I’m gonna do what?

It was the next morning I awoke from my slumber still tired and wanting to go back to sleep. I tossed and turned all night long scared of what the next day would bring. I slowly crawled my way out of bed making my way to the dresser and putting on my favorite green dress that I loved to wear now. I know I always hated wearing dresses, but I guess as mary said it will grow on me and I will like it. Now I do and today I will go and work the pub while Anna takes the day off to do laundry and relax hopefully. I brushed my hair and tightened my dress one more time seeing that it was beginning to get a little loose on me.

"Damn. I guess since there is not any salt in really anything in this time, I have lost quite a lot of weight, but my ass is still big. It also looks amazing in this dress still and with my waist now being smaller I look amazing."

After checking myself in the mirror I walked down the stairs, grabbed my coat and left for town. The morning air smelled fresh and nice and cool against my skin. The walk was nice and woke me up within a couple seconds. I saw some redcoats along the road and bowed to them to which they tipped their hats. Though I never did notice that they watched me walk away as I kept going and they slowed down a little before turning away and heading to their post. It was finally after twenty minutes of slowly walking that I arrived at the pub and walked in the back door. I started with the fire as the winter air was already starting to come upon us. Then I started on warming up some bread that Anna had made yesterday but did not get around to making it. Once that was done, I set to getting a nice breakfast ready.

I got a couple pans set up and started with some eggs that were set aside. Crashing each one I started to make scrambled eggs. I put some oil in the now made bread and set to toasting or trying to toast each side. I got the sharp cheese from the cabinet and started cutting that into chunks setting them on the now done eggs. As I pulled the pots off letting the eggs sit so, they do not burn, I walked towards the front of the pub and opened the door. No one was outside which was not surprising. As the only people I did see were the three redcoats at the boat post trying to stay warm in the cold air.

'They have been there all night and even though they are the enemy, I personally don't have anything against them. I guess it wouldn't hurt to get them warm.'

I went back inside and put on another pot setting it over the fire. I walked over to the buckets of milk that Cicero dropped off early this morning before even I woke up.

'That boy needs to have a day off and not get up so early. He is only a child.'

I poured the milk into the pot and made sure I stirred it a bit. I went back to the cabinet and grabbed the coco powder that Selah likes to use for seasoning. Took a bit of it and poured it into the milk stirring as I went. I kept stirring until I knew it was nice, hot and mixed. I went and checked on the eggs to make sure they were still nice and hot then started gathering plates, silverware and cups. After securing everything on platters I went back to the door and went outside.

"Would you gentlemen like some hot chocolate and hot food to get warm?"

"Oh yes Miss Stephanie that would be lovely!"

The quickly came over, grabbed a cup and plate each and set to devouring it. After a couple seconds one finally spoke up.

"What drink is this Miss? I have never had something like this before."

"Yeah it tastes like something sweet. It is so warm and relaxing."

"Well, were I am from we call it hot coco. Its milk with coco power mixed and warmed up. Do you gentlemen like the eggs and toast?"

"Yes they are filling. We thank you again Miss for the food and drinks."

"It is my pleasure gentlemen you men have been here all night and deserve something hot to put in your bellies."

I grabbed the cups and plates from them as they finished. Taking it back inside feeling proud of the good deed I did for the day. Once back inside I got started on making more food the same way. Scrambled eggs, toast and some hot coco.

It was probably about a half hour later that I had a red coat officer come in. At first I didn't think much of it until I hear a voice say something.

"Ah so you must be Miss MacDonald that Richard spoke of."

I turned around facing the man who spoke, realizing that it was major Hewlett speaking to me.

"Uh, yes sir, that is I."

"May I have a word with you for a moment?"

I was questioning why he was even here as he didn't like alcohol or pubs in general from the show, but I guess things are changing a bit? I nodded and we sat at a table in the corner.

"I have some questions I would like to ask you about Mr. Strong and Mr. Woodhull."

"Yes sir. I can tell you anything and everything I know about them."

