreamed about since our last meeting." Niles pulled her close licking her lips. Either one of them heard the coughing. Niles blinked watching George Washington’s smiling face.

"Sir!" Niles saluted pushing C.C. away carefully.

"At ease Major." Washington walked up kissing C.C.’s hand. "Thank you Mrs. Butler, you and your friend have added some joy this holiday season."

"I do what; I can, when I can." C.C. blushed noticing how handsome he was. "I would ask a favor from you yet again."

"You have yet to ask."

"I require Major Butler, Captain Henderson, and Major Sheffield … they need a few days off from drilling." C.C. smiled as Niles blushed. He knew that C.C. had a different kind of drilling in mind for him.

"Consider it done my dear." He kissed her hand again. "I’ll see you at the wedding."

"How… How… do you do that?" Niles mumbled watching his wife’s slow smile.

"Talent my dear, I learned it from Fran of all people."

"Well… Shall we ready ourselves for a shot gun wedding?" Niles took her hand leading her back into the barn.

Fran looked at herself in the broken mirror decked out in white. "How did you manage to do all this?" She had on three different layers of white, from her two coats down to her dress.

"I could tell you, but I won’t." C.C. smiled playfully winking toward Nadine. "Fran have you gained some weight?" C.C. was shocked pulling on the last coat making sure it was tied properly.

"A little." Fran blushed pulling the coat on tightly.

"She’s nervous enough C.C." Nadine laughed softly. "Commenting about her weight isn’t going to help matters much."

"I’m not sure about this." Fran started to walk away as C.C. grabbed her shoulders. "I was Sarah best friend remember?" She smiled softly. "You don’t think Maxwell is having doubts about Danny?"

"I never thought about it…" Fran blushed.

"What happened to the fearlessly little girl!" Nadine hopped up. "Oy Vey Frannie we have to work on that."

"I’m not that bad… I’m going to marry him tonight…what about a… we aren’t getting married by a priest are we?"

"We have taken care of all the details. Would you trust me?" C.C. blushed as Fran glared at her. "Fran that was ONE TIME, and after you set me up you earned it."

"How did Frannie set you up?" Nadine smiled looking at a blushing Fran.

"It was the night she punched me out Mrs. Henderson." Niles walked in taking in Fran who looked like a snow angel. "I have never seen you look lovelier."

C.C. coughed looking toward Niles.

"Expect my darling wife here." Niles laughed as C.C. spanked him playfully.

"You’ll pay for that later lover." She hissed in his ear.

"Can I have a moment alone please?" Fran closed her eyes.

"Alright sweetie, we will be waiting outside when you’re ready to meet that handsome Prince of yours." Nadine kissed her cheek walking outside.

"Well … Here we go… I’m about to marry a man… Who…" Fran muttered to herself looking into the broken mirror they had been using.

"You are going to marry someone… Who loves you very much." His Irish accent filled the room.

Fran turned to face the young man who smiled back at her. "Hello beautiful." His hand reached out to touch her cheek.

"Danny…" Her eyes filled with tears.

Maxwell mumbled standing alone in the clearing. "Madness… This is crazy." Maxwell shifted trying to adjust his tricorn hat. "I love her… It will be alright."

"Hello Max…" Her soft voice filled the clearing as he watched him.

"Sarah?" Maxwell stepped slowly toward her. She was wearing a spring dress in the middle of winter. "My god!"

She sat on a log dusting it off first of the fallen snow. "How are you doing Maxwell? Are you ready for tonight?" She giggled softly at his blushing face.

"O Sarah… When I lost you…" Maxwell sat down next to her smiling. "She’s special to me Sarah… She always has been."

"It’s okay to love her Max… I have always loved her. She’s been a dear friend to us all since she arrived on Stuart Babcock’s door step. Look what she’s done for our children." Sarah reached out touching his chin.

"She saved me from myself." Maxwell looked off blushing. "I couldn’t loose her to anyone."

"You won’t Maxwell." She touched his chin one last time. "I will always love you, Max … Her heart is big enough to accept ghosts." Sarah winked walking away.

"Sarah??" Maxwell walked toward past the clearing as his soldiers saluted him. "Did you just see a woman walk pass?"

They both shrugged at him. "You are to step back inside the clearing sir, until Major Butler comes for you." The private waved his hand back toward Maxwell’s waiting place.

"You look happy, and scared Fran…." Danny smiled brushing away her tears.

"I’m not Sarah…"

"He’s not asking you to be…" Danny smiled kissing her cheeks. "His children love you Fran, and that little one you are carrying inside you will love you even more." His eyes twinkled holding her face in his hands. "The woman I married is still in there…. Bright… fiery … willing to take a stand. He has opened your heart again Fran don‘t run from him."

"Everything will work out?" Her mind raced as Danny let go stepping away from her. His hands started to fade with the rest of his body.

"Everything will be fine, but keep an eye on C.C…. "The ghost faded causing Fran to gasp. *Keep an eye on C.C.? What the devil does that mean?*

Niles smiled, and quickly frowned looking at Fran’s worried face. "No second thoughts now." He took her white gloved hands. You promised me."

Fran smiled back. "I’m ready…" She took in a long deep breath putting aside her worries for another day.

The barn was filled with soldiers and wives who had made it to winter camp to spend a few weeks by their spouses’ side. Fran felt her face flush looking toward a clean shaven, and finely dressed Maxwell. Someone was singing in Hebrew as General George Washington was in the front row.

Niles handed over Fran to Maxwell who smiled brightly. He then exchanged a wink toward C.C. who hissed, but smiled afterwards.

Robert stepped forward smiling wearing his religious gear shocking both Maxwell and Niles at first. Nadine giggled softly as the barn quieted down. "We are gathered here today to join both Maxwell James Sheffield, and Francine Babcock in holy union. If there is anyone that would show just cause why they can’t be wed speak now, or forever hold your peace."

Niles smirked watching Robert. He was trying to do a prefect mix of both a Christian wedding, and a Jewish one. Robert coughed trying to work his way past the lines Niles at forced him to memorize. Niles couldn’t be more proud watching the woman he had known since a small child eyes twinkle. He couldn’t stay focused as the ceremony went by all too quickly.

"What god has brought together let no man pull a sunder. " Robert lifted up his hands, and smiled turning to Maxwell and Fran. Placing the glass bottle on the floor. "You may kiss your bride!"

"About time…" Maxwell muttered taking her into his arms. She melted against him feeling the promise of tonight in his lips. "This time… they’ll be no escape!" he smirked playfully.

"Lets! Go EAT!" Robert called out in a joyous voice as the soldiers called out in cheers of joy. "Dismissed!"

The night was filled with sounds of music. The man had gathered up anything they could find. Someone was playing a flute loudly as wine and beef was being passed around to men that hadn’t seen beef since the war’s start.

"I think the Major should wed every night." Robert smiled Nadine was in his lap blushing. "You know… He’s related to me now!" Robert’s face twisted in pain.

"Like that’s a bad thing." C.C. laughed as Niles poured her more wine. "Are you trying to have your wicked way with me?"

"Isn’t that how we ended up with Emily?" Niles purred tasting her lips. There was a freedom in camp tonight. In New York they would have been scolded for such outburst of passion but here… it was wild…"I warn you woman… You keep that up… I will not be held responsible for your safety."

C.C. licked her lips again taunting Niles as he let out a groan. Niles rushed toward her picking C.C. up placing her over his shoulder. "Good night Robert… Nadine…" He tipped his hat toward Nadine as C.C. started to laugh.

C.C. had been pushed into Niles’s tent… To find a bear skin rug awaiting her. "Don’t tell me… Troll you managed to kill a bear all by yourself?" His lips found hers not wanting to talk anymore.

Maxwell smiled watching Fran blush talking to General Washington. Maxwell wanted to escape now. He wanted to drag her away tonight, and show her how happy he had made her.

"I love you…" He leaned over whispering in her hear causing Fran to blush more.

"Major Sheffield." General Washington stood before Maxwell handing over a note. "You’ll find a cabin as been set aside …" Washington turned the couple around. They came face to face with a white horse pulling a small cart. "There is a map… Captain Henderson, and Major Butler have made all arrangements."

"I don’t know what to say." Maxwell mumbled holding Fran’s hand.

"No one will notice…. If you …. Left…" The general walked away smiling as he waved a few soldiers away.

"So Mister Sheffield…Shall we make our escape?" Fran smiled as Maxwell laughed.

"Indeed Mrs. Sheffield… Indeed."

Niles grumbled noticing C.C.’s layers of clothes. "I swear… Why do women wear so much clothing?" He pulled madly trying to reach her bare skin.

"Because…" She pushed him on his back smiling. "Men always want to unwrap presents." She purred as Niles tore open her dress.

C.C. groaned loudly as C.C. was pushed back down on her back. "Babcock… you are mine tonight even if I have to tie you down."

"Promises … Promises…." it was freezing outside, but strangely enough the tent started to feel a heat beyond any fire.

Maxwell smiled brightly picking Fran up carrying her across the threshold. The cabin was decorated carefully, and to Maxwell’s joy they had placed food around the cabin. "I hope you are prepared for a long evening." Maxwell teased placing her on the bed.

"I am ready for anything Mister Sheffield." Fran whispered pulling him down into her waiting arms. For once… problems could wait…

Niles’s hand ran up and down her bare back enjoying the feel. She to had lost some weight since staying with Ben. "Have you been eating well?"

C.C. smirked snuggling his chest playing with his new gray chest hairs. "Have you been aging?" She teased back looking into his eyes. Niles pulled her up to face him. "Watch it… Butler I would hate for you to break something."

Niles’s looked into her eyes. "Now trollop… Didn’t I make you beg for mercy?"

"Prove it!" C.C. hissed as his hand traveled downward to grasp her rear tightly pushing her into his harden manhood. C.C. felt her fiery groan rise up in her throat. Her gaze locked with his.

"I don’t think … I’m done making you beg Babcock." He hissed kissing her deeply rolling her over yet again. "Woman… I’ll make sure … you’ll be walking funny before this night is done!" He growled playfully in her ear. He slid his hands between her legs once more.

Maxwell groaned as Fran started to laugh. "You didn’t have this problem the first night." Fran giggled as Maxwell pulled at her layers of clothing. His lips sucked softly on hers as he pulled off her coat. His mind started to race.

"Fran…" he groaned as he shrugged off his own uniform coat her hands started to work on the rest of his clothing. She shivered in his arms as his lips trailed down her neck. Either of them noticed the temperature in the room.

Niles moved quickly inside her making her jump. Her eyes danced around playfully as her pulled her even closer. "I want… All of you…" He let out a soft groan in her ear. C.C. arched her back she he could go even deeper inside her. She had to wonder about other tents near by, and the noise they had been making.

"Niles…" She held back a loud groan as she felt his slick body going back and forth. She was feeling the earth shaking as he forced another climax from her throat.

Niles felt his own pleasure leave him, and smiled looking into her eyes. "I win…"

C.C. grumbled shivering as she felt his seed spill into her womb. "Dammit Troll… You if we were on a bed right now…"

"What would you do?" Niles growled in her ear rolling over once again. She snuggled into his chest. "I think you nearly broke our bed at the farm house… During our honeymoon night." C.C. giggled remembering tying Niles to the bed while he slept.

Maxwell touched softly the fine skin along her chest. He hadn’t taken his eyes off hers. His lips touching hers softly…pulling her naked form into his… He gasped noticing the curve of her stomach. Maxwell’s eyes met Fran’s "You’re… You’re…"

Fran blushed nodding. "Yes…" Her hands taking his placing it over her small belly. "I am…"

Maxwell’s eyes widen as he pulled her into his arms. Kissing her with renewed passion forgetting all about his own desires. His only wish was to wipe away her own worries.

Niles laughed playing with a strand of her blonde hair. "I wish it could be like this forever." He felt her shift looking into his blue eyes.

"You’ll be coming home one day." Her hands pushed back his hair. "We will have plenty of time for days like this."

"I only hope that fate allows us to see it to the end." Niles grumbled pulling on her hair. "Do you know how much I love you?"

"I love you too." She winked clawing at his chest. "I have to wonder … Can you handle having me in your bed every night."

"Didn’t I marry you for that reason C.C.?" Niles smirked feeling her playful slap. "How is Emily?" He kissed her hand. "I have already missed so much."

"She has your eyes." C.C. smiled her hand running along his lips. "Your lips… I would doubt she was my child, but I did give birth to her."

