Gunpowder and Tea Cakes: My Journey with Felicity

The dizziness doesn’t come as quite a shock this time. I close my eyes, hoping this crazy will work. Then, the angry shouts fade away. I wait until everything is silent, then open my eyes to see Grandma’s shop again and myself wearing my own clothes. I’m relieved. How long was I gone? I replace the miniature portrait, and race upstairs to our apartment. I cry to Grandma that I’m here. She’s reaching for her apron and turns around surprised. She says she thought I wanted to stay downstairs.

I’m very confused. I was with Felicity at least ten minutes, but yet, it’s like no time has passed here. I make up an excuse, and slowly go back downstairs to the glass case. I’m afraid to look at the portrait again. I think about Felicity. She seemed awfully nice. She was all alone, but she still took the time to make sure I was okay. I could go back, just to make sure she is all right. Since I didn’t go with Lauren to pick out her puppy, I deserve an adventure. Dad will never know I’m gone.

I pick up the portrait again and slip the chain over my neck. I take a deep breath. Noise fills my ears and I open my eyes and find myself right back behind the hedge. I lift my long skirt and step onto the walkway. Felicity says she was worried when I went missing. I told her I was missing something, but I found it. I slip the portrait under the kerchief at my throat to keep it hidden and safe.

When Felicity says I seem like a stranger, I tell her that I know Colonial Williamsburg a little. When Felicity is confused why I called it Colonial Williamsburg, I remember that everything must be Colonial in Felicity’s time. I decide to keep my story as close to the truth as possible. I tell her that my father has brought me here several times, but I don’t know where he is right now. Felicity says she can keep me company. I’m grateful. If I’m going to wander around, I need a guide.

A boy’s voice cuts through the crowd calling for Felicity. She turns and asks Ben what he’s doing. Ben explains he’s running an errand for her father. He looks like he’s a few years older than Felicity and me. His brown hair is tied into a ponytail, and his pants stop just below the knee. He has a shirt, vest, and a lacy white thing around his neck. When he sees me, he removes his tricorn hat and bows in front of me right there on the street. Felicity says Ben is her father’s apprentice who lives with her.

Ben says he thought Felicity was going to Elizabeth’s house. Felicity says she did go, but nobody answered the door. She turns to me and whispers in my ear that Elizabeth’s parents are Loyalists. Ben nods and says they should stay hidden for now. Patriot tempers are running high since our gunpowder was stolen.

I notice he said our gunpowder. Dad, who plays a Patriot at Colonial Williamsburg, would love to meet Ben. Ben says a mob is starting to form. It’s best we move on. Felicity protests. She’d love to see the militia that are coming. Ben murmurs that it’s exciting. 1775 may be the year the colonists’ rebellion finally spreads.

I take another glance around Williamsburg, 1775. I see a pig rooting in a pile of trash. Dust rising in the street where there should be asphalt. No sign of modern people. Felicity says she wants to stay to see the militia. Ben says I may not want to do that. I glance down and see my skirt is dirty from my fall. There’s a tear where the fabric must’ve caught on a twig. Ben must think I’m embarrassed to be seen in this state.

Felicity grabs my hand and says her mother can find me some refreshments and can mend my gown. Or we can stay and see the militia arrive. I can tell Felicity wants to see the angry crowd and militia. But it may be just as interesting—and safer—to go to Felicity’s house.