Vanna- April 17th 1775

Dear Diary,
Oh, it's been so long.  So much has happened since I wrote in you last.  First of all, and most important, I'm home.  We were kicked off the ship and brought home by the captain, whom I thought was a man of good character.  He didn't just kick us off, he beat us.  He beat Jacob much worse than I, which in my eyes was not okay.  I would have taken any amount of swats and kicks to protect my brother.
Everyone was ecstatic to have us home.  But the excitement in the air died down quickly as Grandfather came down with something horrid.  He was in bed for weeks.  Sometimes in the middle of the night he'd muster up all his strength and walk downstairs in his sleep, but Father would just catch his arm and lead him right back to bed.  Eventually he started to feel better, a little at a time, and he's still healing.  We think he'll be alright.  We had a visit to the apothecary when it first started and the doctor had no idea what was going on.  Maybe it was just a virus of some sort?  I suppose we'll never know.
On a heavier note, I can feel that something is about to happen.  Something to do with the colonies, though I'm not sure what.  I'll try to keep you posted, diary.  I'll try.
-Vanna

KAT- March 6, 1775

A sharp knock on the door at 5am threw me out of bed, startled. Last night me and Claire were gathering family memories in our old scrapbook that we've had for years. Our family was all about recording everything and anything even close to exciting that happened to us. I look back at the pages that Vanna and Jacob filled with drawings and pictures of our family they made. They were now tear stained and falling apart from the hard turns of the page, me and Vanna crying over them, and wishing that they were still here. I slipped my embroidered robe Grandmother made me and bolted downstairs, thinking this could be one of Newton's pranks(our bratty, sly next door neighbor). I opened the door to see a burly, tall man with two children in chains behind him. The two kids. Who were they? Was he coming after me? "Is this the home of Evangline and Jacob? The sailer wannabes?" He said. I've heard stories of drunken sailors. This man was the definition of one. He took a huge, sharp weapon and cut the chains viscously. I had a mini heart attack. The two unknown children turned around revealing Jacob...and VANNA!!!!! I had no time to reply as I threw myself into them, hugging them, crying like never before. The man grabbed me and threw me to the ground. Then he ran off. Just like that. I'll never know as long as I'll live why the man did that. I got back up and Vanna tried to chase after him, but Jacob stopped her. They were clearly beaten and bruised by the man, you could see evident scaring. They smelt horrid and looked like they haven't had a bathing in months. Claire and Grandpa rushed into the scene. Jacob and Vanna apologized for running off. They wanted to come back home. While Jacob was on ship duty, he got ahold of the steering wheel and was headed to the direction of our home. By the time the crew woke up, it was too late to head back. We were on our way. The man got mad at them and beat them heavily until they reached where they are now. He just dropped them off. I'm glad they're back. Here to stay. Vanna finished her story of adventures and trials reaching us, while Jacob started his. I'm glad they made it. Alive. Together.

Claire - January 25, 1775

My Dear Diary,
 
It has been a most bitter winter. Kat and I have been quite confined within the brick walls of the house, as it is too cold for us to go anywhere.  Snow and ice makes the out of doors most dangerous indeed, but Father will not close the store for anything. And although the two floors of the place are exceedingly difficult to heat, and business has been small, every morn I wake to find him gone, and every evening he returns, red in the face and frozen to the very bone.
Mercy and her Grandfather have resorted to living with us for a spell. Apparantly, the elderly gentleman is in such debt that he cannot aford  firewood and nor can he chop it. Furthermore, they are in such straits, that food cannot be afforded either. With Robert, Jacob, and now Vanna gone, we can most assuredly welcome others into our warm home, especially friends. Mercy has greatly eased the pain of Vanna's going with her arrival. Much of the emptiness these rooms have felt the past few weeks has been filled with our good neighbors love and cheer.

In the evenings, by the light of the sitting room fire, we comfort one another with the warmth of our conversation. There has been much to talk on . The events of 1774 and 1773, have caused such tension in our colonies. The unjust treatment we have received by King George III has caused much talk of independence. Something will happen, we know, for a Continental Congress has met in Philadelphia to discuss the plight of the colonies.

At times, I ask myself: "Why Claire, you, a good English born lass, how can you support the rebellious actions that have been occuring?"
But suprisingly, although Mother is gone, these colonies have become my home. I have grown to love this land and the prosperity it has provided us. I only hope that prosperity and security will continue, and that the impending war that people speak of will never come to pass. Oh! It makes my heart tremble for Robert, who will never back down from a fight if, and when it comes.
But I will not be afraid, for God is our protector, and besides which I'm a patriot. Not just any patriot. No, I am an American patriot, and I'm not afraid to fight for my liberty.

Vanna- January 12, 1775

Dear Diary,

It's a new year, and that means new beginnings.  New beginnings for all of us.  Jacob and I landed in England the other day, and it is beautiful here!  Last time I was here, I was nine years old.  My last memory is stepping onto a boat, holding my mother's hand, and waving a teary goodbye to all of my friends.  Maybe I will see some of them during my stay here.  I have already seen one, but I shall talk about her a bit later.

