Usually the stocks were empty, but today four of them were full. Patsy gasped as Malcolm walked with her to see who was there. Thomas and Caroline followed and Caroline cried out. Four kids like themselves were held captive by the stocks. One looked dead almost. She was skinny from lack of food and her face was ash grey. There were two others girls who sang to the first, and one boy who looked to be about Malcolm’s age. Patsy and Caroline headed away, but Thomas and Malcolm walked over to the boy.

“Hi. I’m Thomas and this is Malcolm. Why are you in the stocks?”

The boy looked at them and replied, “I’m Jake. That on the end is Rosa Sarei. In the middle is Lily Charlotte, and right beside me is Iris Felicity. I’d tell you more but it’s hard to talk with your head being held.”

“We’re in because some idiot servant master told the officers we abused his servants. It was ‘im the ‘ole time!” Iris Felicity burst in from beside.

“We should go get Dr. Philip,” Thomas decided.

“Already here. I was making a trip to the river when I saw some young children in the stocks. I went to an officer and he agrees they were wrongly accused and is on his way to free them.”

“Yah!” Iris Felicity and Rose Sarei shouted, but Jake and Lily Charlotte stayed silent.

“What’s wrong, Jake? Don’t you want to get out?” Rose Sarei asked.

Before Jake could answer, three officers came strolling up and opened up the stocks. Lily Charlotte still did not move. Jake stood up, walked over to her, and picked Lily Charlotte up in his arms. The officers went back to their duties.

“Please. Is there a hospital or doctor’s office I could get my sister to? She’s very sick,” Jake asked worried.

Lily Charlotte let out a low moan as Dr. Philip nodded, “Yes. I’m the doctor. Come along now. We must treat her before she gets any worse.” Jake nodded and followed right behind him. Caroline and Patsy took Iris Felicity’s and Rose Sarei’s hands. Within minutes they arrived at the office.

Dr. Philip pointed to a cot and Jake layed Lily Charlotte down. Dr. Philip got down on his knees beside the helpless girl and felt her wrist, forehead, heartbeat and left leg which was swollen and bruised.

“What happened to her leg?” Dr. Philip asked as he took some form of goo of(f) a shelf and started applying it to a big cut in the middle.

“She got hit by flying pieces of glass,” Jake answered without moving. Next the doctor put some kind of liquid in her mouth and shut her mouth.

Then he told Thomas, “Go get me a wet cloth.” Thomas immediately followed instructions and was back quickly. Dr. Philip put the cloth on her forehead and started rolling her onto her back when she opened her eyes and started crying. He rolled Lily Charlotte back onto her stomach and unbuttoned the back of her dress until he could see her intire (entire) back. All the girls cringed and Malcolm and Thomas looked sick. Even Dr. Philip was startled. For there on the girl’s back were twelve bloody lines. This girl had been whipped.

“Malcolm. Can you grab that jar for me?” Malcolm handed over the jar. Dr. Philip took off the lid and rubbed the clear contents all over the girl’s back. Only then did Lily Charlotte start breathing normally.

“I guess I should explain,” Jake broke the silence, and this is what he said.

“We, all twelve of the kids, were born in Scotland. We lived in the highlands where there was plenty to do. We were actually a pretty wealthy family. But two years ago the British came to our town and took LC (Jake stopped and said that was his nickname for Lily Charlotte) with orders from the king to kill her if the whole family didn’t join the British army.

“They told her they knew we were wealthy and that if she didn’t tell them where Ma was they would kill the whole family. So she told them and they came and took Ma. Then they tortured them in any way they could. Ma wasn’t strong enough and passed away but LC kept heart and kept praying and she made it.

“As soon as they realized that she was a fighter they somehow got Pa and told her if she didn’t die they’d kill dad. But Pa told her to be strong, have heart and live for him and Ma too. So LC witnessed them killing Pa and then she ran away. We found her on the banks of the river by our house. We asked her what had happened but she would only write it down. She wouldn’t talk. She didn’t trust herself and ever since then she hasn’t said a word.

“Anyway, after a year of settling up accounts we decided our life was over in Scotland. So us and LC’s horses Epona and Epono came to the colonies. We split up in Boston and said we’d each travel a colony and see if we could find work for everybody. So we split up and this was our little group. We came to West Virginia.

“A few weeks ago, about 12, we ran plain out of money. So we went to a plantation that needed workers and asked for jobs. He said he only needed one and pointed to LC. She nodded her head and worked for him for 11 weeks. But he was a cruel man and whipped her. Then he said we abused his servants and had us put in the stocks here. And in three days we’re suppose to go back to Massachusettes but LC is too sick to go.”

Lily was sitting up and Patsy went over to sit by her and hold her hand.