"Ok so, how do you know Mr. Woodhull? From what I hear from my shoulders is that you arrived into Setauket about a month ago mysteriously. That you started living with the Strongs for the past month after being at the Woodhulls. Is this true?"

He looked at me waiting for a response that I could give but didn't really want to.

'Should I tell him what I told Simcoe? Or just give him a brief detail?'

I didn't realize how long I had been thinking about it. Trying to come up with an answer that wasn't into too much detail, but also was enough information to get by.

"Miss MacDonald. If you don't wish to disclose your personal story, as I was told from Simcoe it is very personal, you can give me what you are here for."

I looked up into his eyes now realizing exactly who I'm talking to. I always loved Hewlett, he was kind, caring, loved God and could help you if you were in need of help. The only problem was he is a major and that meant if the crown and law came first then that was the end of the story and his hands were tied. So here we go.

"After leaving home I arrived in Setauket about two-three days later by carriage and walking. Mary found me outside as I had passed out from lack of food and exhaustion. The Woodhulls were kind enough to let me stay for the night and gave me food in the morning along with some clothes."

I looked to him noticing that he was writing in a notepad with little notes here and there about what I was saying. After that pause he looked up and waited for me to continue.

"The next morning Ab- I mean Mr. Woodhull brought me to Selah Strong and asked a favor if I could stay and live with him as the Woodhulls was gonna be housing a soldier in the guest room and didn't have room for I. Mr. Strong was against it at first, something about a personal debt owed by Mr. Woodhull, but upon me explains that I can cook, clean, help with service and help keep order, he made an exception."

Hewlett wrote almost every detail in the notepad not leaving out any detail especially the debt.

"As I hear Mr. Woodhull owed a debt to Selah Strong is that correct?"

"Yes sir."

"So you would say that if the man or women you owed a debt too was in trouble would you feel obligated to help them."

"Well yes sir because it wouldn't be honerablr to not pay back a debt and especially so if the person you owed it to was being beaten and you didn't offer assistance."

I looked into his eyes giving a very stern look. From the way he looked back I could see he understood I wasn't happy with what the soldiers and captain did to Selah and Abe.

"I agree with you there Miss MacDonald. I sent my captain to be in Britain and be discharged, but circumstances this morning has brought his life to an end early. I am making sure to clear any accusations there might be against Mr. Woodhull or yourself."

"The captain was killed? Who is accusing me of such offenses?!"

I acted shocked but more so offended as I haven't done anything bad to anyone since I have arrived here. In fact most of the soldiers loved me as I catered to them when I worked.

"A couple of the towns people and maybe one or two soldiers. They believe you killed the captain out of spite for getting your employer arrested and sent to prison."

"Just because I came into town out of no where doesn't mean I should be a suspect. I don't even know who the captain was, I never saw him unless he was at the pub. Even after that I avoided him like the plague cause he would look at me lewdly and I didn't want to be around that. Simcoe was with me all last night cleaning the pub so I have him to clear my name."

"It is ok Miss MacDonald, I'm not putting the blame on you as I cleared the accusations once Simcoe came to me. I just need to know what I can do for Mr. Woodhull since Richard believes his son is not at fault, but then again we can't seem to find him."

"What do you mean you can't find him? He should be home he never leaves town."

"Well as of last night and this morning, no one has seen him not even his wife. So we are trying to find any motives that he might have."

"Well I can tell you for a fact that he is a kind man that cares deeply about this town and his family. I don't think he would ruin that by killing a man that has such a high stature on him. Now I don't want to seem rude, but I have food to make and people to let sit down and enjoy the day sir. You are more than welcome to stay and enjoy some food."

"Yes, I will indulge in some food but I wish to not have a drink."

"Oh, I don't serve alcohol this early, but I do serve hot coco for this that wish to get warm."

"Hot coco? What is that?"

"Here let me go get some food and the drink for you."

