DISCLAIMER: I only own my developed OC based off a real historical person and my original story-line/plot pertaining to Culper Spy Robert Townsend's life.

A/N: Hey everyone! So thanks to all this quarantine business, I've been on Netflix re-watching TURN: Washington's Spies and it got my creative juices flowing. As some of you are aware, I have another TURN story on here that I published years ago in 2016 about the adopted daughter of George Washington named Lillian (a Ben/OC fic and the original Washington's adopted daughter concept), a story I will be finishing alongside my other ones.

Since writing is my hobby I enjoy, and typing a whole lot of detail, I came across another idea alongside this story.

As I'm re-watching TURN, I notice how extremely cute Robert Townsend is (I noticed he was cute before and had an awesome personality underneath his plain Quaker self *especially when he punched Caleb in the face for allowing his men to beat up his father* and how he stood up to Rivington more times than I could count) Also, how he has no personal history other than that he was a businessman all his life and focused on making money. In real life he never married and lived with his sister before dying of old age, taking his Culper identity to the grave. Sounds depressing yet fulfilling for this quiet man, right? Maybe he lived a full life and was content… and suffered from post trauma after the war for doing all this spying. They were stressful times!

However, the Robert Townsend in the show didn't come across as that for me by Season 3's end and start of Season 4. I thought… what if he had other desires in life: what if he had a wife, wanted a wife, and a family. He would have something precious in his life worth fighting for and given more cause to join the Culper Ring. He's too much of a cinnamon roll to just be the monotone, somewhat sarcastic, and side-eye Quaker who keeps to himself.

If you noticed the cover photo for this story, it's Romy Schneider from the old movie Sissi. That's who I envision playing his wife in TURN, if she was still alive and a young modern actress that is.

My OC is a real historical person named Elizabeth Carroll, daughter of Charles Carroll who was the only Catholic who signed the Declaration of Independence. Except in real life, Elizabeth died as a baby, and born a handful of years after Robert. I took creative liberty to extend her life for this story because it's all one big "What If".

**Sorry this message was long, but it was to recap my thoughts and I would like your opinions on what you'd like to see by the stories end! Such as how much romance between Robert and the OC... what issues should be brought up or interested in reading...

I'm going to keep this as historically accurate as possible—but also TURN series accurate because the creators had some inaccuracies in their timelines due to rushing it by the last season. Please enjoy! :)

Chapter 1: 328 / Introduce

October 27th 1773

It was approaching dusk in the streets of York City where a rickety carriage rolled across the cobblestone street. The wheels were splattered with dried mud from the long journey they've been on, but the carriage itself was a high-dollar ride and kept its passengers inside comfortable as could be.

Inside was a young woman who rubbed her currently gloveless, sweaty hands together eyeing what part of the pink sunset she could see in the sky. Despite the presently veiled window, a draft of chilly fall air would sneak in. It helped to ease her nerves but still she fiddled with her fingers as she frowned in deep thought.

Her name was Elizabeth Carroll. She was born and grew up in Maryland all her life because her father was a wealthy Maryland planter, and an early advocate of independence. He nearly represents all of Maryland—being a future delegate to the rising Continental Congress. Her father was barred from holding office in Maryland due to his religion, Catholicism. Instead, he emerged as a leader of the state's movement for independence and writes in the Maryland Gazette under the pseudonym "First Citizen." He became a prominent spokesman against the governor's proclamation increasing legal fees to state officers and Protestant clergy. In other words, a devout man turned to politics, and wishes for a country free from a tyrant.

Elizabeth, on the other hand, has been introduced to the court of social elites only recently. With humble upbringing on her family's farm estate and also given a taste of grandeur she was thankful to have known, she was an unsure woman.

She's on the fence about potential bachelors who have shown a keen interest in her. They were from Maryland of course, but after a trip to New York the summer before with her father, she was introduced to people incredibly different from back home. Sure, they all spoke similarly, but the city folk were all about business. Something about their stoic, analyzing faces held a certain degree of charm. Elizabeth simply doesn't know what type of guy holds the qualities she desires. All she knows is that she has never come across someone imperfectly perfect as her. Nobody was perfect, and she was far from it she felt, but a man to share her life with forever had to be at least tolerable and close to perfect.

"We will be arriving shortly my girl. I'd go ahead and put your gloves back on," her father, Charles Carroll, told her. "You look very beautiful, Lizzy. One man is bound to ravel in divine discernment in your presence."