Now I want to talk about the boatride here.  I haven't been able to write in this journal for quite some time, because I spent most of my waking hours on the top deck with Captain Jack Rhodes and Jacob.  Apparently my brother is one of the hardest workers.  Maybe he's just trying to impress Captain so he'll keep him longer.  But there's really no need for that, because I think he's planning on keeping him for as long as he can.
I am the only girl on the boat, so sometimes things get a bit tough for me.  I am given hard work, just like all the boys.  Many of the men and boys were very seasick, so they stayed below deck.  They, of course, could not work, so us young people above deck got all the hard work.

Now to talking about life here in England.  Jacob and I, along with a few other boys around our ages, are staying in a vacant, old schoolhouse.  It seems as though it used to be used for an etiquette class for young girls, which made me think of the gowns and books I used when Tatiana taught me and my sisters.  But I need to put all that stuff behind me.  Remove the beautiful dresses and hairdos, lovely meals and city delicacies, and fine furniture made of fine wood and even marble.  
I went out to see if the water pump outside our door would work today, and a group of giggling girls passed me.  I tried not to look when I heard one of them start whispering.  I could hear what she was saying.  Something about the oddity of a girl wearing breeches.  I finally did turn around when I felt a tap on my shoulder.  The same girl who I'd heard whispering met my face and her expression lit up like a candle.  "Evangeline Hillman!"  She exclaimed.  Well, that was quite unlady-like.  I thought, then remembered that I'm the girl wearing pants.  
The girl's name was Laurie Gerard and I think she shall be my girl best friend.  We used to take tea lessons together, but of course I will not take that up again!

Vanna 

Kat~ December 17, 1774

The reason why I haven't written to you diary in almost two months time is because I decided to run away, with my mare Jieny, of course. You see, with Vanna, Jacob, and even Robert gone, I became really weak without them. Father was sad, grandparents were sad, and Claire was very sad. I was destined to get the horse so I snuck out and ran miles and miles with her. I was begging one day in a large, busy city so I could find something to eat, but the next the food came to me. I was captured and brought to an orphanage in some strange city, where people treated me worse than I ever thought existed. My horse, Jieny, was lost and sickened....I think I'll never find her again. Well, you may be thinking why I didn't escape the orphanage immediately. The reason was that I was labeled "High Matainence Disobedient Child" so I had a woman on top of me at all times...her voice was like a cracking whip. But in a few days we got an indoor outhouse on the first floor. That's when I achieved sneaking out. Desperate to come home I went searching for my horse. I found her in the nearest stables...sickened. Few hours later she died. I was hyperventilating because I had no way to go home. I got very sick and had to walk myself to the nearest hospital. At night, after I got medicine, I escaped the hospital, not even knowing that I must pay. I found a horse outside and thought it was a stray because it had no saddle or markings. I quickly swung my self on top of the horse and ran the opposite way I came, not knowing this was the doctors horse. The next day I found a familiar face, it was our grandparents servant. He was galloping on a horse toward me yelling: WE FOUND HER!!!! KAT IS HERE!!! WE FOUND HER!!!! KAT IS HERE!!!! He said a search party has gone out looking for you and it has been one long, horrid, freezing week. Then I saw my Father who jumped off his horse right when he saw me and ran as fast as he could toward me, swung me off and hugged me so tight. We were all speechless. Then I realized just what I had run away from. I felt horrible on the inside and also very disgusting on the outside. We all galloped home and made it by night. The moment we arrived home I saw Claire looking out her window praying with a year streaked face, but when she saw me, she nearly had a seizure. Her eyeballs opened up so wide and ran down the stairs screaming. It was so sweet being home with my sister. Even if she was the only one left.

Claire~ October 25, 1774

Dear Diary,

When Vanna posed the question a few weeks ago, I felt that I was choking on my heart and that to breathe would be impossible. I had already been grieving the loss of my dear little brother, who had denied me my earnest wish, but when he came home from sea a second time I thought that perhaps he had reconsidered. But, alas! Vanna stepped silently into our room that night, and sat a moment rather unsure of herself before the words were on her lips.

"Jacob wants me to go with him," she blurted out, "to Europe. He wants me to become a sailor."

A million thoughts rushed themselves upon me. My sister? A sailor? I knew not what to say for what seemed an hour. It being the most unheard of statements, and I being entirely flabbergasted and distressed as to what to say, lest I lose her as well as Jacob, I appealed to her sensitive side, crying out in such a manner which I knew father would have thought opposed my more docile nature, "Oh, Vanna! Surely you won't go! You shan't consider it! You will go off and leave me, who has only been the best of sisters to you and to whom you have been the dearest of friends?"

From her sigh and then the burst of sobs, I knew that she desperately wanted to go.

"Oh, Claire, I wish I had never asked you!"

