What Happens By Candlelight

Prologue

"What do you mean you're leaving!?" My voice rang down the hall, startling any of the workers who were dusting and polishing.

"As in, the two of us, your dear brothers, are going to join the war."

It was completely random. It had been a silent agreement between us to ignore the world around us and continue onwards like normal. "But you can't! You can't leave me here alone! What will I do? What if something happens?"

My desperate cries fell on deaf ears. Thomas, the eldest, was packing away some paper and ink into a sachel, while Edward, the second oldest, was pacing back and forth, trying to remember what he needed. "You'll be fine. Samuel promised to protect the household, his sons are growing to be of age as well, they adore you and will keep you safe. I promise."

My panic didn't diminish as he had hoped. The thought that my dear brothers would be off fighting a war while I was at home sickened me. They promised Mom to keep me safe; how could they do so if they're so far away? "Which side are you to fight on? Am I to support the British? Or am I to be a patriot?"

Edward stopped his pacing, his eyes baring hard into Thomas'. Thomas returned the gaze with an even tone, his packing almost complete. The two shared a silent conversation before Thomas gave a small nod and addressed me once more. "We have decided it best to not tell you. You are to stay neutral, do you understand? Do not choose one or the other."

My mouth opened in shock. I couldn't remember the last time one of them spoke to me like that. Instead, I dumbly nodded my head and watched as they each lifted their bags onto their shoulders.

Edward walked to me first, his eyes were filled with sorrow as he kissed my cheek and exited as quickly as he could manage. He never liked saying goodbye, not after losing both parents. Thomas was by my side the next moment, his hand making contact with my shoulder. "I trust that you can keep the plantation running until further notice?"

I felt the familiar burn of tears as I nodded my head, afraid that my voice would crack if I spoke. Thomas nodded once, his eyes glancing over my still growing body as if trying to remember every last detail, before finally walking out the door.

I couldn't move from my spot. I quietly waited as I heard their goodbyes, the sobs of the women and children that worked here, and the men who were asking to join them. I stayed rooted in my spot when I heard the horses whine at the weight being added to their backs.

I didn't move when I heard the horses hooves ride away along the dirt roads. I only allowed the tears to fall as I imagined receiving the dreaded letter that brought the worst news to every household.

I slowly sank to my knees, allowing my hands to tightly clutch my shoulders as I sobbed. I wouldn't see them for months, years even. I was a woman. I was alone. I only had the workers and a few acquaintances from the church.

At only sixteen I was orphaned, abandoned, and alone. I had so much to live for, in a couple years I would be introduced into society, I would start courting. After my brothers found a suitable male for me, we would be married. I'd join another family and take care of the household. I would have children of my own and-

Now all of it would have to wait. My brothers won't be back for a while, so it was up to me to keep the business going. I no longer had the choice to chose my path in life.

~~

"Amanda! It is completely improper for us to be here!" I lifted my hood high over my head as I was dragged through the crowd of shouting men. A dummy dressed in a British uniform was hung by a noose, while men threw whatever they could and shouted profanities at it. Someone brought out a torch, lighting the manikin ablaze. The cries became louder, deafening me and silencing my thoughts.

They acted like it was the real thing.

"Improper or not, it is still an option for young women, like ourselves, to do something for the war effort." My eyes rolled as I studied the men signing up to fight, surprised at how well I could still hear my oldest friend.

They were my neighbors, my friends, even my enemies. They were children with me. Watching them sign up to die was, in a way, heartbreaking. Those were the boys that would pull my hair just to bother me, only to come back later with an angry mother and apologize with teary eyes.

They were my past, and now they were going to affect my future.

"Do what exactly?" My voice betrayed me, allowing every bit of curiosity and anticipation leak through. Amanda knew me better than anyone else, she should know exactly where my weaknesses lie. 

"Most women stop wearing British clothes and only buy items made in the colonies, but we're not most women," Before I could stop her, she pulled me into a tavern. It was filled to the brim with drunken men, some had the Continental Army's uniform on, while most were dressed like they were: slobs. Drunken ones at that.

Men whistled at us as Amanda dragged me over to a man at the counter, his blue jacket shining brighter than the others. He was higher ranked, and his air of superiority was proof of it. "I don't want your business."

Even as he drank from the beer mug, I could tell that he wasn't drunk. He was the kind of man to keep his wits about him. He was the kind of man that knew more about the on-goings of the war effort than most others. "We aren't prostitutes. I heard that you had a job offer for women, beyond the usual knitting and cooking."

The man perked up some, his drink long forgotten as he turned to us. "You two are willing to bend the rules and risk your lives?" Amanda nodded fervently, while I stood in uncertainty. I wanted to do something, it didn't matter which side I assisted, but at the same time, I was advised not to.

I could either break the only rule my brothers set for me or join something that was larger than me, effect something that would outlive me. I could change the futures for everyone, even if it was the wrong decision.

I made eye contacted with the man, my mind still debating. I could join and risk my brother's anger, or set aside and do nothing. The decision should have been a hard one, but after what they put me through, I knew those idiots needed some payback.

"So, what's my new job?"