This chapter is dedicated to Cory (misshiraeth98) I wouldn't have gotten this far on this chapter without your encouragement.

It was Christmas Eve. Lydia typically adored the holiday because it was usually when Ben came home. But not this year. She knew that she should feel grateful that he had somehow managed the trip for her birthday, but she knew it would not be Christmas without Ben. She knew that she must keep a cheerful facade at all times, not only for the sake of the holiday but because her father had invited her fiance to Setauket and he had accepted the invitation. Because of this, Lydia found herself busy with preparations for John Andre's arrival.

Lydia wasn't sure how she felt about John lodging at Whitehall. She hoped he did not have any expectations of her beyond pretending to be happy with their engagement. She wished more than anything to call it off because it was a sham and she was presently married to another man, but it was a matter of safety. Her safety. If her father knew even a fraction of the truth, he would certainly find a way to marry her off in a heartbeat or find a way to annul her marriage to Ben and then marry her off. So, she must remain silent and engaged.

The only thing she looked forward to was hopefully gaining some knowledge from John for Ben. If she could get him drunk enough, perhaps he might spill something valuable to a pretty girl...or so she hoped. She did not have much experience in the area. Ben was the only one for her and she had never dallied beyond his affection. Not once. So attempting something like this was new to her. Not that Ben would approve of such actions, but it was a risk she was willing to take. Only if to end the conflict sooner so that she might finally be a wife to Ben as she had longed for since she was a young girl.

She had just finished preparing the room where John would lodge when she caught sight of a carriage pulling up toward Whitehall. It wasn't one she recognized, so she assumed it belonged to Major John Andre. Lydia folded her hands on her stomach and slowly released a breath. She closed her eyes and reminded herself that she was doing this for Ben before she practised forcing a smile on her face. In the mirror, it looked almost natural enough to be believable. After another slow breath, she left the room and headed down to greet her guest.

Judge Woodhull was the first one to greet Andre at the door. He welcomed the man warmly and allowed him entrance into his home as Lydia made her way down the stairs. Andre smiled at her as she approached him. Lydia couldn't help but note that Ben was the only other person who looked at her that way. It almost made her feel bad for the ruse she was making, but Andre was in on it. This was of his own making, she had to remind herself. He was very much a part of this as she was - just for different reasons. He knew what he was getting himself into, just as much as she did.

Lydia allowed Andre to gently kiss her cheek. She found herself blushing at the affection. John was a very handsome man. Despite his allegiance to the Crown, any woman with his affection should consider themself lucky. That was likely why it felt so wrong, knowing how many women were likely after his attention, only for it to be directed to her, an already married woman, with a Continental husband to boot.

"It's good to see you, my dear," John said smoothly, with a smile that would make most women's hearts do flips and Lydia's was not exempt.

"Not nearly as good as it is to see you, my dear," Lydia responded, her face ever-so-slightly flushing when she tacked on the term of endearment.

Judge Woodhull stood behind John with a grin on his face. He was happy to see the two of them in such a manner. He walked up to John and clapped a hand on the younger man's back. "There'll be time for this later," Judge Woodhull said, with a knowing grin on his face. "For now, I'm afraid I must steal the good major away. I promised Major Hewlett that I'd escort you into town as soon as you arrived." He then cast a look at his daughter. "Business, I'm afraid."

Lydia released the forced smile on her face and replaced it with a look of great disappointment. It was a good thing she had become a great actress since her father had refused Ben's proposal. "Will you be back in time for dinner?" Lydia asked as a caring fiancee should.

The judge chuckled. "Of course. Our business should be brief."

"And then I will hie myself back here as soon as possible," John said, reaching to take both her hands in his.

"You'd better." Lydia offered him a small smile, giving his hands a gentle squeeze. He was also a wonderful actor. Although, she could not help but wonder if there was at least part of him that did not mind the arrangement. Not that she should care about such things, but the thought did intrigue her.

John kissed her cheek before he followed her father back outside. Lydia followed after them to stand on the steps to watch them off. She found it rather odd that John would be called to Major Hewlett straight upon his arrival. Perhaps they were planning some sort of attack. If they were, she hoped that she could get it out of one of the men so that she could warn Benj.