Then she fled the room, and my heart broke.

In our bedroom that night, sleep would not bring its sweet relief to my anxiety. I lay awake with my eyes shut, while Vanna tossed and turned. While my night was one of fear, her’s must have been one of struggle, struggle between conscience and excitement. Struggle between home and adventure. At daybreak, Vanna rose and departed. With my eyes half shut, I watched as she snatched up her journal and left. Jacob's ship had arrived with the rising sun, and with that new dawning, a new life awaited for them. For me, morning awoke when night should have been closing in.

Kat and I only have one thing to rejoice upon. Father came yesterday.

"I can't bear the separation any more, my dear." He said to me privately. He appeared to be so weary and a bit ill. "I can see it has taken a toll upon you. Surely it has upon me. I need my little girl to come and take care of us just as before, and I need to take care of you. I can only think that if I had been here maybe she wouldn't have gone..."

I wouldn't let him dwell on it. The sorrowful look on his face made me afraid, so I burst out instead in the joy of the prospect he had just proposed.

"Home! Oh, home!" I cried. "Father how happy you have just made me! To see our house again, and our dear city! Yet, it is only special because you will be there."

Kat heard and cried because she was so happy. It was good to see her joyful again. All she has talked of for the past day has been her mare, who is waiting in Williamsburg for her mistress to come home.

~Claire

Vanna- October 9th 1774

'Tis been a while, but so much has been going on lately and life has been bitter.
But something not-so-bitter has happened.
Almost two months ago, my sisters and I were sitting in the parlor, sharing stories and having a marvelous time.  The maid walked in, and turned around, displaying a dirty-blond boy, who was about 5'6, with a big smudge of dirt smeared on his cheek and the stench of sickness, rotting food, and the ocean lurking on his clothes, which were ripped and tattered, revealing his chest and left thigh.  Without even thinking about it, I knew who it was.
"Jacob!"  I leaped out of my seat on the sofa and folded him into a hug.  He hugged back, tight as ever.  As Claire and Kat also hugged him and peppered him with questions, he beamed and grinned, as if he'd been on the greatest adventure of anyone's life.  His voice never even hinted at sarcasm and always held it's sincere tone that clearly spoke 'I had fun on the ocean, but it's time to be home now'.  But his own mouth said something different a few hours later.
The night before he left, I was sitting underneath Franklin Smith's big apple tree.  (Mr. Smith is Grandmother and Grandfather's grumpy old neighbor, who's always yelling and complaining.)  I was daydreaming, and Jacob broke my vision of him getting on a boat and waving goodbye with a big joyful grin on his face by sneaking up and hoarsely whispering "Boo!"  I almost shrieked until I remembered where I was.
I grabbed his hand and shushed him as he started to laugh in his trademark howl.  He looked at me and smiled.  "I'm glad to be here with you girls."  He murmured softly.  "You've said that many times."  I felt hot tears rolling down my cheeks as I said that.  Soon I found myself with my face buried into his nice shirt that just didn't smell right.  It doesn't smell like Mother's homemade soap.  I almost said that aloud, but didn't want to make Jacob upset also.  I watched him use his almost-sickly, bony fingers to push a few strands of shaggy hair out of his eyes.  It always fell that way, and Mother would always make him push it back.  It was worse the past few days because it looked as if he hadn't cut his hair in months.  Which he probably hadn't.
"Don't cry."  His voice sounded wobbly.  "C'mon, sis.  You'll make me start crying."  I raised my head and looked into his eyes.  They had little sparkles that seemed to dance when he was grinning from ear-to-ear, which is what he was doing now.  I smiled back, feeling a little uneasy as he kept looking at me.  
"Is something wrong, do I look funny?"  I inquired.  He shook his head, flinging his hair across his forehead.  "I just . . . well, I told Claire I'd stay."  "Well, are you going to?"  A sullen look fell over his face.  "I lied.  She told me that everyone is horribly disappointed in my actions.  I apologized and told her I wouldn't go back, but I must.  What will she say?"  I looked at my shoes for a few moments, as Jacob held his breath, waiting.  
"She'll be angry . . . but she will have to learn she's not our mother sooner or later.  She'll get over it eventually, I'm guessing.  She must."  He gave me an agreeing nod, took my hand and made me stand up.  "Back to the house?"  He asked.  I nodded and we ran across the lawn softly.
He waited until another ship came around a few weeks later, collecting young boys.  Then he left.  He sneaked out one night.  I heard him softly close the front door, then I watched him run off into the dark city streets towards the harbor through the window.  Claire found out the next day when she went searching for him to bring him in for breakfast, and was irate when she realized he'd lied to her.  She's been sulking since.

