Chapter Summary
Philip and Theodosia spend time together at the Christmas Ball, with all its twists and turns.
It had been over two months since the night of the snow storm and the predicted, unusual levels of snow fell over the city at a steady pace.
Theodosia was now completely healed, her foot had lost its dark bruising and she was able to move and importantly dance without pain or difficulty.
It had been decided by Alexander and Burr that Theodosia was ready to return home. The two gentlemen had put up with their continual close proximity to each other because of their children, but now with both of the children healed, it was time for the house to return to normal.
"Thank you for everything Mr and Mrs Hamilton," said Theodosia as she left. "Your kindness has undoubtedly saved my life"
"It has been a pleasure to have you stay with us Theodosia" proclaimed Eliza, "only next time I hope it will be under better circumstances"
Eliza and Theodosia pressed polite kisses against each other's cheeks and Alexander and Burr bowed and went their separate ways. Alexander back into his house and Burr into his carriage.
"Thank you for everything Angie," said Theodosia as she embraced her friend.
"Please come and stay with us again Theodosia, I love you so!" cried Angie, very sad to see her best friend leave.
Philip was the last to say goodbye.
"I should hope to see you at the Christmas Ball Miss Theodosia" he smiled "I would not want to see the lace go to waste.
"Nor do I Master Philip" replied Theodosia with a rosy tint on her cheeks.
"Til next time Miss Theodosia," said Philip, kissing her hand gently.
As she walked past him she pushed a small piece of paper into his hand, without her eyes leaving her father who sat rather impatiently in the carriage.
Philip along with Angie and his mother waved off the Burrs as the carriage disappeared around the bend, only then did he look at the piece of paper, it was a small note.
"What have you got there Philip?" asked Eliza once they had all gone back inside.
"Oh nothing Mama, just a note I had in my pocket" he lied before finding an excuse to go to his room.
He folded out the note and read Theodosia's clear hand.
"My dear Philip,
I will try and give this to you before I leave, as it is important for you to read it.
"My father will no longer allow me to complete the shopping alone, as my disastrous trip in the snow has only heightened his nervousness surrounding me, we shall need to organise a new way to exchange letters.
I will try to send you word as to whether I will be allowed to attend the Ball, I will do my best to keep on my father's good side and appeal to his good nature, and with God's help, I should be able to dance all night with you.
Sent with my affection,
Your Theodosia"
Philip re-read this note countless times, he kept hanging on the end of the letter where she called herself "your Theodosia" as if she acknowledged his feelings for her. His mind also ran over and over the almost kiss that they had attempted those days ago, at the Ball he was determined to kiss her, hoping she would want the same.
The day of the Ball arrived and Philip had still had no word from Theodosia. It was only when Angie slipped into his room with a small note did he begin to hope like he had never hoped before.
"What's this?" he asked
"Theodosia slipped it inside the letter she sent to me," said Angie quietly, pressing the small letter into his hands.
"Have you read it?" he inquired, seeing that there was no seal on it.
"No, she told me in her letter to give it straight to you," said Angie before she smiled and left her brother and his letter in peace.
It took a few moments of building his courage before he could unfold the letter, knowing full well that it would either make this day beautiful or torture.
Taking a deep breath he began to read her clear handwriting.
"To my dear Philip,
It is good news.
Papa has agreed that I may go to the Ball tonight and that I am free to move around the Ballroom as long as I keep coming to see him.
I will arrive in a red dress, try not to miss me!"
Your Theodosia"
Philip had never been so happy in all his life.
He then set about, determined to look his best, he would have to compete beside the most beautiful girl in the world, his Theodosia.
As the Ball drew closer and closer Theodosia became more and more nervous. She knew her father, he could pull out at any time, force her to stay at home, force her to hurt Philip by making her look like a liar.
These thoughts tortured her as she gently pulled her mother's dress over her tiny frame. She looked in the mirror and marvelled at how the new lace chosen by Philip complemented the fabric perfectly. Theodosia wasn't a vain person, but she did have to admit, she did look very beautiful.
A knock at the door broke her train of thought.
"Theodosia are you decent?"
Theodosia's heart fell at the sound of her father's voice, she knew he must be rethinking and would force her to stay.
"Yes Papa" she called, trying to keep her composure, but she knew what was coming.
Burr came quietly into the room and his gaze rested on his daughter. He had adored that dress on her mother and now his beautiful daughter caused a fresh wave of love mixed with pain to wash over his heart.
"Why my darling, you look beautiful" he sighed.
Theodosia was slightly taken aback, her father wasn't one for handing out compliments.
"Thank you, Papa, I'm glad you like it," she said
"I bought that dress for your mother just after the war, she always loved it, it is wonderful to see you in it and as you wear it so beautifully," said Burr
Theodosia smiled, unsure of what to say.
"How much longer do you need to get ready?" he asked
Theodosia nearly cried with joy, "we are still going?!" she exclaimed.
"Of course, unless you feel unwell," said Burr casting her a confused look.
"Oh no Papa, I feel fine!" she cried
"Very good then, shall I call the carriage in half an hour?" asked Burr
"Yes please Papa" smiled Theodosia
"Well then," said Burr leaving the room, "as you were"
As the door closed Theodosia almost jumped for joy, she grabbed a pillow from her bed and begun to dance around the room with it, like a practice partner. She then counted down the minutes until herself and Philip could dance together again.
The Christmas Ball was simply magical.
Even though the war was won the similar British tradition of being announced as a family and then proceeding to greet Washington still stood strong.
The ballroom was already heaving when the Hamiltons made their appearance.
"Now the pair of you walk sensibly do you understand me?" ordered Eliza as they arrived at the door.
