Spyglass

Chapter 1

I smiled as Mason blew on the dice. This was one man who knew what he was doing! I am not sure why I am so fascinated by old Mason's game- he has been doing this my whole life and in 19 years I haven't gotten bored with it. I am interested in games of chance.

So I would, of course, be drawn to gambling, war, and other forms of events that you cannot possibly know the outcome of. I take a deep breath and try to tear myself away. Nicolas asked me not to openly admire such things and I am in love with Nicolas. I don't want him to be mad at me.

I sigh and turn away.

I decide to walk down the street towards the other vendors. Some carts hold silk from exotic lands, others fruit preserved in ice. I carry on until I come to a new cart. It holds parchment and quills and ink. The man there has his back turned. I study the portly figure for a moment and decide that he must be a civilian working for General Washington from the way he glances at every soldier that passes by. I know that his is early on in his servitude by the fact that he is here and not with Washington personally. I know that he works specifically for Washington by the egg hidden beneath some empty journals.

I smile and glance around. Then I lean in as close as I can to the man's ear. "How's George doing?" The man jumped and hit his head on the pole supporting the top of his cart. I laugh so hard I can't breathe. I hate stays.

"My apologies sir, I could not help myself." I say as he turns around.

"Bloody hell, miss! You gave me quite a fright!" The man squinted at me through his glasses. "Now then, how did you know?"

"I pay attention. I notice things others don't." I say evasively.

"My name is Fredrick Greenfield. May I have the pleasure of learning yours?" He bows slightly.

"Your name is not Fredrick Greenfield sir, but my name is Katelyn. Katelyn Lewis."

"Well Miss Lewis, I judge that you know more about what is going on in this fine country than most people give you credit for. You must come for dinner! My Claire makes the best roast this side of the Atlantic."

"Having never been to the other side, I think I will take you up on that offer."

"Well then you must come tonight! Bring someone if you wish but I ask you to ensure you have complete trust in them." The not Mr. Greenfield exclaims.

"I plan on bringing my fiancé Nicholas Alcott." I try not to make it sound like I am being boastful. Nick would be intrigued by this man.

"Alcott you said?" The man asks sharply.

"Yes, Nicholas Alcott." I repeat hesitantly. The man acts like this name means something to him. It is almost as if he thinks he knows Nick. Which is impossible, Nick could have nothing to do with this man; this rebel. I put it out of mind. "Yes, well what time should we come over?" I change the subject.

"Around 6 shall we say?" The man offers.

"Terrific! And may I find out your actual name tonight?" I reply.

"Perhaps." The man tips his hat to me; smiling slightly. I walk off.

Nick wears a slight frown as he straitens his suit. I try not to stare at him. I am truly in love with him. Nick notices me staring and we share a smile. He chants the same phrase that he says every time he sees me.

"One month, Katie. One more month and then we will be married and everything will be perfect." Nick turns around and grabs my shoulders. "You look beautiful. Come, lets go. The carriage is waiting."

We walk out of his family's shop and get into the carriage. Nick tells the driver where to go and the horses set off at a brisk trot. The driver must know a shorter way of getting there because in only a few minutes, the horses are slowing down in front of the home of Mr not Fredrick Greenfield. The house is wonderful. "George must pay well!" I mutter.

"What was that?" Nick asks as he helps me down.

"He must be doing well. To have a house like this I mean." I quickly lie. Then I shudder. That is the first lie I've ever told Nick.