“She won’t say anything at all?” Patsy asked astonished.

“Not a word,” Iris Felicity replied.

“Then I’ll find a game we can play without talking.” Patsy stood up and walked outside. Lily Charlotte looked concerned but Caroline assured her that Patsy would be back. Iris Felicity and Rose Sarei went to get some things from where they were all staying. Thomas, Malcolm, and Jake headed outside and Dr. Philip left to go visit around.

Patsy came back in about 5 minutes holding two handfulls of long, green grass.

“Let’s show her how to make grass dolls Caroline,” Patsy suggetsed. Caroline agreed and together they showed Lily Charlotte how to make grass dolls.

“Can we just call you Lily?” Caroline asked as she worked on another doll. Lily nodded her head.

“So Lily. Do you have any horses?” Patsy asked as she propped her doll up against the wall.

“Remember Patsy? Jake said they brought her two horses from Scotland,” Caroline answered. Lily shook her head and held up three fingers. Then she cradled her arms like she was holding a baby. “Um...baby? Is there a baby horse?” Caroline guessed. Lily nodded.

“Can we see them? Patsy asked Lily. The girl held out one arm and laid it flat so that her elbow was right in front of her and her fist was in front of her right shoulder. Then, she put her right elbow in her left fist and slowly laid her arm down then rose it up again.

“Hmmm...” Patsy and Caroline said in unison.

“Tomorrow,” Iris Felicity told them as she came in with a bulging pack. Rose Sarei was right behind. “She’ll take you to see the horses tomorrow,” Iris Felicity confirmed. Lily nodded.

“Here’s what you’ll need Little Lily. Dr. Philip said that you’ll be spending the night here. We’ll be staying at the fort,” Rose Sarei told Lily as she set one of the bags on the floor by the cot. Iris Felicity handed Lily the other.

“Oh there you are girls. Thomas and Malcolm are waiting outside to take young Caroline and Patsy home and Jake is waiting to take young Iris and Rose,” Dr. Nick Philip (???) said as he opened the door for them. “See you girls tomorrow.”

When Dr. Philip turned around Lily was already opening the bag and pulling out her supper. There was some bread, a little cheese, a thermouse (lol!!) of water and a little tiny cake that looked like it was for a doll. Lily began eating and she reminded Dr. Philip of a little mouse the way she held the food and took little bites.

“Well you had quite a busy day didn’t you,” Dr. Philip tried to make conversation. Lily nodded and smiled. Dr. Philip took that as a chance and got his supper. He pulled a chair over so he could eat across from the girl.

“How many brothers and sisters do you have?” he asked. Lily held up 11 fingers and then pointed to herself. “12?” Dr. Philip guessed. She nodded. Then she made an “and” sign with her fingers and held up two more. “Fourteen traveling in all!” Dr. Philip said. Lily yanwed. “Tired eh? Well, I’ll head into my room and let you get some sleep.”

Thomas finished telling his mother and father the McLeskey’s story and crossed his fingers. On the way home him, Malcolm, Caroline and Patsy had come up with a plan to keep them in Williamsburg.

“Well what are their ages?” Mr. Hutchins asked. But before Thomas could answer there was a knock at the door. Malcolm (who was also the family servant) answered the door. Patsy’s mistress Elizabeth and Caroline’s parents were at the door.

“Welcolm. Have you heard the story?” Mrs. Hutchins asked. Elizabeth and Mr and Mrs Conner said yes as they took a seat in the chairs in the den.

“Thomas take a seat. Now hand us that piece of paper you said you had,” Mr. Hutchins ordered. “Let’s see. There are eight boys ages 19, 17, 16, 15, two 14s, 13, and 12. There are eight girls ages 19, 18, 15, 13, two 11s, 10, and 9 but the nine’s crossed out,” Mr Hutchins read out loud.

All eyes turned to Thomas, “Jake said they don’t want Lily working.”

“Thank you Thomas. now please excuse us while we discuss,” Mrs. Hutchins smiled. Thomas left the room as the adults started talking about the kids. He sat down in his room and pulled out a book called Revolutionary Times.

“Klink!” a stick whispered as it hit Thomas’s window.

“I hope he comes soon. This bush is not exactly comfy,” Caroline complained. Still, there was no answer from the upstairs window. Patsy was about to throw another when Malcolm walked out the door.

He spotted the two girls and said, “It’s just Patsy and Caroline.” The person Malcolm had been talking to came outside.

“So it was you two that were throwing sticks at my window,” the figure said and Patsy saw Thomas’s grin. “If I had stuck my head out I would have a black eye,” he laughed.

“Now what is this about lasses?” Malcolm asked while he took a seat on the front step.

