TW: Guns

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Redcoats. Late March, 1780: Aspen

Almost to months into our courtship, Daniel writes to me, telling me he's making the trip on horse back to South Carolina to speak with my father on the urgent matter of asking for my hand. I can't believe It's truly happening. What if my father says no? Oh, I hope he doesn't say no. I don't wish to get married without the presence of my family, but I will if I must. 

I worry and worry for days on end. Daniel told me to expect a letter in two weeks time. I worry when the letter doesn't come for almost three.

When the letter does finally arrive, I open it so fast that I rip it slightly. I quickly realize, however, that the letter isn't from Daniel, but from my father himself. I read the words on the page carefully. 

My dearest daughter,

I have news that I am sure you are anxious to hear. However, you should know, your beau, Colonel Williams, was attacked by a small party of redcoats. He managed to escape bit not without taking a bullet to the right shoulder. The wound was fairly deep, however, the doctor said he will be fine with rest and time to heal. He got lucky. Now to the matter of your engagement. Colonel Williams seems to be a very respectable gentleman and he seems to care for you deeply. I'll agree to the marriage if he makes you happy. I sent a carriage along with this letter to bring you home. I hope to see you soon. As does your soon to be husband.

Yours, sincerely, 

your father Henry Laurens.  

My heart nearly lept from my chest at finding out that Daniel had been injured but then, I grin and hurry upstairs to pack some necessities. I can send for the rest of my things after I'm home. He blessed the marriage! He really blessed the marriage!

I hurry downstairs quickly, saying a quick goodbye to my cousin and uncle and aunt and rush outside to the waiting carriage. I don't even wait for the footman to help me as I hoist myself into the carriage. 

The carriage moves foreword with a quick jolt. I look out the window and smile softly. Goodbye, Morristown. 

A day into my journey home, the footman pulls the carriage to a stop. I here another man's voice and the footman's voice. I peak my head out of the carriage window and my eyes widen. 

Redcoats. Four, maybe five of them. 

One of them cocks his gun and I quickly sit back in my seat trying to steady my breathing. I hear the footman shout something and then the sound of a gun firing. I cover my mouth as I hear the thud of the body of the footman hit the ground next to the carriage. 

I breathe shakily and try to stop my hands from trembling. The redcoats are all on one side of the carriage so I very slowly and quietly climb out the other side. I gather my skirts and quietly climb under the carriage.

"Search it." I hear one of the men say.

I watch as a pair of black boots walks up to the carriage and starts searching it. I hold my breath, watching as two more soldiers cut the horses loose. 

"There's no one here, sir." The soldier who was searching the carriage says. "However, one of the doors is open. They must have climbed out the side and made a run for it."

"Alright. You stay and keep and eye on the carriage." The other soldiers says now. "They may come back and if they do, shoot them."

"Yes, sir." The soldier nearest to the carriage answers. 

With that, four of the five soldiers ride off, leaving one left, patrolling around the carriage. I spot his horse and bit my lip. I climb out from under the carriage when he isn't looking and quietly pick up a heavy branch. I quietly walk up behind him and hit him in the head with it as hard as I can. He fall the the ground, unconscious. I take a shaky breath and slowly walk up to the black war horse. I softly pet his neck and carefully climb onto his back. I kick him up to a gallop and ride off quickly. My heart feels like it's in my throat. 

I just need to get home. I need to get to Daniel.

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Ok, I think this is my last update for the night. My laptop is almost dead, so, love y'all!

-Your favorite weirdo <3 <3 <3