Niles smiled pulling the cover over them. "I am sorry … Trollop I fear we have little covering us during these cold nights."

"Will he be able to win?" She let the question hang in the air as Niles took in a deep breath.

"I have faith… as I have faith in you." Niles wrapped his arms around her. "Now sleep woman, or you will not have the strength to stand tomorrow."

"I feel like … I have been sleeping forever… without you…" C.C. nibbled at his neck.

"Woman!" Niles laughed looking into her eyes. "If …will you even be able to walk tomorrow?"

"I’ll worry about tomorrow just give me this night."

"Done!" Niles grumbled pulling her close. "I’ll make sure you’ll pay for this." Niles smiled and sighed. "If only …"

"If only…."

Maxwell laughed at her smile. "I have never seen you so happy."

"It’s a rare thing… To feel this complete. I wonder what Daddy will say…" Fran smiled looking at her wedding ring.

"He will most likely come after me." Maxwell couldn’t help, but laugh. "I wish him well in the army."

"I am going to tell C.C. and Niles when we get back about the child. If that is alright with you?"

"Four… Four children… All young…" Maxwell groaned looking toward Fran. "They are going to be more than a handful."

"I can see Maggie … she’ll be in charge of them all." Fran laughed softly as Max kissed her neck. "Well? What are you hoping for?"

"What? A child… Only God willing it should be healthy."

"I only wish … I could be there for you Fran." His hand went along her belly.

"You will be Maxwell." She smiled kissing his lips. "Just remember a part of my heart is always with you."

"My heart will always be with you as well." Maxwell’s hand pushed her hair off her face. "I want…. So much… "

"I know…" Fran kissed his lips enjoying his bare chest.

"She’s married…. Maxwell…" Stuart mumbled looking at Fran’s letter. "I don’t believe this!" Stuart ran his fingers in his hair.

"Miss Fine … as always had a good heart. She will be happy with Mister Sheffield." Mary rocked Gracie slowly.

"She married without my permission." Stuart groaned looking toward a smirking B.B. "Stop looking at me that way."

"The war is far from over Stuart. She could be a widow within a week." B.B. left the room as Stuart let out a soft groan.

"Heartless…" Martin mumbled watching B.B. climb the steps.

"She’s always hated Miss Fine… "Mary shook her head.

"Time will tell if she really does hate Fran… or envy her…" Martin eyed Mary who groaned. "It’s true Mary… "

"Well at least they are on their way home." Mary shook her head. "I can’t take anymore of these people."

"We all have our cross to bare good Mary." Martin winked helping Mary with the Sheffield children. "It will be good to have them home."

"You really should stop." Mary grumbled while watching Fran at work.

"Why?" She smiled as she shaped the silver spoons. "This work gives us food on the table, and allows me to bride British soldiers from coming around here. " Fran waddled over toward the furnace. "We all win from it."

"It is proper for a young lady to relate in your state." Stuart walked forward eyeing Fran. "You are doing this to avoid B.B. anyway. If it’s not this you are always out with the children. Women are supposed to be hidden when expecting."

"In New York city maybe." Fran wiggled her eyebrows smiling. "Daddy… I’m fine… This is one of the many ways I keep the British from finding you…. Remember?"

Stuart made a low grumble looking toward Fran. "I am still having a hard enough time… with you expecting…" Stuart was about to start another lecture, as Fran rolled her eyes toward Mary grumbling.

"Why not wait until you see Maxwell? I have heard this forty times daddy."

"You are going to hear it over and over again… I wasn’t even at your wedding."

"OI! " Fran tapped a smiling Mary’s shoulder. "The Babcocks have no Jewish blood, but they can pile on the guilt when needed."

"I better go check on the little ones." Mary walked off leaving the pair alone.

"Your still worried about her?" Stuart tapped Fran’s shoulder. C.C. had been gone three days now to market to exchange goods for supplies, and had yet to return.

"I felt guilty sending her off. As you like to point out daddy… In my state I can hardly be seen in public, and at least C.C. isn’t showing yet." Fran grumbled looking toward the sky. "Maxwell and Niles haven’t written in four weeks either… I am beyond worried." Fran recalled the warning she had received on her wedding day. "I’m scared."

Fran sighed looking toward Stuart. "Martin should be back…."

"MRS. SHEFFIELD!" Martin’s screamed in the stone structure. His voice was full of panic and dread. He had a wild eyed look for his normally pleasant face, causing both Stuart and Fran to panic. "General Howe has taken Mrs. Butler!" He mumbled softly looking into Fran’s eyes.

"Oy… this can’t be good."

"You don’t like it?" Howe nibbled at his food while watching C.C. glare at him. "My dear Miss Babcock a woman in your … condition must eat something."

"Mrs. Butler… " C.C. hissed trying to control her temper. She pushed back the plate watching General Howe smile. "Your men brought me here. Cleaned me up, and now I must ask… why do I have the pleasure?"

"My dear woman." Howe waved a servant who poured her more drink. "You are a daughter of one of the richest men, in the colonies. Your husband and brother-in law have gain a reputation in annoying my supply wagons. So… when my men found out who you were… it seemed only fitting I annoy them… How is your father by the way?" General Howe smiled taking a sip of wine watching for her reaction.

"I haven’t seen him since my wedding day. Why? Is he in trouble?" C.C. smirked knowing he was fishing for information.

"My dear, how on earth do you check up on your inheritance if you don’t keep in touch? Howe smiled as he waved away a chocolate cake. The servant came toward C.C. placing it before her. "You must eat… not good for your child… Well if you haven’t seen your father… then at least you have spent time with your husband…"

"How can you tell?" C.C. shook her head. "Really General… I am tired of games. If all you want to do is annoy my husband. Then fine so be it…" C.C. didn’t get a chance to finish off her train of thought, as James Sheffield walked in the door. James had made a General only a few days ago. Fran had found out, thanks to Nadine that James had been pouring a lot of gold into the English war effort.

"Hello my dear." He leaned down kissing C.C.’s hand.

"So now the true hunter… shows himself." C.C. let out a long hiss. Somehow. She was sure. This wasn’t going to end pretty. "What do I owe this pleasure Mister Sheffield."

"Ahhh that Babcock tongue never fails does it?" He saluted General Howe then took his place to his left. "I have been put in charge of capturing .Quite a few. Old friends. Including your husband…" He handed her a rolled piece of parchment.

C.C. had often watch James Sheffield treat both Niles and Maxwell with a coldness. The only time he came alive when he was playing chess… Now it became apparent she was now a pawn. In an all to real game. They are holding her… to gain more pieces? To gain…. Fran perhaps? "You were always a loving man toward your friends." C.C. snickered seeing both Ben Franklin, and her father’s name side by side.

"How is Sarah." James smiled taking the plate that was offered. "I have this strange feeling you both might be hidden away together."

C.C. fought back the wave of nausea that over took her. *He doesn’t even know Sarah died?* C.C. had remember Fran saying something of how Maxwell had only received one letter stating him and Niles had been cut off. "She’s doing a lot better than I am at the moment." C.C. tried using her talents of Babcock lying. *She’s having a good laugh at your expense right now James… If you are seeking her instead of Fran. It keeps Fran safe… Will Fran stay away. That’s a different problem.* C.C. dipped her fork into the chocolate cake unable to fight off her cravings another moment.

"Sarah is a wise girl. She will come looking for you no doubt." James handed over a small coin bag to Howe. "With her will come the children."

C.C. felt the cake turn to dust in her mouth. Your real goal… You want the children.

Maxwell sighed trying to fight his coughing fit yet again. "I am bloody tired of his cold!" He looked toward Niles who was glazing at the fire.

"The letters…." Niles had held the last one he had received from C.C. She had told him joyous news, but since that letter they had been cut off from any dispatches. "This is driving me crazy!"

"I understand Niles." Maxwell looked down at his feet the pool of water reflected back at him showing him a man aged before his time. "I’m growing more gray just worried about her."

Niles sighed placing his hand on his shoulder. Maxwell had to be beyond worried. The man was making himself ill just thinking about what happened to Sarah. "She’s not Sarah. Maxwell, Fran’s hard headed…"

"Sirs! Sirs…" Robert’s smiling face walked toward them. In one hand he was carrying his rifle in another a bottle. "I have something for us!"

"If that’s wine… I’ll make damned sure you live to see Major." Niles licked his lips.

"It’s French wine!" He waved the bottle around producing three metal cups. "We now have a French advisor. He has joined Washington’s staff." He poured out the wine. "I am his official translator."

"Bloody hell … Niles and I could have done it." Maxwell grumbled taking a sip.

"The good General needs you to annoy British supply carts." Robert winked handing Niles a drink. "Another thing. You both made the list of people. They want to hang after this war."

"I feel soooo much better." Niles laughed toasting his achievement.

"It’s all your fault." B.B. hissed toward Fran.

"Oy! I’m sooo not in the mood right now." Fran held up both hands while reaching down to hold Maggie.

"B.B. that’s enough. We have a problem, now we must figure out what to do about it." Stuart sighed looking outside. "It might not be wise for us to stay here."

"He’s right, Mrs. Sheffield. It will be only a matter of time before they come looking around this place. " Martin stepped forward taking Maggie from Fran’s arms.

"No one’s leaving … Yet…" Fran muttered eyeing B.B. "Relax! Remember if we panic. They will have the upper hand."

"Maybe it would be wise to hide the children?" Mary took Emily from Stuart. "The King’s men have New England almost blocked off." She frowned looking toward Stuart who stood nodding.

Fran reached inside her pocket pulling out a small map. "Mary… Can you and Martin take the children somewhere for a few days?. Maybe weeks if they agree?"

"We could leave tonight." Martin jumped up as Fran’s face fell. "I’m sorry Fran. I know you’ll miss them."

"Yes…" Fran shook her head unfolding the crudely drawn map. Nadine had given this map to her the day she had departed for her own home. Fran let out a long sigh pulling off the silver star of David she had been wearing. "Mary. Go ready the children…" Mary nodded walking out.

"Were are you going to go?" Mary stopped looking toward Fran.

"To rescue C.C." Fran grumbled hearing the yelps of disapproval for the gathered people. "Oy!… Just quiet down. Remember I have some talents."

"Trouble for one." B.B. hissed quietly.

"You must understand sir. Life is an interesting game." James Sheffield moved his next piece only onto the pawn tightly. "You must move carefully in the game of life. For every action there is a reaction…. In nature, and in men."

"So you hope… her circle of friends will come after her?" Howe smiled picking up his castle moving the piece aside. "Question is did you predict the right reaction?" Howe leaned back waiting for James to make his move.

"We are either pawns or kings in life sir…" He laughed taking a bishop from Howe’s board. "Take the Knight… It has no real power… I can remove it from the board, and yet the game is still in play."

"The King is everything… If you loose the king… there is no game. I wish all of our brothers had this mind set. Once we capture General Washington…. I shall set you on the boat with him back to London… perhaps you could teach him the error of his ways."

"Can you teach a fool?" James grabbed for his tea. "I ask a favor of you my General."

"Ask… and I shall do my best to see it is done my friend." He eyed the board carefully shaking his head.

"C.C. Babcock is so like that mother of hers. C.C. as a weakness…, besides that stepson she married." James grumbled moving a pawn to defend his queen.

"This weakness is?"

"I remember Niles upset that a young boy was after C.C…. Chandler Evans. He serves under Lord Cornwallis…. Perhaps we can find a way to… "

"I will look into it." Howe smiled toasting James. "What shall we do with Mrs. Babcock once that babe is born? We can’t keep her around…"

"I will give my wife her new grandchild, and the crown can hang the daughter of a known traitor." James laughed. "You see we both win."

"Indeed."

A young servant boy removed his head from the door, and looked upward toward the guarded room which held C.C. Babcock. He let out a long whistle running his hand along his chin.

Fran looked at the aging house. Closing her eyes she heard Niles’s voice ringing in her ears.

Fran walked slowly up the stairs toward a wooden door. Her hand lightly knocked at it…

A man quickly opened it smiling down at her. "Little Fran!" He picked her up not knowing of the growing child in her belly! "Not so little anymore it would seem! Miss Yetta has been expecting you!"

"It is good to see you too Jason." Fran smiled trying to control her nasal accent, and failing badly. "How is her health doing?" She followed up the steps noticing ten people had camped out down stairs.