She looked down to her lap of downy fabric in a shy smile, her finely curled brown hair in wavy locks over her shoulders.

"Thank you, father, if there are hallowed men attending the reception," she hummed, thinking of some of the men who she overheard weren't attending the party. "And if I am able to get some conversating words in much like you."

He chuckled heartily, his aged throat behind his silky neck stock moved in unison. "I wouldn't see why not. The two brothers who spoke to you after the nuptials at Trinity seemed to be all ears."

Her mother, Mary or 'Molly', added in, "They were surprised she was talking to them is why. A blind person could see that her words went in one ear and out the other, darling."

"Like when I speak to you about overspending on a ball gown? Two of them?" Charles raised an eyebrow to his wife who smiled at him innocently guilty. Their silent exchange was so tender and forgiving, Elizabeth only hoped she would have a happy, loving marriage like theirs one day. Her father would move the mountains for her mother who he married when she was her age.

When it came to children for them, they were blessed to have their eldest, Elizabeth, survive infancy. However, they've had pregnancy battles after her birth in 1755. They lost two sons and a daughter. Finally, Elizabeth's little sister, Mary, was born in 1770 and just made three. Recently her newborn sister, who her parents named Louisa, died within the week of her birth.

"This was an important occasion. Your oldest daughter is being introduced to her second ball and her eyes opened to great possibilities. Your dear Hercules Mulligan married the niece of a British Navy Admiral." Her mother reached over to hold her daughter's hand eagerly and comforting.

Charles grumbled, "Her father is nothing like her uncle in terms of manner thank goodness. Those Brits are not going to know what's coming sooner or later. Mulligan is thankfully holding firm in his beliefs and his wife respects him as he, her."

"If their two different worlds could meet, so could our daughter be faced with a fate like them. You must have reason and not think politics tonight—" her mother retracted her hand from Elizabeth's, so she took the time to put her gloves on to eventually step out the carriage into the chilly air.

"—I hardly ever do. Men approach me and they breach the subject!"

Elizabeth zoned out as her mother started to calm her father down, and tell him to not speak politics tonight. All Lizzy wondered was if tonight would be the night she'd meet her future husband—as her parents intend for her to pe paired up with someone well-off, religious, and a gentleman. Being eighteen, going on nineteen next April, it was the most opportune time in her life to be courting. And once a young lady starts courting, it only goes right into marriage from there and life is forever different.

Marriage is not for the faint of heart were the words of her grandfather one spring during her birthday. She respected his wisdom and grateful for his role in her life. He loved having a little granddaughter to not just spoil, but to make laugh every chance he could.

Her life will never be the same when marriage comes around, and she will find out after tonight. The very thought of having her life changed so sudden allowed a craving warmth spread through her. She was excited for the unknown yet fearful, despite the Lord's teachings saying fear not. There were rules of etiquette she had engraved in her since she could talk and walk, and she spent her days helping out on the farm with delicate matters—careful to not be exposed to harmful elements to blemish her hands or tarnish her complexion.

Oh, what a blossoming bud of a woman Elizabeth is, still trying to figure out or imagine what kind of woman she's going to be in the future. Aware it was out of her control, she still worried. However, she felt prepared enough. This is why she held some nerves and continued to twiddle her fingers as she put her gloves back on, quite shakily. She could meet someone…

The wedding of her father's friend, Hercules Mulligan, they have just attended was a lovely church ceremony. Now they were on their way to the reception at the bride's home which is bound to have more people arrive who weren't at the wedding in Trinity Church.

United before God's eyes. Yes, this is what Elizabeth has to remember. If she were destined to meet someone, she would be united with him—well, reunited, she'd like to believe that God long arranged the meeting as with anyone one crosses paths with.

Elizabeth smiles to herself at the dreamy thoughts she had since she was a little girl playing rescue all by herself in the tall grass, imagining her prince charming as a boy with a wooden sword who didn't hurt people with it. Her imaginary friend would tug her along, telling her to watch where she steps over sunken mud. Towards the end of her playing, the boy would only hit some grass out the way, which was really Elizabeth's own small hands pushing apart tall grass and flowery weeds, and he would hold back the grass with his wooden sword to show her the breathtaking sunset.

Being a young lady now, she knew better to think realistic. But every now and then, it didn't hurt to think that some fantasies could happen. Her future love not holding a wooden sword, that is.