“How’s it going?” Patsy asked thoroughly hoping.

“Don’t know. When Malcolm went in to stir the fire they stopped talking,” Thomas told them. Just then they heard the door open and though they tried to hide back in the bushes the adults saw them.

“Well hello girls. I didn’t know you had come,” Miss Elizabeth smiled.

“Sorry ma’am. I just wanted to see if the McLeskeys get to stay,” Patsy explained.

“Well then you’ll be very happy. Between us we got work for all of them except the 12 year old boy. But not to worry. Mr. Berkley at the general store is looking for an apprentice,” Mrs Taylor informed the kids as she took Caroline’s hand. There were “goodnight”s and “see you tomorrow”s. And within the hour all eight kids (yes count them, eight) found themselves asleep in a bed. No matter whose bed it was.

Lily woke up bright and early to the sound of an opening door. Jake walked in with a piece of bread and some sugar syrup.

“Hi LC. Here’s breakfast.” He handed the food over and produced a small jug of water. Lily took the food and ate it all up in the blink of an eye.

“Well hello Jake. Morning Lily,” Dr Philip greeted them. Lily tried to stand up but instantly plopped back down. “She’s not yet strong enough to walk,” Dr Philip reported as he filled a spoon with the same (medicane) from the day before, “Here, take this.”

Lily obeyed but couldn’t help making a sour face. Jake laughed for the first time since they had arrived in Williamsburg.

“Come on LC. I’m sure you would like some fresh air,” Jake turned around and Lily hopped onto his back.

“She can sleep in here again tonight,” Dr. Philip waved them off. As soon as Jake walked out the door with Lily they say Caroline, Patsy, Malcolm, and Thomas. Coming from the opposite direction were Rose and Iris. Lily waved to her sisters and then her friends.

“Well hello Little Lily. Surely this isn’t the girl we met yesterdya,” Caroline said. Lily beamed.

“Would you like the see the fort?” Iris asked.

“If you do you better see it today because we’re leaving tomorrow,” Rose added. All of a sudden the four were filled with a happy feeling and the McLeskeys led them to the “fort.”

The Fort was actually a cave in a large rock. It was set back pretty far in the forest. The entrance to the cave was covered with sticks. Iris led them all around to the back where there was a large hole in the ground. Jake set Lily down and jumped into the hole. Then he picked her up and set her in the hole. He lowered Iris and Rose. The twins took Lily’s arms and started helping her through the tunnel. He held out his hand and helped Patsy down then Caroline. Malcolm and Thomas jumped in before Jake could offer his help.

“I’ll bring up the rear. Just go straight through that tunnel. If I know my sisters you’ll be able to her them. Just follow their voice,” Jake instructed. Thomas went first with Caroline following. Patsy came next then Malcolm. Last of all came Jake.

It was scary because there was no light. Only pitch blank. The walls were dirt. A little light showed ahead and as the group crawled closer it grew larger. Thomas felt the walls and ceiling retreat and as soon as the light was around him he could stand up.

Thomas looked around. Lily was sitting on a pile of pine needles while Rose and Iris sat on a log. Caroline crawled in and dusted her dress off. But instead of complaining, she just uttered, “Wow.” Thomas looked at the ceiling where the light was coming from. The ceiling was made out of stone but by some miracle of nature there were tiny holes barely big enough for a fly to get through. The millions, no billions, of them were enough to light the whole place up.

In one spot off to the side of the room there were some bags. Only about six of them. Thomas guessed that these wer(e) the belongings they had brought along. Scattered around the other edges were 4 piles of pine needles covered in thin blankets. On some of them items were laid out. Like on one there was a stuffed dog. The middle of the room was clear except for a rather large stone with a flat top. Surrounding the rock were logs to sit on. On the wall closest to the door was a rocky ledge where some food was. Thomas noted that though it was a quaint little place it was not a place to live. After all, if it rained would the water not come through the roof? But a shove from behind brought Thomas back to reality.

“You best stop gawking lad and sit down so we can tell the McLeskeys the good news,” Malcolm suggested.

Everyone took a seat at the table except Lily. She tried to hear but the older kids made sure to whisper. Malcolm related what the grown-ups had said to them to the listeners. Iris and Rose got excited but Jake looked troubled. Malcolm had noticed that he usely (usually) was very cautious about things.

“Aye, tis good news and all but there’s still one problem. What about LC? She cain’t come but we cain’t just leave her. We cain’t leave her at Dr Philip’s office because she’d die of boredom,” Jake told what was on his mind.

“Now it’s my turn to talk,” Caroline butted in. “When I got home last night I told my mom about that. She said Lily can stay at our house until you get back,” Caroline smiled.

