Fiona pulled a stack of newspapers out of her purse and placed them on the table. "This is from the colonies. Each of you grab one and read it." She said, and I watched as all the women around the table and Greg got up in a frenzy and grabbed a newspaper and began to read, some helping the others that couldn't read.

I grabbed my newspaper and unfolded it, and I swallowed hard at the headline, thinking of Josie, before reading the rest of it.

COLONIES IN DESPERATE NEED OF SUPPLIES! BRITISH INVADE VIRGINIA! WASHINGTON ESCAPES NEAR DEATH!

Washington escaped near death last week when a stray bullet from the British flew towards his heart, and he was saved by a solider that jumped in front of him to save Washington's life. Reporters say that the colonies were lucky and that we were only mere moments away from losing our General, the only one leading us to freedom.

Now recent studies show that the colonies are losing the war. They are in absolute desperate need of supplies such as guns, food, saddles, and grain. If anyone would like to donate please do so, every donation helps. With winter coming the colonies aren't looking so good, and we decided to interview a solider from Washington's army and see what he thinks about the army's plans for the cold season.

"To be honest, I don't really know. I'm starting to doubt Washington's plan of fight and retreat. We can't do this forever, and what happens when the snow and ice come? The frigid weather will kill off thousands, and I think the big question we're asking ourselves is when will we finally pull ourselves together? I don't know, and all I'm waiting for is for the next enlistment, where I'll be able to leave." Says anonymous solider currently stationed in New York, where Washington is.

Back to the more recent news, the most recent death counts show that in the last couple months the colonies have lost over 3000 people from battles and attacks from the British. I think we all know now that it's going to take more than a rag-tag army to win against the strong Englanders. They have better trained soldiers, better supplies, and better strategies. It's time Washington pull his army together.

I finished reading the article and took a long, deep breath. I knew that the colonies were in trouble, but I didn't know they were in this much. It was like we were on the brink of extinction; a ship in danger of capsizing with a captain barley keeping things together. I thought of Washington and all the stress that weighed on his shoulders.

If I knew one thing, it was that I would not like to be that man right now.

When everyone had finished reading Fiona stood up, and her expression turned grave. "Before I move on, does anyone have any questions?" She asked, and a redhead in a green dress politely raised her hand. "Gianna?" Fiona asked, and Gianna nervously folded her newspaper. "These are hard to find in England now a days. How'd you find it?" She asked, and Fiona's grave expression turned proud for a second.

"Smuggled some from Vinnie last week," she said proudly, and Gianna let out a small "ooh," before nodding in satisfaction. As if sensing my confusion Greg leaned closer to me and whispered that Vinnie was a spy for the colonies that printed colonial newspaper sent from New York. I whispered my thanks right as Fiona began to speak again.

"As you can see the colonies are in desperate need of supplies. That's where the Shadow Group is going to come in. I know Washington personally; we used to grow up together, as you all know might now. To make our plan work, we need a volunteer to travel to Virginia and deliver the supplies. Would anyone volunteer to go? Besides Rose of course, since she's new." Fiona said, eyeing everyone with an expression of expectation.

I glanced around the table and noticed everyone was avoiding Fiona's eyes. Some were pretending to fix the hems of their dresses while others pretended they were so immersed in the newspaper and didn't hear her. Fiona rolled her eyes. "Anyone? I know I'm asking a lot, but in a letter Washington explained to me this plan, and that it would work perfectly with our group. If all goes well you could become a hero." She said.

She waited, and I sat wondering if anyone would volunteer. I would love to, and Fiona probably knew it. But unfortunately for me I was new to the group, and they needed me more here than there. But still, when no one volunteered and Fiona sighed and sat back down, I had the strongest urge to say yes.

Fiona decided to try her request one more time. "I understand that I'm asking a lot, but the colonies are in absolute dire need and we need to act fast if this plan is to work." No response. I watched as Fiona began to give up, and before I could think about my words I cleared my throat and began to speak.

"Um, Fiona, I know that if we were to send someone it would be impossible to have them stay with Washington because he's constantly moving and he'd be a target for the British, but I know someone in Virginia who's a proud colonist and I trust with all my heart. Maybe whoever goes could stay with her?" I said hesitantly, and blushed as all eyes focused on me.

As Fiona began to ponder over my idea I instantly thought about the ways I was going to regret this decision, but it was already too late and I could see the wheels turning in Fiona's head as she thought about my idea. "Tell me more about this woman, Rose." She said, and before I could talk myself out of it I began to tell her more about Josie.

"Well she's 22, not married for all I know, and her name is Josie Sorenson, and she lives in the heart of Virginia. I used to live there you see, when I was very young, and I know her very well. I'm sure she'd be happy to help." I said, and Fiona rubbed her temples. "Thank you for that information Rose, I will definitely consider that. You are already proving that you'll be useful to the Shadow Group." She said, and I felt pride bubble inside of me when the same rude brunette narrowed her eyes in my direction.