I prayed for him fervently after he left.  His thirteenth birthday passed and we even celebrated, without him there.  It was just yesterday that he came back, and left me with a big decision to make.
We were sitting under Mr. Smith's big apple tree in the dark again, and I, looking into the stars so I woudln't cry this time, whispered, "I will miss you, brother."  He looked at me and smiled.  "You know what?"  His sparkly eyes danced with excitement.  I pleaded to him with my eyes to tell me.  "We've been looking for a girl crew member, and they want a young teenager, and . . . well, I was thinkin' you could come with me."  I stared at him in shock for a moment.  Go with him?    What would my sisters think?  And Robert.  OH, Robert would scold me harder then ever before!  But I'd be out on the sea . . . and he wouldn't find me.  Jacob and I would be back in England; that's where the ship is going next, right?  All of those confusing thoughts swirled in my head, and Jacob must have noticed, because he put his arm around me and whispered, "Think about it.  You have until the morning after tomorrow, that's when we leave.  Europe, here we come!"  It suddenly became very cold outside.  I started shivering and Jacob held me tighter.
So tonight, I asked Claire what she thought of me leaving.  I don't think I should have told her.  I asked Kat, and she told me that Father was already upset enough that one child left, and he'd surely become sickly and frail if another one did, too.  She swore she'd never go, even if her life depended on it.
I'm going to ask Claire again in a few minutes.  I wonder what she will say?
Diary, I think I am going.

Kat- September 24, 1774

Vanna is happy.
Jacob is home.
We were sitting in the parlor a few days ago, and Grandfather led in a strange looking boy with brown dirt smeared on his left temple right down to his chapped lips.  "This young man requested to be with you, ladies."  Grandfather looked dubious and he walked out.  The boy just stood there and suddenly Vanna jumped up and screamed "JACOB!"
I had started to have hope that Vanna could back off of her boyishly immature ways, I even told her, but her and Claire just glared at me and Claire rebuked me saying, "She's not immature just because her closest friend is a boy."  "She plays pranks!"  I protested, but Claire continued to side with Little Miss Vanna.   She says I'm jealous.  No such thing in my vocabulary!
Which reminds me.  Lately that Tatiana lady has been making Vanna do weird things.  She's been making us carry books on our heads during lessons, but Vanna does it randomly now.  She's changing, right and left.  Except for the pranks part, of course.

Claire ~ August 16, 1774

Dear Diary,

Life lately has entirely changed its course. My sisters and I have adjusted to the finery filled life at our grandparents’ wealthy home here in New York. Now, however events are beginning to alter, and I don’t know when another change shall occur.

Last week, our dear father came to visit us. He reported that he has managed to get back in business, despite the fact that he refuses to sell tea. According to father, the shop is doing very well. With the extra money he has been earning, he bought each of us gifts. He said that in a few more weeks, once the store is really booming once more, he shall take us back home to live with him. I think that he misses his “dear little girls”.

Two days after Father left, a tall, ruddy boy with sandy colored hair was ushered into the front parlor where the whole family was sitting.

“I tried to send him away, but he insisted,” the maid explained.

The boy shifted nervously. “Don’t you know me?” He asked. It was then that Vanna jumped up and threw her arms around the boy’s sun tanned neck

“Jacob!” She cried. Then, we all rushed to him, peppering him with questions and smothering him with our hugs. His ship was stopping in New York City before embarking to the West Indies. He had decided to pay a brief visit.

It was only the night before he was to leave  that I was able to speak with him. I found him alone in the parlor and deep in thought. I seated myself silently in a chair beside him.

He looked up, “Claire,” he said. “What does father think?”

I knew what Jacob meant. “He is very disappointed.” I replied soberly. He sighed, and stared at the ceiling.

“And Vanna?”

Did I dare tell him the truth? Yes, as my motherless brother’s oldest sister, I must.

“She cried, Jacob. She cried, when Father wrote to tell of what you had done. I cried. We are all disappointed in you. I am ashamed of you, Jacob”

Now, his head was in his hands.

“Mother would have been sorry. She wanted her children to be godly servants of Christ. How would she have felt if she had known? You have disobeyed Father by running away. You have joined up with men of bad influence. I can see already you have taken up evil ways. Don’t forsake the Bible! Don’t you love Jesus, Jacob? Don’t go back!”

He looked straight at me. “I was wrong to go.”

“You broke our hearts.” I said softly. There was long silence, unbroken for minutes. I could hear Jacob’s breathing and the sound of my beating heart.

“Will Father forgive me?”

“I am sure of it, as will the rest of us. As will God.”

Silence again.

“Forgive me, Claire. I will not go.”

He rose and left the room.

Vanna and Jacob have returned to their former mischievous ways. I know she is happier than the rest of us.

