Chapter 3

The moment Eliza took one step on Virginia soil she wondered if her trip was going to be in vain. Who was she to confront Thomas Jefferson about anything? Would she even be received as an honored guest without her husband present? Would Jefferson just laugh in her face at her threats?

Eliza shook her head shaking herself of such thoughts. She was capable of this and she would do what needed to be done to help Alexander's career and more importantly, pick up her family from the ashes.

She took an enormous breath to calm herself down. She was just as strong-willed as Angelica. In fact, if Angelica knew of her real plans, she would have offered to come herself and give Jefferson a piece of her mind as well.

The trip to Monticello gave Eliza time to look at her surroundings. There was nothing but farmland for days on end but her heart sank as saw the thousands of blacks working the plantations. It was one thing to read about slavery in the newspapers or hear about it from Alexander but this was almost too much for her eyes.

She turned her head for a moment to keep the tears from spilling over.

It was the slowing down of the carriage that made Eliza snap her eyes to the white building ahead. She had to admit the structure was magnificent. The pillars were sturdy and nearly looked indestructible to her.

Perhaps on a darker note, she reasoned, it was a prison.

Each step towards the house emboldened her. This was it and she would not cower in fear. She rang the doorbell.

A butler, dressed in his black uniform and white gloves, opened the door and a moment of confusion and surprise came across his face.

"May I help you?" he asked.

"Yes, I'm here to see Mr. Jefferson. I'm El—Ms. Schuyler from Albany, New York."

The butler gave a nod. "Come in." She walked in and he took her coat. "Mr. Jefferson will return shortly. He is out on business. Please, follow me."

She was escorted to the parlor room and signaled to sit on the couch. "Refreshments will be served madam," the butler explained.

Minutes later, a woman walked in carrying a tray full of lemonade, cookies and fruit. Eliza thought she was beautiful. Eliza studied her as she worked. Her skin was light. She had brown hair but it was her eyes that drew her in. They were warm yet there was a fire brewing underneath.

"What would you like Ms. Schuyler?" the woman asked breaking Eliza out of her thoughts.

"Um, lemonade. Thank you," she answered. The woman smiled graciously as she poured the drink.

"How long have you been with Mr. Jefferson?" Eliza abruptly asked. The woman stilled lifting her head and she appeared startled at the question.

"Ma'am?"

"How long have you been with Mr. Jefferson on these grounds?" she asked.

"I've been here my entire life…Ms.?"

"Schuyler," Eliza finished.

"Schuyler," the woman repeated.

Eliza watched as the woman returned to her task. She felt guilty for letting her do all the work. "Please, allow me to do something useful while I wait on Mr. Jefferson."

"I cannot allow you to do such a task, Ms. Schuyler. You are a guest here. It would be improper," the woman answered.

Eliza's eyes widened for a fraction as the woman continued to speak. The woman spoke eloquently. "You are educated," Eliza observed. The woman snapped her eyes towards Eliza and she could tell the woman wanted to say something.

"I don't mean any harm. I am just surprised. Where did you receive your education?" Eliza questioned.

The woman hesitated to answer. She was asking too many questions. "I have to go," she said and turned to make her exit.

Eliza stood up grabbing the woman's arm. "Wait. Please, I beg you. I'm not here to cause trouble for you. It's just I believe you are quite a remarkable person and I think under different circumstances we could be friends."

The woman nodded hesitantly. "Paris. I was with Mr. Jefferson during the war in France along with his daughter. I was afforded an education for certain duties," she answered.

"What duties did Mr. Jefferson require of you?"

The woman shook her head frightened at how comfortable this woman made her feel. The consequences of this conversation could be devastating for her and her family. "I've said too much."

Eliza had a sinking suspicion of what Mr. Jefferson offered in exchange for her education. "He bargained for your freedom…for you to stay in servitude," she continued with a slight agitation.

The woman bowed her head shyly only confirming Eliza's thoughts. Eliza's agitation was increasing and she had to know if Jefferson could truly keep this girl captive for his own personal needs. "If I maybe so forward, how many children did he sire with you?"

The woman blanched and Eliza knew she had the weapon to use against Jefferson.

"What is your name?" Eliza asked.

"S-Sally," she replied meekly.

"I promise you that I will do everything in my power to free you," Eliza related and Sally's eyes widened at the sudden proclamation.

"I don't understand. Who are you?" Sally questioned as she tried to wrap her head around what just transpired.

"I'm your ally," Eliza replied. "Please, don't tell anyone of this conversation."

Sally nodded her head out of fear of crying. A whirlwind just blew into her life and her mind was trying to catch up.

Eliza waited for Mr. Jefferson her anger further being fueled due to this new discovery.

Thomas walked into the foyer of Monticello ready to relax. It had been a grueling day.

"Mr. Jefferson," the butler greeted. "You have a visitor in the parlor. A Ms. Schuyler."

Thomas' eyes lit up. He always enjoyed Angelica's company. He strode into the parlor room.

"Angelica, such a pleasant surprise," he greeted enthusiastically as he closed the door. "I must say it is a pleasure to see you again."

Eliza turned her head from the large window. "I wish I shared your sentiments Mr. Jefferson."

Jefferson's smile fell. "Mrs. Hamilton. I was told Ms. Sch-

"Ms. Schuyler was here which is correct. I'm sure you thought Angelica was going to grace your home today."

Thomas walked to the middle of the room meeting Eliza halfway. "What can I do for you?"

"You can give me an explanation and an apology," she said not bothering to keep the disdain out of her voice.

"I'm afraid I have no idea what you are referring to," Jefferson replied.

"The Reynolds Pamphlet," she gritted out.

Thomas made no effort to show any surprise. "Mrs. Hamilton, this was a political matter and not personal one."

Eliza scoffed at his nonchalant response. "Do you realize the damage you have caused for my family? This affected more than just Alexander's political career. You have ruined my family."

He sighed. "Eliza, I am deeply sorry."

"Are you truly?" she questioned. "I would hate for the world to know the skeletons in your closet."

It was a thinly veiled threat Jefferson realized. "What so-called skeletons would you assume I have in my closet?"

It just took one word to knock Jefferson off his high horse.

"Sally."