The reception was vivacious and upbeat amongst all ages of those who attended. Men and women seemed to separate naturally. Elizabeth noticed this at the one other ball she attended how the men gathered in one corner, looking at the women, and vice versa, until one of the braver men dared to ask one of the ladies for a dance. That would usually start a trend. Once the alcohol got flowing, those boundaries tended to dissipate.

In the middle of a laugh group or mingling with other couples, Elizabeth exuded confidence and perfect grace. Her hands were no longer trembling, they held a glass of her favorite white wine in one, and escorted by a couple men to the dance floor every time she left it for a break.

She has only met a handful of women her age who wear a mask such as herself, masking their true selves. Nothing to dramatic, but when recognized in the middle of having fun, it caused a pang in one's chest. Quickly, she would think constructive thoughts, and the grace Elizabeth learned from her mother shot to the forefront of her mind and she allowed it to solidify her emotions stored away for later when she was alone.

If a man was so daring and considerate of getting to know her on a personal level, she would definitely open up and allow a slight opening in her walls. What was it? It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle… She supposed that verse applied to making good relationships with people too.

The faint chime of the grandfather clock would be heard as she twirled, moved her hands, spun, and stepped around the lacquer ballroom floor to all types of music. Interrupted multitudinous times, a man came up to Elizabeth after every song ended, and it happened to be the same ones she kept entertaining over and over. One of them succeeding in making her blush noticeably much to her shyness which only made him bolder and attracted to her. There were minuets, allemandes, and even some country jigs more informal and friendly to switching partners mid-dance in the room.

Many of Hercules Mulligan's friends were all his age—mid to late thirties—and were already married to their young brides or someone alike in age. Younger, available men were all talk about being soldiers one day, should there be a war. Their noble talk compelled her but also unnerved. If the world she knows it now does get more dangerous… she couldn't dare to think where she'd be in life.

So, after an exhausting dance with a man she kindly dismissed and excused herself for a moment alone, Elizabeth parted the crowd to an empty hallway only filled with the faint echoes of people in the main room. Some older couples were walking in silent discussion as they admired the hanging artwork.

It was when she was admiring a 1750 British painting of Mr. and Mrs. Andrews that she felt someone come stand beside her. They disrupted the safe, bubble of air surrounding her. Elizabeth looked to see who had approached her presence, hoping it was not one of the men she entertained who had too much to drink. But to her surprise, it wasn't. She felt her entire posture relax at the sight of a young man not much older than her, someone she didn't recognize from the ballroom.

He was plainly dressed in all black saved for his white neck stock and a dark, buttoned grey vest. His face was crumbled in concentration, staring straight at the British portrait with round, dark, narrowed eyes set on a delicately heavy nose and a taut jaw. His meek, sharpened features felt so familiar... yet she has never met him before.

They weren't so near that they were brushing shoulders, but they were a good half-an arm's length apart. After allowing herself one deep, calming breath, Elizabeth made to make small talk to not be rude, awaiting the fate of this meeting—hopefully the last one for the night.

You're a lady, Elizabeth firmly reminded herself. And he's just a man. Act like it.

"It's a lovely portrait," she broke the silence, shifting her eyes back to him after she took a quick sip of her red punch. His right ear twitched at the sound of her voice, like the sweet ringing of church bells he heard just hours previous, but he didn't tear his gaze away from the painting just yet. As he made to form a kind, casual reply, she continued her current thoughts helplessly. The wine she had must've relaxed her so much. "The couple looks pompous but their beautiful land flowing behind humbles them. It takes away some of the bitterness in their eyes, it may as well be regret. Every work of art has a different meaning to every person," she said with as much calm and dignity she could muster, hoping she didn't sound like a fool to him.

The man turns his focus to her now with a gentler expression, his body facing forward just as hers is. When she blinked meeting his eyes for the first time, she missed the small, silent gasp he emitted when he opened his mouth to speak, but he paused before saying anything.

She smiles, adding, "However, if you're trying to burn holes through it, I suggest you lay one of those candles to the bottom center. It may spread faster. I won't bat an eye." She was gratified to see not only a flicker of amusement light up his face, but a small flash of astonishment in his dark, tender eyes that held no animosity of any kind. In fact, she couldn't even dream of them holding any malice or anger.

"My dislike for grand portraits, of pompous couples flaunting their prestige no less, is obvious isn't it?" He responded in kind with a small smile, controlling his reactions too.

