I'm trying something new! Let's go, Hamilton

Peggy fixed her dark curls into a tight up-do, as was the current style. A sharp pin poked into her scalp.

"Ouch!" She yelped, dropping her comb on the hard wood floor.

A head came into the powder room, from the sister's shared room, "Peggy? Are you alright?" It was Eliza, hair in rags to curl it.

Peggy frowned, sticking her bottom lip out, "I'm fine, I'm fine. Has Angelica picked a gown yet? She's taken forever."

"Yes. She chose the pink dress, with the white lace." Eliza smiled softly, "the one she tried on four times."

"Of course. That's what always happens. And did it really matter? She looks perfect in everything."

Angelica pushed past Eliza, "Peggy? Can I do my hair?" She flipped her head, "you've been in here for the longest, and you're not even interested in any of the men coming tonight."

Brushing some dust off of her gown, Peggy giggled, "and you are? Who's the lucky man who caught the eye of the great Angelica Schuyler?"

"No one yet. But I am the oldest. Daddy said I need to start looking for a husband. Maybe someone will catch my attention tonight." Angelica patted Peggy on the head with a fan, "besides, little one, you're too young to have good taste in men."

She just rolled her eyes and left the washroom, biting back an angry retort about calling her 'little one'.

The sisters were all wearing their respective colors, and Peggy grabbed a pearl necklace, but put it back. She didn't want to be the center of attention. That was Angelica' s job. Perhaps she'd make friends with the pianist, and he'd let her play a song or two.

Angelica picked the pearls back up, and fastened them around her sister's neck. "You look beautiful, love. I'm sorry about when I called you 'little one'. I just love having a little sister like you."

"What did I do to deserve sisters like you both?" I ask, hugging both Eliza and Angelica fondly.

"I don't know," Eliza cooed, tapping my nose with her finger, "what did we do to deserve you? Such a darling thing... someday, you'll be the envy of every girl in the colonies."

"Someday, some day!" Angelica echoed, kissing both of our cheeks, "now, for today, let's go to this ball!"

Peggy's POV:

"We're finally here!" Eliza squealed happily, twirling around like a little girl. Angelica made a few adjustments, and the Schuyler Sisters walked into the winter ball. We had all eyes on us when we were announced.

"The Schuyler Sisters: Angelica Schuyler, Elizabeth Schuyler, and Margarite Schuyler-" a whisper made the announcer suppress a grin, "-and Peggy Schuyler."

Nodding, very satisfied, I walked down the long staircase in my siblings wake. A hand met her at the bottom, and I was swept into a waltz with none other than Aaron Burr.

"Hello there, Miss Schuyler. How are you this icy evening?"

I answer demurely, trying to decide what he wanted with me, "I'm wonderful. How are you, Mr. Burr? Find any ladies that strike your fancy?"

He dipped me and smirked, "well, Miss, there are many lovely girls here tonight, but I see one in particular who is the epitome of what a woman should be."

"Now who would that be?" I bat my eyelashes, knowing perfectly well the answer. "Do either of my sisters catch your eye?"

Burr cast a glance over to Eliza and Angelica, who were both talking to a man I hadn't seen before, "they both seem quite enamoured with young Mister Hamilton over there. Wouldn't want to interrupt him."

I tucked a stray curl into my bun, and curtsey once the song ends. But Burr was persistent,

"May I get you a drink?"

"A glass of champagne would do quite nicely, thank you."

He bowed and went over in search of drinks. Soon after he left, Angelica shook my arm.

"Peggy? Darling, was that Aaron Burr? What did that scoundrel want with my sweet sister?"

"what all these men want-" I gesture to the soldiers watching us, "-a rich and beautiful wife. Or at least a fun night, I guess. Burr was being quite the charmer."

Angelica scrunched up her nose, "Well, Alexander was quite the man to speak to. Did you know he-" but I stopped listening to her, as I saw Burr coming back. Interrupting, I wave a hand at her,

"Angie? What should I do about Burr? He won't give up easily."

She smiled devilishly, "how about you play a little game with him?"

I tilt my head, "a game?"

"Yes. Lead him on as much as possible. When he's about to get friendly, leave him out cold."

"Isn't that mean?" But I stop, "he's such a player, I suppose he should get a taste of his own medicine, shouldn't he?"

Angelica nodded, "do it! Here-"she sprayed a little perfume of her on me, "-there. Now sister dearest, tell me how it is later, okay?"

I wink and walk over to Burr, "thank you for the drink."

He put a hand on my waist, "of course, Miss Schuyler."

"Call me Peggy," I purr, sliding my arm over his shoulder.

"Of course, Peggy." Burr was thinking he was getting me, "what say you to looking at some of the art in the hallway with me?"

I pick up his innuendo and try to look as innocent as possible, "that sounds... wonderful..."

When we are alone in the hallway, Burr spins me around to face him. "So, Miss Peggy... is there any special man for you?"

"No... not right now."

His breath was warm on my cheek. "Would you like one?"

I let out a breathy sigh, hiding a smile. "I don't know..."

Burr was close to my lips, and stroked my jaw, "I may be able to make that 'maybe' a resounding yes."