Vanna- August 7th 1774

Dear Diary,
Oh, do I miss Jacob.  Sure, I miss Robert also, but Jacob so much more.  My best friend is out on the ocean somewhere.  Somewhere on the ocean.  Kat thinks she is funny when she says, "At least he is on the ocean and not in it!", but I do not find that humorous at all.  I miss him all too dearly.
Father came to visit us last week and gave us all gifts.  He is very lonely now, and Claire and I are very worried about him.  He gave us all a new pinner cap, along with a little trinket.  I got a porcelain doll, the length of my arm.  All of our pinner caps have different colored ribbons. Mine has a green one, to match a new dress Grandmother bought me.  A boy down the street name Lawrence Miller told me it goes very well with my eyes.
Lawrence Miller is very funny.  His never-ending pranks and jokes are annoying to some people, but not I.  I think they are entertaining.  He winks at me whenever he gets a chance, and sometimes I wink right back.  Kat told me one day on the way home from a trip to the general store, "That Lawrence Miller has got some interest in you, Evangeline Hillman.  You'd better watch out, or else he might sweep you right off your feet!"  I laughed that right off, because there's no chance.  Not at all!
Back to Father.  I have no idea where he came up with the money for all those nice gifts for my sisters and I.  I didn't dare ask, but I was worried about it.  I overheard him talking to Grandmother and Grandfather late in the night.  He said something about 'the printing office' and a 'newspaper'.  He also said 'it's hard work'.  I have no idea what's going on.  If Father had gotten a new job, wouldn't he tell us?
Remember about our new tutor, Tatiana?  She came back today.  Father got to see her before he left.  He acted kind of funny when Grandfather introduced them.  Kind of the same way Lawrence looks at me.  And Tatiana looked at him the same way, right back!  Later Kat asked Tatiana if she's married.  Her answer was no, but I hope Kat isn't brewing anything in her rotten head!  Father is NOT getting remarried!

Kat~ July 27, 1774

Dear Diary,

  I just cannot express my grief. Jacob- is now a strong, working boy having fun on the sea. I am full of bitter envy. Many times I have tried to escape the house and determine what it is like in the free open. Once, I was so close to ripping off my ball gowns, and I escaped for the city. I went there, but then the day after, (I also slept in the park ground which happened to be the most comfortable place ever), Grandfather and his bloodhound and crew found me eating with a dirty homeless boy. We had found pastries, which the baker gave to us, and I nearly fainted when he caught me. Of course, he did not yell at me because he didn’t want me to learn how to, but he did punish me by locking me in my room for 3 days with a brand new closet full new gowns. Now, I must wear a gown a day for my rebellion. Grandmother says I must learn to be a ‘lady’. Oh, how I envy Robert the soldier and Jacob the sailor. I vow, one day, Grandmother and Grandfather will find my petticoats in the garbage, and I will be in full button-up trousers. Oh, the escape shall be blissful!

Kat

Claire~ June 28, 1774

Dear Diary,

Why? That is the question we all are asking ourselves now. Father writes that Robert is missing. Jacob too. He writes that they ran away. But, I ask myself, why? Father writes they were to come here. But, day after day for more than two weeks we have watched and waited. How can I believe they are coming, when for days they have not appeared? Why? Why would the travel long and far to come here? Where are they?

My heart is overwhelmed. My mind is boggled by questions. I have not been able to write, and even now the script is blurred by my tears. Grandmother is ill. She cannot bear to have her two grandsons- nay, I shan’t write it.  Grandfather seems worried, but he plods on.

Kat is a shadow of her former self. She is pale and thin, and her sunny face no longer smiles upon our house. I know that although she resented Robert’s sternness and teased Jacob persistently, she loved them both like the dear sister she is. Grandfather says I have dark rings beneath my eyes, but how can anyone sleep when their only brothers are missing on this great continent?

Only Vanna has faith in her brothers. She confidently believes they are well and will be alright.  I saw the pain in the look on her face when she heard the news from Grandfather. I had been standing outside in the hall when it was broken to her. Since then, however, she has held up her head and refused to think they are anything other than safe.

We can now only pray to Lord that they are well. Oh! How we all wish th-

Dear Diary,

Earlier I wrote that mournful piece with my heart full of sadness and foreboding. As I did so, a great commotion arose down the stairs. I raced down to find the whole family, even the servants, pouring over a letter from Father. It read:

                                                      June 28, 1774

My dear family,

I am delighted to say that Robert and Jacob have been found. I write this with exultation and displeasure. Yesterday, I found Robert with the Virginia Militia here in Williamsburg. I had a heated conversation with him. He told me that he had run away to join the militia so that he would be prepared to fight for freedom. Of course, I would be proud to have any son of mine fight for our independence, yet Robert is only sixteen. He is too young to be a soldier. I bluntly told him so, yet he refused to leave and said that he had  signed up with the age of eighteen.  I could not get him to leave, so there he stays now. When I asked him where Jacob was he replied, “Jacob longed for sea adventure. I deposited him on a ship bound for Liverpool. He’ll be working as a cabin boy.”  I couldn’t believe my ears. Robert will not come home, and Jacob is somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic! I hope you are all are happy to know that they are safe. I am too, and yet, I am not.

                              Lovingly,

                                    Your Father, or

                                                Robert Hillman

It is late now, and I am weary. Kat is jealous of our daring brothers. Vanna is dismayed, for she knows that Jacob might now be sailor for good.