Her father seemed in the know of whatever it was that required John's attention. So, after she had waved the men off and saw their carriage turn down the dirt road toward town, Lydia went back inside and made her way to her father's study. If he had anything of importance, it would be there.

As she neared his desk, she noted that it was suspiciously clean. Much neater than he normally kept it, leading her to reason that there was something that he was keeping from her. Thankfully, after years of being the magistrate's daughter, she knew how to rifle through his papers so that he wouldn't suspect a thing. The reason she had gotten so good at it, is because Lydia looked now and then to make sure that he hadn't yet located her marriage certificate to Ben and was simply biding his time until he could use it against her.

Once at his desk, the first thing she did was open the drawer where he typically kept his more sensitive documents. Documents that were supposed to be for his eyes only, at least until the right time. Lydia's eyes widened in shock when she saw the start of a bill of attainder. Her heart sank when she read that the bill was against the property of Selah Strong.

"Poor Anna," Lydia sighed, absently tugging at one of her curls that cascaded down with the rest of her ginger locks that hadn't been pinned. Anna deserved to know what was about to happen to her. After losing Selah, now this? Nothing seemed right in Setauket anymore.

She chewed her bottom lip as she mentally calculated her best course of action. Seeing as her father and John had been gone only a few minutes, she reasoned that she ought to be able to get down to the tavern to see Anna and get back before they did. She then closed the drawer to her father's desk before she ran to grab the cloak Mary had made for her birthday.

After her cloak was wrapped about her person, she quickly descended the steps of Whitehall and made her way toward Strong Tavern through the cover of the trees. She wanted to remain off the main road, lest prying eyes report anything back to her father. Things had a way of getting back to him if she wasn't careful. She had learned that lesson from experience years ago.

When Lydia was almost out of the trees, she pulled the hood of her cloak up to cover her hair. She knew her father could easily recognize her by that feature and with the church's view overlooking Setauket, she didn't want to risk him glancing her way by chance. She then quickly made her way to the tavern and let herself inside.

Thankfully, it wasn't yet fully occupied. The soldiers would be there to enjoy their ale later that evening. At the moment, there were just a few rather drunk men who didn't even bother looking her way. But Anna did. Her expression showed her confusion, but this wasn't the place for their discussion. So, Lydia headed upstairs to the rooms the Strongs rented out, hoping one of them was open. When she was halfway up the stairs, she motioned for Anna to follow her.

Lydia went into the first open room she spotted. Anna entered soon behind her. "Close the door," Lydia quietly commanded Anna.

Anna did as Lydia asked, closing the door behind her. Lydia then gently told Anna to sit on the bed. Anna offered Lydia an arched eyebrow, but she did what she had been asked to do.

"What's the matter, Lyddie? You're acting very odd. Is it something with Ben? Abe?" Anna asked, folding her hands on her lap.

Lydia pursed her lips for a moment, debating best how to break the news to her good friend. She then sighed and sat down beside Anna, taking her friend's hands in her own. "It's about you, Annie," Lydia said softly.

"Me?" Anna asked with a scoff, before a soft chuckle. "I appreciate the concern, Lyddie, but I'm fine."

"Not for long," Lydia responded, chewing her bottom lip. "I don't know a way to break this to you gently, so I'm just going to say it." She took a deep breath and exhaled it. "I was rifling through my father's desk and I saw he was beginning a bill of attainder. . . against Selah. I think he means to take Strong Manor."

Anna's eyes widened in horror. "What?" she gasped, throwing her hands over her mouth.

Lydia reached out and pulled Anna into her arms. Anna silently began to shake. Lydia just held her friend tighter and let her cry. "I thought it was better you find out from me before it happened. I apologise if I thought wrong."

"He's taking my home, Lyddie," Anna cried, clinging tightly to her friend. "Where will I go?"

Lydia didn't have all the answers. She didn't even take the time to weigh the risks for herself before running off to tell her friend. So, Lydia gently rubbed Anna's back and said, "We'll figure it out, Annie. I promise I'll help you as much as I'm able. You might not have married Abraham, but I think of you as a sister. I always will."

After a few more minutes of sobbing, Anna seemed to calm herself and pulled away from Lydia. Anna's eyes were red and puffy from crying. She wiped at her eyes with the sleeves. Anna cleared her throat. "I do appreciate you telling me, Lyddie. I'll not let them see me like this. I'll not let them see how it has affected me."