"If I weren't standing next to you, I would have thought you were very intrigued if not deeply moved by it." She gave a short laugh laced in her gentle exhale.

He breathed out a short chuckle and managed a swift, polite eye roll. "Well either you are being too kind to tell me otherwise, or you are intending to keep a secret between just you and I."

"Or I'm being truly kind and honest, and keeping a secret between just you and I."

"Then you'd be the first." He tells her with a more reserved face now, and he straightened himself as if about to walk away, but he doesn't. They both turned to face each other realizing neither one of them were departing each other's presence. "It's best to let you know that I'm one to ration my words and rarely say a rapid egress of things, but if I may be honest, you are a true masterpiece to behold Miss…"

"Elizabeth Carroll, a pleasure," she smiles in introduction while bowing her head slightly like a demure princess would. He looked curious and hesitant all of a sudden. "And thank you…"

"Robert Townsend. A pleasure to meet you." He offers his name, but didn't reach for her hand which made her feel both much better and disappointed. She had men kissing her hands all night not to her liking, but this solemn man had a hidden sweetness to him. It was admirable he didn't have this exchange at the forefront of his mind. "My apologies for conveying my disdain—"

"—There's nothing to apologize for, it's what you feel to be true. I respect your opinion."

"Thank you, Miss Carroll." He glanced to his left to the portrait for a short second, before rubbing his lips together to moisten them. "If you're wondering why I was burning holes through it, the more I took it in the more unreal it felt. I prefer more simplicity and art created by the Father himself."

She wonders aloud, folding her hands in front of her waist and bustle of fabric. "Oh? Like… sunsets in the evening? Or a view like there?" She gestured with her free hand to the sky and plains in the painting.

He nods, plainly explaining like he would to a passerby, "Exactly. Or what can be seen from the city at least. That and the gift of every day is enough beautiful creation of its own. Earthly things just pale in comparison to His splendor in the little, yet most obvious things."

"I must say, I couldn't agree more." She sighs gently along with her heart, looking back to the painting to eye the cute dogs. His words held so much truth and heart, or it felt that way to her ears. "However, I admire some paintings created by God's creation like those in churches, and some artists have an affinity for landscapes, sketching with raw charcoal, or just paintings of less pompous people in general."

Robert chuckled a longer time this time, and it certainly sounded warmer. Little was she aware, he was in silent awe at her talking. "Those are certainly fine and there are many distinctions. I am gladdened to hear someone has similar beliefs."

Elizabeth nods her head slowly, looking a smidge up at him that felt just right to do, he was a few inches taller than she and that's with her heels on. "If only everyone thought that way wholly and completely, it would be a far different world."

"So, I suppose you're not one to wear such exquisite finery as this all the time?" He questioned with his eyebrows furrowed curiously before taking a sip from his glass.

"If every day were a marriage celebration then yes, every girl loves dress up, and their mothers like to see them dolled up," she laughs lightly, "but on regular days… I suppose I am guilty of dressing in some elegance, but it's simple. I go for more of a simple glow in my private affairs. Nothing like this." After she said that she felt butterflies in her stomach at the endearing, heated look he gave her. She felt her nerves skyrocket at the small opening in her wall she let him have a peek through.

Without breaking amiable eye contact with her light green eyes, he took another quick sip from his glass before replying nervously, "There's no guilt in that madam. As much as I highly doubt your glow is only simple, I hope my previous words didn't offend you. My apologies if they did… I'm not doing too well apologizing again, am I?"

"Then I tell you to cease apologizing," she smiles forgivingly. "No offense taken other than that you were not there to speak to sooner amidst the main gathering. If I may compliment, you are good company."

He bowed his head in amusement, "Most appreciated Miss Carroll," masking his broad smile to a neutral, thin-lipped grin, "I will live with my shame every night now."

She raises an eyebrow now, unable to bite back her smile as people walked behind them briefly admiring the art before walking away, "Not every day?"

"Every night, but during the day I'll be too busy working…" his eyes flicker to the painting briefly, "and every now and then distracted by thoughts of this garish portrait. It'll remind me of our unexpected, lovely meeting which is garish in the most pleasant way possible."