“Then it’s settled. Williamsburg it it. We’ll leave tomorrow,” Jake stood up.

Then Patsy laughed, “Maybe we should tell Lily.” So the very excited kids retold what was going to happen and Lily smiled. Patsy thought she heard a “Yah!” but decided she was just imaganing things.

The kids talked all morning and played games. They made sure to play a few games Lily could play like charades and the ones she couldn’t play she was score keeper for. At lunch time Malcolm and Thomas went back to the Hutchins’, Caroline went to her house and Patsy got permission along with a picnic basket to eat with the McLeskeys.

After lunch Jake went to the Conner’s to talk with Mr. and Mrs. about Lily staying with them for a few weeks. The kiRose answered.

“Then, when she started to cry he whipped her. The next day we was put in the stocks,” Iris finished.

“How come your mom had so many kids?” Patsy asked since, she decided, this was a good time.

“I don’t know. But not only did she raise us she also raised Martha, who is now Andy’s wife and Eric, Martha’s nephew,” Rose kept talking. By now there were nothing but trees every which way you looked. Everything looked the same and Caroline began to worry they were lost and going in circles. But the McLeskeys were sure of themselves as if they knew where they were going. But oddly enough, Malcolm was leading.

“Why are you leading us Malcolm? Where are you taking us?” Caroline asked as she quickened her pace to keep up.

“I’m not leading. Lily is. She points the way and I follow.”

“Lily has a natural talent in knowing where to go,” Iris added as she caught up from picking a dandelion.

“I wish Martha and Andy would bring someone Caroline’s age. 10,” Rose blew the dandelion so the tiny seeds scattered everywhere.

Iris didn’t seem to mind but instead asked, “How come?”

Rose tweaked one of Lily’s braids as she answered, “I like being older than other people. But I couldn’t imagine Lily not being the baby.”

“Where are we going?” Caroline repeated herself since no one had answered. Nobody answered but Lily gave an excited giggle.

“What is it? I don’t see anything,” Patsy asked as she peered around Thomas.

“Maybe if we move closer we’ll see something,” Thomas thought out loud but before he could get very far foward there was a jerk on his arm. He turned around to see no one. “Malcolm? Did you just jerk my arm?” But there was not answer. In fact, Malcolm wasn’t beside him anymore. Neither was Lily (obviously), Patsy, Caroline, Iris, or Rose. “This isn’t funny.” Still there was no answer.

“Thomas? Is that you?” Caroline’s voice came from nearby.

“Is anybody there?” came Patsy’s cry from somewhere on Thomas’s left.

“Come toward my voice. Haaaaaaaaaa,” Thomas hummed so that Patsy and Caroline could hear him. Iris also appeared from behind him.

“This place is sca-scary,” Iris stammered.

“Uh-uh-hu. Look at the way the shadows fall all around us. It’s like they’re trying to g-get us-s,” Caroline stammered back. Thomas noticed that she seemed to be right.

“Hey! Over here!” someone yelled and Thomas reckognized it to be Rose. She had Lily with her who seemed to be about to giggle her head off. Thomas was about three feet away when she gave a cry of dismay. Thomas listened and could faintly hear Malcolm’s plea for help. Tithout thinking Thomas swung Lily onto his back and ran toward the voice.

“Keep yelling!” Thomas hollered and a reply came. As the six ran father the voice grew louder. Finally they came to a drop. It looked as though the earth stopped but if you leaned over it was rocky cliff. Even with her leg, back and weakness, Lily slid off Thomas’s back and crawled toward the edge. She leaned far over the edge, still smiling mind you, and clung only by her feet.

Suddenly, the gravel on the edge crumbled and Lily started to fall. Thomas was about to lunge when a large animal jumped from a nearby bush It was a large brown stallion with white legs and a white streak down its nose It plunged its head over the cliff and pulled up both Lily and Malcolm. A white dapple mare walked by Patsy to stand by the stallion followed by a tiny foal. The horse set Lily and Malcolm on the ground.

“Wow. There (they’re) beautiful,” Malcolm gawked. “That’s Epono the dad, Epona the mom, and Epony the baby,” Iris proudly stated. Lily was giggling even as Epono picked her up by the dress in his teeth and set her on Epona’s back.

“What got into her?” Malcolm asked quizzicly.

“I’m not really sure. She’s been laughing since we found her,” Thomas replied as he climbed onto Epono’s back. Malcolm climbed up behind him then pulled Iris and Patsy up. Caroline and Rose jumped onto Epona’s back and held onto Lily’s shoulder’s. Lily cringed as Caroline bumped her back, then settled herself strattled. She turned and noticed that both Caroline and Rose were side sattled with there (their) legs on oppsite sides. She giggled as she tweaked Epona’s ear to get her going. Epona knew the signal and took off with her foal on her right and her mate on her left.