"Her heart is good… it’s the rest of her body that gives her trouble, but you know old Yetta… She still takes in a new family every week." He smiled knocking on the door. "Miss Yetta…. Little Fran is here to see you."

"Frannie? Come in! Come in!" Yetta was spread out on the bed as pillows held her into a sitting position. "What has kept you child?" Yetta’s hands reached out touching Fran’s belly, and with that Yetta laughed. "A proper young lady wouldn’t be seen in such a state."

"A proper young lady wouldn’t do half the stuff… I have these past few years." Fran smiled sitting down next to Yetta’s bedside. "I need help Yetta…. I need help… Grandmother…" She took Yetta’s hand smiling.

"So… Nadine told you… ahhh. This is good." Tears streamed down Yetta’s face as she kissed her hands. "I already know the trouble you face my dear…"

"You do?" Fran blinked. Course Yetta would know. Servants reported the daily gossip to Yetta. "C.C.?"

"C.C. Babcock… Is indeed. In danger." Yetta let out a long sigh. "I will tell you everything, but first." She waved at Jason who brought Fran a crude parchment, ink and feather. "You will write to that husband, and to Niles…While I tell you everything."

"Yetta… My letters are all but blocked off from the colonial army." Fran frowned looking toward the waiting desk. She walked over sitting down.

"You trust your old grandmother… Start writing that letter, and listen. I shall do all the talking!"

Jason leaned over whispering in Fran’s ear. "She likes to hear her own voice… let her talk." Fran giggled starting the letter.

"I would love a roast quail right now." Maxwell grabbed at the bird. "If I loose anymore weight my uniform isn’t going to fit."

"My four boys must be drinking Nadine crazy." Robert grumbled throwing bones onto the fire. "They have to be eating everything in sight."

"I could eat anything in sight at this rate." Niles started to hammer away at the bone. "Crack open!"

"Niles what are you doing?. Silly old man… that’s crazy!" Maxwell laughed softly.

"I’m eating every part of this blasted bird!" Niles sucked greedily at the broken bone sucking out the marrow. "Anything to fill my stomach."

"I would settle on ammo… What we are stealing from the British is the only thing keeping us going." Robert grumbled looking down, and then toward the three carts. "I keep serving with you…Sirs. I’m going to end up on that list."

"Only the best people make that list!" Maxwell smiled playfully.

"Then why is Niles on it?" Robert laughed as Niles started to throw a wine skin his way. "Well it’s true Niles."

"If C.C. saw that list she would want my name before Maxwell." Niles grumbled holding his hands out toward the cook fire.

"Fran would kill me if she shall that list." Maxwell twisted his face in pain.

"In the middle of a war… it’s a hell of a way to start a marriage." Robert eyed the brothers. "They will just be happy getting you both home."

"I will be happy just to hear my child was …. Born safely." Maxwell started to shiver.

"Fran will be alright Max." Niles reached out to touch his shoulder. "She’s a trained Babcock. They are hard to …"

"INCOMING!… MESSENGER INCOMING!" A young private called out. Niles rose to his feet grumbling.

"Allow me gentlemen." He raised his hands, and then bowed.

Niles walked over seeing a boy no more than thirteen standing before him. "Hello son… " Niles tilted his head. This wasn’t new orders…." You have a message for us?"

"I’m told. To give this to either Major Sheffield, or Major Butler…"

"I’m Major Butler…" He held out his hand. Niles took the folded letter, and then handed over small coin. "I’m sorry son… I haven’t been paid in some time. It’s all I have."

"Miss Yetta took care of me!" He smiled running toward his waiting horse.

"Yetta?" Niles blinked looking at the sealed letter. It was Fran’s handwriting. Niles felt the blood drain from his face. Fran has used Yetta…"My god. What’s going wrong…"

"What is it old boy?" Maxwell’s head tilted noticing Niles looked whiter than a bed sheet.

"One of the girls must be in trouble." Niles opened the letter. "This letter is address to the both of us, and it’s from Fran."

"Well…?" Maxwell was suppressing the urge to tackled Niles and grab for the note. Niles stood up looking around madly.

"Private my horse NOW!"

"NILES?" Maxwell and Robert spoke grabbing at his shoulder.

"Leave me alone dammit!" Niles pushed them both away.

"Private disregard his order…" Maxwell pointed toward the Private holding onto Niles’s thin horse. "Dammit Niles talk to us!"

Robert and Maxwell now had a tight hold on Niles. His face started to shake in soft whimpers as he gave up Fran’s letter to Maxwell’s waiting hands.

It took Maxwell forever to read the letter. Robert thought for a moment he was going over it again and again. "Sir?" Robert held onto a whimpering Niles.

"Private… Get my horse … and what ever supplies you can spare… Major Butler and I must leave at once… Captain Henderson … Report back to General Washington. Hand him this." He placed the letter in Robert’s hands.

"Where are you going?"

"New York City…. " Maxwell hissed helping Niles to his feet.

C.C. giggled tossing away the covers panting. "Well Butler who knew for an old man you had such… "

"Strength?" Niles ran his hand up and down her naked arm. "I can never get enough of you."

"You didn’t say that last night." C.C. purred watching Niles blush. "Are you blushing troll?"

"Listen Trollop! You are too much for me to handle at times."

"Maybe I should get Martin in here, and if you be so kind… to repeat that statement?" C.C. laughed, and was rewarded with a tender kiss. "I spent . To much time fighting my love for you.…" Her eyes started to water. "We should have had. More time…" She kissed his neck softly.

"We will have all time… God gives us back what we loose…"

"Uh O…. Words of wisdom from the servants’ kitchen?" C.C. ran her hands down his bare chest. "I wish you would have taken me along to see that world."

"Once the war is over… I promise…" Niles kissed her tears away. "We have these next few nights. Shall we make the most of it Mrs. Butler?"

" I could show you a thing, or two about my dreams." C.C. smiled playful causing Niles to laugh loudly.

"As you command … Babs."

Present Day.

Maxwell groaned looking toward Niles. "You have to eat something."

"I know James hated me… Hell he never made a habit of hiding it did he?" Niles groaned throwing a stone.

"He’s playing a game with us Niles… We have to think clearly… be level headed." Maxwell groaned noticing Niles’s hateful glare. "Go ahead…"

"Go ahead and what sir?" Niles grumbled falling back into old habits.

"Say what’s on your mind."

"No…" Niles covered the fire with dirt. "We better get out of our uniforms."

"Say it old man!" Maxwell stopped dropping his belongings. "Say what’s on your mind."

"You wouldn’t be so level headed… if…" Niles stopped himself. This wasn’t helping either of them.

"If Fran was under arrest?" Maxwell mumbled softly. "You would be standing here telling me to remain cool headed. My father is using C.C., and until we get to Fran… The game will remain unclear."

"One thing is clear… He’s got a tiger by it’s tail." Niles grumble looking toward the sky. "Please let her …"

"Keep her mouth shut?" Maxwell smiled readying the horses. "Next stop we will change our uniforms."

C.C. sighed softly shifting in her bed. "I don’t want anything else… GO AWAY." C.C. growled laying her head back down on the pillow. She softly touched her belly. "You know…normally I would have made a break for it. I’m getting soft in my old age." She sighed softly looking toward the ceiling.

"You have grown more than soft." His voice was thick with a mixture of English and New York accents intertwine. "More beautiful I would say."

C.C. sat up to see Chandler Evans dressed in his Reddish uniform." My god… Chandler?" She tilted her head looking into his eyes.

"Hello, my dear. It has been a while." He came over kissing her hand.

Fran started to pace. Up and down holding her hands together. "They are going to kill her after the babe is born!" Fran grumbled to herself looking toward the ceiling. "Are you still with us Sarah? We need all the help … we can get!"

"Even those who are gone. Are with us as we go on." Jason walked inside the small room. Maxwell quickly ran past her. He tried his best to lift her up.

"Thank God Fran!" He hugged her tightly.

Niles walked in looking dark. "I’m … here. Where is Yetta?"

"She is coming Master Niles." Jason stepped outside given them a few moments alone.

"What happened Fran?" Niles walked up hugging her. "What, why? Where?"

"We had been trading in the market for weeks. I never dreamed that the British would be looking for us." Fran lowered her eyes trying to avoid his gaze.

"British were not looking for you my dear…" Yetta moved slowly inside her hidden room. "They are still looking for Sarah Sheffield, and not Fran Sheffield."

"Have they reached the farm house yet?" Fran mumbled looking at her aged grandmother.

"They will in the next few days." Yetta sat down slowly eyeing Maxwell. "So. You are the young man that married my Fran?"

Niles groaned wanting answers, but he knew Yetta ran at her own speed. "Yes… " Maxwell smiled kissing Yetta’s hand.

"You are a keeper!" Yetta then turned toward Niles. "It will be alright boy! Have faith in those spirits!"

"I’ll have more faith once I get her back." Niles crossed his arms. "How are we going to rescue her from a city that is so tightly held by the British?"

Yetta reached over hitting Niles with her cane. "You are a smart young man, but you don’t remember! The wealth don’t control this city! The British don’t control this city! We do!"

"We?" Maxwell blinked. He had never heard Yetta’s speeches before.

"The servants! Oy Vey Fran. You must teach him a thing or two please!" Yetta shook her head letting out a long sigh. "Right now young Captain Evans is now visiting Mrs. Butler."

Niles felt the blood rush to his face. "Chandler…" His eyes flashed.

"Stop it boy! Now listen I can play a good game just like Master James Sheffield." Yetta leaned on her cane. "You must remember the game at hand."

"You play chess?" Fran leaned toward Yetta.

"Life and chess are similar. The only thing … pardon me my dear boy…" She leaned toward Maxwell. "The wealthy forget… a knight is bold… a castle is strong… A bishop holds wisdom, and the strongest piece on any board. Is the queen." She smiled winking toward Fran. "Chandler Evans… is married Niles you have nothing to fear."

"Married?" Niles popped up. "How do you know.?"

Fran once again laughed. "Niles…"

"Sorry." Niles blushed. "How does this help us Yetta?"

"Because my dear sweet boy… His coat might be red, but he is playing on our side." Yetta waved her finger toward Niles. "What I tell you only Washington, Ben Franklin… and I know… and now. You folks know as well."

"He’s a spy?"

"Yes… and with General’s Washington’s permission…. We shall try to use him. To save your dear C.C… There remains one problem… before we grab Mrs. Butler."

"Which is?" Everyone spoke at once.

"It is easy to walk into a trap… Getting out of one. Is harder." Yetta yawned as the effort of talking had drained her.

"You really are in love… with a maid?" C.C. stood in the courtyard looking into Chandler’s eyes. "How can I help?"

"I would think Babcocks would look down on this sort of thing?" Chandler smiled kissing her hands. "Do you have a romantic heart C.C.?"

"I want to help. If you love her Chandler… then rules be dammed … run off and marry her."

"You see my dear. I intend to have my fortune, and my love." Chandler smirked noticing C.C.’s keepers watching them closely.

"I can, and will help…."

"Here it comes…" Chandler smiled leading her away from B.B.’s glare. "What do you want in return?"

"A favor…"

"What kind of favor?" Chandler let out a small groan noticing Fran, and Niles now staring at them. "You know. I think Butler … likes you."

C.C. made a face… "The troll just needs to find a bridge to hide under."

"You like him…" Chandler laughed softly. "Alright…. I accept this debt what is the favor you want?"

"Not now Chandler… My dear. It’s something I collect later…" C.C. lead him toward the library pulling out a bible. "Swear to me."

"On the bible? Babcock isn’t my word good enough?"

"Yes, but as Daddy always says… it’s good to be reassured." C.C.’s eyes twinkled as Chandler placed his hand on the bible.

"I swear if you help me… I shall repay the debt in kind one day."

"Good! Now… lets work on getting you the maid… and your money…" C.C. winked walking back toward the garden.

"I’m going to live to regret this." Chandler groaned softly.

C.C. sat up looking in his eyes. "You look good Chandler… The king’s army agrees with you." Chandler sat down next to C.C.

"Well that’s the nicest thing I heard you say yet Babcock." He laughed giving C.C. a friendly hug. "I hear you married Butler, and I see you have a small one on the way."

"Our second…" C.C. blushed looking down.

"Has he tamed you?" Chandler smirked waiting on C.C.’s.

"God himself couldn’t tame me, but a child in my belly makes me…"

"Act like a proper young woman, and not the C.C. Babcock we all know?" Chandler smirked rising up from the bed standing before his old friend. "Is that why you haven’t called in my debt yet?"

