Alexander Hamilton had almost never been nervous in his life. He was known for his impromptu speeches being of the utmost level of clarity and shockingly put together. It was, however, on this specific day that he was only speaking to a single person. He had an outline in his hand, half crumpled from gripping it. Of course, there would be others there, but if he could convince only a certain one, that was all that would matter.
"Betsey," he first greeted his love, "My love," he kissed her hand, making sure to bow incredibly deeply as her father watched. He then did the same, respecting both of his other daughters and their mother. Eliza walked up behind him.
"Alexander," she said, taking his hand, "He will love you, don't worry," she gave him the best smile she could muster as her insides twisted and turned as worry overtook her.
There he was. Philip Schuyler. "Hello sir," he greeted, bowing despite it not being entirely customary.
"Hello son," was his greeting. He nodded incrementally.
"I wanted to talk to you," Alexander continued.
"What do you do?" Philip interrupted.
"I am George Washington's aide de camp," was his reply. He knew that Philip would not fully approve, but was on the side of the continental army, and would respect that at least, "And I plan on returning to my studies of law at King's College when the war is done."
There was a grunt of approval.
"Sir, your daughter, well, all of your daughters are lovely, wonderful young women, and Eliza, well she had captured my heart." He glanced down nervously at where his notes were concealed in his hand, he hoped only visible enough for him to read, and not anybody else, "She is the kindest woman I have ever had the privilege to meet and I would be honored if you let me be the man to stand with her and provide for her for the rest of her life. I know that I am ov a humble upbringing, but I promise you that I will be a great husband for Eliza. I am willing to do anything for her. If you were to grant me your blessing, I would be eternally grateful," Alexander finished his speech, attempting to smile. There was a moment of tension.
"Be true to her," was his reply, smiling ever so slightly.
"I will!" Alexander almost exclaimed, now grinning all over his face. In his excitement, the fact that there was something in his palm slipped his mind. He reached his hand out to shake Mr. Schuyler's hand. It fell almost in slow motion to the ground, his outline displayed for all to see. "Sir, I-" he began, hoping the outline would not make it seem insincere.
"Son, planning is a good thing. It will come in handy in the future when you and Eliza have a family and when you get a real career. It's good of you to start now."
Alexander blushed, but was incredibly relieved, picking up the paper, he squeaked out a 'thank you' and walked away to Eliza who was giggling into Angelica's shoulder, who's face was somewhere between amusement and disbelief.
"An outline? You wrote a rough draft?" Eliza asked incredulously, switching instead to giggling helplessly into Alexander's cravat. Finally, Alexander, too, was able to laugh. It was over, they could get married, he could really be with Eliza.
"I love you," he murmured.
Through giggles, he felt her whisper into his chest: "I love you too." All was well.