It was Elizabeth's turn to straighten herself, she tilted her head slightly with chin-down as a pink blush swept across her cheeks, hoping he wouldn't notice his considerate words strummed her heartstrings, "Then you'd be the first to say such as well. This is only my second function I've attended." She could have sworn she felt a heat rise between them but quickly gathered herself and brought the subject back to the art just as Robert was. "I am curious though. By unreal, with this art… what did you mean by that? It seems natural and realistic to be outside with dogs…"

Before Robert could respond his thoughts, Hercules Mulligan came up behind him and patted his shoulder before swinging an arm around him.

"The man is holding a musket. That's what's unreal, in his world at least." Mulligan chuckles heartily with a glass of wine in his hand around Robert's shoulders. "And so, the beguiling daughter of my Catholic friend meets my Quaker friend. What a small world this is."

Elizabeth's mouth parted slightly in some surprise but also realization. This was why he was dressed so plain and his beliefs were, according to some outsiders, equally plain. Robert thought similarly to her except more on how she was dressed richly and sparkling like the pearls around her neck. They were materialistic adornments of this world, but her obvious, vocal awareness to her faith made it all pale in comparison to this beautiful facet of her. She was definitely not a Quaker, nor someone he's ever met in his life, but she was different. Incredibly different that it had his heart and mind incessantly nagging at him to continue talking to her and not dismiss her like a common customer.

While Robert regarded Elizabeth politely, he gave Mulligan a half smirk with an unimpressed look on his face. But Mulligan laughed at his expense and took the young woman's hands.

"Miss Carroll, I hope you are enjoying yourself. I couldn't help but notice the young men did everything they could to keep you on the dance floor. Maybe a couple of the old folks too, aye? Too much Scots is what my Elizabeth keeps saying," His eyes crinkled as he beamed humorously to both of them after he said that.

"They didn't try everything then, now did they? I wouldn't be surprised if they somehow knew my favorite dance by now." She raises to question making Hercules further amused and more curious. Right now, he is wondering what captured Miss Elizabeth Carroll's attention on Robert Townsend: the plainest, judicious, and evenly spoken man he knows who likes to keep to himself.

"Is that what it takes to win you over?" Hercules asked her with a rolling Scottish drawl. "Then where was Mozart's music when we met back when?"

"Oh no, you were meant for another Elizabeth entirely," Elizabeth shook her head amused. "And of course, not just that. To win me over I prefer a man who's reserved, a gentleman, and holds God first in his heart, pursuing me not in his will but His." When she blinked, her gaze went to Robert who was standing there silently listening, and this time she could pinpoint his exact emotions he allowed to show on his expression. He looked as if he was just hit by a cold gust of wind as is face held much admiration.

Mulligan chuckled, "I'm 2 out of 3 of those…"

Her own heart was racing as she felt a pull to Robert, Hercules' words not paid mind to. Robert eventually casted his gaze back to his glass, swiveling the remaining punch. "Though that's just the start dear Hercules." She tells her father's friend, facing him again.

Now, Mulligan wondered, what enraptured Robert Townsend? He obviously was speaking to this girl for some amount of time and looked to be content in her company when he approached them both. Is her warm compassion what Robert was attuned to past her outward beauty and finery?

"Indeed." Mulligan mused aloud. He looked to Robert and winked at him discreetly, "It's unfortunate even the most available of people, and ones who are eyeing you, fail to see what's truly right in front of them. To seek and to find during these increasingly trying times."

"And my eyes were deceived," Robert comments, breaking his silence. He wasn't blind, he knew that Mulligan was trying to figure out what's going on, and he also knew what kind of person this lady was standing before him by God's blessing. "Miss Carroll lifted a veil and I saw more to this world's splendor I thought to not exist." By the end of his exclamation, he had locked eyes with her once more. The candlelight near him making his eyes twinkle just like her own.

Elizabeth inhaled a sharp intake of breath as quiet as she could. His voice rumbling like a strong plow breaking through hard soil saying such generous things. If she didn't know any better, those words may sound foreign coming from his mouth according to his friends or family. Robert, knowing now he is a Quaker who is very firm in their own beliefs, Elizabeth believes he may be very firm in other things… such as not speaking to many women as long as he has with her already. That and he appeared very studious.

"Now, what led you over here?" Mulligan asked her now, his face quizzical.

Elizabeth shrugged a little, smiling with some tiredness when her mind strayed from Robert to the exhausting dancing she partook in earlier. "I had to find some momentary escape before they would start to shove wine at me like I'm Dionysus and keep me on the floor till my feet break off."