Lydia reached out and took hold of Anna's hand. "I meant what I said. I will help you any way I possibly can."

Anna offered a soft smile. "I know it, Lyddie. I think of you as a sister as well. I only wish Selah were here. He'd know what to do." Anna wiped at her cheeks once more.

"My father would not be doing this if Selah were here." Lydia scowled. "He has grown so calloused since taking sides. Most days I feel nothing but contempt for the man I call father."

"I know you never knew her, but from the little I do remember, you favour your mother, Lyddie." Anna gave Lydia's hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry you never got to know her."

That panged at Lydia's heart. Even in Anna's own grief, she still thought to comfort her friend. Lydia felt truly blessed to be friends with Anna. Even if their friendship must be kept hidden from her father. Lydia then rested her head on Anna's shoulder and Anna rested her head on Lydia's.

A loud clatter from downstairs ended their moment. Anna took her apron and quickly wiped her face with it. "I ought to go back downstairs."

Lydia sighed. "And I ought to get home before my father and. . ." she paused and chewed her bottom lip before continuing. ". . .Major Andre return."

"The fiance?" Anna asked, standing up.

Lydia threw her head back and groaned. "At least you know the truth."

"That I do." Anna brushed her hands on her skirts. "From what I saw when they passed by, your major is quite handsome."

Childishly, Lydia folded her arms across her chest and looked at Anna rather pointedly. "You know he isn't my major."

Anna smirked. "No, yours happens to be a captain." That made Lydia smile. Anna then rested her hands on her hips and asked, "And how exactly is it that you plan to keep from committing bigamy?"

Lydia sighed and shrugged. "Delay the wedding as long as possible. If for some reason my father forces it sooner than agreed up, well then, I suppose I'll have to flee Setauket. And . . ." Her words trailed off.

"And hope Ben comes to your rescue?" Anna sighed.

"A terrible plan, I know. But that is all I have been able to muster thus far." Lydia chewed her bottom lip.

"That day might be coming sooner rather than later if what they're saying about Washington's army is true."

Lydia had tried her hardest not to think about that news. If Washington's conquest was over, then Ben would likely never come back for her. Unless he somehow managed to escape. While she had never envisioned a life on the run for the two of them, she would do what needed to be done for her and Ben's future.

Anna must have noticed Lydia's frown. She bridged the distance between them and squeezed Lydia's shoulder. "Worry not, Lyddie. Ben will do everything within his power to get back to you. That boy is entirely devoted to you."

Another clatter came from downstairs, causing Anna to groan. "I'm coming!" she shouted, hopefully, loud enough for the men to hear downstairs. Anna stomped toward the door so that they could hear her coming. She was just out the door when she turned toward Lydia. "Thank you for coming."

"I wish the circumstances could have been better, but I always do so enjoy our time together."

Anna nodded her head. "And do not fret that pretty head of yours about me any further. You have enough on your own plate to worry about. I will make do of things, that I can assure you."

Lydia sighed. "But please send word if I can be of assistance."

After another nod of her head, Anna said, "Happy Christmas, Lyddie."

"Happy Christmas, Annie."

Having met Anna like this several times since the start of the war, Lydia waited a few minutes before she headed back downstairs. Anna held the men's attention so that they would not see Lydia exiting the tavern. Lydia glanced up at the church to see her father's cart still atop the hill and breathed a slight sigh of relief. Not knowing how much longer they would be, Lydia took off in a sprint through the woods to reach Whitehall before they did.

Once back at Whitehall, Aberdeen was waiting outside the house for Lydia. "Where you been Lyddie girl?" Aberdeen asked. "We be needin' ta get ya changed for tonight's party."

Major Hewlett had invited the garrison to Whitehall for Christmas festivities. From the sound of things, it sounded like most of the garrison would be in attendance, aside from the few who would rather pay for their liquor at the tavern. Lydia knew she would have to be on her best behaviour. If only she had thought to tell Ben that the men of the garrison would be at Whitehall, perhaps they could have done something about it.