They must have ridden for fifteen minutes before they saw the first taletell signs of town. As soon as the horses’ hooves clopped onto the cobblestone road Malcolm jumped off Epono’s bacl, closely followed by Thomas. Together they helped the girls off the mare and stallion.

“Ooooh,” Patsy sighed as she plopped down on the grass.

“Thats was one adventure I don’t fancy repeating,” Malcolm agreed as he set Lily down on the grass. Immediatly she grabbed his arm and broke into uncontrolable sobs.

“What’s wrong wi’ her?” Iris asked.

“Were you kids in the forest?” A man walked up. He had blonde hair and sharp blue eyes.

Malcolm tried to stand up but Lily wouldn’t let go so he replied while still sitting down, “Yes sir.”

The man took a seat, “The names George Cummings but you can call me Gim. If you would like, I can tell you what’s wrong with the gal.” Thomas took one look at the bawling Lil, then nodded his head. Gim smiled and started.

“It is said that two hundred years ago a man and his wife traeled from Sweden and built a hall deep in the woods. But the couple were killed by Irish hunters who mistook them for bears. The couple had never seen Irish people and decided the people must be Scottish. So they blamed all Scots

“It is said that on October 31st they come to the nearest town and find a young Scottish boy and girl. They enter the bodies and try and cause death for them. They they take the childrens’ spirits and put the spirits in the bodies of the animal most feared by that person.

“But if brought back to civilization the spell is broken. And that, me listeners, is supposedly the truth,” the man concluded while looking at Lily. Iris was about to ask the man how he knew this when Jake came running up.

“There you are lads and lasses. I’ve been looking all over for you. It’s time for suppoer,” he said just noticing hte horses. “I see you found them.”

Iris laughed as she suggested, “Maybe Malcolm should take Lily to Dr. Philips.”

Patsy rolled her eyes, “Atleast Lily will have transporation.”

“Okey LC? I’ll be over in the morning with your bag ready for the Conner’s. We aren’t taking Epona or Epony but we will take Epono. Is that okey?” Lily nodded through tearful eyes.

“Well, I guess good-bye until we bring the family here,” Rose said as she gave Caroline and Patsy huge. Iris did the same, then they both gave Thomas and Malcolm waves. Rose was about to ask Gim if they would be safe in the woods but he was gone. Jake whistled to the horses and they followed as the McLeskeys minus one headed to the fort.

Malcolm sighed as he swung Lily onto his back. She quieted down once she knew he wasn’t leaving her. Malcolm thought she was done for good.

Thomas laughed as he pointed out, “She still hasn’t let go of your arm.” Malcolm had noticed, but he didn’t mind. It felt nice to know that someone cared that much.

But the real problem came at Dr. Philip’s place. When they came in sight of the building Malcolm felt the grip on his arm tighten.

“Well hello. Lily be careful! You’ll squeeze poor Malcolm’s arm off!” Dr. Philip joked. Lily loosened her hold as she smiled.

He slid the tiny girl carefully onto the cot and was about to walk a way when Caroline let out a guffaw, “She still has you.”

Malcolm got down on his knees and pleaded with the lass, “Come on lass. You know you’ll see me tomorrow. I ain’t goin’ nowhere,” he said. Still, Lily didn’t let go. Malcolm decided to try a different approach. “How ‘bout this. You remember Scottish promises right? One person gives the other something of theirs that will hold the promise with a magical bond. How about we make one of those promises? I’ll give you something of mine and you give me something of yours. I’ll promise to come tomorrow. And you promise to be at the Conner’s waiting for me.”

Lily smiled and was about to let Malcolm’s arm go byt then thought better. Instead she grabbed her bag and pulled out a black chord. On the string was a calvalry (cowrie, lol) shell with a serpent wrapped around a rose. Now, some people would take this as a bad sign but if you know anything about Celtic you know that this is a Celtic symbol.

Lily let go of Malcolm’s arm just long enough to slip the necklace over his head. As soon as this was done she grabbed back onto the arm. He pulled from his vest pocket another chord exactly like the shell necklace. Only on the end of this was a green irredescent marble with a solid silver serpent coiled around it. He looped the necklace over the tiny head and was rewarded by a free arm.

“That was something I will never forget. A 13 yr old having to makea bargain with a 9 yr old,” came the voice from the door. Jake walked in smiling.

“This little lass has one strong hold,” Malcolm defended himself.

“Yeah. Sure. Here’s your supper LC,” he handed over a brown sac. “Mr Berkley threw in an extra piece of candy.”

