To all the reviewers and readers who have waited and waited for an update. I promise I haven't abandoned this story. I'm working on it. I just get blocks sometimes.

Chapter 10:

December 17, 1781

It had been a few days since the date with Marque Francis and Felicity's incident with a quite too tight stay.

Felicity was in an ill manner. Mr. And Mrs. Merriman had talked about her and Ben. About how she didn't want to marry Marque Francis but Ben.

Mr. Merriman had said i'll think about it instead of saying yes or no.

This bit of information was driving Felicity up the wall or rather up to the roof which she now sat.

She barely felt the cold as she stared out over the roofs of houses. She could just barely to see her Father's store.

She had taken to going up on the roof like she did when she was a child. It helped to clear her thoughts. Right now she really needed to clear her thoughts.

"Lissie!"

Felicity jumped and nearly fell off the roof in a fright. "Nan!" she put a hand to her chest to still her rapidly beating heart.

"Nan didn't pay attention to Felicity's antics. "Father wants you in the parlor." Felicity noticed Nan's eyes went to her shoeless and stocking-less feet.

Felicity pulled her dress over them, feeling her face burn. Nan wouldn't snitch on her and that she was glad. She just couldn't abide neither unless she had to. Same was to be said about stays. She got away with none when she could.

She slid down the lattice like a squirrel, causing Nan to stifle a giggle.

Felicity proceeded into the parlor like a lady. She carefully kept her feet tucked under her skirts.

Her father was waiting when she entered and so was Ben. She looked at them both in surprise.

"You wish to speak to me?" Felicity tried to keep her voice steady and smooth but excitement was beginning to overtake her.

"I've been considering your wish and I've talked to Ben. He has more than proved he will be a good husband for you." Mr. Merriman began and there was a twinkle in his eye.

Felicity glanced at Ben in questioning but the former apprentice didn't give anything away.

"I've withdrawn your offer of marriage to Marque Francis and you are free to marry Benjamin Davidson if that is what pleases you, my dear Lissie."

Felicity couldn't stop herself and threw herself at her father with a girlish squeal and hugged him tightly.

"Thank you, thank you!"

Mr. Merriman laughed.

It's not long but it's something!