Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - September 1776

Deborah watched her husband’s back as they walked the cobblestones of Philadelphia. The late summer sunlight was hot on the nape of her neck. She fanned at herself futilely and cursed the heavy drag of her all-too-elaborate dress. The waning season seemed determined to retain its fiery grip on the world until the bitter end.

The lingering oppressive weather was adding fuel to the simmering unrest in the city. She could see the discontent boiling in the expressions of those she passed. There were no smiles or nods from strangers today, nor a cheerful “good day to you” or any other well-wishing. Deborah feared the eruption of an angry conflagration at any moment.

It’s well that Emily did not come with us,...

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