C.C. felt her mouth curl into a smile. "Now Chandler… what debt?"

"Dammit woman don’t play with me." Chandler groaned leaning against the door making sure it was clear of spies. "You remember."

"I do… Indeed…"

Niles leaned against the wall grumbling. "Is she talking yet Fran?"

Fran turned her head smiling. "Maggie is talking, Emily is still mumbling. She can say Mama… bunny." Fran handed over a small plate. "Eat something…"

"I can’t! Do you know how much she means to me. I was nothing more than a unwanted child. My mother didn’t have the guts to give me away." Niles grumbled his heart was breaking before her eyes. "He wanted me…He wanted to marry her…"

"Niles…" Fran tried to pull him back down, but couldn’t.

"I was whispered about… They all looked at me funny… the rumors around New York…" Niles paced back and forward. "Then a goddess . Who was far above me… loved me. Me of all people. The bastard son of a ruined doctor." Niles let out a long sigh.

"I loved Edward…" Yetta walked in slowly. "He was far from a ruin… Niles." She waved her cane toward Niles. "Such passion is wasted on the young."

"I want her back…" Niles felt fire in his eyes.

"Course you do! James Sheffield wants his legacy back. Niles… You can’t go inside that house with guns drawn." Yetta sat down on her stool.

"I would like to ring . My step father’s neck…" Niles felt his fists tighten and then release.

"Could you really kill him?" Yetta grumbled. "I know." She raised her hand. "Killing Red Coats on the field of battle is one thing Niles…Killing your mother’s husband is another matter."

"Who would blame me?"

"Not I." Maxwell entered the room with a long sigh. "You are right Yetta the place is heavily guarded."

"Yet… Servants are able to get in!" Yetta waved her cane. "You think about how to get out of New York City… I will work on getting Mrs. Butler here."

"Yetta." Niles felt his eyes roll back inside his head. "It’s dangerous."

"I’m an old woman Niles… Not even I want to live forever."

Niles coughed softly, and quietly managed a soft smile. "Well Maxwell shall we try to figure out a safe way of getting out of the enemy’s doorstep."

"We could leave them a little calling card as we go…" Maxwell rubbed his chin.

"I like the way you think!" Niles laughed smiling.

"What do you mean … you find a gravestone. With…" James felt his skin grow pale. All his plans now hung in the balance.

"With Sarah Sheffield’s name on it. Yes sir." The Major shifted uneasy. "Odd thing . The locals claim they had been dealing with a Mrs. Sheffield as of two weeks ago."

"Two weeks?" James sat down looking toward Howe. "The board isn’t what I pictured."

"My dear James… You must always remember… sometimes the pieces change." Howe took a sip of his tea cup. "Did they say what this new Mrs. Sheffield looked like?"

"Not really sir… it’s the way she sounded…" The man made a face. "Nasal?"

James sat upwards blinking. "Nasal?" His mind started to race trying to picture the girl. "Fran… Babcock. Stuart’s bastard daughter! My son has fallen far!"

"What else…" Howe looked up toward the man’s eyes.

"They say she’s expecting as well."

James couldn’t help it. Loud laughter rang out in the house. "Wonderful…. "

C.C. groaned walking in the door followed by her armed guard. "Alright you annoying little trolls … stop following me! This place is armed. How in the hell would I escape?"

"Ahhh, Mrs. Butler… I see you are looking better."

"I see your still alive Mister Sheffield. How unlucky for us." C.C. smirked as James kissed her hand. "Steal any candy from babies yet? Plan to execute any pregnant women? Wait. . That’s right. You just plan to kill me."

"My dear if your father would kindly turn himself in. I might change my mind." James smiled pulling out a chair for her to sit.

"In a pigs eyes."

"What young lady talks like this." Howe shook his head. "Mrs. Butler you could be in the middle of a prison cell, but instead you are using my home."

"For you many kindness … I thank you." C.C. clawed at her dress under the table.

"I used to hope. You might wed Maxwell." James shook his head slowly. "He was your match."

"You should really get to know your son better, but that’s right. You cut him off after he joined the army." C.C. sipped at the cup which a servant had offered her. "Your nothing more than a man with. A high rank."

"I am the king’s good servant…! You are a daughter. Of a known traitor. A wife of a bastard. You have indeed fallen far Mrs. Butler…" James hissed softly snarling his teeth toward C.C.

"Warning … James my bark… is as bad. As my bite…" C.C. hissed slowly unable to keep her anger under control. "Mess with a Babcock, and you’ll live to regret it."

"She is. A tiger isn’t she." Howe started to laugh watching James face turn bright red. "I like this girl!" Howe pointed his finger toward C.C. "I would hate to have you hang my dear…"

"I shall remember your kind words General Howe." C.C. smirked turning her soft blue eyes toward the English general.

"Sarah! Are you awake?" C.C. shifted turning toward the guest bed. "I can’t sleep!"

"C.C. … It’s still dark outside." Sarah let out a soft moan. "Mommy and Daddy will be waking us soon enough for church."

"I’m scared Sarah…" C.C. walked closer toward Sarah’s bed.

"C.C. isn’t it bad enough I’m letting you sleep in my bed." Sarah rose up pouting. "What more do you want from me?"

"You heard what Niles said… I don’t have any friends…" C.C. felt her eyes start to tear up. "If a person doesn’t have friends… do they die?"

"Who told you that?"

"I heard Fran say… without friends. A person means little in this world." C.C.’s eyes looked huge. "Is that true?"

"I’m your friend Chastity. No matter what happens…If you needed my help, I would come!" Sarah giggled at the older girl’s worry. "Even if death itself takes me."

"I don’t want to go anywhere without you Sarah!" C.C. hugged the girl closely. "You’re my best friend!"

"No matter were you go, or were I go. We will always be friends C.C." Sarah giggled holding her tightly. "I promise. Nothing shall stop me from helping you."

"I promise to try, and learn to be a better person!" C.C. wiped her tears away.

"Now if you do that! Who would pick on Niles?" Sarah broke out into childish giggles holding onto C.C.’s hand

C.C. sighed looking at the four leaf clover. "I’m still alive… I guess that’s lucky…" C.C. mumbled as someone knocked at the door. "Come in. I’m your prisoner remember?"

"Now …. Now. Stop pouting." Chandler walked in smiling. "I have a birthday gift for you before you sleep."

C.C. looked toward the woman who stood next to Chandler. Then looking back toward Chandler. "It’s not…"

"Open it… Now." Chandler placed her hands on the box as C.C. unwrapped the box. Inside was the same servant outfit that the woman wore. "Don’t ask any questions… You need to undress and leave your clothes behind."

"What are we doing?"

"C.C." Chandler let out a small groan. "Do what Lauren tells you… Keep your mouth shut, and you’ll be seeing Butler soon!"

Chandler left the room smiling toward the guards who had been enjoying some bottle refreshments. C.C. turned to face the woman. "Lauren?"

"Hurry . Off with your clothes now. Our chance will come soon enough."

Fran shifted feeling her belly move. "I would give anything for a proper bed." Fran mumbled sitting up. Yetta had forced them all down into a basement. "At least the children are safe."

Maxwell sat up holding her tightly in his arms. "I want to stay . At least until the baby is born." Maxwell whispered softly in her ear.

"We both know you can’t… Where is Niles?" She looked around the room. "Maxwell?"

"With Yetta. He punched a hole in the wall last night…" Fran grumbled rubbing her eyes. "I have never seen him… so upset… "

"I know he’s your best friend Fran… He will be alright…What do you think about my idea of getting out of New York?" Fran leaned over smiling.

"Crude my dear… It could work." Maxwell ran his hand along his hair. "I need a hair cut…" Maxwell groaned looking toward the fire.

"And a shave." Fran giggled running a hand along his cheek. "She’ll be alright Maxwell."

"C.C. was always hard headed, but I have to wonder."

Fran frowned holding Maxwell tighter. "Maxwell… I am worried about C.C… "

Niles grumbled pacing around in his room. His eyes fixed on the old woman lying in her bed. "You must control that temper of yours."

"She’s my wife!" Niles roared looking toward the heavens. "Yetta…." Niles could face battles… he could even face his step father, but loosing C.C. was out of the question.

"First rule of chess. You must move pawns first." Yetta had a chess board on her lap. The pieces had been made out of wood. "Weakest piece on the chest board yes… but even they can’t slay kings."

Niles rolled his eyes walking up and down.

"My boy! You must be aware that once C.C. is here. You are not out of danger." Yetta reached over hitting him once over the head. "Now stop that!"

"It will be different when she’s here… at least she’ll be in my arms." Niles gave into Yetta’s will and sat down.

Yetta shook her head. "Such passion is wasted on the young."

"Yetta. Did you know that I was Fran’s friend…"

"Honestly. No…" Yetta grumbled looking at her next move. "It was an unexpected pleasure when you arrived with her that winter’s day."

"Why didn’t you tell me?" Niles moved his chess piece across the board. "Check."

"Sometimes. It is best to hide our secrets. What would you have done if you had known? Told Fran? She was a small child." Yetta shook her head. "My daughter had already been forced from New York… no Niles. I was going to take my time with her. And you." She winked moving her piece out of the way. "Your daughter. Will be two this year?"

"Yes… I haven’t seen her in some time…" Niles bowed his head. "I doubt she’ll remember me."

"Niles… A child never truly forgets where they come from. Emily will not forget her father so easily. Take Fran as an example. B.B. Babcock did everything to model Fran after her other children."

"It didn’t work."

"Course not! " Yetta laughed as she heard a small bell being rung. "In the back room my boy…"

C.C. blinked walking into the room. She had been dazed rushed out of Howe’s headquarters in the dead of night. Yetta raised her hand slowly toward C.C. smiling. It was a single for quiet. "Niles? You can come out now!"

Niles burst inside the room holding C.C. tightly. The Butlers forget their manners as they both rained kisses down on one another. "How did you get out?"

C.C.’s broke down in his arms unable to control her sobs. "Miss Yetta we have to hide them. The Redcoats are going half mad tearing up the city."

"Okay. Stop that sobbing girl!" Yetta waved her cane toward C.C. " The real danger is at hand." She rose from the bed placing the chess board aside. "Niles downstairs now… Jason. Make sure everything is in hand! It will be only a matter of moments before we have unwelcome guests."

A soft knock at the door Fran stood up worried. Maxwell looked at the spy hole smiling. "It’s C.C." He whispered as Fran opened the door.

"Thank god." Fran crushed C.C. in her arms.

"Fran what are you doing here?" C.C. leaned back to look into her face. "You shouldn’t have come not in your state."

"I wasn’t going to leave you behind." Fran blushed as Jason raised his hand. "You must be quiet for the next hour… They are coming." Jason quickly shut the door. "Remember Master Niles the tunnel if needed." He whispered in the doorway.

Niles nodded slowly as they heard the knowing at the front door.

"Open up in the name of the king!" It was Chandler Evan’s voice. C.C. couldn’t help but smirk. "I ORDER YOU TO OPEN UP OR we will burn this place down."

"Pardon me my Lord…" Yetta’s old voice rang out….

Niles pointed toward the bookcase. "Move…" He whispered as Fran picked up the supplies Jason had left them. Niles pulled out the bookcase. He passed just one candle toward Maxwell.

"Yetta?" Fran looked toward Niles’s worried face.

"She’ll find a way to handle this Fran." Niles placed his hand on Fran’s shoulder. "We have to move Maxwell."

"Where does this lead?" Maxwell looked toward the long tunnel.

"Not far enough…" Niles grumbled closing the bookcase behind them.

"Ahh my good General Sheffield." Yetta stood smiling. "An honor!" She bowed slowly, and was stuck for a mere moment.

"You know everything about every servant… I want to know… how C.C. Babcock Butler escaped old woman." James grabbed Yetta by the shoulders. "I want to know NOW."

"I fear the only thing we worry about… is how to feed the little ones…" Yetta gave him a toothless smile.

"You are lying old woman." James waved his hand. "Tear this place apart!"

Niles mumbled softly trying to keep C.C. going. "Fran you think our both is still there?" Niles noticed Fran’s playful smile.

"Boat?" Maxwell and C.C. both mumbled together.

"This leads toward the docks… Smuggler area…" Fran laughed remembering something.

"We spent Sunday’s in church… and you two spent time on the docks?" Maxwell grumbled wondering who had the best childhood.