Hercules got a spark in his eyes as he grinned, looking to an inquisitive Robert then at her, making her blush already, "Perhaps if this innocent, fine flower were on the arm of a certain, dashing someone, she would have no more dreadful interactions with lustful, unqualified bachelors."

She blinked looking down, ready to part from the conversation growing incredibly shy, and whispered, "I wouldn't ask that of him—"

"—Because I would ask you," Robert interrupted her smoothly, having caught on in the first few words, "if you would have me."

"Oh." She quietly mumbled, close to relief. "Please, call me Elizabeth."

"Elizabeth… Likewise. Why don't we finish our conversation here before returning to the main gathering together? I'd be more than happy to be in your company anywhere you'd like."

"That sounds splendid. I'd be more than happy as well. Excuse me for just a moment, I'm going to go find something to drink and return here."

"Of course." Robert bowed his head stiffly, inconspicuously watching her leave until she was out of his sight. Her voluminous dress covered her feet so she was floating across the floorboards leaving a non-existent trail of sparkling dust in her wake. Her white dress with sleeves falling like ocean foam off her shoulders had pink and red beading with light green embroidery, matching her eyes, on the thin simple ruffles along the top of her corset, all highlighting her dainty décolletage, tiny waist, and modestly pushed up bosom he did not dare let his gaze linger on.

"You might want to pick your jaw up from the floor before she sees you again. It's not exactly the best way to make an impression," came Mulligan's observant claim. The wily man had a gleam in his eye as he sipped his drink.

Robert sighed nervously but eyed the man indignantly. "I just…I wasn't expecting… then she started talking and then I expected… quite the opposite…" he stammered, unable to find an excuse.

"You weren't expecting a goddess, Townsend?" Mulligan offered, his expression growing more mischievous and excited for his friend as Robert shook his head, tearing his attentions away from the woman while he could. He paid close attention to what his friend continued to tell him.

"Her father Charles often speaks of Elizabeth, she's his eldest and just turned eighteen this year. We met after a Sons of Liberty delegation; he came up from Maryland to stand in a meeting, she stayed with a family friend up here while that went on. We met some days later and attended a function all together."

"Oh dear, her father's like you then? Flamboyantly political?" Robert frowned in slight discouragement.

Mulligan shook his head, humor in his eyes but it didn't go to his current frontage. "He naturally isn't a political figure, he wasn't always about it. I vowed silence on political talk for the day by the way—" Robert interrupts wryly.

"—So far you're not keeping one of the vows you made today."

"But this one I didn't make before God, but to my Elizabeth," Mulligan smirked shortly, quickly glancing to see the young woman making her way back with two glasses in her hands, stopping to talk to people along the way. "For this conversation I'll just say he sees what Britain is trying to do. They're good people. She also comes from a wealthy family."

"And Catholic you say?" Robert asks with a suddenly dry throat, looking for another refreshment that isn't alcohol that he commonly avoids.

"Will that be an issue?" Hercules mumbled quietly. "I can't guarantee she'll convert."

Robert responded flustered, nearly turning red in the face, "Are you mad? No I don't expect her to convert tonight, I just met her!" He took the last sips from his own glass before placing it back on a passing tray as he assured his friend with a serious face, waiting for a full tray of punch to come around. "I have never even considered courting a woman, not a single one I met."

"Well, so did I. Now look where I'm at," Hercules smiles warmly causing Robert to return it and offer his congratulations before his friend went back to the subject of Elizabeth. "She's a delightfully witty little thing when she speaks. Smart as a whip, I tell you. And very quiet many a times, you wonder what's going on inside her head. Those things aren't going past you right now I'm sure," Mulligan tells his friend quietly with a calmer tone. He swiveled his wine as he looked down at it suddenly interested in the red swirl. "I never meant to pressure you—"

"—you meant to put a foolish idea in my head that I could never hope to achieve. I've finally made something of myself in the city and I'm not in the position to take an intensely personal risk—" Mulligan silenced him with a shake of his head.

"No one ever is but the spirited ones with nothing to lose. I meant to encourage you because you do hope to achieve it, and you can Robert. Even your father sees you with a wife one day. You have nothing to lose. You just wait, after tonight, you'll want to look into no one's eyes but—God." Mulligan slipped the Lord's name in vain when Elizabeth appeared right beside him with a questioning look. "You are quiet."

