No one would be forced to join the battalion. Many of the United Kingdom's farmers would volunteer as soldiers for the Revolution.
“The king says not to worry,” Christine heard another shopper telling the florist, “we will make quick work of these rebels”
The florist nodded, “Oh I’m sure of it, so long as some more qualified men volunteer….Lady Waltz, I have your favorite roses today!”
Christine smiled and thanked him, paying for the yellow roses and walking home. She went straight to the dining room to replace the flowers on the table James was sitting at. She watched him read a flier as she put the roses in a vase, concentrating on what it said as she emptied the old flowers into the rubbish bin. James was only looking at the flier, not really reading it, sitting thoughtfully with one foot on his other knee at the end of the table. Christine saw that the flier was a descriptive notice posted for soldier volunteers.
“James,” she laughed nervously, “You aren’t thinking about doing that….are you?”
“No-”
“Good, because-”
“I’ve already thought about it long enough….we have”
“Who is ‘we’?”
“Thomas and I….we’ve volunteered, Christine”
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Christine sat down in shock.
“....You what?” she whispered
James stood and walked to her, grasping her hands. She stared at the floor.
“You have to understand,” James explained, “Thomas and I have never done anything….impactful. We want to be the change, the ones who can be part of something bigger than ourselves. This is our chance. We need this”
Christine looked into James’ eyes.
“I need this,” he whispered
Christine slowly shook her head. She stood up and started to walk away, but her heart stopped her.
No she thought No more running….tell him how you feel….communicate
“I don’t need this,” she turned back around, “I don’t want this. You want to be impactful? Why isn’t this enough? You don’t need to go on a suicide mission to do something you can do right here. Our role in this town is impactful, James, we matter so much to the people-”
“No Christine,” he objected, “you matter to the people!”
Christine said nothing.
“I’m asking you to respect this choice,” he said calmly, “you don’t have to agree, but I need to make this difference. You do wonders for this town, but it's not my place. My place is out there. With my brother, fighting for what I believe in….I have no right to enjoy the benefits of England if I don’t fight for it”
“What about me? All that we’ve built…together…you are willing to risk your joy and mine, to-“
“I am not going to die, Christine. I promise you…I will come back home to you, safe and sound…and we can further the work we both do here…please, darling, I have to do this”
Christine let out a trembling sigh.
“Okay,” she whispered, walking towards him
He started to speak, “I’m sorry Christine. I-”
“I know…if this is what you feel called to do, you should embrace it”
He put his hand around her waist , “I’m not sorry for how I feel…..but I am sorry I didn’t speak to you about it first”
“Thank you…..I think I’d better lie down for a while…..”
James let her go, but she paused at the door.
“I love you James”
He felt his heart skip, but kept composure.
“I love you too...get some rest”