"It was wonderful." Niles kept them going. Maxwell lifted his head toward the tunnel’s ceiling.

Maxwell and Niles shared worried looks. The C.C. and Fran wouldn’t understand the rubbing, but they did. "Maxwell?" Fran stopped looking into his face.

"Keep going Darling…"

Maxwell eyed Niles. He didn’t need to say a word… *Fire…* They reached the sound of water. A room with a small pool, and a small boat.

"It should work." Niles smiled looking toward the metal bars that had held the boat in it’s cage. "Someone has looked after it."

Fran laughed finding the key. "You think Yetta would let anything go to waste?"

"Niles. No doubt the English will have the docks blocked…"

"Indeed… we will have to make a run for it." Niles mumbled taking C.C.’s hand. "Fate has taken us this far." Niles groaned sensing her fear.

"I can’t run farther!" C.C. groaned looking toward Noel… "When are they going to stop fighting?"

Noel held a whimpering Fran. "C.C. married couples fight!" Noel rolled his eyes putting Fran down. "They will get over it."

Fran let out a soft whimper.

"We should just all run away…" C.C. mumbled turning her head around.

"You can’t run away from who you are… You can’t run away from your problems C.C." Noel grumbled looking out the window of the tree house. "Dad will find us for sure."

"Daddy said… Never run from your troubles… You must face them, or they’ll come back to haunt you." Fran grumbled softly whimpering in the corner.

Niles let out a soft groan. "Red coats… everywhere…" Niles turned to face the women, and Maxwell.

"We don’t have much time…" Fran helped C.C. down onto the boat.

"Course we don’t." Niles took C.C.’s hand. "Hurry Trollop."

"What’s the hurry?" C.C. blinked looking down at the boat.

"Sooner or later. Someone will sell us out. They will be coming this way." Fran settled down next to C.C.

"That’s horrible…" C.C. grumbled as Niles pushed boat off.

"They don’t’ have much C.C., and James will offer a King’s ransom to gain what he wants." Niles started to paddle. "I don’t suppose Babcock you have some gold hidden in that skirt?"

C.C. laughed softly as Niles smiled. "When am I not prepared?"

Niles felt the sea air touch his cheek, and they moved carefully. "God in heaven. Protect us." Niles mumbled looking toward the sky.

"Niles this thing will not hold together long enough." Fran grumbled softly looking behind her.

"It will hold together long enough." Niles muttered. "We will come ashore to close to city for my liking."

Maxwell held Fran tightly.

James Sheffield moved quickly down the tunnels. "MOVE." James called toward his soldiers. "I want them stopped now!" James pushed his men onward.

They ran into the last room noticing the water way leading outward. "MOVE! Any ship that was stored here couldn’t have gotten far! A hundred crowns to the man that leads me to them!"

Maxwell sighed mumbling looking toward Niles. The sky had grown dark "He is going to hound us until he finds us…"

"We need to get ourselves clear from the city." Niles paddled harder. "I have a bad feeling about this Maxwell."

"Yeah… So do I…old man… So do I."

Maxwell grumbled pushing the boat ashore." We must stop running…" Maxwell shook awake lightly.

C.C. lifted her head up… She blinked once seeing the skinny woman smiled. "Sarah?" She mumbled rubbing her eyes.

"You are dreaming love… We have to get off this thing." he looked into C.C.’s face. "What’s wrong…"

No one saw the flash as C.C. pushed Niles down…. Niles blinked his face hitting the ground. "C.C.!" Niles let out a sharp cry… Maxwell came running up toward Niles dodging bullets.

"Come on old boy we have to keep moving…" Maxwell hissed as another bullet past over head.

"IN the name of the king, stop!"

Niles gathered up C.C. in his arms running. He ran pushing his legs beyond their limits.

C.C. felt the strange pull as her eyes felt heavy. She blinked them open looking into that soft face. "Sarah?" She sat up on the bed. "It was you in the water wasn’t it?"

"I told you. Remember. If you ever needed my help. I would come." Sarah took C.C.’s hand holding it tightly.

"Am I dreaming?" C.C. looked around at the white room.

"You are… Life is a balance….Your life, and the life of your unborn… are in danger." She moved away as a small blue eyed boy walked toward C.C.

"Hello." The boy’s face looked so much like Noel’s did at that age. "Do you feel weak?"

"A little…" C.C. smiled taking his hand. "You’ll stay with me right?"

"An Angel wanted to come for my soul. I told him to eat dirt!" He gave a sly grin that reminded C.C. of Niles. "Aunt Sarah’s been watching over us."

C.C. turned toward Sarah who smiled. "Long as you fight, Chastity… I will keep you both safe."

"I can’t leave them…." C.C. started to sob as the small boy took her hand.

"Don’t worry mommy…I’ll protect you with Aunt Sarah."

"You are going to get very sick. C.C…. You have been out for some time… " Her hand reached up to touch C.C.’s forehead. "Fight… Don’t give up…"

"Fight mommy! Show them what it means to be a Babcock." His eyes glowed lightly.

C.C. blinked slowly awake, feeling the cloth on her forehead. She turned her head slowly to notice Fran’s soft smile. "God seems to watch out for you in the corner of his eye. Niles…" Fran turned hitting Niles over the head.

"What????" Niles shook his head awake turning toward C.C. who smiled. "Chastity." Niles’s lower lipped trembled. "Thank god."

"I was. Shot?" C.C.’s whole body hurt.

"Yes, lucky for you. You have a lot of curves." Niles smiled kissing her hand.

"You’ll be in pain for a while." Fran offered C.C. some water.

"How long was I."

"Four days." Fran frowned touching her head. "We had to hide for a while… I don’t know where that fog came from, but god words in odd ways."

"Sarah…" C.C. mumbled closing her eyes again.

"Sleep baby." Niles kissed her hand.

"Baby?"

"Another miracle… You still have that Babcock growing in your belly." Fran smiled and Niles made a face.

"It’s a Butler dammit!" Niles smirked as C.C. laughed softly.

"Tired…" C.C. closed her eyes once more giving up to a healing sleep. Niles waved Fran over.

"Will she be alright? Can we move soon?"

"Niles. She still has the child, but if we move her anytime soon. She could loose it." Fran pushed Niles outside the room. "I’m not going anywhere… either is she."

Maxwell looked up at the figures. "Is she?"

"She’s alright. For now…" Niles felt a darkness cross over his face. "Maxwell he is still out there… searching."

"I know Niles." Max searched the room. "Fran…"

Fran let out a long sigh. "I want you both in one piece! We all should stay here!"

"We could stop him…"

"Dammit … Men!" Fran sighed looking toward the sky once more. "Maxwell… sometimes the best thing to do is hide… until we can find a weakness."

"C.C. nearly died!" Niles grumbled loudly as Fran pushed him farther away from C.C.’s room. "I am wanting my step-father’s head on a plate."

Fran glanced toward Maxwell who nodded. "He needs to be dealt with."

"Then . Don’t play his game. He wants you to go out… looking for him. It wouldn’t be long before he ended here… God will grant you a time… Men die on the battle field all the time."

Niles groaned looking toward Maxwell who sighed. "I hate waiting…"

"Max…Niles… I am asking you to be smart! That’s all."

"We still have to get the girls to Nadine. It would be nice to see the children again." Niles mumbled looking at his hands. "What was she thinking pushing me out of the way."

"She loves you." Fran smiled waddling over toward a small fire. "I think . I would have done the same with Maxwell."

"O Lord you better never put yourself in danger like that!" Maxwell started to rub his temples. "C.C. was bad enough."

"When do you think we can move again?" Niles lifted up his head.

"Week. Tops… It will depend on her."

"So we are sitting ducks for my father to find us?" Maxwell grumbled walking toward the window.

Maggie cried out looking around. "I want Mama Fran!" She screamed madly throwing her arms up in the air.

"Oy!" Nadine walked in the room watching Mary sigh. "We all want Mama Fran, little one trust me." Nadine walked up to Maggie picking her up. Nadine’s voice was soothing to her.

"She’s been screaming on and off for Mrs. Sheffield for days now." Mary sighed looking at her hands. "The twins are no better, and Emily isn’t even mumbling . She is just sitting around in stunted silence."

"They are coming Mary." Nadine placed her hand on the older woman’s shoulder. "Then we will have a full house."

"Mom! Mom!" A young boy no older than eight ran into the room.

"Jacob! No screaming in the house… now what is it?" Nadine turned around to face her oldest child.

"A wagon thing is coming." The boy mumbled pointing toward the door. "Come on mom!" He began to pull on Nadine’s free arm. She shifted Maggie, and followed her son.

"Maybe that’s them sweetheart?" She smiled looking at a sniffling Maggie.

Jacob was soon followed by three other smaller boys. The smallest was around three years old. "Wagie!" He pointed toward the road. Mary walked down, and was joined by Martin.

"Should we wake the twins and Emily?" Martin whispered softly in Mary’s ear.

"No. No heavens no!" Mary smiled. "They didn’t sleep well last night anyway."

Max smiled as Niles laughed looking at Robert’s four sons. "He was right… they do look like smaller versions of himself." Maxwell helped Fran down carefully.

"Frannie!… Oy. You are getting big!" Nadine could barely put her arms around Fran’s waist. "Where’s C.C.?"

Maxwell and Niles went toward the back there laying down was C.C. "Hello again Nadine…" She was white, but still alive.

"We had no choice, but to move…" Maxwell grumbled in Nadine’s ear.

"What the hell happened? Martin take her to the room in the back!" Nadine waved her arms around wildly.

"She’s been shot Nadine…" Fran sighed holding onto her enlarged belly. "For a while we were unsure if both of them would make it."

"Moving her was not a good idea." Nadine looked at all them crossly. Maggie had been tucking her head shyly into Nadine’s shoulder. "OI! The child was screaming for you Fran, and now she’s acting all shy."

Maxwell started to frown…. "Come here Maggie" Maxwell held out his arms toward his oldest child, and Maggie started to whimper.

"She’s just tired…Max." Nadine place her hand on Maxwell’s shoulder. "None of the children have been sleeping well."

"Yea…. Sure…" Maxwell lowered his head.

Niles smiled watching C.C. being placed in the bed. "You have always been lazy Babcock." Niles walked over taking her hand. "Now you get how many months in bed?" He teased kissing her hand.

"I would prefer to have you with me." C.C. couldn’t help but laugh. "How bad… is it…"

"You’ll have a scar…" Niles sighed kissing her lips softly. "Fran is a woman of many talents… It could have been a lot worse C.C. We could have lost both of you."

"You think I was going to give James Sheffield the pleasure of my death… Pleeassse…" She smirked touching his cheek. "When are you and Max leaving?"

"Who says we are leaving yet…"

"That guilty expression… It’s alright Niles…" C.C. fought her heavy eyelids. "If I could… I would join the battle."

"No doubt you would have every Red Coat screaming in terror with your spells."

"Niles…." C.C. mumbled…"Spend time. With Emily… before you leave…"

"As you command…" Niles kissed her hand lightly putting it down. Niles let out a long sigh walking out of the room. "Nadine?"

"She’ll be alright. Fran told me all about it."

"Nadine. Thank you … It might be some time. Before." Niles started feel his eyes tear up.

"Niles. I know this all to well. I would have you deliver a few thing to Robert before you leave tomorrow." She smiled placing a hand on his shoulder. "I will look after them, but you have to look after Robert."

"Deal." he laughed lightly taking her hand.

Maxwell sighed watching Gracie and Brighton sleep. "They have gotten so big." He whispered holding onto Fran’s hand. "I have missed so much."

"When this country is free…It will be worth it, and they’ll understand." Fran smiled leaning against him. "Stop standing in the doorway scarecrow and come on in."

Niles laughed quietly at Fran. "I didn’t want to interrupt anything…. Dirty…"

"Ha!" Fran let out an nasal laugh unable to stop herself.

Niles stopped by the remaining bed to see Emily’s now long blonde hair. "She looks like C.C."

"I think she looks more like you." Maxwell grinned. "She’s more of a Butler than a Babcock."

"She always quiet. Not unlike a certain boy I used to know." Fran leaned against Niles who smiled. Emily lifted her head up looking into her father’s blue eyes. She didn’t reach for Niles, but studied him carefully. The child’s face twisted then relaxed.

"At least she’s not whimpering like Maggie was." Maxwell let out a long sigh, and Fran hit him softly.