"Or you're deaf." She quipped before his playful huff and Robert's crooked smirk, eyeing his friend and the goddess before him. The Quaker's chest swelled with an intensity he was still unsure about. "My shoes were the only ones walking down this hall. Even your sweet wife's blind, deafened dog was able to come up and sniff me. And Robert," she turns to him with a bright smile, reaching out her hand to hand him a glass of punch. "This is for you. I noticed you discarded yours while I was over there."

"Thank you Elizabeth, how very thoughtful. Now I don't have to track down someone with a tray, we can pick up right where we left off."

"Well I'll leave you two to it. I'm glad you two were able to meet. I'm going to return to my wife's side. Miss Carroll… Townsend, see you around," He nods his head lastly to his friend who takes a sip from his glass before responding.

"Good seeing you Mulligan, and thank you. Congratulations again." Robert told him as he parted.

Then, he took his time studying Elizabeth Carroll as she began walking to another portrait next to this one. Of course, he followed and stuck beside her, but he had the advantage of some extra height over her. She had the piercing light green and misty blue eyes of the land and ocean, and a delightful demeanor that was so easy to be around and not grow weary of.

When he looked at her the first time, he thought her smile was dazzling, and it almost seemed as if she were glowing like the light of God. Definitely no mere simple glow like she believed she had. But for him to garner any stronger feelings towards her, he'll have to get to know her, which he certainly would like to try to.

"Did you attend the ceremony at the church?" He asked her, suddenly wondering how he didn't see her inside the church. Perhaps his father could have seen her.

She nods her head, "Yes I did along with my mother and father. We were near one of the pillars. And you?"

"Yes, I was with my father. More to the center near the aisle." Robert decided to extend on his family. "He didn't attend this tonight, he retired after the ceremony."

"Oh you live near the city, then? That's wonderful."

"Yes, it's serene. We have a farm in Oyster Bay, just outside of the city."

Neither of them were looking at the art, they were standing near the wall talking in private in their own world. She comments, "It sounds lovely and perfectly quiet. Much like my own home. May I ask what you do?"

"Currently I run a boardinghouse in the Bowery," he informs. "I've always been a merchant for many suppliers. But in my small beginning, I was a planter with my father. He's the one who arranged an apprenticeship with a merchant firm to get me where I am today."

She nods her head once, very intrigued by this. He watched her mind process it all behind her wise gaze. "Through much hard-earned work. What a brilliant accomplishment."

"Thank you," he smiles warmly to her with closed lips. She could tell he appreciated her awareness to what it took to be in his career.

"Do you return home often, or miss it?" She wondered as they began walking again, seeing other couples were starting to explore the paintings on the walls. "As you said earlier about sunsets, city life can be a bit hard on your soul sometimes."

Robert felt the same swelling in his chest when she said those sweet, caring words. And how she spoke sounded like soothing rain falling on a tolling church bell.

"It can grow weary but its tolerable with the right amount of diligence and willpower." He said frankly. "I do pay my father a visit once a month at the farm and in turn he comes to visit the city when I can't make time."

"The Bowery I hear is a very busy spot. Or no?" She wonders aloud. He looks up to briefly think to himself.

"It's an older part of the city, tucked in a side street… a cut through to the main street if you will," he looks to regard her as they walked. "So, it is designed to have high traffic flow all seasons, and near the port it's a prominent place for people to room and board however long."

Elizabeth took all this in, retaining it for her own knowledge should her family travel back here one day, and to remember how familiar he was with the city.

When they began to pass up a separate room filled with people, Robert glanced over his shoulder to eye the room. He saw that some of the familiar faces were idling in here playing cards or mingling in private chats. Elizabeth saw his face light up along with a calculating look in his eyes.

"Let's visit in here." Robert extends his hand to Elizabeth for her to take. She gently rested her palm against his facing up, only his fingers curling up ever so slightly to secure her hand in his his as he escorted them into the parlor.

When her private guess was proven accurate, he had already led her towards a table with two seats, and on this table a board of draughts.

"Do you play draughts, Elizabeth?" He decided to use her name when he asked, feeling it was proper to say and he wanted to continue testing her name on his tongue.

Quite liking the sound of him saying her name, though she'd never say it aloud… yet anyway… Her shy smile came off as a bit mischievous.

"A little." She lightly laughed at the wise stare he gave her with an impassive facade. Elizabeth even caught his eyes had trailed down to her hand in his surprisingly coarse ones, but pleasantly larger than hers, probably wondering how many games her delicate hands have played. "And you?"