Patsy yawned as she stood up, “If we don’t all get to sleep soon Lily will die of boredom at Caroline’s house because no one will be awake to play.” And so everyone left. Dr. Philip walked everyone to the end of the street.

“Why was it that she was so attached to you Malcolm?” he asked the question that was on everyone’s minds.

“I’m not exactly sure. I had a near death experience. Almost fell off a cliff. Maybe that’s it,” Malcolm suggested.

“Listen kids. You might want to be really carefull. Her family will be gone for four weeks at the least. Malcolm you especially. She seems to have latched onto unsuspecting prey,” Dr. Philip joked.

Malcolm did a salute to Dr. Philip, “Ok troops. Let’s march them out.” And so the four kids saluted Dr Philip and marched down the street. In turn they stopped at each person’s homse until no one was left except Thomas and Malcolm.

As they neared home Thomas turned to Malcolm, “Can you keep a secret?” Malcolm nodded. “I hate to admit it but I kind of like having Lily around. It’s like the little sister I never had. I think it’s kindof fun having someone depend on you. Oh no! I just realized, where are they going to stay?” Thomas worried.

“You worry too much lad. They’ll probably build a shelter by the fort until they can find one,” Malcolm assured him. This seemed to work with Thomas.

As the two boys entered the house Mrs. Hutchins walked up, “Hello boys. Glad you’re home. We already ate but we saved leftovers for you two.” Thomas ate alone in the dining room while Malcolm ate in the kitchen. Thomas didn’t necessarily like the arrangement, but that’s how things were back hten. The family ate in the dining room while the sevants (servants) ate in the kitchen.

After suppoer Thomas was walking up to his room to read when his Father called to him, “Thomas. Come into the library for a minute.” Thomas walked into the room, ready for a scolding for not doing his bed that morning. “For a while now I have been looking for a way the Hutchins can help someone in need. I think the McLeskeys are those people. So first thing I want you to find something Lily can do as a hobby. Will you do that for me?” Thomas could tell his father really meant this.

“Yes. I believe I can do that for you,” Thomas smiled. His father smiled back with a kind of joy in his eyes that Thomas hadn’t seen in a long time. As Thomas left the room he smiled and thought about how maybe the McLeskey’s tragic tale would have a happy ending.

That night when Thomas prayed he thanked God for the McLeskeys because they were such a blessing. They seemed to have an effect, --especially that Lily,-- on people, bringing the town of Williamsberg something they hadn’t had before. That night eight sets of eyes looked at the star. And as they looked the sky smiled and the moon laughed and the stars winked at the kids which fate had brought together.

Caroline woke up to the sound of rain on the roof. The soft pat pat almost lullabied her to sleep again bu then she rememebred that “Little Lily was coming today!” She threw off the covers and bounded down the stairs to find her mom singing. Lily was tapping her toe to the music as the couple sewed.

“Well good morning Caroline. Won’t you sit down?” her mom gestured toward the couch where Lily sat.

Caroline sat down beside Lily and asked, “What are you two making?”

“It turns out that Lily has three dresses. One blue wool, one grey wool and one brown wool. This girl needs nicer dresses. So I’m making her a nice Christmas dress and she’s making herself a playdress,” Mrs. Conner answered smiling. Her fingers moved expertly along the silky, cranberry colored material. Lily’s cloth was a green material with small clusters of red roses.

“It’s raining outside,” Caroline sighed as a knock came on the door.

“My. Who would be visiting in this rain?” Mrs. Conner asked as she put her cloth aside and got up. Lily and Caroline both watched eagerly as Mrs. Conner answered the door. Both Malcolm and Patsy stood there, each holding a package. Caroline squealed with delight as Mrs. Conner ushered them in out of the pouring rain and screaming wind into the warness (warmness) of the living room.

Another knock was heard and Mrs. Conner answered it with a laugh, “That would be Thomas. Always behind.” Thomas took a seat on a chair holding a third box. Lily didn’t seem to realize that the boxes were for her. She was amused that everyone had come over so early. Thomas kept casting nervouse glances at Caroline and she turned red as a shiny apple when she realized she was still wearing her nightshift.

But all was forgotten when Mrs. Conner blurted out (which was very unladylike but she was excited), “Don’t you want to open your presents?” Lil’s blue eyes grew big as saucers. Her mouth hung open as if the very thought of a present, besides for Christmas, was unreal. The last two years had brought only hand-made Christmas presents. And a present in three boxes! It was like, no, it was a dream come true. Malcolm handed the astonished girl his box which was largest.

“This is from the Conners, the Hutchins, Miss Elizabeth, Patsy, and me,” Malcolm smiled. At first Lily was too excited to touch the white box which sat on her lap. But she mustered up the courage to lift the box lid. Even if Lily ever talked, words would not be able to express her shear (sheer) joy.