But she hadn't, so without even waiting for a response from Lydia, Aberdeen took her arm, like she did quite often as a child, and led Lydia upstairs to her room. Lydia noticed that Aberdeen had already laid out Lydia's finest garments on her bed. Then began the torture of removing her current garments and putting on the finer ones.

"You couldn't possibly tell them I'm ill, could you?" Lydia asked hopefully as she stepped out of her petticoats.

"What would that handsome man of yours think of thet?" Aberdeen asked.

"That I'm ill?" Lydia offered Aberdeen a smile, to which the older woman shook her head.

Aberdeen grabbed the next garment of clothing without even making eye contact with Lydia. "I thought ye liked this one?"

Lydia sighed and put her hands in the air for the garments that had to be put on over her head. "Better than the choices my father had chosen. If he'd had his way, I'd likely be marrying Colonel Cooke tonight. The man is nearly my father's age!"

"All that matters is he be a good man thet'll take care of ya."

"He seems to be."

"Then love will come with time, sweet girl."

Lydia hated that she had to lie to Aberdeen. The woman had been so good to her. Aberdeen had treated her almost like her own daughter, but Lydia knew that her secret wasn't safe with anyone more than who was already involved. Not only for her safety but for Ben's.

When Aberdeen was done with her poking and prodding, Lydia was dressed in a dress of blue silk adorned with ruffles and bows at the end of the elbow-length sleeves. Her hair had been pulled back and had a blue ribbon woven through it. After seeing a glimpse of herself in the mirror, Lydia couldn't help but wish that Ben could see her like this and what his reaction would be. Although, she had a feeling she already knew what he would do. That thought made her blush.

Knowing that her father would expect her to play a good hostess and greet the soldiers upon their arrival to Whitehall, Lydia descended the stairs after Aberdeen declared that she was ready. To his credit, Major John Andre was waiting at the bottom of the stairs for her with a genuine soft smile on his face. He held his hand out to her and she accepted it. "You look absolutely radiant, Miss Woodhull," he told her.

Lydia blushed. She couldn't help but feel flattered by his compliment. Most men in her acquaintance didn't pay her compliments such as his, because most men her age had always known that she had been claimed by Benjamin Tallmadge and hadn't thought to pay her such compliments. Ben was always good to compliment her when they were together or in his letters, but sometimes they seemed too far between.

John escorted her toward the sitting room, where her father was going over final details with Aberdeen. When her father noticed her, Lydia bowed her head and performed a slight curtsy. Tonight she had a part to play and she would play it perfectly. She would appear jovial and in good spirits, despite the fact that she longed to be with her husband.

But John interrupted her from her reverie. "I do believe we happen to be under the mistletoe together, Miss Woodhull."

Lydia glanced upward. To her surprise, he was telling the truth. Aberdeen must have put this up while she had been visiting Anna because she couldn't remember it being there before. Lydia blushed and then looked at John.

"Go on," Judge Woodhull chuckled. "You're engaged to be married. I was once a young man engaged to be married. I know how it is."

Guilt began to plague Lydia. The only man she truly ever wanted to kiss was Ben. But she had a part to play. Surely Ben would understand this. But she couldn't help but feel the deeper she fell into this, the harder it was going to be for her to get out.

But she never allowed her inner turmoil to be shown on her face. Instead, she offered John a small smile before she shifted her weight to her toes, to reach a fuller height. John smiled at her. Lydia felt her heart beat nervously, not because she wanted to kiss John, but because Ben was the only boy she had ever kissed. She then closed her eyes as his head bent to reach hers.

After what seemed like an eternity of waiting, which was only a few seconds, John's lips gently pressed against hers. Thankfully, the kiss was sweet and chaste. Not that she would expect John to do anything but keep the kiss chaste in front of her father, but it only made her yearn to be kissed proper-like, by Ben.

Lydia lowered herself and rubbed her lips together, not wanting to cause a scene by wiping her lips with the back of her hand. It wasn't an awful kiss and had she not already been in love with another, she might have been able to feel something for John someday. But all that kiss did was make her want Ben. He might not have been happy about what happened, but he would know how to deal with the situation. Ben was good like that.

Judge Woodhull clapped his hands and cheered, causing Lydia to blush and lower her gaze to the floor. John, likely having noticed her embarrassment, took her hand and put it in the crook of his arm. He smiled down at her. The only comfort she received from John's presence was that he seemed to be a welcome ally against her father.