And I? I am just a jumble of emotions.

Vanna- June 15th 1774

Dear Diary,

Life has been awful since Father, Robert, and Jacob left to go back home.  Since Grandmother and Grandfather are quite wealthy, they hired a tutor to come and teach Claire, Kat, and I.  She came for the first time today, and introduced herself as Tatiana Dewey.  She is a graceful woman with kind manners.  Her blond hair is very long, and she sweeps it up onto her head in tight curls.  She has fair skin, and no freckles at all.  She has blue eyes that resemble Claire's fancy gown.  She is the most beautiful woman I know, and I secretly wish that I could look and act like her, even if just for a day.  Claire has always taught me not to be vain, and I know that if Robert knew I wished to look so pretty (especially because I look just like Father and Jacob), he would surely be upset.
The first lesson Tatiana gave us was in grace.  She piled books on the top of our heads and made us walk around the room in a straight line.  She put us in our fanciest ball gowns and tightest corsets and made us sit up straight in chairs.  She taught us how to hold a teacup and what to do if we did not want any tea.  
After she left, Kat ran upstairs and quickly changed into a more appropriate outfit for climbing trees and such.  She ran straight outside and began mocking Tatiana.  "No, I shall take no TEA!"  She exclaimed as she hopped out of a tall oak tree that rose high above the house.  She says one day she will climb all the way to the top.  She made the mistake of saying that when Robert was still here, and he told her that she would not.
Instead of going outside, Claire changed into a more appropriate outfit for helping cook supper and escaped into the kitchen.  But I sat at the harpsichord bench, still in my ball gown, and plunked on the keys a bit before I started playing a tune.  I played it until Grandfather walked into the room and sat on the bench next to me.  He ruffled my hair and then patted my head.  I looked up at him and smiled.  He smiled back, but soon turned it into a frown.  Before I could ask him what was wrong, he told me.  "Listen, Daffodil,"  he began.  (Daffodil is what he has called me since I was very little.)  "I got a letter from your father a few days ago.  Now, I didn't tell you this sooner because I didn't want you to worry.  Jacob and Robert are . . . missing."  I felt tears pricking at my eyes.  "Missing?"  I could barely say the word, it was so awful.  Grandfather nodded his head and continued, "Your father thinks that they left to come here.  Apparently, he heard the front door close in the middle of the night, then he heard Robert's voice.  'Jacob!'  He was saying, then the door opened and shut again.  He was positive he was halucinating, so he did nothing about it.  But when he got up in the morning and they were gone, he regretting that."  I put my head down and started to walk towards the stairs.  "Wait,"  I turned around.  "Do Kat and Claire know?"  Grandfather smirked, "Somehow, Kat found out.  But Claire, no, she doesn't."  I wonder what Claire will say?

Kat- June 12, 1774

Dear Diary, I lay here in bed not sick but I can't bear to get up. Why? Today was the first day at our new school. It starts in one hour so I felt Vanna tugging on me trying to wake me. She had her Sunday best on and curling rags in her hair. I sai, "Why are you so enthusiastic about the worst day of my life?!" "Yeah, your life, Kat, not mine!" Vanna said. I answered, "I bet that Donald John Herny Kite the third will be there, eh?" "What? Yeah! Wait....no..!!! Huh?" Vanna nervously stuttered." She yanked me out of bed when I saw Claires worried face. JACOB AND ROBERT ARE MISSING FRON THE HOUSE! I must go. -Kat.

Claire ~ May 26, 1774

Dear Diary,

Last night, Grandfather gave a splendid dinner party in honor of Grandmother's birthday. All yesterday morn was spent in preparations. While Grandmother fitted her beautiful new dress upstairs, I slipped down into the kitchen to help bake the delicacies. At first the servants objected to letting me help, but they were obliged to concede when they remembered Grandmother's words. "My granddaughters are to always have all their desires, and all their commands are to be obeyed."
 One cannot refuse the call of the kitchen! I set to work right away to make the most scrumptious, moist, ever-so-delicious birthday cake anyone had ever tasted. Of course, I only learned it from the best. From my early youth, Mother  taught me the joys of cooking. With much trial and error, I believe I have reached mastery, except, perhaps, in chicken cooking!
I spent the whole morning hidden in the kitchen baking. I was sure the cake had turned out splendidly, so I scrambled upstairs to fit my own gown. I found Vanna in our room upstairs. Apparently, she hadn't been satisfied with her attire. Sarah, the seamstress, seemed at her wits end, for Vanna had demanded this change or that done to the gown and she still wasn't satisfied. I suppose she's like Grandmother in that. Grandmother was still fitting her dress as well.

At long last, the time for the festivities arrived. We all clapped when Grandmother came down the grand staircase dressed in her emerald ball gown. She had full hoops and a powdered wig that made her look so lovely. She had diamond jewelry and lace ruffles. I don't think anyone ever had a beautiful Grandmother.

