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fails me as I’ve troubled many a married woman myself in my capacity as an officer, but I digress,” said Sam, grinning.
    “Finn, you will see to the horses and help out with any chores that require muscle, and Abbie will clean the officer’s rooms and help serve meals.  Abbie, you will have a unique opportunity to read correspondence left in the rooms or see maps left lying about.  We believe that the British are planning an offensive, and we need to know as much as possible about where they intend to strike.  The information you get can help us win the war.”
    Abbie gave Sam a dubious look.  “So I have to clean chamber pots as an act of patriotism?”
    “Exactly, sis.” 
    “That could be my battle cry, “Chamber pots for Liberty!” Abbie exclaimed as she tossed another raspberry into her mouth with a saucy giggle.  “I can’t wait.  Hopefully, Finn and I will have our own room in this military paradise?” 
    “Yes, you will have a room above the stable, which might not be luxurious, but will at least give you some privacy and a place to hide things if necessary.”  Sam rolled up the map and began to rise from the table, obviously ready for his own bed.
    “Sam, how do we get the information out?” Finn asked. 
    “Oh, sorry , forgot about that part,” Sam chuckled.  “We will meet in a previously chosen location about once a week, and you will pass on whatever you think is important.  I, in turn, will pass it on to those who will get it to His Excellency General Washington.  Now, off to bed with you two.  You look dead on your feet.”

August 1624
    England
     

Chapter 13
     
    Louisa Whitfield looked about furtively as she slipped from the house and made her way toward the maze.  The morning was lovely, cool and fresh, with drops of dew sparkling on the grass like stars scattered by some benevolent fairy.  Sounds of birdsong filled the air, making Louisa very happy to be alive.  She hadn’t felt as hopeful as she did this morning in a very long time.  Suddenly, life seemed full of promise and she wanted to do everything possible to see that promise fulfilled, and the first step to that goal was to catch Aunt Maud alone.  For some reason, the old lady liked to sit on a marble bench at the center of the maze every morning after breakfast, enjoying some fresh air before the heat of the day drove her indoors.  Louisa had no idea what her attachment to the maze was, but it didn’t matter.  It was a good place to talk privately, and she needed information about Lord Theodore Carew.  Her father always said that knowledge was power, and she intended to arm herself with as much ammunition as she could get.
    Theo brought a message for Uncle Kit from Court, asking him to return to London by Monday morning; it seemed some Council meeting was to take place, requiring Kit’s presence at the table.  Monday was still four days away, and thankfully, Theo had accepted Kit’s invitation to stay until Sunday, when they could ride back to London together.  It would be a hard ride back, but they preferred to go on horseback rather than taking the carriage, which would take longer and possibly require an overnight stop, delaying their arrival in London considerably.   
    Louisa was thrilled that Theo accepted the invitation.  She had an opportunity to observe him over supper the night before, and her mind was awhirl with possibilities.  She’d always found Uncle Kit to be handsome, nursing a secret passion for him when she was a little girl.  He seemed so dashing and brave; the hero of her childish dreams.  Theo bore a striking resemblance to his mother’s brother, not only in looks but in personality.  He was personable and warm, his dark eyes sparkling with humor as if he alone knew some great joke that he was keeping to himself.  What made Theo even more charming was his complete lack of arrogance.  He seemed genuinely embarrassed when her mother asked him about himself, and actually