This chapter will essentially be my take of Take a Break and the beginning of Say No to This as it fits into the story. Enjoy!
"Alexander, please" pleaded Eliza, the frustration clearly written across her face. "Can't you take one short break?"
"I'm sorry dear, but I told you, I have to work non-stop if I want to get this plan through Congress", Alexander said, exasperation creeping into his voice. "If I don't give this my all, Jefferson and Madison will rip my plan to shreds."
"But this is insanity! How will you be able to effectively defend your plan if you work yourself to death this summer?" Eliza turned to her sister in desperation. "Angelica, tell this man John Adams spends the summer with his family!"
Angelica opened her mouth to speak, but Alexander cut her off. "Angelica, tell my wife John Adams doesn't have a real job anyway."
Angelica sighed. "Alexander, you know your wife is right. You work too hard, please take a break. Besides, I came all this way!"
"Really, I'd love to go, but I'll lose my job if I don't get this plan through Congress. I've spent so much time on this plan, and I'm almost there! Besides, I won't work too hard. I'll be with John the whole summer!" Alexander said a bit too enthusiastically.
At this, Angelica crossed her arms, looking suspiciously at her brother-in-law. "Alexander", Angelica said slowly. "Is there something you're not telling us?"
Alexander gulped. "Nope, nothing I can think of. You go enjoy your summer, I'll be fine here."
Several Weeks Later
John looked up from his end of table which he and Alexander were working at to see his friend still scratching away at the paper with his quill. "Why do you write like you're running out of time?" he asked thoughtfully, setting down his quill.
Alexander didn't respond. "Alexander", John said, more loudly this time. Alexander still didn't respond, eyes remaining fixed on the paper in front of him. John sighed, getting up from his chair, then walked over to Alexander and sat in his lap, effectively blocking the immigrant's view of the paper.
This got Alexander's attention. Smiling, John wrapped his arms around his friend as Alexander rubbed at his eyes, looking exhausted. "John, I'm working", Alexander complained, though he made no move to push his lover away.
"My dear, you've been working for the past several hours. Isn't it about time you got some rest?"
Alexander looked as though he were about to protest, but before he could get a word out John was kissing him. As John smoothed back his lover's hair, Alexander reached up and put his arms around the other man's neck. Just as John was about to suggest that they head to the bedroom, or not, since they were the only ones home, a knock sounded at the door.
John jumped off Alexander hastily straightening his clothes. Alexander also got up, and went to go answer the door. A minute later he returned with a young woman. She was wearing a scarlet red dress that matched her painted lips, but the dress was made of a cheaper cloth than most wealthy women wore. She hastily curtsied to John, her hands toying with a piece of her dress.
"What is your name, ma'am?" John asked politely, studying the woman.
"Maria Reynolds", she responded, gazing up at John through her long lashes. "I've come to ask for Mr. Hamilton's assistance, and I was told he had a friend with him who might be able to assist me as well."
"And what sort of assistance do you require?" questioned Alexander, moving to stand beside John.
"M-my husband, James. He's been mistreating me, and now he's abandoned me with our daughter. I don't have the means to live on my own and support a child. Please help me, sir."
"I see. Would you like a loan? A divorce?" inquired John.
"Is there any way I could have both, sir?" asked Maria without hesitation.
John glanced at Alexander, who was staring hungrily at Maria's figure. Shit, he thought. If Alexander goes home with this girl, things will not end well for anyone.
"I think I could do that for you", John said smoothly. "Here, why don't we head back to my house? I can provide you with a loan, and we can discuss divorce proceedings."
"I think that sounds like an excellent idea. You're too kind, sir", Maria responded, taking John's arm as the two exited the Hamilton estate.
That's when Miss Maria Reynolds walked into their lives…