"A little." He responded the same. Robert led her to her seat first, letting go of her hand—the warmth of each of their touches sorely missed in their private thoughts, and he pushed her seat closer to the table once she sat down. He even stood close to her as he straightened the board in a way so she wouldn't struggle to reach across. "I've played and studied this my entire life to know every trick and move."

"Me too," she straightened her pieces. She met his eyes when he sat down across from her, preparing his side. Whoever played before just left their pieces scattered. "My grandfather taught me when I was six years old. Then when I became more aware of him tricking me, our matches got better when he would try distracting me with small talk."

Robert nodded in agreement, a tiny smirk in the corner of his mouth, "That is young. The best way to get started, though," he voices, sighing blissfully it sounded like. But they didn't begin just yet. "So I take it you played with your father as well?"

"Yes, not of late though. He's busy maintaining both our farming manor and debating in newspaper columns. His new hobby."

"And your mother?" He also inquired.

"I have one younger sister who just turned three last month." She smiled expecting to see his look of surprise at the age gap. "So, her time is spent with her and myself in some household duties. It's been a while since I've had a serious match."

He splayed his hands on the edge of the table before thoughtfully asking, "Is a serious match what you wish?"

She shrugged subtly, "A regular match… As long as you won't take it too easy on me, I suppose. Haven't played for a while so I may be a bit slow."

Robert grins with a thin-lipped smile, his cheeks rounded to reveal a dimple, "Yes ma'am. Well…" Then he gestures towards her. "Ladies first."

She made her first move quickly. After she slid one of her pieces he did the same, but as he watched her plan her overall strategy, he started to talk to her again.

"Where are you from? You mentioned a manor and a farm.."

She replies after moving her piece, meeting his sparkling eyes already watching her round face tentatively. "Maryland."

Robert felt worry scratch at his heart as he hesitated moving a certain piece, displaying his heart entirely on his sleeve. But he didn't let this little disappointment show on his face. "That's not too far from here. Two days travel at least."

"It's not rough at all, no." She shakes her head, "It may be my new normal travelling here. My parents would like me to be more exposed to the city come the new year, away from the home I knew my whole life."

Now to his surprise, Robert felt and recognized the foreign emotion of jealousy begin to fizzle into his veins. When she said her parents want her to be exposed to the city, this implied they want her to find someone here to… be with… He turned his head away from her to register the men in this parlor, who all looked to be either lustful, full of themselves, or rude. Not one of them could be envisioned next to Elizabeth.

"How does that make you feel?" He found himself asking out of slight concern and full curiosity when he returned his focus on her and the game.

Elizabeth's mouth melted into a thin line, not the natural, faint smile on her lips he's seen her adorn only so far. "Forgive me, I'm not so sure how to answer that." She jumped her piece twice and took one of his.

Hearing this sound, his concerned eyes snapped to the board to jump his own and take one of hers.

"If your home in Maryland is all you've ever known… and by the sounds of it you love home, however uprooting for another place can unsettle anyone. It mustn't feel right. I used to feel the same."

Elizabeth recomposed herself, deciding to respond honestly but with the poise she's accustomed to naturally. "Yes, I do love home as much as anyone would their own, but life always has other plans and I'm willing to go where the Lord directs my steps. Sometimes what you wish for cannot be so, and that's alright." She smiled then, jumping her piece and taking another one of his, but he didn't flinch to move his own yet. He waited patiently to hear the rest of her words that rung in his ears like church bells in the rain. That was his poetic description of her person.

"It's always best to welcome change, make a new foundation, and understand attachments in life are not for the faint of heart. Your move." She stopped there, feeling like she said too much and did not want to tell him something he may already know.

Robert haphazardly looked down at a random piece of his, uncaring where he slid it to, the only strategy he had more now was to move the pieces of his heart in harmony with hers.

He cleared his throat, leaning an arm on the table so no one would overhear, "Your words are not only a breath of fresh air, but they are truthful and wise. I most certainly agree. Life isn't for the faint of heart. It's also hard to meet people, like yourself, who are aware of their… uniquely divine heritage and proclaim it so easily."

She laughed lightly, feeling her heart beat out of her chest at such recognition. "It always came natural to me. I'm afraid it's deterred some who crossed my path, who don't believe the same as I do."

"Their loss… a great loss," Robert told her with a single nod of his head as he took a sip from his punch, while staring into her blinding light unflinchingly. Across from him, her precious face, glowing in the candlelight of the flickering parlor like an angel from on high.

...