 My sisters and I were dressed finely ourselves. Vanna was adorned in creamy white and Kat in a light pink satin. I was wearing a rich blue. It was all so wonderful, except that I felt I would suffocate, for I was smothered in perfume and squeezed tightly in my dress.

The evening was going along splendidly. During dinner, I could hardly eat from excitement at the thought of how perfect my cake would be. I was so eager for the praise it would receive. In my mind I pictured drooling admiration on everyone's part. Of course, no one would know that I made it. That would humiliate my grandparents before all their friends, who don't lift a finger and who have all their meals cooked for them. My fine Grandparents would feel embarrassed if everyone knew what poor, working girls their granddaughters are. No, none would know who the great chef was, but I was sure in my puffed-up head that my cake would receive such praise, I would bask in it for days.

Finally, the servants cleared the supper dishes and brought out the tea. I felt I would fairly jump out of seat with anticipation. Mind you, I was not in the least nervous. In fact, I was so sure of my skills that I had not even tasted the cake!

At last, it came. How beautiful it looked, wheeled out on a silver cart and placed on a golden platter! Grandmother received the first piece. She took a mouthful, and I stared at her with such an overwhelming eagerness. Oh but such a true book the Bible is! I shall forevermore be reminded of the verse: "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. "

Happy was Grandmother's face as she put her fork to her mouth. Yet, as she consumed my cake her face changed. She looked ill, then she turned raspberry red. Oh! Something is dreadfully wrong! Thought I. Soon ladies and gentlemen all around the table began sputtering. Grandmother put her napkin to her mouth. She can't spit it out! No, oh no please don't spit it out! I willed. Yet she daintily did so. My face burned in anguish. Hot tears stung in my eyes. Turning to my own dish, I tasted my own masterpiece. Oh, my! What a horrid cake. It was pathetically inedible, and I was mortified.

The tears now streamed down my face.
"What is wrong my dear?" I heard Grandmother ask me. I knew she was trying to sound nonchalant. I choked up a sob, but I was certain it came out as a wail. Then I fled the room.

If you would ask me, diary, have I learned my lesson? Yes, yes I have. I shall always walk in the most humble state. My punishmen was so harsh. No where in all of the American colonies will you ever find a girl filled with more humility than I. And above all, I shall never attempt to cook anything ever again!

Grandmother knows all, but I feel little better.
A maiden in distress,

Vanna- May 21, 1774

Dear Diary,

I am left feeling devastated and quite depressed at the moment.  There are no children in this big city besides these three boys, who happen to be fourteen, thirteen, and thirteen.  Their names are Christopher, William, and James.  James also happens to be the name of Father's best friend.  
Oh, I miss Father so greatly!  Our sleeping arrangements here are quite different from what we are used to.  There is a bunk bed and one large bed in our bedroom.  Claire was given the single bed, and Kat and I given the bunk bed.  I on the top and Kat on the bottom.  Kat became extremely envious of my spot, so one night she climbed up while I was sleeping and pushed me off.  She would say she left me quite bruised and battered, but it is not true.  I had a small headache at the most.  
Grandmother and Grandfather were very angry at her and punished her by making her sleep on the porch.  She thinks of it as an excuse to sleep in a bush or something of the sort.  
Now I am feeling very tired.  Goodnight, diary.

Kat May 18, 1776

Here I am in my new bedroom. Dull, uncomfortable, and very dreary. We all share it as usual. Vanna and I share a bunk bed and Claire gets her own canopy. Why is she always so lucky? Vanna got the top bunk after I explictly told her I wanted it she said too bad goose and turned out her lights and went to bed. Sweet revenge. I pushed her off the top bunk and settled in myself leaving bloody Vanna on the floor half unconscious. Then Grandpa came up and rushed to Vanna's side asking what happened. I said we both were in the top bunk and she rolled off in her sleep but then Claire woke up and told the truth. I was punished to sleeping outside for the rest of the week. Once I found out, I JUMPED FOR JOY!!! But I acted so sad. I could run around under the stars...sleep next to a lake..sleep in a lake!! The adventures are awaiting. Hopefully it will all stay a secret. As for Vanna, Grandmother sowed three stiches into Vanna's forehead. I picked out the color. It didn't hurt she was somewhat still unconscious from the fall. I feel pretty bad for her and Claire did too. Even though I did it. Good night diary, it's 4 in the morning. -Kat