"Maggie was just tired Max." Fran rolled her eyes looking back at Niles. "Pick her up Niles don’t be shy."

Niles reached into the bed, and Emily raised her arms to meet her father. She smiled rubbing her eyes. "hi!" She said softly as Niles fought the onset of tears.

"She speaks?" Niles turned to face Fran and Maxwell.

"That’s all she says Niles…" Fran laughed tickling Emily’s chin. "Can you say more angel?"

"nu!" Emily grumbled making a face.

Niles held her so tightly. "I’m sorry. I’ve been away sweetheart. I promise one day it will all end. "

"Let us hope it ends quickly…" Maxwell felt the hollowness of his own words looking into Fran’s eyes.

C.C. shifted a bit feeling the pain in her left breast. "Niles?" She mumbled feeling his arms around her waist. He was like a warm blanket. She had missed the feeling of having someone beside her in bed.

"Sleep…" Niles muttered in her ear. "Sleep trollop it’s the only way you’ll get well." He squeezed tighter in an effort to keep her still.

"How. Long… will you be here." C.C. mumbled trying to fight sleep again.

"Long enough."

James reached over flipping the desk over. "NO. Dammit! NO NO NO." James felt his blood pressure rise. "We had them cornered, and they escaped, and now you are telling me …. Yetta Roseburg has disappeared?"

"I can’t find her anywhere." Chandler shifted trying to remain still, but with all the books flying around. From James’s fit. He was starting to think the battle field might be the safer place after all.

"She’s the key to figuring out where they went Captain… Find her, or you’ll end back up on the battle field."

"Yes, sir!" Chandler offered his salute, and walked away. *Course you are not going to find her… Like I would ever tell you where she went.*

James sighed looking toward Howe who had been watching the exchange. "Seems like your pawns have managed to escape."

"For now… I will find them… When I do they will have wish… I would have killed them."

"Mrs. Sheffield you must at least put William down for five seconds!" Mary sighed as Fran was balancing her baby William on one arm and Maggie in the other.

"Baby!" Maggie giggled reaching over to tickle her two month old brother. "Cute!"

"Yes he is angel. Can you run off and find Gracie for me?" She winked putting Maggie down.

"If I don’t see you with William. Then you have Maggie… Gracie…or Brighton in your arms. Fran you must relax." Nadine sighed as Jacob walked toward Fran.

"This coming from a woman who has four children herself…" Fran winked.

"If it’s not one of them… then she’s holding Emily." Mary grumbled taking William from her arms. "I will put William down, and go check on Mrs. Butler and Emily."

"Let me know if she’s in a better mood…" Fran twisted her face sitting down beside Nadine. She watched as Mary walked inside the small house. "Oy. Soon we will have kid number ten around here."

"Robert would call all this a blessing… " Nadine laughed noticing Fran’s face.

"I’m sorry to have put you out like this Nadine…" Fran started to blush. "We didn’t have anywhere else to go that was remotely safe."

"Fran… Oy Vey. Remember. We are family, and even that… grumbling Blonde on her back. Is my family now…" She winked placing a hand on Fran’s shoulder. "Lets just hope she hurries up and has that kid."

"There will still be problems…" Fran sighed looking at her hands. "That is what the doctors told me. She’s been in bed for so long. The strength in her left side might not fully recover. Then … there is…"

"The scar?" Nadine smirked. "I don’t think C.C. blames you for that Fran."

"I should have waited until."

"Until you got a doctor? What then? She or her child would be dead… Worry about something. In the present little sister." She smiled kindly. "I wonder if the men are alright."

"Once C.C. has her baby. I will try to send out another letter." Fran twisted her face trying to avoid Nadine’s glare. "I know it’s dangerous."

"Fran they are stopping a lot of messages. It would take only one to point the way for James Sheffield."

"How much are we wanted for this week?"

"One thousand crowns…" Nadine smiled , as Fran started to cough.

"For that kind of money… I would turn myself in…"

Emily sat still on the bed touching her mother’s cheek. "See horses soon?" Emily had been taken with the horse ranch… Like her mother she already had a good eye for the best ponies. Even before she turned three.

"Soon." C.C. reached up to tickle her chin. "Mommy has to wait on little brother to show up, and believe me small one. The sooner he shows up. The sooner Fran and Nadine will release me from this bed." She reached over to brush Emily’s hair. The girl giggled quietly loving the attention her mother was giving her.

"Daddy?" Emily looked up to question C.C. It had been the same face since Niles had left months ago. She was missing him.

"He’s not here, but he asked me to give you this." She leaned over to kiss her nose. Emily let out a playfully giggle.

"Not daddy! Mommy!" She pointed at C.C.

"That child… " Mary smiled watching the tender moment. "She’s been around Miss Maggie so much lately… She’s farther along than the twins.

"That’s my girl. " C.C. smiled as Mary picked up Emily. "Be good sweetheart!"

"No! Me bad!" Emily wiggled her noise as Mary walked at the door with her.

C.C. couldn’t help it… . Laughter rose from her soul. It was something Niles would have said.

"It’s good to hear you laugh for a change." Fran walked in carrying some soup. "I was starting to believe in Niles’s tales of the witch C.C." She placed the tray down noticing C.C.’s face twisted in pain. "What is it?"

"I think… This one wants to make his appearance known."

"OI! Nadine!" Fran called out turning the corner. C.C. rubbed her ears in pain to hear the blood sister’s nasal voices echo in the house.

Niles groaned rubbing his shoulder. He had started having these pains the day he left C.C. "The witch is casting a spell even thousands a miles away." He walked outside his tent trying to shake it off.

"Well good morning Major!" Robert smirked looking at Niles’s thin appearance. "What no kiss?"

"O here you go!" Niles leaned over kissing Robert on the cheek causing their men to laugh. Robert’s face twisted, and he started to blush.

"I don’t suppose Maxwell is going to join us this morning?" Niles sat down heavily on the log. "What are we having today for breakfast…"

"I was able to find some dry meat… Soup of course." Robert handed over a cup to a waiting private. "We have to make that bear that Major Sheffield killed last."

" I would prefer…"

"Major…" Robert eyed Niles carefully. "I know you, and Maxwell are in bit of a bad mood… for the past two months, but please don’t insult my cooking." Robert gave him a playful grin.

"I am sorry Captain." Niles winked taking the offered bowl. "After this war… I want no more soup."

"At least we are eating better today than the rest of the army!" A sergeant called out smiling toward Niles.

"True enough." Niles face twisted in pain remembering the tales of men cooking bark soup. "I just wish. I we could hear from the girls."

"After what you told me Major. They would be wise not to send any messages out. New England is all, but cut off from us." Robert sighed looking toward the north. "I worry about Nadine, and my boys as well. It was good of you to bring that package."

"It was good of Nadine to take in our lively band." Maxwell smiled his hair was almost completely gray now. "I just notice something in the lake."

"Sir?" Niles looked over. It had been shock for Niles to see how much he had age. C.C. of course had pointed out this fact before he left her side.

"I look like my father…" Maxwell’s face twisted in pain. "With my hair … all."

"You can say it Max." Niles smirked.

"All…" Maxwell rubbed his temples looking toward the sky. "GREY!"

Robert laughed softly looking toward Niles. "Soup sir?" He offered Maxwell a bowl. "It’s what’s left of the dried bear’s meat."

"Better than nothing." Maxell took the bowl sipping at it. His eyes locked in on Niles who was smiling. "What?"

"You look like James…."

"Yes and?"

"Well… are we in for a bit of fun? Perhaps a little revenge?" Niles placed his hand on Maxwell’s shoulder.

"What can we do… ooooohhh…" Maxwell might be thick headed, but he saw were Niles was going. "You think it could work?"

"Robert do we still have those stolen uniforms we took off the last supply cart." Niles sipped loudly at this soup finishing it off.

"Yeah, but they are all higher officer ranks. One of them is even a general’s uniform."

"Perfect…" Niles rubbed his hands together.

"Mind telling me what we are going to do exactly sir?" Robert tilted his head. "I am a little lost here."

"Here is my plan."

"He has his father’s eyes…" Fran giggled holding the babe tightly. The blue eyes seemed to glow, and Fran could swear the baby was winking at her. "You sure you are ready for this?"

"I have been in that bed for months…" C.C. raised her eyes glaring at both Nadine and Fran. "Now that I’ve had a few weeks to recover from his birth. I need to move about." C.C. hissed softly holding onto Nadine tightly. C.C. growled standing up. She was fully dressed now with Fran’s help. "Now… I want to watch the children play."

"Wait? You want to go downstairs?" Fran glared at Nadine who shook her head.

"No I want to be locked up the rest of my life! Course I want to go downstairs." C.C. grabbed at the wall. They had basically tied her to the bed fearful she could loose her unborn. Now C.C. Babcock Butler was back, and determine to regain her strength.

"You shouldn’t…" Nadine was cut off by C.C. raised hand.

"I know I shouldn’t, but dammit… I want to see the horses. I want to hold Emily as she laughs. I want to run a newspaper again, like I did with John. I want to be me again, and I’m not going to do that until I’m on my feet." C.C. walked slowly down the ladder. It had drained her just walking downstairs, but she knew chairs waited for her outside.

"C.C.? What about your son he needs a name?" Fran mumbled looking toward Nadine. C.C. could barely hold the newborn with her painful breast. The newborn boy had an odd understanding of his mother’s pain. Just like Emily he would only cry softly.

"I wish Niles… was here…" C.C. sighed managing to make it to the chair. She was quickly covered by Mary who smiled.

"Mrs. Butler it’s good to see you outside! The fresh air will do you some good." Mary smiled taking C.C.’s child from Fran placing him in C.C.’s arms.

C.C. managed a soft smile looking down into the newborn’s face. *Alexander Edward?* C.C. had been testing out names. She knew that even if Niles was here he would agree to anything she came up with. Emily waddled up with Maggie. "Ma!" She giggled holding onto C.C.’s leg hugging it tightly "Gently… Gently?" Emily looked up as to ask a question if she was truly alright.

Maggie followed suit hugging C.C.’s other leg. C.C. sighed feeling strength sap into her body by the little girls hugging her. She looked down at Emily who smiled. "What do you think about Alexander?"

"Ya!" Emily nodded, and was joined by the older Maggie.

C.C. relaxed watching Fran, Mary and Nadine gather up the rest of the children. "Did you hear that Niles?" She mumbled to herself closing her eyes ,willing . Wishing she could hear her words. "Alexander…"

Niles closed his eyes smiling. He felt the wind touch his thinning cheeks.

"Something wrong old boy?" Maxwell sat next to him, causing Niles to jump twenty feet in the air. Maxwell was dressed in full redcoat gear. Niles placed his hand over his heart laughing.

"What?" Maxwell looked down at himself smiling.

"You do LOOK like James." Niles smirked sitting back down. "This is going to be rather fun… If our little bird pulls it off." Niles started a pipe. It was a habit he had picked up in order to avoid thinking about his empty stomach.

"General Washington has seen to everything?" Maxwell rubbed his hands madly worried. "I feel guilty Niles… The man is my father."

Niles let out a soft groan. He had suffered under James Sheffield, but Maxwell has always been James’s treasure. He was the favored son, until the day he married Sarah. "If you don’t want to do this Maxwell…"

Maxwell sighed looking at his hands. "No old man. I have too he wants my children. He held C.C."

"He’ll be alright Max. This will just keep him out of our hair for a while." Niles felt that James could get out of any trap… but if he didn’t all the better.

"Yes…" Maxwell grumbled. "When is this … going to happen?"

"Soon now." Niles smirked waving at two of their soldiers made up like Redcoats. "Gentlemen shall we put on a play?"

"As you order sir!" The old Corporal smiled.

Chandler moved quickly in the woods. "Sir I’m sure the message we took of the man was real." Chandler had been placed back in the field much to his pleasure. He had taken General Lord Cornwallis’s personal aid. They waited in the clearing.

"Captain Evans you better hope that message is correct… General Sheffield as been a trusted…." He stopped watching in the moonlight to figures come together exchanging letters. The aid’s mouth dropped watching the exchange of James. Sheffield, and a rebel.

"Now do you believe my men?" Chandler wanted to laugh. He wanted to cheer this was true payback for the burning of New York slums, and Yetta disappearance.

"We must report this at once." The aid pulled back as Chandler release a smile from his face. Was this wrong? Chandler frowned then pictured once again C.C.’s worried face. "Enjoy Prison for a while… Sheffield." Chandler snickered to himself now following the general’s aid.

