Love, Surprising

Chapter 14: Timothy

Last day of May 1786

Approaching Independence, Virginia

A cool breeze caressed my face, rousing me from sleep. I blinked slowly and sat up. The first thing I noticed was that my shoulder no longer burned. Could it be? Quickly, but carefully, I unwrapped my injured shoulder. With relief, I noticed the swelling had receded and there was no more pus. The wound was still red but it appeared to be healing. Thank you, God! I rewrapped my shoulder and stood. The sun was high overhead in the sky. It must be noon...but of what day? How long was I asleep? I queried. Caroline! I suddenly remembered why I was in the woods. "Oh I hope I wasn't asleep very long," I worried and quickly packed my things. My stomach growled like the bear who'd given me my wound, but I ignored it. There was no time to find something to satisfy my hunger. I had no idea how much time had passed and I was determined to reach Caroline. I hope she's safe. I hope Edward hasn't harmed her. Oh what if he's already married her? Oh please God, no. With new vigor I strode off to continue my long walk. I needed to develop a plan to smuggle Caroline away from Edward. If he lived in the same house I remembered, I knew of several secret entrances I could sneak in through. Getting in would be simple, but escaping with Caroline in tow would be challenging. I pray she isn't already married to him...if she is...I can't do anything to save her, my heart cried. Where will you take her once you get her out? My conscience whispered.

"I don't know!" I shouted fiercely. "All I know is that I must save her. I won't let her become a tool for Edward. I won't let her get hurt. I just can't let that happen." I paused, considering some more. Maybe we can just run away and hide in the woods until this whole things blows over. But I knew that wouldn't work. Caroline would begin to miss her parents and her friends. Besides, two unmarried persons on our own in the woods wouldn't work. I'd marry Caroline in a heartbeat, but I don't know how she feels about me. If only I did... I shook away the feelings. Right now, I needed to focus on getting to Independence. I hiked on. Ah, Independence. My first home. Reaching up to my neck, I fingered the key my parents had given me shortly before they were shot. While I walked, I reveled in my memories.

'Timothy. Come here son.' My father beckoned me to him.

'Yes, Father? What is it?' I scooted closer to him, anticipating his words.

'I want to show you something. You see this chest?" Father pointed to a box at his feet. It was chained shut with a lock. I nodded. 'This chest holds something very important son. If the British got ahold of this, it could mean disaster for the rebellion.' Father reached into his coat pocket and produced an oddly shaped, silver key. 'This key unlocks the contents of this chest. I am giving it to you. You must keep it hidden. No one must know about this key other than you, your mother, and me.' Father looked deep into my eyes, then pressed the key into the palm of my hand. 'Promise me son. Promise me you will keep this key a secret.

'I promise.' I told my father, shouldering the great responsibility.

'That's a good lad.' Father turned from me. 'Martha! Bring some ribbon!' Father called upstairs for my mother. A minute later, Mother entered the room with a spool of black ribbon. 'Timothy will need a piece to string his key on.' Father instructed Mother. Nodding, Mother used her sharp sewing scissors and snipped a length of ribbon. She held out her hand for the key. I passed it over and she threaded it onto the piece of ribbon. Then she tied the ends of the ribbon into a knot and placed the loop over my head. The key dropped beneath my shirt, hidden from the peering eyes of the British.

'There you go, Timothy. Remember what your Father said. This key's existence should be revealed to no one.' Mother reminded me, her eyes showing her sincerity. I nodded.