Claire - May 8, 1774

Dear Diary,
Today, after a long, tiring, three day carriage drive, we finally arrived in New York. Oh, how ever so glad I was to see my dear, dear grandparents at long last! I haven't seen their loving faces since we first came to the Colonies four years ago. At that time, we arrived at New York's harbor, weary and overwhelmed by grief, for Mother had just died on that terrible voyage. Now, indeed we are well, yet saddened by having to part with Father, Jacob, Robert, and dear Williamsburg. Grandfather and Grandmother, Mother's parents, have taken us into their hearts, and we feel safe and loved. They are Loyalists, yet disagreements are not hindrances with our kin. Mother once told of how, back in London, a relative of ours got into a hot argument with Grandfather. Nevertheless, Grandfather, gave him a gorgeous horse on his birthday. So, is it now. I believe Father and Grandfather get along splendidly. 
 Writing of this makes me miss my Father deeply. I believe I am homesick. I am not accustomed to the finery of my wealthy Grandparents home. Servants all around to do the work.  Beautiful gowns must be worn to supper every night.  Kat hates it. Vanna loves it. And I? I just miss good old Williamsburg. I desperately want a floor to scrub. I want a chicken to cook. And to really cook this time!
Oh, Father take us home! How I love my grandparents. But even so take me home.

Vanna- May 6, 1774

Dear Diary,

A few days ago I learned something dreadful.  Jacob was helping in Father's store, and ran home around teatime.  He dragged me into my bedroom and told me something horrid:  Father had lost his job.  The King of England had told him that he must sell tea or else he would have to stop working.  We'd have to move away from Williamsburg until he found a new job.  After he went back, I stayed up in my room and sobbed horribly bitter tears. Until Kat threw herself into the room anyway, asking billions of questions.  I explained it all to her, and she didn't cry, but I could tell she was very upset.  
Later that afternoon, Father came home and gathered us all together.  He explained it all to us, but also said how Jacob and Robert would be staying home to finish up schooling.  Jacob cried.  My strong-willed, no-emotions brother actually cried.  As the fearful tears welled up in his eyes, he hid his face so Robert wouldn't see and call him an 'infant' or something of the sort.  
The next morning, I was more upset than in the night.  I swore nothing would make me feel better, until Father piled us all into our carriage, hooked up Jacob and Robert's horses, and set us off for our Grandfather and Grandmother's house in New York City.  He had changed plans:  us girls would stay at our grandparent's house, while Jacob, Robert, and Father went back to Williamsburg to try to each find a little work until we could afford to all be together again.  
We have yet to arrive, and I cannot wait for the day I go home.

Kat~ May 4, 1774

Dear Diary, Today me and my friend Harriet went to 'the lake.' A.K.A. The Lake of Secrets. Why? Because nobody knew we went there. We swim, swing on ropes that we made, lay down on the soft grass and imagine our petticoats away, roll around in mud and pretend we're getting a tan (or a black, and sometimes we sneak into town disguised as boys in trousers and find beautiful horses to gallop on. I don't know what the real name of the lake is, but I'm sure my Harmonica does...she's so smart..if Father let's me buy her. A strong thoroughbred mare from our annual town auction. When I saw her, I screamed so loud and before my sisters hushed me, the horse did. My Harmonica hushed me silent with her amazingness. I've been begging every single tear out of my body for it, but wheels aren't turning. When I arrived home, I was so afraid Robert suspected something when he saw my wet hair. I explained how our beagle rose got sick and spit up on me when I was petting her. I ran away quickly enough from him before he tells me to come closer to see if I was telling the truth or getting punished. After I got dressed, I heard a faint cry coming from the closet. I was so scared, but I opened the door slowly....it was Vanna!! "Vanna, I'm sure Jacob both forgot and forgave you for the salt inident," I said in a soft voice. She relipied in her tears, "It's not that." This barely happened in the Hillman household. The suspension was killing me until she said, "Father lost his job. And we have to move away with him while Robert and Jacob stay home and tend to the house by themselves! He was explaining last night how it will be dangerous for all of us and there will be very low money to live on." I stood there completely motionless. Everything Vanna said scanned through my mind again and again, like a nightmare. I stuttered, "How do you know this?" By that time, Claire walked into the room. She said, "I heard the whole thing. How are we supposed to believe you?" Vanna slammed the closet door and started sobbing again. Then I opened it and came in with Claire. Claire said, "When Father gets home, we'll all talk about it. Four hours later.....: After 3.5 hours of arguing on who would bring up the subject, he called us all together and spilled it out right when he opened the door. I saw Jacob's eyes tear all up and we were all heartbroken. Except Robert was just polishing his rifle. Vanna was right. He just explained how Robert and Jacob would continue school and stay here on there own. We were too devestated to ask why we couldn't. Claire was depressed about this, I was excited, and Vanna...I can't tell right now but I'm sure she'll be bouncing off the walls in a few days. In our room we couldn't sleep. We kept the subject alive and asked each other millions of questions until Robert came in all groggy and told us to turn around for our spankings. I guess that cheered us up. At least Claire. She even cracked open her favorite antique Chef TL cookbook. She claimed to make us an unforgettable dish the day of our departure. Why would Robert's spankings cheer us up you may wonder? When he was done I chuckled, "At least Father has nothing to worry about. Nobody's ever going to marry Robert, they'll get spanked every night!" So we all smiled at 5 in the morning, half forgot about moving, and went to bed.