Robert Townsend didn't make it to his father's home in Oyster Bay from York City very often. In truth, he wished he had more opportunities to visit. His father was getting older, though no less unconventional, and Robert wasn't sure how much time he had left with him. With this in mind, he had set out for his father's home, not knowing what awaited him there.

As Robert's horse trotted leisurely toward the house, he found himself wishing he could see the color of the grass on either side of the road he traveled. He wished he could tell what color the sky above him was. He had no trouble appreciating the Lord's creation around him, but he wanted to see it in its full glory. Unfortunately, he had no control over it. He had to meet his soulmate first.

Robert was pulled from his thoughts by his father calling out his name. Smiling to himself, Robert urged his horse to move a little faster. "Robert! I wasn't expecting you!" Robert pulled the horse to a stop right next to his father and dismounted. "Yes well, I decided it had been far too long since my last visit." Samuel Townsend beamed at his son.

"Well, that is wonderful. And just in time too. Nelly is about to bear a litter of pups. In fact, I just instructed my new acquaintance to bring Nelly inside. Winter is upon us and I didn't want Nelly or her litter stuck outside." Robert heard his father, but was stuck on the fact that his father had someone new working the farm.

"New acquaintance?" Samuel nodded his head, the smile never leaving his face. "Yes. Oh, here she comes now." Robert followed his father's gaze to the figure rapidly approaching with Nelly. As the figure grew closer, Robert could see that is was indeed a woman. A beautiful one at that.

"Here she is, Mr. Townsend. Poor thing can barely walk with her stomach dragging the ground." You turned toward Robert and bobbed into a small curtsy. "Good afternoon," you greeted with a smile. "Robert, allow me to introduce Y/F/N. Her brother recently asked if she could take up lodging here. Their father recently passed and he's enlisted in the army. Y/N, this is my son Robert."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Townsend. Your father speaks so highly of you. He's been so gracious in opening his home to me." Robert gave a small nod in greeting, but watched Nelly closely. He'd always trusted the dog's judgment when it came to people's characters. The dog in question gave your chin a little lick, making you giggle slightly.

"Well now, come along. We should get Nelly in front of the fire and I am certain Robert would like to freshen up. You smiled again. "I'll pretty fresh towels and linens for you, Mr. Townsend." Robert's brow furrowed and his father explained that you were helping in around the farm and house during your stay. You hurried ahead of the two men, leaving them to talk quietly between themselves. "You don't approve," Samuel stated and Robert frowned.

"I don't know this young woman, Father. Or her family. Not to mention our...obligation to Culper." Samuel sighed. "Robert, I know it is a risk, but I could not leave that young woman alone. She is orphaned and unmarried. She's a good woman, a dedicated worker, and she doesn't take advantage of my generosity. I know that's what you're afraid of. Just take time to get to know her while you're here. You'll see." With that, Samuel dismissed himself from the conversation.

The rest of the day, Robert kept an eye on you. It wasn't that he didn't trust you. Not really. But times were tough and dishonest people were everywhere, including himself. Not only that, but Robert didn't want you to get wrapped up in what he and his father were doing. It wouldn't end will for anyone.

Still, you seemed nice enough and his father liked you. Then there was something else. A pull Robert seemed to feel toward you. He thought that perhaps he was simply looking out for his father. Whatever it was, it kept drawing Robert back to you and kept him from sleeping that night.

He found himself in the parlor well after he had intended to retire for the night, only he wasn't alone. He pulled up short when he saw you sitting in one of the chairs with the draught board in front of you. For a moment, Robert watched as your eyes scanned the board. It looked like you were trying to envision strategies to help you win.

"Would you care for a game?" he asked, surprising himself and making you jump. "Mr. Townsend!" you cried with a soft chuckled as you realized who had disturbed you. "My apologies, Ms. Y/L/N." You nodded, accepting his apology before returning your gaze to the board. "I would. Care for a game, I mean. If you're willing. Your father usually plays with me, but sleep evades me tonight."

Robert quickly moved to the chair across from yours. With a gesture of his hand, he indicated that you should move first. The game progressed in silence for a little while until you spoke again. "You don't approve of my being here." It wasn't a question, but it startled Robert nevertheless. He didn't think he was that easy to read.

"I wouldn't say that." You gave him a look like you didn't believe him. "It's alright," you replied after a moment, "I do not blame you. You don't know me at all, but believe me when I say that I am so very grateful to your father for his hospitality and generosity." Robert met your eyes and for the first time he could remember, he wished he could see the color looking back at him. "Funnily enough, I do believe you." You beamed at him before moving to make your next move in the game. Unfortunately, you moved too quickly and knocked the pieces to the floor.

"I am so sorry," you said as you slid out of your chair to pick up the pieces. Robert joined you and reached for a piece at the same time you did. Your hands brushed and you gasped. The world suddenly exploded in color. So much color, it hurt Robert's eyes.

Robert's eyes met yours once again. Stunning (e/c) eyes looked back him in surprise. "It's you," you whispered. Robert took in your (s/t) skin and (h/c) hair. He couldn't seem to take it all in. "After all this time," Robert spoke just as softly as you had. Robert felt the world melt away as he looked at you in a completely different light. He didn't love you, at least not yet, but finally, he had found you and that was the best moment of his life so far. No longer did Robert Townsend see shades of grey. Now his world was full of vibrant color.