Edward Shippen Arnold

[culpers]

[traitorspawn-blog]

The Soldier’s Coming Home (closed)

[traitorspawn-blog]

She smiled, pouring herself a cup of tea and going to sit next to him. “I can’t even imagine how tiresome a journey such as yours would have been. How long did it take you? Traveling even to London seems so tiresome to me, and we haven’t been to Paris in years.”

“Only Georges hunts for faeries anymore. I’ve found other ways to spend my time. Astronomy, mainly. I’ve already cataloged over a hundred stars. It’s rather fun, even if it means my sleep schedule is a bit thrown. But it doesn’t bother me too badly. Nothing much has changed in the house I’m afraid, not since Mama died. Even Papa isn’t much better than he was a few months after her death. But my youngest sister is growing incredibly fast. Almost two already.”

“It’s odd, isn’t it,” she said after a minute. “That my brother and your sister are getting married. It seems like such a strange thing after seeing all of us together as children.”

“We were on the road for over two weeks and then I had to catch a boat to bring me here and getting back to the house took another three days.  It’s not a journey I’m looking forward to making again, but it can’t be helped.” 

Edward grinned, “I can’t believe he’s still trying to find them.  After all these years of coming up empty I would have thought he’d move on to something else, but he’s got Sophia to do it with him now.  Astronomy though, that’s really interesting, I never really had much of a head for science, but you always were the smart one.” 

“It’s all odd,” he said, his smile fading when Virginie mentioned her mother.  It was never brought up officially, but it was an unspoken fact that the main reason Edward had returned home was his father’s rapidly failing health.  Benedict had recently taken a turn for the worse and it was clear he didn’t have much time left.  The last time he’d been home, it had been to attend his eldest half-brother’s funeral, and this time he was sure he would be seeing his father for the last time.  “I’ve been away for so long that everything is different than I was expecting.  I don’t really feel like I belong here anymore, I’m just someone who used to live in this house who only knows the headlines  of what’s happening here and even most of those issues are over a month old.” 

[traitorspawn-blog]

"Hmmm, you definitely have a fever." -americantraitor

“It’s nothing,” Edward said, downplaying his discomfort quite a bit, he didn’t want his father thinking he was weak, “I feel fine.  Maybe a little cold, but nothing I can’t work through, don’t worry about me.” 

@americantraitor

[traitorspawn-blog]

“You’re what you are because you forged your own path and you’ve made your mother and I very proud. I want you to know that.” He told Edward seriously, his smile widening when he picked up the soup. “Well, I have to talk to your mother about it. I know how much you want it, and i’ll try to convince her, but you know how she can be with things like this.”

“If you convince her that it’s a good idea, she’ll agree to it, and it’s not like I’m leaving that much earlier, it’s just a few months, and I’m going to join the Army anyway, I’m just getting a head start on it, I won’t be gone forever, just a few years, I’ll be back before I turn 21.”  He finally broke down and took a small spoonful of the soup, he winced as it went down, but it did feel good to have something in his stomach.  “It’s good, thank you.”  

[traitorspawn-blog]

"Hmmm, you definitely have a fever." -americantraitor

“It’s nothing,” Edward said, downplaying his discomfort quite a bit, he didn’t want his father thinking he was weak, “I feel fine.  Maybe a little cold, but nothing I can’t work through, don’t worry about me.” 

@americantraitor

[traitorspawn-blog]

“You’ve grown into a very wise man, Edward, you make me very proud.” Benedict told him, giving his son a small smile. He didn’t often tell his children just how much pride they all brought him. In all honesty, he loved them all very much, but he wasn’t very good at showing it. “You’ll have to eat at least some of your soup before you’re ready for the part of your life where you maybe go to India.”

