Ok, so let me give you some background on the Woods' family:


                                                    Setting
The story starts in the spring of 1774 and takes place in the colony of Virginia and Yorkshire County, England. The American Revolution started a few months ago.

                                                     People in the Story
The Woods Family:
  Lord David: The father of John, Georgiana, Thomas, and twins Hope and Faith.
  Lady Mary: The wife of Lord David
  John: The oldest of the Woods’ children. John is 20.
  Georgiana: The Woods’ eldest daughter. Georgiana is 16.
  Thomas: The Woods’ 11-year-old son.
  Hope and Faith: The Woods’ nine-year-old twin daughters.

The Woods’ Servants:
   Ann: The Woods’ housemaid. Ann has a young son named Josiah.
   Ben:  One of the Woods’ stable hands and Ann’s husband.
   Joseph: Also called “Jo”. He is Lord David’s valet.
   Sally: The Woods’ excellent cook.
   Tom: The Woods’ other stable hand and Sally’s husband.  
  
Others in the story:
    Oliver Crickett:  A friend of John’s.
    Doctor Fulton: A ship doctor.
    Mr. Benton: The Headmaster of Thomas’ school in England.
    Ms. Waetherby: Georgiana, Faith and Hope’s English governess


Now for chapter 3!



                                       Chapter Three

     Georgiana sat upright in her bed. Where am I? she wondered. Then she remembered: Today was the day that she and her family was leaving for England on the ship Constance. Today we are leaving Virginia Colony - maybe forever. But what woke me? Then she heard something that came from the stairway outside her room. Georgiana crept out of bed and headed towards her door. Pausing to put on her robe, Georgiana opened her door to find herself face-to-face with John.
     “Georgiana, what are you doing up at this hour of the night?” John’s voice was as surprised as Georgiana was sure she looked as she looked up at him, noticing that he was wearing his clothes.
    “What am I doing up? What are you doing up at,” Georgiana paused, counting as the clock struck the hour, “four o’clock in the morning?”
     “Will you lower your voice?” John’s voice was almost harsh. “If you must know, I’m staying here, in the Colonies. I’ll not be going to England with you.”
      Georgiana stared at her brother. “Not going to England? Why ever not, John?” She knew the answer before John spoke.
     “I have chosen to side with the Patriots and fight for freedom from King George,” John’s passionate words spoken louder this time, his frustration  evident. “I cannot stand here and watch the king’s soldiers force people to pay taxes that we have no say in Parliament! John paused, looking at his sister. “Why don’t you stay with me, Georgiana? I know you are sympathetic to the Patriots’ cause. You have lived here your whole life, and know how these people feel. I am going to the Massachusetts Colony to stay with a relative of Oliver Crickett’s. I am sure that you would be welcome as well.”
     Georgiana considered her brother’s offer. Deep down, she knew that she was a Patriot. But Mother needs my help with the twins, at least until we  reach England and Mother has a chance to find a governess. “I can’t, John. Mother needs my help right now. I can’t leave her alone. I would never forgive myself if I left. Do you understand why I must go?”
     John looked at her for a long time before answering. “Yes, I do. Your sense of honor is admirable, dear Sister. Here,” he gave Georgiana a folded piece of paper, “give Mother and Father this note. I am sure that they have already guessed where my loyalties lie, but I want them to understand why I am leaving.”

Georgiana took the note. “Of course, John. Be safe on your journey. When do you think you will reach these relatives of Oliver’s?”

      “I don’t know; in a fortnight, maybe more or less, God willing.” John answered her. “I will send a letter to you when I reach them. Maybe it will reach you soon after you arrive in England.”

     Georgiana looked at her brother. Then she remembered something. “Wait! Here,” she handed John the note, “take the note and put it in Father’s study; he’ll see it when he goes in there for his daily reading of the Bible. Or, you could wait and leave when we head for the ship.”

     John stared at the tall grandfather clock for a few moments before answering. “I might do that. I have made no definite plans about when to leave for Massachusetts. Oliver told me that he would right to his relation to ask him if I could stay with him, but I was going to leave whether he wrote or not.”

“Then please stay. You will be able to talk to Father about your choice. He is sure to understand and will not hold you back. You are able to make your own choices now, and I don’t think he will force you to do something you have no desire to do.” 

     John smiled at his sister. “You are the peacemaker of the family, Georgina. Have you noticed that? You are always trying to help others and resolve arguments. Thank you for saving me from probably making one of the biggest mistakes of my life.”

     “What was the other, or are there more than one?” Georgiana teased. “You have always seemed to be the perfect brother to me.”

      “And what about Thomas?” John’s eyes teased her back as he asked, “Surely he is not in trouble often.”

      Georgiana laughed quietly. “He is so serious, I never know what he is thinking. This is so very sudden that I do not think he has quite accepted the changes Father’s new life will bring to us.”

     “Have you accepted it, Georgiana?” John asked. “ Are you ready to have a new life in England, with new people and places?”

“I think so, maybe. I am not sure. I have been so busy packing and helping Mother get things ready to leave that I have not really thought of all that will be changing. I know that it means a new governess, home and friends, but that is about it. Georgiana looked at her brother with concern on her face.

      John looked at his sister and smoothed back her hair. “Go back to bed, Georgiana. Thank you for your advise; I will wait and talk to Father in the morning.”

Whatcha' think?
Katelyn