Niles smiles looking into Maxwell’s eyes. "Well part one is done. Shall we retire and wait for Robert to return?"

Maxwell nodded slowly. "Why does he get the pleasure of seeing my father’s face." Maxwell took the wine skin that Niles had offered. "Is this our last one?"

"Yes, with any luck Robert will steal a few more while in the British camp."

"With any luck." Maxwell took a long gulp needing to clear his head. Needing to forget the fact he just framed his own father.

Robert came back to camp with the two soldiers laughing madly. "OI! OI!" He sat down next to a gloomy Maxwell. "Well he’s being lead back to New York City. " Robert poked Maxwell who sighed. "Come on sir. He’s off you tail for at least a while."

"There is a difference between my father and me, Robert. I take no pleasure in this." Maxwell took the wine skin offered sipping at it. Robert turned toward Niles who smirked.

"What’s up with Major gloomy?"

"It’s hard to accept one’s father as. Something less…" Niles took a wine skin. "A feeling I know all too well."

"Major?" The man’s footsteps was soft. The private held a letter tightly. "Seems like since General Arnold won… We are able to get messages again!" He held out two letters.

"MAX!" Niles could clearly see C.C.’s and Fran’s writing. A flush of joy spread across his face. Maxwell ran quickly seeing Niles flashed the parchment. They both stopped noticing an extra letter for Robert who gasped.

"It’s a boy!" Niles and Max called out together hugging one another tightly.

"William!" Maxwell smiled looking at Fran’s letter. "What did C.C. name your son Niles?" Robert and Maxwell looked over expecting a quick answer.

"Alexander…" Niles said softly closing his eyes.

"It doesn’t say that in your letter?" Robert being nosy looked over Niles’s shoulder. His eyes scanned Niles’s letter quickly.

"I just know… Somehow…" Niles smiled taking a sip. "Well done Trollop… Well done." He mumbled toward the wind allowing it to take his message toward C.C.

"Sometimes. I feel that you are with me." C.C. giggled tickling Niles’s nose. "Is that strange? Even as children when we would be fighting. I could feel you near me."

"That’s because my witch. You have me under a spell." Niles rolled her over to lay on his chest. "I will always be with you, and you will always be with me."

"You’re an evil man Niles. How do I know your not some witch yourself?" C.C. giggled as Niles bit her neck causing her to scream out in pleasure.

"Because… I don’t sink when swimming." Niles winked causing C.C. to blush.

"I didn’t sink!"

"Right!"

"Now and forever." C.C. purred snuggling his chest and falling asleep.

C.C. had fought to regain her strength. She mumbled toward Fran who watched her carefully. "I’m not some crippled Fran!" She hissed playfully causing Fran to jump.

"I’m sorry …"

"No. I’m sorry… " C.C. let out a long sigh turning her blue eyes on Fran’s dark ones. "You are just worried about me. Like you worry about everyone. I am not going to die Fran… I’m too hard headed to let Niles outlive me."

Fran started to laugh lightly, and turned to notice a worry Nadine standing in the den. "Nadine… you look…" Fran didn’t finish her words as the woman Nadine had been speaking too rose up, and turned. Fran felt an old fear rise up…. She looked toward the older blonde headed woman.

"Mama…" Fran mumbled as C.C.’s jaw dropped.

Fran stood there in place unable to move or speak. C.C. tilted her head toward Nadine who shook her head lightly. "Fran?" C.C. softly pushed on Fran’s shoulder causing Fran to run out of the room.

"Is your friend alright? She looks familiar to me somehow." The blonde headed woman turned back toward Nadine. "My darling! She looked like she had seen a ghost."

Nadine blushed unable to look C.C. in the face. "Hello. I’m…" C.C. wondered how she should introduce herself to this woman. "Chastity Butler." She reached out taking the elder woman’s hand.

"Sylvia… I never knew my Nadine had so many friends! Sheffield’s and Butler’s! I have heard of your families before!" Sylvia’s eyes twinkled softly looking over toward C.C.

*I bet that’s not all you heard.* "It’s a pleasure meeting you. Sylvia!" C.C. put on her best fake smile. "I am sorry about my sister-in-law running out like that."

"We all have our moments, my dear. Oy! Every time I eat too much. I have that moment."

My god… this is. Fran’s mother! C.C. smirked eyeing the woman. "Now if you pardon me. I will go searching for her. A pleasure to meet you. Sylvia?"

"Pleasure is all mine!" Sylvia blinked fixing her hair with one hand. A look past between Nadine and C.C…. A look telling Nadine she had to answer for this.

C.C. stumbled outside the house. She found herself being hugged by a young Maggie. "You do have your mother’s touch don’t you?" She leaned down smiling at Maggie. "Mama Fran needs help. What to go find her with me?"

The little girl nodded her head quickly.

C.C. scanned around the area. Fran wouldn’t have run far seeing how William was still nursing. "Stables?" She looked down at Maggie who nodded.

"I’m sorry Mrs. Butler she just got away from me!" Mary came running up trying to take Maggie away.

"No need to worry Mary… This time. I need her help." She flashed a smile taking Maggie’s hand limping slowly toward her goaled.

Fran held her stomach tightly hearing the pounding in her head go off like thunder.

"MAMA! MAMA!" Fran’s three year old voice ran out grabbing at Sylvia’s arm."

"We both agreed it will be better for her." Morty’s face twisted trying to keep Nadine away as the had pulled Fran from Sylvia’s arms.

It was the faintest of memory, but even that faint memory caused Fran to crumble. Fran ended up being a sobbing heap on a haystack. She was unable to give in anymore. Her own mother had looked at her…and didn’t even recognize her.

C.C. frowned opening the door. She could hear the sobs coming from Fran. Anyone within miles could hear Fran. She looked down at Maggie who was wide eyed. "Sick?" She looked up in C.C.’s face.

"Heartsick." C.C. leaned down looking into those eyes… So much like Sarah’s. "Go cheer her up." C.C. was never good at helping people, but she knew that Fran felt a kinship with Brighton, Maggie, and Gracie. Maggie waddled inside the barn as C.C. watched the child carefully.

"Ma Fran? Sick?" She placed a small hand Fran’s sobbing form. Fran blinked noticing the small girl.

"Oh. Angel." She took her in her arms. Maggie’s little arms curled around Fran’s small form.

"Angel Ma Sarah. Make you better." Maggie leaned back nodding and whipped away Fran’s tears. "Daddy come back. Make you better too."

C.C. smiled walking away slowly. She thought Maggie might have Sarah’s touch… "O … What a day." C.C. grumbled watching the horse drawn cart leave the house. She felt the Babcock rage boiling in her soul. She walked inside the house eyeing Nadine.

"She lives only miles away C.C. " Nadine started putting up her hands. "I couldn’t keep her away from here forever."

C.C. tapped her foot against the floor waiting. "Fran has built up so. Many things about this women, and at the moment they locked eyes…" C.C. sighed looking around.

"My mother spent … long nights … unhappy when Fran was taken…" Nadine looked away almost ashamed. "My father. After a while forbid us from talking about Fran."

C.C. shifted once more. "Wonderful, and is your father, and mother coming back at some point?"

Nadine’s face twisted in pain. "Yes…."

"Oy. This can’t be good…" C.C. threw up her hands. "Maybe. Fran and I should join Maxwell and Niles at winter quarters this year. Can you watch the kids?"

"We could all go… My." Nadine shrank as C.C. glared at Nadine.

"If you were going to say. Your parents could help Martin and Mary … well…" C.C. grumbled then her mind started to race. "Okay."

"Okay?" Nadine blinked looking up at C.C.’s blue eyes.

"Who better…" C.C. clicked her teeth together causing Nadine to jump. "Children can work miracles… Sarah once said this. Maybe. Just maybe…they can work one here."

"You are thinking about William aren’t you?" Nadine rubbed her hands together pacing back and forward.

"A child that is the image of his mother. Course I am…" C.C. giggled. "Fran and I will leave before you… You are not to tell Fran who is watching the kids… Agreed?"

"Agreed!" Nadine held out her hand taking it. "You know for a Babcock you have a soft heart."

"Shhhh don’t spread that rumor around." C.C. winked playfully then walked upstairs to check on William and Alexander.

"I don’t think I remember what real food tastes like." Robert smiled trying to redo his broken belt. "Bloody hell!"

"Robert you are starting to sound like Niles." Maxwell smirked sipping at the soup. "Not that it’s a bad thing mind you."

"I think he’s starting to sound like you. More than me." Niles sat down handing out the letters. "mmm." Niles blinked muttering. "Babcock is going to try and make it here."

"With James Sheffield out of the way for the next few months. Things should be safe for them." Robert turned his head looking toward Maxwell. "Fran saw her mother, and things didn’t go well."

"So I’m reading. My poor darling." Maxwell’s heart started to drop. "She used to pretend her mother was some fairy queen."

Niles smirked sipping again at his cup. "Dreams die hard. She’ll be alright Maxwell…" Niles reached over hitting Max on the back. "At least they are able to make it out here."

"For three weeks!" Robert smiled…."Course they will find our… food less than tasteful."

"We should go hunting again." Maxwell looked around the woods.

"For what game?" Niles smirked handing his gun. "Alright Maxwell… we will try one last time."

"It will just be good to see them again, and maybe hear more about the children." Maxwell stood up finding his own rifle.

"Keep the noise down when C.C. gets here." Robert playfully eyed Niles. "You two sounded like wild animals last time."

"Like you didn’t try and top us." Niles walked away hearing Robert’s laughter.

Fran let out a small grumble "They all look so…"

"Thin." C.C. sighed trying to picture what Niles looked like last time she had seen him. "I should have bought more from that farmer."

"We all do what we can C.C." Fran stopped the cart in front of the waiting men. "Greetings!"

"Ahhh Mrs. Butler… Mrs. Sheffield! It’s great to see you both!" The young man C.C. at last recognized. He was seventeen last time they had entered winter quarters, and now he looked like a thin man in his thirties. He smiled quietly helping C.C., and Fran down.

"The General is expecting you! I see you brought us some goodies!" The man’s face brightened holding Fran’s hand.

"Course, we only wish it could be more." Fran frowned looking up and down at the young man.

"Any food is good food!" another guardsman called out causing this fellows to laugh.

"It’s better than our normal meal…"

"What’s that?" C.C. felt her stomach twisted in pain.

"Bark soup!" He held opened the door as C.C. and Fran pulled off their coats. C.C. shivered remembering that the bark had indeed been stripped from many trees in the camp.

"My god… Bark soup?" C.C. grumbled looking toward Fran. "No wonder Maxwell and Niles looked so thin."

"Ladies!…" General George Washington had been a young man when taken command of the army, and now he looked as aged as the rest of his army. "It’s always a pleasure…. How are you?" He leaned over kissing C.C.’s hand.

"Better thank you." She flashed him a smile.

"I have heard from your father." The General looked toward Fran, and then back to C.C. "He is leading a small band of troops in the North, and course. His wife refused to leave his side."

C.C. laughed. "That’s a first."

"I wish they would at least send word to us… General if you could order that?" Fran winked slowly handing over a small package for him.

"I will see what can be done…. Ahhhhhhh Majors!" Niles walked in followed behind Maxwell. "When I give a order… I expect it to be followed quickly!" Washington smiled slowly.

"Sorry, Sir. Will not happen again sir…" Niles mumbled quickly… "Permission to act freely sir?" Niles and Maxwell looked like caged animals waiting to jump on Fran and C.C.

"Permission… granted." Washington quickly made it to his desk as Niles in one quick movement picked C.C. up, and placed her over her shoulder. Maxwell had already disappeared with Fran.

"NILES!" C.C. groaned, and screamed as Niles walked around the camp. C.C. could barely hold onto the small sack she had been carrying. "NILES!" She called out again shivering, and she heard Niles light laughter.

"Now trollop stay still!" He held on tighter C.C. couldn’t move…

"PUT ME DOWN NOW!" C.C. screamed as she felt Niles drop her inside his tent.

"Bossy!" He purred looking down at his treasure. "I have…. Missed you… worried about you… longed for you." He looked like a haunted man… His face was soooo painfully thin. Her hand touched his cheek.

"Niles…" Her tone was painfully soft.

"I’m alright, trollop… Now… you better be worried about yourself, because after I’m done with you. You’ll be unable to move." He winked pulling at her dress’s ties.