Edward smiled, it felt very good to get recognition from his father.  It wasn’t that he ever felt neglected, they just didn’t have the kind of relationship where it was said very often.  “I’m only what I am because of how you raised me.  I’ve never wanted to be anything but a soldier and that’s because of you.”  Grinning, he looked down at his hands, “Fair enough,” he said, taking the bowl, but not eating right away, still trying to avoid the hot liquid on his sore throat, “I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to do anything as much as I want to go on this expedition.  Everything about India is fascinating and can’t believe there’s a chance that I might actually get to go there.” 

[traitorspawn-blog]

"Hmmm, you definitely have a fever." -americantraitor

“It’s nothing,” Edward said, downplaying his discomfort quite a bit, he didn’t want his father thinking he was weak, “I feel fine.  Maybe a little cold, but nothing I can’t work through, don’t worry about me.” 

@americantraitor

[traitorspawn-blog]

Benedict was quick to shake his head. “I didn’t act because I felt it was right. I acted because I was selfish and felt I wasn’t getting the recognition I deserved. Part of it too, was love, because the Americans had no money and with them I couldn’t provide the life I felt she deserved.” He went on to explain. “I’m thrilled that you and your siblings have been able to do as well as you have. I just wish I could have made it easier on you.”

“Still though, it’s done, there isn’t any need to dwell on it.  We just do what Mum always says, ‘Do the best you can with what you have,” and that’s what we’ve done.  Don’t…I don’t know, beat yourself up over it.”  He hadn’t started eating yet, and he was hesitant to start, due to how sore his throat was from the constant coughing he’d been doing.  “It’s not your job to make it easy for us, it’s your job to prepare us for life, and I think you’ve done a good job.  It’s why I’m ready to start the next stage of my life and go to India.” 

[traitorspawn-blog]

"Hmmm, you definitely have a fever." -americantraitor

“It’s nothing,” Edward said, downplaying his discomfort quite a bit, he didn’t want his father thinking he was weak, “I feel fine.  Maybe a little cold, but nothing I can’t work through, don’t worry about me.” 

@americantraitor

[traitorspawn-blog]

He ran a hand through his hair, contemplating the question in his mind. He knew the answer, of course, but he was hesitant to give it. “Sometimes, yes.” It came eventually. His voice was quiet when he said it, as if he wished for it to still go unsaid. “Then you could have been raised without the awful reputation that the name Arnold brings now. It would have been more respectable, you would have had an easier life.”

Edward thought about that for a moment, but then he shrugged, “You did what you thought was right at the time, if you hadn’t done it you probably would have spent your life wondering how things would have been different.  I wouldn’t worry too much about us, we’re all doing pretty well and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”  Edward leaned back against the wall, he was tired, all the coughing and the fever had really sapped his energy, but he rarely got this kind of time with his father and he was determined to work through it.  “You’ve always told us to do what we believed to be right, you shouldn’t fault yourself for doing the same thing.” 

[traitorspawn-blog]

"Hmmm, you definitely have a fever." -americantraitor

“It’s nothing,” Edward said, downplaying his discomfort quite a bit, he didn’t want his father thinking he was weak, “I feel fine.  Maybe a little cold, but nothing I can’t work through, don’t worry about me.” 

@americantraitor

[traitorspawn-blog]

He quickly shook his head. “No, it’s not. The day that I escaped…” Benedict stopped for a few moments. He always hated dwelling on what had happened, but that day especially. “The day that I escaped it was all very sudden. We weren’t expecting to be caught, no one ever is, but I had to leave your mother behind while I barely managed to escape by boat. She was such a good actress, however, that they let her go. You were never a part of our little scheme.” He promised.

Edward nodded, but he didn’t say anything right away.  he trusted his father to be honest with him, but this part of their family history had always been a mystery to him and it was hard to bring it up, but since they were already on the topic, there was one more question he wanted to ask.  “Do you…” his voice faltered, only partly due to his illness, “Do you ever regret changing sides? Do you ever think it would have been better to stay and raise us as Americans?” 

[traitorspawn-blog]

The Soldier’s Coming Home (closed)

[traitorspawn-blog]

Virginie jumped at the sight of a man in the kitchen, not expecting anyone else to be awake. It took her a moment before she managed to make out the familiar features that she recognized, and she felt herself blush and look down, realizing she was still in her dressing gown.

