Free Dream Weaver by Shirley Martin

finger at him. "Well, just you wait. Washington will be our first president."
    The utensils forgotten, he folded his arms across his chest and stared at her. "And how does that event come about?"
    Was he weakening? Did he believe her now? "The British colonies--all thirteen of them--will defeat England in a war and then declare their independence." She brushed the crumbs from her hands and stretched her legs out. "Good thing, too, what with the taxes England imposed on this country, taking advantage of us. 'Taxation without representation,' as the saying goes."
    "Explain yourself, madam," he said with a hard look.
    "Well, England treated this country like dirt, not giving us any say in our own affairs, taxing everything we used...stamps, tea, you name it." She nodded. "Lucky for us France came to our aid, helped us break away from England ."
    He scowled. "So you consider France a friend?"
    "Sure, our first ally, with a good, capable army and navy."
    "Treason!"
    A shiver raced down her arms and legs. For this short while, she'd forgotten his suspicions of her. She opened her arms wide. "I'm only telling you things as they happened. Why shouldn't we have taken aid from France , if they were willing to help us?"
    "Just as you're willing to help France ?"
    "Honestly, Christian, I assure you I'm not a spy. Just because--"
    "Just because you praise France , speak of the frogs as friends, talk about their capable army and navy. You want to see France defeat England , and you'll do anything possible to help that God-forsaken country."
    Determined not to give in to her fear, she rallied, speaking with renewed confidence. "Let's get one thing straight. I'm looking at this from the viewpoint of the twenty-first century, my time, don't forget." She leveled a gaze at him. "Which is where this discussion started." Rather than argue further, she tried a different tack. "Please try to remember that it's difficult for me to realize I'm in the year 1762. I'm speaking of events that happen in your future, and mine, too, I guess."
    "You speak nonsense."
    "I'm speaking the truth!" She drummed her fingers on the ground. "What can I say to make you believe me?"
    "Frankly, I find your story difficult to accept." He aimed another harsh look at her. "Pray don't think I shall forget this conversation."
    She tried to inject resolution in her voice, but fear still gripped her. What if he turned her over to the British? "You're a stubborn man, Dr. Norgard."
    "So they tell me." He withdrew his watch from the pouch and clicked it open. "Time to return. Only remember, I do not give up easily."

     

     

     

     

 

     

     

     
    Chapter Six

     

     
    Golden firelight cast distorted shadows on the wall and revealed the laughing faces of the dancers. Swishing the skirt of her new calico dress, Gwen thought she could easily get used to eighteenth-century dresses with their full skirts and ruffled elbow-length sleeves. A pretty lace kerchief Rebecca had lent her formed a shawl around her shoulders, secured at the bodice by a rose-colored ribbon. She knew she looked her best tonight--fetching, did they say?--soft and feminine, unlike her casual twenty-first century faded jeans and T-shirt. If this was the way these men liked to see their women, well then, too bad Christian wasn't here to see her.
    So what if Christian hadn't come to the frolic? She clapped her hands to the music of the flute and fiddle, resolved to enjoy herself even if he stayed away. Lots of other men had asked her to dance, so many she'd forgotten some of the names. As she backed away from the circle to adjust a ribbon in her hair, she saw Leah Conway in a far corner talking to Edward Horton, a man Gwen had met earlier this evening. Every so often, Leah's eyes strayed to the open doorway. Aha! She's waiting for Christian, too. Well, don't hold your breath, sweetie, 'cause he obviously isn't--
    Wow! Gwen's heart gave a little jump. Christian stepped into the room, greeting friends and