Slowly, almost afraid any sudden movements would prove this was a dream, she lifted the doll out of the box. She was a beautiful doll with brown hair on the dark side. The hair hung in waves down the dolls back and ended in ringlets. Brown eyes framed by long lashes looked back at Lily. Little pink lips were shaped into a delicate smile. A little dimple was notched on either side of the smile. Rose red cheeks completed the little face. The fair skin and delicate design reminded Lily of an angel.

Nobody could put into words the look on Lily’s face. She just sat there and stared at the doll, running her hand over the dolls features. Lily’s own dimples appeared in her cheeks. Then , she just seemed to notice the nightshift. It was white with puffed sleeves. A frill ran around the hem and across the yoke, with pink ribbon threaded around the neckline.

Quickly, before the moment could wear off, Patsy thrust her smaller box at Lily. Still with shaky hands she sat the doll in her lap and opened the second box. She pulled out a larger, identical nightshift. Thomas handed over his box before Lily had finished gazing over her second prize. She seized the last box, highly doubting she could ask for anything more. Caroline didn’t think Lily’s eyes could be any more merrier but they were when she pulled out the twin blue cotton church dresses.

“Oh, and Dr. Philip send this over,” Malcolm broke the silence by producing a small box. Lily pulled out of it two pearl necklaces each sized to fit Lily and the doll.

“Well what are you going to call her sweetie?” Mrs. Conner smiled. Shad hadn’t known that such a small sum of money could bring a nine year old child such joy.

“How about Samantha? I’ve always dreamed I had a friend named Samantha Clarice Solinski,” Patsy suggested. Caroline gave a thumbs up and Lily gave a victory nod. Malcolm and Thomas had no knowledge of anything of this so they kept still.

Mrs. Conner laughed as she pointed out, “I don’t think Malcolm and Thomas quite understand your language girls.”

“Here you are, Mrs. Conner, those muffins you wanted,” the maid bustled in. The maid’s name was Ellen. There were pecan muffins and walnut muffins and each child took one. Even Patsy and Malcolm who were servants. A rule at the Conner’s was that everyone ate big, even servants.

Lily took a pecan muffin and when no one was looking she pulled the pecans out and slipped them to Samantha’s lap. While eating the rest of her muffin she pretended to feed a pecan to Samantha.

But Mrs Conner saw the act and in a motherly way said, “Lily, you must eat those nuts if you ever want to get well again.” Lily nodded and ate half the nuts, which was only about six, and left the rest to Samantha. Mrs. Conner smiled. ‘She may be nine but it will be like raising a six year old again,’ she thought.

“Well, I better get back to the Hutchins’. I have work to do,” Malcolm excused himself. “Thank you for the muffins ma’am.”

“You’re welcom Malcolm,” she politely replied. Patsy said she too had work to do and Thomas said he had chores. The threesom left, thus leaving Caroline, Lily and Mrs. Conner to themselves.

“Well girls. I think we’re in for a long, wet day. Lily, let’s get working,” Mrs. Conner smiled. ‘Even if Lily doesn’t talk she stil, somehow, is polite and etiquette. She was brought up well in Scotaldn. I wish I could have met her parents,’ Mrs. Conner thought as she ran her fingers over the cranberry cloth. “Lily dear, we are going to have so much fun dressing you up like a doll.” Then she noiced Caroline making stitches on white material.

Caroline noticed her look, “Little Lily has to have a bonnet and an apron. You never let me go almost anywhere without them,” she explained. Mrs. Conner had taught Caroline to make bonnets to sell when she was five. They sold quite well and brought in pocket money for Caroline since Mr. and Mrs. had all the money they needed. After the years she had gotten fast but it still took he a few hours.

The girl’s (Mrs Conner still sometimes acted like a girl) talked, not Lily, and laughed as they sewed. As lunchtime approached and the sewing had gone on for about three hours.

“Finished,” Caroline held up the bonnet. It was white with lace trim around the face and a ribbon to tie under the chin. Lily looked confused. “Did you not wear bonnets?” Caroline asked. Even if Lily had lived on the other side of the world Caroline thought everyone wore them. Lily shook hre small head, her two braids whirled around.

Mrs. explained, “Back in Scotland girls didn’t wear those until they were fifteen. Though I suggest you wear it Lily, lest the townspeople think you are a hooligan.” Lily giggled at the strange word and knew there was no trouble at that.

Lunch was nothing out of the ordinary. For the Conners that is. For Lily it was a grand feast compared to what she had been eating lately. Mrs. Conner let Lily have Samantha sit across the table in her own chair. Mr. Conner came home from his job at the wood work shop. Lily sat politely at the table in her grey wool.