“It’s good to see you again as well, Edward,” she said with a chuckle. “I trust your journey was well? I’d say not too tiring, but after last night it seems you need all the sleep you can get.” If there was one thing she had managed to inherit from her mother, it was her relentless ability to tease.

She looked him up and down, a smile coming to her face. “I barely recognized you. You’ve grown quite a bit since last we met.”

The first thing Edward noticed was how much she had grown as well, he really shouldn’t have been surprised, but he still thought of Virginie as a little girl and the young woman in front of him was anything but.  She blushed and he was suddenly aware that neither of them was dressed appropriately and if they hadn’t been childhood friends, this would be rather scandalous, especially since they were likely to be alone for a while.

He pushed the awkwardness out of his mind, there was no need for it, really.  “It was long,” he said with a smile, “I spent the whole time there trying not to think about how far from home I was, but the journey back really rubbed it in my face.  If it wasn’t for the fact I’m not used to sleeping in a real bed, I probably wold have slept well into next week, but in truth, I’m glad I woke when I did.  Moments of peace like this have been hard to find lately.” 

This time it was his turn to blush, “It’s been a long time and a lot has changed.  I can’t tell you how many times over the past few years I’ve wished I was back with you and Georges, hunting for faeries.”  He shook his head, “but that’s enough about me, what have you been up to since I left?  I want to hear everything.” 

[traitorspawn-blog]

The Soldier’s Coming Home (closed)

Several years earlier, Edward had left London to tour India with the Royal Army, even though he was underage and had to get special permission from his father to join.  When he left he’d been just under 16, but now he was nearly 21 and he’d changed a great deal in his absence.  He had always been tall, but he’d crossed the threshold from lanky and awkward to confident and it was like an entirely different person had shown up at his family’s home in London.

His family had been thrilled to see him and they were also expecting the Marquis de Lafayette’s family to arrive that day, so things were shaping up to be very fun for the next few days.  That being said, he still hadn’t gotten used to the time difference and had fallen asleep well before they had arrived, despite how hard he tried to stay awake.

The next morning he’d woken up early, before anyone else was awake, so he made himself some coffee and sat in the kitchen, watching the sunrise in silence until someone else came in.  He turned, expecting to see his mother, but was pleasantly surprised to see Virginie standing there instead.  “It’s so good to see you again,” he said, nearly knocking over his chair as he rushed to greet her.  “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there last night, my body still hasn’t figured out that I’m home.” 

@littlefrenchsparrow

[traitorspawn-blog]

"Hmmm, you definitely have a fever." -americantraitor

“It’s nothing,” Edward said, downplaying his discomfort quite a bit, he didn’t want his father thinking he was weak, “I feel fine.  Maybe a little cold, but nothing I can’t work through, don’t worry about me.” 

@americantraitor

[traitorspawn-blog]

Ben nodded as he listened. “I suppose you’re not wrong.” He agreed. He truly wished that he had the opportunity to go back in time and fix his mistakes. Although his older sons had been able to make names for themselves, they were still held back by his damaging reputation and name. “It would be a good opportunity for you to make your way in the world.” He sighed and ran a hand over his face. “This is something I need time to think about and discuss with your mother. When does the expedition need your commitment by?”

“There’s time, they leave in a month or so, but they’re having a hard time getting volunteers, so they’ll wait for my answer.”  Edward paused, thinking carefully about his next question before he asked it.  “Is it…” he cleared his throat to stop his voice from faltering, both from his illness and his nervousness.  “Is it true that mother used me to help you escape?  That the only reason you were able to get away is because she used me to trick the Americans into thinking she was insane?”  He’d never been told the full story by his parents, but he’d heard it many times from other sources and it had always bothered him that it felt as though he had served his purpose as an infant and was no longer of use to anyone, and he desperately wanted to know if it was true or not. 