I walked to the back grabbing a plate of scrambled eggs and toast grabbing a cup of hot chocolate while I was walking back out. When I entered the dining room again there were three people from town and about five soldiers sitting at tables. I gave Hewlett his food and drinks then made my way over to them after excusing myself.

The morning went on like that, surprisingly more and more people showed up then normal. All wanting the same thing. The scrambled eggs, toast and hot chocolate. After about four hours I had no more eggs or bread and the hot chocolate was all gone. Everyone seemed to love them and didn't know you could do that with eggs.

_______________________________

The day was finally over with my regular business cooling down and everyone leaves slowly a little early. I guess no one wanted to be out late with someone being murdered last night out of the blue. So I spent the next hour or two cleaning up and closing down. It was when I was finally walking out did I run into Simcoe who I guess was just waiting outside for me?

"Miss MacDonald, Major Hewlett and Woodhulls father would like to see you at the church."

"Do you know what it is about?"

"No. I was just told to see you there safely. Let us be on our way."

I was gonna walk behind him but he put his hand on the small of my back and we started walking towards the church. I definitely wasn't expecting him to do that or keep it there the entire way there. I did seem to notice any man that even looked at me for a second would quickly look away even though I was giving them a smile.

It was five minutes we arrived at the church and was called inside. Hewlett was sitting at his desk with Richard sitting next to him.

"I was told you gentlemen requested my presence?"

"Yes, major Hewlett here says you make delicious food and drinks. Plus on my behalf since the pub will be sold along with the Strong household....."

"Wait what?! Why?!"

"Well since the owner is in prison and can't keep the deed then it needs to be sold since a women can't keep it. Mrs. Strong will have to give up her house and pub...."

"No! That is wrong! I have been helping her so far and as you saw today I handled the pub just fine!"

"We understand that MacDonald, but that doesn't change the law for no women shall hold claim to property unless a widow and given the deed. So Richard and I have agreed to give you housing and shelving in exchange that you help cook and clean in the household."

"Abraham has told me about you last night speaking very highly of you. Since you spoke highly of my son hopefully he will come home soon and won't have any charges or speculations against him."

"So do I get a say in where I stay or?"

"Miss MacDonald sadly you can accept my offer or you will have to return home. I apologize, I know the circumstances are not the best, but at least you have a place to stay."

I stood there for a solid minute taking in the information. Letting it sink in that I couldn't help or stop this from happening to Anna. I guess I don't get a say in what happens to me either as I am a women and this time means men know best. Great.

"What do you say Miss MacDonald. Do you accept?"

I turned to Simcoe seeing he was watching me the entire time. My eyes landed back on Hewlett then on Richard.

"Yes, I accept your offer and thank you for giving me shelter."

"It is settled then, starting tomorrow you will have your belonging moved in and you will occupy the upstairs guest room. Until then you are free to go back to the Strong house and enjoy the rest of your evening."

I nodded leaving the church followed by Simcoe. He walked along side me this time while I quickly went to the house. Simcoe walked me all the way there not once saying anything, but I could feel his eyes on me.

"If circumstances were different I would have let you stay with me but as it is going to be done, I shall be staying at the Strong household until further notice. I will have you know though I am captain as of now."

I stopped right at the door fully turning to face him.

"Congrats on the promotion. I wish I had known sooner I would have brought you breakfast and hot chocolate."

"Well we can always still celebrate."

He got up on the porch and came to stand right in front of me looking into my eyes. He brought his hand up to my arm grabbing it lightly giving it a squeeze. Not gonna lie my stomach turned a bit knowing what he is capable of and what he will do. I still smiled at him before slowly turning and opening the door.

"We can plan something Captain, Simcoe, but until then I wish you a good night."

"You as well, Miss MacDonald."

He bowed a bit before taking his leave. I shit the door after a couple seconds and leaned against it. Taking a deep breathe I have to start to prepare myself for all the events that will soon happen.

'All hell is about to break loose and the only thing I can do is try to stay more undercover. Sadly so far that isn't working, but let's keep trying Stephanie, let's keep trying.'