Fran laughed as Maxwell played with her hands. "What are you doing Mister Sheffield?"

"I never knew how small your hands were." He rubbed her hands carefully removing her gloves. "Why do you demand to craft with such small hands?"

"Your hair has gone gray…" Fran’s eyes looked into his. "Maxwell?"

"I’m not going to let you escape. Not until I’m done with you." He kissed her naked opened hand.

Niles shivered his lips finding the scar around her left breast. His eyes twinkled in anger and worry looking back toward C.C.’s eyes. "Are you?" His hands touched the mark softly rubbing the damaged flesh.

"I am," C.C. mumbled unable to stop her groan from escaping. He now pulled the garments from her body. She was now exposed to his every touch… every kiss sent new sparks of warmth. She tugged at his clothes wanting him feel what she was feeling.

Maxwell laughed knocking the covers around. In one shift movement he held Fran tightly to him her curves molded into his body. The tent was sooo. Small it Maxwell had enough room he would have acted more crazier.

Niles laughed pulling on C.C.’s hair, and then kissing the length of her exposed neck as he entered her. Niles felt a flush of pleasure as he felt whole….

Maxwell laughed holding tightly to Fran. "I never thought candy could taste so good." Maxwell looked at the small picture that had come with the candy. "I should be there for them." It was nothing more than ink scribbles….

"You are." Fran pulled him closer to her. "You are… I promise Maxwell."

Max let out a long sigh. "What does William look like?" He rolled Fran on her back hovering over her.

"C.C. says he’s more my child, than yours." Fran smiled playfully pushing back his long hair. "I should cut this before we have to leave."

"You’ll be far to busy." Maxwell smiled kissing her tenderly.

"Doing what?" Fran acted playfully.

"Do I really have to show you Mrs. Sheffield?"

C.C. let out a playful groan eyeing Niles. "Are you trying to kill me, or keep me bare foot and pregnant?" She looked toward the tent ceiling.

"Would that be so wrong?" Niles laughed running a hand along her chin.

"Nooo…" C.C. laughed pulling on Niles. "One of these days you’ll have to keep up with all these little ones." She growled nibbling as his lips.

"I missed another Christmas…." Niles frowned looking guilty. "They haven’t paid us. C.C…."

"Niles…" She held his face tightly. "Come home in one piece, and that will make up for any Christmas, birthday … you will ever miss… Just come home to us. When it’s time."

"You live to make me feel guilty don’t you trollop?" Niles smirked playing with her long blonde hair.

Sylvia looked down at William’s eyes. "Something about your eyes. OI… they haunt me Master Sheffield." She placed the babe next to his cousin Alexander.

"Sylvia you have been in here for hours. Mary was going to handle the children tonight." Morty Fine let out a soft sigh walking up behind Sylvia.

"I sent her to bed early poor thing is run ragged all day with ten children to look after. I don’t see how she does it." Sylvia smiled as Morty walked toward her.

Morty’s face started to twist looking down at Baby William. "You are right… something … about this baby…"

"Oy… I will go see to our grandchildren now." Sylvia touched Morty’s arm while walking out the door.

Morty let out a long sigh pulling a old silver baby spoon his mind racing looking at the sleeping cousins. "Ma.Fran!" Maggie’s eyes turned toward Morty. She hadn’t spoken since Fran and C.C. left. "Ma Fran!" She giggled letting out some hidden secret.

Morty’s face twisted in fear, and hope. "Fran?" He looked at Maggie’s eyes.

She nodded slowly, and giggled going back asleep.

"It…. Can’t be…."

"Ya!" Emily hopped up all the sudden smiling. "Ant Frannie!" She mumbled in her playful baby talk.

"Believe!" Maggie laughed using such a big word for a girl her age.

"RUN!" C.C. ran behind Fran who was giggling. "Whose idea was this?" C.C. asked as they hid behind the tree.

"Not..mine…" They heard the unmistakable sound of snowballs flying as Nadine dodged diving toward the other ladies.

"THEY ARE NOT FIGHTING FAIR!" Nadine howled as they heard Maxwell’s, Niles’s and Robert’s roaring laughter.

"Ladies. Ladies…aren’t we the stronger sex?" C.C. grumbled pulling off her heavy coat. "They are using military tactics against us." C.C. waved her coat to the side as it was hit by three snowballs.

"Okay Major Butler…Ideas?" Fran looked around the corner.

"ROAR…!" Robert came out of no where grabbing Nadine pulling her far from the others. He was wearing a bear skin like a costume as Niles and Maxwell ran down C.C. and Fran.

Niles laughed pulling at C.C. "Trollop did you think you could escape?" He dragged her toward a hallow tree. Niles’s eyes looked so savage.

"Tomorrow will come too soon." C.C. let out a soft whimper holding onto him tightly. "Then how long will it be? Six months… a Year? Two Years before I see you again?" Her pool eyes turned into pools.

"I will come to you. I promise if all else fails. You will see me again…" Niles kissed away her tears before they could freeze. "Faith my love, and strength. I am sure there will be a time soon… that their will be no more goodbyes."

"Love me…" C.C. purred kissing his lips, her hands touching his back making sure he’s real, and not just another dream.

"If we didn’t have to move out tomorrow… You could have stayed longer…You could have stayed the two weeks like you planed!" Niles groaned and grumbled.

"Niles….Shut up…"

"Yes…Mrs. Butler…"

Niles grumbled looking toward Maxwell. "I’m sorry…" He sighed handing Maxwell one of the left over candies.

"Fran seemed haunted, but wouldn’t show it." Maxwell sighed watching British troop movements. "Only two blasted days."

"I am sure the ladies don’t wait us to worry about them." Robert shook his head. "After all we have our own problems…"

"Let’s hope this one ends in a victory," Maxwell saw the signal. "Alright boys! Let’s give them hell!"

"Come on Thomas!" Maggie giggled running along the frozen lake.

"So they haven’t been back?" C.C. whispered toward Mary.

"I don’t think they will be back. They seemed quite taken with William." She shook her head slowly. "Those people are quite bull headed."

"Those people… have suffered… Damaged…Like my siblings… Like Fran they have been caught in an unholy war." C.C. stopped looking toward Mary.

Mary was taken she had never seen Mrs. Butler talk so openly. "Unholy war?"

"My father pulled me aside. After Niles had asked for my hand… He wanted me to be sure. I know he loved my mother, but they had been forced to wed." C.C. watched all the children playing around in the winter snow. "My father’s eye roamed…then one day. My mother’s burned for love… it had grown… then she found my father. With someone."

"Sylvia Fine?" Mary blushed looking into C.C.’s hurt eyes.

"Instead of attacking… My mother did something unexpected." C.C. looked toward the heavens. "She already was carrying me at the time, but she pushed my father from her rooms."

"Next… thing. Fran was adopted…My mother loved her. It was a way of helping her wounded heart." C.C. sighed looking toward the heavens again. "Then one night. She found out how Fran had been pushed into our household… My mother loves her…It was just to hard to accept the possibility that My father could… have made another child."

"She felt betrayed…"

"She took it out on Fran, and damaged her in the process."

"Broken hearts can indeed heal … Mrs. Butler… Sometimes it takes small steps to heal big wounds…."

"I thinking……." C.C. blinked looking toward the lake

"THOMAS!" Fran’s worried cry ran out in her throat. C.C. looked toward the lake, and started to run. She noticed as Thomas… who was Nadine’s youngest son, had fallen in the ice. C.C.’s footsteps rang out as she watch Fran willing go after the boy. The frozen water covering them both. Fran pushing Thomas up, and then Martin reached in to grab her.

"To the house now!" Nadine screamed holding her little boy. "C.C. they must be stripped quickly… Keep her awake as long as you can…. "

"Martin… Ride to my parents. House. Now." Nadine’s eyes were fearful but in control. "Mary bring the children inside."

"They look so pale." C.C. started to pull the wet clothes off Fran, but then settled for a knife cutting them quickly away. "Stay with me…"

"What’s she mumbling?" C.C. looked toward Nadine who was warming her boy. "Sounds like Hebrew."

"Mommy… so… cold…" Thomas teeth was making a soft clicking noise that filled the room.

"I know baby…" Nadine held him by the fire. C.C. was done wrapping a now nude Fran in thick blankets.

"C.C…….I’m sorry…" Fran’s eyes looked weakly into hers. "Now… I leave you to fix the mess that my birth started…"

"Hell no. you are not leaving me with this mess…" C.C. shook her adopted sister softly. "Fight you…"

Fran’s hand went up toward Thomas." I will not give up. Unless you give up." Fran’s eyes drifted close.

"Dear. God…" C.C. felt Fran’s forehead.

"Chest hurts mama…" Thomas groaned as his eyes demanded sleep.

"Warm their beds… thickest blankets." Sylvia walked in the door rushing to Nadine’s side. Morty walked in the door slowly, and the fevered Fran mumbled once more madly. Morty picked her up in his arms.

"Where is her room?" He eyed C.C. with an air of command. His strong arms held her tightly walking up the steps, and C.C. opened up the door. Morty placed her down.

"From what I…understand… she saved Thomas…" Morty put a hand on her forehead. C.C. sat down beside Fran taking her hand. His eyes flashed looking toward C.C. "Who are you?"

"Why do you ask questions you already know the answers to…" C.C. looked slowly into his injured soul.

"Spoken… Like Stuart’s daughter…" Morty slowly walked out.

Fran grumbled in her dreams looking at the room covered in white. Fran looked downward into Thomas’s smiling face. "Aunt Fran the angels are so pretty…"

"Stay with me …. What ever you do. Stay with me baby."

"Hard-headed…" Danny’s thick Irish voice rang out. "Fearless, and rare courage."

"She has that at times." Sarah’s smile appeared. "What do you wish Fran?"

"I intend to live…"

"It’s the boy’s time Fran. You can not change it." Danny frowned as Thomas whimpered.

"He’s staying with his mother…I will wait … I know . I have a promise to keep." Fran’s eyes locked with Sarah’s who smiled.

"Setting terms are we Fran?" Sarah laughed playfully. Even Danny managed a soft smile.

"Simply requesting better ones." Danny said loudly remembering something. "God! Do you ever change?"

"I learn a new trick now, and then…" Fran winked holding onto Thomas. "Let the boy awake first…. I’ll fight this battle out."

Thomas coughed madly opening his eyes. "Aunt Fran!" He groaned in pain.

"His fever’s broken!" Nadine called out in joy. It has been four painful days since they had fallen into the ice.

"Mommy…" Thomas muttered looking toward Nadine’s.

Niles mumbled looking toward Maxwell. "Not one letter…"

"None from Nadine either." Robert sighed looking out on the blue sky.

"I have had chills during the night. I long to leave, but if we leave… " Maxwell turned his head noticing how much of their troops they had left.

"No one would blame you gentlemen for leaving…" General Washington’s voice hovered behind them. "I long to see my own wife as well, and her children."

"Sir!" The three of them stood up quickly growing red faced.

"Sit down… Maxwell, Niles… Robert…Is this real tea?" He eyed the kettle now on the campfire, and Niles poured him a glass.

Niles eyed this once handsome man. "You will forgive us… General."

"You have no done no wrong. Remember… with suffering comes strength soon. The French will join our side, and after that it’s only a matter of time."

"Time. To see my boys play among the new born foals, and to see them become men…" Robert’s eyes started to tear up.

"Maggie’s talking whole sentences now… Fran says she has Emily following her around… It reminds her of C.C. and Sarah…. Gracie and Brighton are speaking as well, and I have never seen William."

"Emily… " Niles closed his eyes acting like he was in pain.. "I wonder what Alex looks like…"

"You all three will find out. If you wish to leave. Then your enlistments are over with. You could go… with my blessing."

"Babcock would just kick my arse out the door General. Beg your pardon." Niles tipped his hat.

"I never leave when the job hasn’t been finished." Robert sipped on his cup.

"What does Fran always say?" Maxwell glanced at Niles.

"Live for today…because battling is a part of life anyway." Niles laughed lifting his cup toward Maxwell.

"You three will live long enough to have a herd of children, and they will all grow up in a free nation." General Washington rose up. "If you are not here in the morning. I would understand, but…if you stay… you will have my thanks." His hand touched Niles’s shoulder, and he walked away.

"Bloody hell." Maxwell rubbed his temples.

"To the end?" Robert laughed softly.

"To the end." Niles smiled poking the fire.