[traitorspawn-blog]

"Hmmm, you definitely have a fever." -americantraitor

“It’s nothing,” Edward said, downplaying his discomfort quite a bit, he didn’t want his father thinking he was weak, “I feel fine.  Maybe a little cold, but nothing I can’t work through, don’t worry about me.” 

@americantraitor

[traitorspawn-blog]

It felt like a weight had been lifted off of his shoulders as he watched his son make his way upstairs to rest. There always seemed to be a battle with his children when they were sick, no matter how much he insisted on resting. In practically no time at all he was carrying warm soup up to Edward.

Benedict sat on the edge of his son’s bed and set the soup on his bedside table; it would have to wait for now. He let a few moments pass before responding. “India is very far away, Edward, i’m not sure I can disagree with your mother on this one.” While it made him happy that Edward wished to follow in his footsteps, he hated the idea of his boy leaving him so young. “What makes the expeditionary force so appealing to you?”

Edward was glad that his father was more willing to listen than his mother was.  She’d shut him down as soon as he mentioned it, and he understood why, but he really only needed his father’s permission to do this, and he’d take it if that was all he could get.  He thought about his answer before he said anything.  “It’s a new place. A place where no one knows our name or has any opinions of us.  If I go there, I’m not just the son or brother of some known soldiers, I can develop my own reputation and be my own man.  It’s not that I don’t value being your son, I’ve wanted to be just like you for as long as I can remember, but here I don’t have the chance to develop my own reputation, I’m just shackled to yours.”  He stared down at his hands, he likely wouldn’t have said all that out loud if his inhibitions hadn’t been lowered by his fever, but he was being honest, he wanted a chance to make his own way and he didn’t have many opportunities to do that, so when one presented itself, he jumped at the chance.

[traitorspawn-blog]

"Hmmm, you definitely have a fever." -americantraitor

“It’s nothing,” Edward said, downplaying his discomfort quite a bit, he didn’t want his father thinking he was weak, “I feel fine.  Maybe a little cold, but nothing I can’t work through, don’t worry about me.” 

@americantraitor

[traitorspawn-blog]

“Of course I would, that’s why I offered.” He teased slightly. “Why don’t you go on up to bed and i’ll heat up some soup for you and you can get some rest, okay?” Benedict truly expected very little of his children. Yes, he pushed them to be the best they could but what they chose to do with that was up to them. Were there things he would like them to do? Absolutely. But he wasn’t in the business of deciding their lives for them.

Edward smiled slightly, feeling slightly better about missing out on their original plans for the day.  If he was honest with himself, he never would have made it very far, as the thought of climbing the stairs to his bed felt very overwhelming, but his desire to rest was stronger, so he followed his father’s suggestions and relaxed until Benedict joined him and he sat up.

He’d been planning on discussing this with his father while they were out today, but he was going to have to improvise.  “Father,” he began, powering through his sore throat, “I’m going to be sixteen soon, in just a couple of months, and I’ve always planed on joining the Royal Army, but they’ve got a new expeditionary force going to India in a month, and I can only join them if I get permission to join early.  I’ve tried speaking to Mother about this, but she won’t listen, and I don’t’ want to miss this mission just because I’m a little bit too young.  Will please  considering letting me join up early, and try and convince mother that it’s a good idea?” 

[traitorspawn-blog]

"Hmmm, you definitely have a fever." -americantraitor

“It’s nothing,” Edward said, downplaying his discomfort quite a bit, he didn’t want his father thinking he was weak, “I feel fine.  Maybe a little cold, but nothing I can’t work through, don’t worry about me.” 

@americantraitor

[traitorspawn-blog]

“I know you’re more than capable of doing the same things they did and I wanted you to accompany me today.” He told his son. It hurt to hear what he’d suspected for quite some time. “But you’re sick, and you need to get better. I’ll remain home today to look after you and we can go another time.” He promised.