"Fiona, I know you said to trust Rose and that she's hear to help us out, but I can't help but wonder who she really is." The brunette said, her lips pursed. At her words a small mutter rose among the other woman, and I saw a few of them cast me suspicious looks. I opened my mouth to reassure them I was loyal when Fiona intervened.

"I recruited Rose last night and I trust her. Her family is extremely close to the king and his family, and is taking a huge risk from coming here today, especially since she is engaged to the General." Fiona said, and a collective gasp sounded from everyone around. I could feel my cheeks reddening at the attention, but the brunette wasn't finished yet.

"How do we know she just won't go on and tell them about us? There could be soldiers outside right now!" She said, and the group shifted nervously at her prediction. "I wouldn't betray you," I said hotly. "I'm a loyal colonist, and a loyal double agent." Fiona gave me an approving nod, and that seemed to calm the group down, as if knowing that Fiona trusted me made them feel better. But as I reread the newspaper I noticed the brunette staring at me with intense doubt, and I realized that it was going to take more than an argument to earn the group's trust.

I turned my attention away from her and pushed her out of my mind, my attention now focused on Fiona, who was talking again. "Now moving on to the next topic, which is when the British will attack next. Does anyone have any information on how, when, and where this might be?" She asked, eyes searching the group.

I looked around and saw that most people were looking at me, probably expecting me to have some information since I was the closest to the General at the moment. "I don't have any details right now, but I will try to get some," I said, and the group turned away from me, clear disappointment on they're faces. I felt bad and useless, and made a silent promise to myself to start listening more to Eddie's conversations.

Suddenly a young girl at about fourteen with long blond hair pulled in a braid began to speak, and I later learned her name was Janice and that she was King George's cousin's daughter, so she was often around the castle. "I heard that the General was getting ready to attack again in New York around Harlem," she said, and excited mutters began to rise from the group.

I watched as people clapped Janice's back and as Fiona's eyes flashed with delight as she grabbed a quill and piece of paper and began to make notes. "Wonderful job Janice, this piece of information is very useful. Now if no one else has any news to share, the meeting is over. Feel free to mingle for the last fifteen minutes." Fiona said, and everyone got up and began to talk.

I was thinking of taking the safer route and just leaving, when Lila pulled me over to a group of woman in the corner. "You should meet some of the members if you're going to stay," she said, and before I could respond I was pushed into the circle of people. I waved awkwardly to the woman, who curtsied to me. "Pleasure to meet you Rose. I'm Kendall," a lady in gold said, and I nodded to her.

The five other woman introduced themselves, and I learned that the rude brunette was called Diana, and the other four were named Hannah, Adalaide, Rue and Wendy. After introductions the ladies began to chat, and I politely listened to their conversations, adding my input once and a while, but was really tuning them out; especially when Diana the chatterbox went on and on about her life and husband and children.

To be honest, I was really thinking of Charlie. I couldn't help but ponder over what he might be doing right now, and how he was. Was he in his office alone, writing letters to soldiers until his wrist was burning and the fire ran out of fuel? Was he in the marketplace flirting with woman? Or was he enjoying a drink on his balcony and possibly thinking of me?

I will admit that I was curious; I'd come to the conclusion that I would be stuck with him for a while, and as much as I didn't want to I would probably be married to him, and I was curious about what it was like being his wife and living a life with him. Not in the affectionate way that a regular fiance would be, but in the way that made my stomach churn with a mix of nervousness, anxiety, and the slimmest bit of excitement.

Right as I was picking apart Charlie and I's passionate kiss in the ballroom a pause in the conversation came and Adalaide, who I learned was the gossip of the group, gave me a sly look and coughed, causing me to snap back to them. "Rather bold of you to join our group when you're engaged to the British General." She said, and instantly the conversation switched to me.

"Yes it is," Hannah said quietly, being the shy one. Wendy, the daydreamer, twirled her hair and sighed. "He's rather dreamy..." She said, and everyone instantly looked at her in alarm. "Oh heavens no! I would never betray the group, I'm just saying I think he's cute." She said hastily. Rue, being the upfront and personal one tilted her head, fixing me with a curious expression.

"I wonder how he ever fell for someone like you. You don't seem like his type." She said, and I noticed Lila try and conceal a snort. Diana was about to launch into conversation again when Wendy gasped and grabbed my hand, her fingers tracing my diamond ring. "What a stone... He must be the most gentlest, richest man you've ever met." She gushed, and to my annoyance all the girls besides Lila crowded around my ring.

It was no wonder Wendy wasn't married.

"How did you meet this guy?" Diana asked, her eyes narrowed in a mix of jealousy and annoyance at my attention. Wendy squealed and clapped her hands, while Hannah stared up at me with wide, disbelieving eyes. 

"Oh yes, please Rose we have so many questions." She said, and Rue rolled her eyes. "We? Oh please, it's just you." She said, while Adalaide bit her lip and stared me up and down. "My question is if he's a good kisser. That's really all that matters." She said, and I felt my cheeks turn even more scarlet.