"I have something I wish to speak with you about before the men arrive," John said, lowering his voice for only Lydia to hear.

Lydia nodded her head before John led her outside. Immediately, Lydia wished she would have thought to have grabbed her cloak. She wrapped her arms about herself for warmth.

"I should have thought . . ." John said, his voice seeming to be genuine with regret. But before he finished his thought, he removed his coat and placed it about Lydia's shoulders.

She tried not to show her shock as a red coat was draped about her. Not only was she going to have to apologise to Ben for kissing John, but she was going to have to apologise for wearing a redcoat's uniform coat.

"Thank you," Lydia said, feeling the warmth of his body John had left in the coat. "Now, what is it you wished to speak on?"

"I'll be leaving for a time tomorrow evening. I likely will not be back in Setauket until the Feast of Epiphany," John said. "I have a meeting with an agent for the Crown not too far from here."

"Oh?" Lydia asked. She paused for a moment, carefully choosing the words that came from her mouth next. "Not anything dangerous, I hope. It would be rather hard to find another fiance that would agree to the terms you have." She said that last part with a smile.

John chuckled. "Nothing dangerous on my part. I simply have to make sure my agent knows to play their part."

Lydia glanced down at the floorboards of the porch. "You do not have to tell me, I know I am nothing but a woman . . ."

John tipped Lydia's face toward him with his finger. "Ask what it is you wish to know. I will tell you what I can. Contrary to what most men believe, I think women are capable creatures. Sometimes more so than men in certain situations."

"I'm sorry if I seem to be prodding. . ." Although, truthfully, she wasn't. She wanted to get as much information to Ben as she possibly could. Lydia stopped speaking for a moment before she cleared her throat. "I was simply curious why you would be gone until the Feast of Epiphany if your meeting was so close."

John smiled before he leaned in close to whisper in her ear. "You just proved my point, Miss Woodhull." He then backed away. "Women tend to look between the lines, so to speak. I am glad to have you as an agent here."

Lydia's face flushed, nervously wringing the sleeves of John's coat with her hands. "But I haven't heard anything useful . . ."

"But now I know that you are capable. When something happens to grace your ears, I know you will know it for what it is."

Lydia wanted to feel pleased with his compliment, but she also recognized the tactic he was employing. "And you, sir, are trying to distract me from the information I was promised."

He chuckled. "Again, you are proving my faith in you to be well placed. But as promised, I will tell you what I can. I'll not give you more specifics, do you understand?"

She nodded her head.

"We are on the move to capture a Continental officer who has been feeding us information."

Lydia could feel her heart beating rapidly in her chest, threatening to escape. A Continental officer feeling the British information? "A spy?" The words escaped Lydia's lips.

He chuckled. "This one has proved quite useful, but we need to make sure where his true loyalties lie."

About to open her mouth to further question John, some of the soldiers began to come up the drive to Woodhull. Some by foot. Some by wagon. John then ushered Lydia inside, so they could greet their guests on their arrival inside. Lydia gave John back his coat and forced a smile on her face. But her outer facade contrasted with her inner turmoil. She needed to warn Ben that there was a spy within the Continental's ranks. And an officer at that.

Author's Note: I know it's been a long time since I updated this. Life has gotten crazy. I'm sure some of you know how it is. Although ironically the last time I updated, I was dealing with grief from losing my grandfather. Now this time I'm dealing with grief after my younger brother committed suicide. So there's that. Plus as y'all know, COVID. And teaching in COVID. *sigh* I hope life has been easier on y'all.

On a positive note: I got two of my own kitties. And guess what I named one of them? Tallmadge! The other one is Misha - but I felt Tallmadge was fitting to share with y'all! He's a ginger cat, who is stressed out by anyone but mama! Haha.

Chapters are going to be a little shorter going forward (I think) Just to make them more manageable for me.

Also, I would like to give a HUGE thank you to those of you who have stuck with this fic - or asked when it would be updated. Truly it means a lot to me. Seeing all the love kept me going - and it would make me at least open the doc!

Any love y'all can show me on this update would be truly appreciated! Thanks! 

There are also a bunch of graphic galleries y'all could show some love on too! :)

Much love!

Kass