“Really?  You would do that for me?” Edward’s position had always been a strange one, he was his mother’s oldest child, but his father’s fourth, and he’d never been entirely clear where he stood in his father’s eyes.  He felt enormous pressure on him to do well, to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a soldier, but there were days, like today, when he wasn’t sure if he had the strength or the ability to be the man he was expected to be.  “I don’t want to hold you back.” 

[traitorspawn-blog]

"Hmmm, you definitely have a fever." -americantraitor

“It’s nothing,” Edward said, downplaying his discomfort quite a bit, he didn’t want his father thinking he was weak, “I feel fine.  Maybe a little cold, but nothing I can’t work through, don’t worry about me.” 

@americantraitor

[traitorspawn-blog]

“Edward, you might feel cold but you’re burning up.” Ben told him, a disapproving look on his face. That look quickly turned into concern, however, at his son’s coughing. “Go to bed, please. I don’t want to risk you getting sicker than you already are.”

“Father, I…” Edward wanted to protest further, but his strength was failing him and finally acknowledging how miserable he was made it harder for him to fake it any longer.  “I just wanted to come with you, I know Ben and Richard and Henry always joined you…I didn’t want you to think I couldn’t do the same things they did.” 

[traitorspawn-blog]

"Hmmm, you definitely have a fever." -americantraitor

“It’s nothing,” Edward said, downplaying his discomfort quite a bit, he didn’t want his father thinking he was weak, “I feel fine.  Maybe a little cold, but nothing I can’t work through, don’t worry about me.” 

@americantraitor

[traitorspawn-blog]

“It’s clearly not nothing. Being sick is not nothing.” Benedict insisted. He was hard on his kids sometimes, he knew that, but when it came to them getting sick he was far too overprotective. “You should go lie down and get some rest.”

“I’m not sick,” Edward insisted, “it’s cold outside and I’m cold, that doesn’t mean I’m sick.  I don’t want to miss anything.”  He’d been hoping to prove how well he was feeling, but he started coughing and it took him a little while to gather himself before turning back to his father, “That didn’t sound good, but I’m alright, I promise.” 

[traitorspawn-blog]

"I think it's bedtime for you." - your godfather

“I’b fide,” Edward said, his voice heavy with congestion.  He was miserable, but he always downplayed how he felt, he had to be the perfect son at all times, otherwise he proved to himself that he no longer served a purpose.  “I’b dot sick.” 

@gilbertdumotdelaf

[traitorspawn-blog]

“Well, like it or not, you did do something stupid, mon petit idiot. I won’t tell them the source of your cold, but you better get up and into bed. Now.” he said, firmly but kindly. Of all the things for the two boys to do, skinnydipping in winter should not have been their priority.

“I can’t wait for the day when you two decide to do something normally stupid like have a snowball fight or go hunting.”

Edward laughed, despite himself, “Alright, but only if you promise they won’t find out.”  He turned and started to walk in the general direction of the bedrooms.

“Oh, well, I don’t know about that, but as soon as I’m better, he and I are having a rematch, I think he cheated.” 

[traitorspawn-blog]

“You hit your head pretty hard.” - Georges

“No I didn’t, I’m fine.”  The room was spinning and it felt like someone was smashing his head over and over with a hammer, but there was no point in admitting weakness in front of someone who looked up to him.  “Let’s just keep going.” 

@georgesdelafayette

[traitorspawn-blog]

“Well, I packed some cakes…” he said sheepishly, pulling out a small cloth bag filled with biscuits and other sweets. “I didn’t think it would take us that long…”

Nevertheless, he handed over the flask of Scotch. “He probably found out already, that’s his flask.” Georges sat himself down on a rock, looking at how the light was beginning to fade. “What are we going to do after dark? Did you bring a lantern or something?”

Edward sighed, “Alright, the next time we do this, I’m packing the food and you can be in charge of...I don’t know, something else.”

He took a long sip of the Scotch and tried to pretend he wasn’t as disgusted by it as he was.  “I brought a lantern, but how are we supposed to build a fire out here?  It’s all too wet, maybe we should head back.”