How could these woman be so... were juvenile-ditz the words? They were acting like teen girls, squealing over men even though they had husbands. Didn't they want to live their own lives and be independent? Didn't they know that woman weren't born to marry men? Didn't they know why they even joined the Shadow Group? It was to be against the British for heaven's sake! Anger churned inside of me, and all I wanted to do was leave, but I figured that if I was to know the group better might as well give them what they wanted.

"Well I wouldn't say he's a bad kisser..." I said before continuing to answer their questions and tell the story of how we met. I could tell Lila noticed my discomfort, for after Wendy took it to far and asked me to describe the exact taste of his lips she held her hands up. "Woah, woah, don't we think that's enough?" She said.

We all nodded, and an awkward silence fell. Lila broke the obvious tension by informing us it was about time to go. "Don't want to stay in one place for too long," she said with a nervous laugh. The girls broke up after we all said goodbye, Wendy still drooling, and I thanked Fiona, hugged Lila and Greg, and then exited the room feeling half-proud of myself for coming and half-angry toward the way Wendy, Adalaide, and Hannah acted.

As I began to leave the pub I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see Fiona holding a wicker basket stuffed with fabric. She handed me the basket and smiled before brushing past me and whispering, "If anyone asks questions in the street say you went to the sewing store." I quietly thanked her and then was off, wanting to seem as innocent and nonchalant as possible.

As I walked the streets back home my mind raced with thoughts, still circling around Charlie but instead of curiosity being the cause of them it was anger. Was this how the rest of my life with Charlie was going to be? People asking me stupid questions about him like if he was a good kisser and never about myself? The thought of it sent shivers down my spine, and the terrible feeling of someone watching me washed over me, and I hurried home, my stomach fluttering with fear at every shadow and carriage I passed by.

When I finally got home Mother was sitting by the fire, her lips moving as she prayed the rosary, and a bible on her lap. "Oh hello Rose," she said absent-mindedly. "Hi Mother, how are you?" I asked, and when she didn't respond I tiptoed upstairs, assuming she was totally immersed in her work.

When I arrived in my room another letter lay on my desk, and my heart hammered as I unfolded it. A wave of relief swamped me when I realized it wasn't from Josie but from Eddie, and I scanned the letter.

My Darling,

the opera is holding a show tomorrow, and I would like you to come. After I will announce our engagement to the public, and I will have some friends and their wives over, and would like it if you could join us to dinner. Get back to me as soon as possible.

-Charlie Cornwallis

I took a deep breath, and my fears that he'd figured me out were distinguished. I grabbed my quill and parchment to write a quick response when my heart flipped over and I realized he had wrote My Darling, on the top. How did I respond to that? I thought of my Mother and how she would know what to do, and it was at that moment when longing for a happy mother overtook me.

In Virginia we had been as tight as a mother and daughter could be. I told her everything; secrets, betrayals, small crushes that I had with school boys. I was brought back to hot summer days walking by the creek, gossiping and splashing water on each other as we did the laundry. I smiled at the sweet memory, where Father never got drunk and became a money-crazed Tory, before we moved and left everything we ever knew behind.

I could almost feel the way the reeds swished across my legs as I ran through the fields, and the giggles as Josie and I teased one another about boys and the sweet smell of cake that always lingered in our old wooden house. There Mother never had to stay up waiting for Father; instead Father waited up for her to come back to the market, to give her a kiss or help with chores.

That was when my Father was a good man.

Suddenly I felt a wave of emotion crash over me so hard I could barley breathe. We'd been in Britain for four years now, and the image of pictured fifteen year old self first walking into Princess Sophia's castle, my heart pounding with delight at the gorgeous furniture and fancy ballroom, filtered through my mind.

Back then I was excited to be in Britain; it was a change and as much as I missed Josie, I knew we would still write to each other. Things were going to be amazing; I'd be a real princess, Sophia and I would become best friends, the war would be over soon and we'd all live happily ever after. Back then I was so naive, actually believing that things things could be different, that being British would be wonderful...

That was before I saw the pain, the dying men, the rebellions and cruelty that Josie described in her letters and I experienced in the streets, before I opened my eyes and became restless at night, before I was charmed by the wrong man and was engaged, before it was too late to change my fate; another married woman.

Now as I stood in my bedroom, tears streaming down my cheeks for my mother, and I felt myself feel a surge of pride for my country rock me so hard I almost fell over. It wasn't fair. What did us Americans ever do? Nothing. Yet Britain taxed us endlessly; controlled us and we were fed up with it. And right then, I made a decision.

I was going to use all my power to smuggle any information from the British and for my country; to get back to Virginia and help save my precious America, even if I had to play the part of Eddie's helpless wife. I was going to become the best member that the Shadow Group had ever seen, and I was going to help my Mother along the way. It was all for her.

And to reach my goal I would be willing to do anything.