Caroline wondered how she could sit so still in such an itchy dress. Caroline had changed out of her night dress when Malcolm, Thomas and Patsy had left. Her own dress was navy blue with tiny blue flowers all over it. Her apron was white with little blue flowers all around the edges. Caroline’s hair was held back in a low ponytail.

Mr. Conner sat at the head of the table and gave Mrs. a quizzacle look and nodded toward the doll. Mrs. Conner smiled knowingly and gave an “I’ll tell you later,” look. Mr. Conner said grace and the eating began. Lily’s plate consisted of a slice of ham, stuffing, potatoes (sweet of course) and a piece of pie.

Now, before I go on with the story I have to make one fact clear. Lily was not blind, deaf, nor stupid. I do while telling this story have a tenancy to make it sound as if Lily had a screw or two loose. But I assure you that if anybody here is weird it would be me. So please remember that Lily does have concious thought, just like you (no comment on me.) Thank you and that is all.

Lily’s favorite part of the dinner was the pie. She wanted badly to eat it first but knew that this would only appear rude. So she ate the rest of the dinner while Samanatha just stared at her. Finally, after a few minutes of silence Mr. Conner broke the silence.

“What have you ladies done today?” Lily’s dimples reappeared as she recalled the events of the morning.

“Well first Malcolm, Patsy, and Tom came over and we gave Little Lily her doll and dresses. Then we sewed until now. Then we started eating lunch,” Caroline explained. Her eyes also shone. More exciting than ever was life right now. For a few weeks she would have the sister she always wanted. She wished Lily was her’s forever. She wished...

No. Caroline had almost said the worst thing ever. She had almost thought that she didn’t want Lily’s family to come. But she had stopped herself in time and, for now, the thought was in the back of her mind.

As soon as lunch was over Ellen bustled in to pick up the dirty dishes and extra food. Mrs. Conner picked up Lily on her hip and sighed. It seemed just the other day she had been carrying Caroline around like this. Caroline handed Samantha to Lily and all four trudged upstairs for afternoon naps. Mr. Conner kissed Mrs. good-bye and headed back to work. Mrs. tucked Lily in and kissed her forehead before going to Caroline’s room next door down. “Good-night little dear. See you when you wake up.”

In Caroline’s room she sat down beside Caroline on Caroline’s bed.

“Mother, at lunch I almost wished that Lily’s family wouldn’t come. I know that was terribly wicked of me but why did I think that?” Caroline asked her mother. Surely she would know.

“Nothing to worry about. You just like being with Lily all the time. But just think how happy she is now and multiply that by how many brothers and sisters she has. You’ll be just as important to her then as you are now. Only think how much happier she will be.

“Now it’s time for nap. So good-night sweetie and I’ll see you when you wake up,” Mrs. Conner got up to elave.

“Oh and Mother,” Caroline remembered Lily who didn’t have a mother. “I love you.” So much had happened in the last few days. And she had made new friends.

The Single Page of Book Two

Patsy sighed as she stared up at the sky.

“The boys are late, they were suppose to be here an hour ago,” she complained. Silent Lily McLeskey picked a piece of grass and shredded it. Little Lily had been found with her big brother Jake and older twin sisters Iris and Rose in the stocks. The finders had been Patsy, Caroline, Malcolm and Thomas not two weeks ago. Lily had been in bad condition and too sick to walk.

By now she could walk with help. Also, from her friends she had received a doll named Samantha. After the McLeskeys had only been in town a couple days that (they) had to go back to Boston Mass to bring the rest of the family to Williamsburg. So Lily was staying with Caroline and her family.

“Hi lasses,” Malcolm walked up with Thomas on his heels.

The end, lol. You can make up your own ending from there. I’d made a character list, lol. Check it out:

Oldest to younger
Andy 19, Jan. 14th
Martha (Andy’s wife), 19, Aug 14th
Kay Len, 18, Nov. 24th
Henry, 17, June 26th
Lucas, 16, Feb. 27th
Savannah (originally Lorie Morgan), 15, Feb. 19th
Louis, 15, Oct. 16th
Joseph, 14, Dec. 3rd
Eric (Martha’s nephew), 14, Nov. 31st
Adriana (originally Elizah Jane), 13, Sep. 6th
Jake, 13, Oct. 21st
Benjamin, 12, July 20th
Rose Sarei, 11, Aug. 11th
Iris Felicity, 11, Aug. 11th
Mary Carrie, 10, July 4th
Bryony (joins group; why? who knows), 10, Dec. 23rd
Lily Charlotte, 9, April 8th (<~that’s my birthday, lol :X)

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