"Yes Mama" replied Angie
"Philip?" questioned Eliza, seeing that her son was very much distracted.
"Yes Mama I promise," said Phillip, clearly not listening.
"She's not here yet Philip" whispered Angie
"How do you know?" he replied under his breath.
"Because Burr won't arrive until we have, Theodosia won't be leaving for another 10 minutes at least" reminded Angie.
Philip sighed, his sister was right. Theodosia was not here yet.
The pair of them snapped back to attention as their heard their parent's names being called and watched as they smartly walked down the centre of the ballroom and were happily greeted by Washington and his wife Martha.
"Master Philip Hamilton and Miss Angelica Hamilton" announced the speaker.
Philip and Angie then took a deep breath and quickly but smartly walked down the centre. Angie being sure to keep her head up and smile and Philip being sure he looked smart and keep perfect posture.
"You both look the part tonight my dears!" proclaimed Martha Washington as they reached her and her husband.
Angie curtsied and Philip bowed before moving across the ballroom with their parents.
"Smartly done Philip, well done" praised Alexander.
"Thanks, Pops" smiled Philip.
"Also tonight try to dance with other girls and not just Theodosia Burr, there is a lot of speculation surrounding you too, I don't want you to fan the flames understood?" ordered Alexander.
"Yes, Pa I promise" lied Philip, if he was going to dance, it would be with Theodosia and only Theodosia.
"Ah speaking of other girls" commented Alexander "dear Henry!"
Phillip looked as an older man around his father's age turned and smiled, he walked towards them with a girl trailing behind him.
"My dear Alexander" laughed the man, embracing him.
"This must be your son" he proclaimed, giving Philip the once over.
"Yes this is my eldest boy, Philip," said Alexander.
"A pleasure Sir," said Philip bowing politely.
"The pleasure is all mine" smiled the man.
"Philip this is Henry Stafford, he works alongside me at the City Hall" explained Alexander.
Philip smiled and slowly became aware that the young girl standing beside him was beginning to stare.
"Alexander, Philip, this is my eldest daughter Annabella," said Henry.
Both men bowed politely and Henry continued to talk to Alexander, drifting away from Philip, leaving him alone, purposely with his daughter.
He didn't want to seem rude so he asked, "Miss Annabella, would you take a turn around the room with me?"
"Why Master Philip, I would be delighted" she replied, looping her arm through his.
They engaged in polite and pre-rehearsed conversion topics that they had been force-fed since childhood, but soon Annabella began to talk and Philip began to dislike her more and more.
Despite her innocence face, he knew her name. She was widely known among the young men in the town as an easy girl, who had slept with nearly every young man in Philip's acquaintance, he had made sure that their paths had never crossed, until now. She should have been his dream girl, rich, creamy complexion, large blue eyes, golden hair, ample breasts and a divine figure, but he saw past all that, she was cold and completely undesirable.
Philip looked up as he saw Angie waving at him.
"Sorry Annabella, my sister needs me," he said, butting into her story.
"Can't it wait?!" she exclaimed, not used to being ignored.
"No it can't," he said pulling his arm from hers and bowing.
She huffed at him and wandered across the ballroom before her appearance caused a more enthusiastic suitor to engage in conversation with her.
Angie kept waving so Philip quickly manoeuvred his way to her side.
"Angie what is it?" he asked curiously
"Theodosia is here!" she exclaimed pointing to the far end of the ballroom.
"Mr Aaron Burr and Miss Theodosia Burr" announced the speaker.
Philip's gaze flew to doors as Theodosia accompanied by her father smartly walked down the centre. Theodosia looked heavenly, her red dress would no doubt be the envy of every girl in the room.
As Aaron Burr and Theodosia finished their introductions to Washington, Burr quickly pulled her to one side and whispered something in her ear. She nodded and quietly followed her father before engaging in conversation with a large group of girls.
Philip was given a sharp shove by Angie and began to move his way over to Theodosia. Just as he came within distance of her, the band started and he was pulled into the dance by the ever so diligent Annabella.
"Miss Annabella forgive me I don't dance" he protested
"Nonsense every boy dances" she laughed
Before he could stop her they were already pulled into the formation and the speedy dance began. Before he knew it a very familiar face stood diagonally from him. Theodosia smiled at him, she had seen Annabella pull him into the dance and she wasn't going to let him be an embarrassment.
"Just follow me" she mouthed at him
He nodded and watched the simple but speedy steps in and around the partners began.
"Just keep counting to three" she whispered as she flew past him.
"Three" stammered Philip, taking a deep breath, "right"
As he was flung around the ballroom by several partners as the dance revolved, he kept counting.
"1 - 2 - 3"
Change partner.
"1 - 2 - 3"
Turn.
"1 - 2 - 3"
Turn.
Eventually, he got the hang of it. He begun to see the enjoyment of dancing, not only did he to see every pretty girl in the room, he also got to wrap his arms around them, normally something he would have received a slap for.
As the dance ended, Philip bowed to his partner and scanned the room for Theodosia.
"Hello stranger"
Phillip spun around and smiled.
For the first few seconds he didn't know what to say, she looked too beautiful for words.
"You look beautiful," he said.
She smiled and brushed her hands down her dress, "thank you"
"I'd say we find a quiet corner" suggested Philip, seeing that the band looked ready to start the dancing again.
"Good idea," said Theodosia
"Philip" called a familiar voice.
He looked at Theodosia and showed a strained expression before turning to face Annabella.
"Miss Annabella, how may I help you?"
"May I have the next dance?" she asked, pouting her lips slightly. Philip suspected she wanted to look cute, to him she looked desperate.
"I'm afraid not Miss Annabella," he replied.
"Refusing a ladies invitation isn't the behaviour of a gentleman" exclaimed Annabella.
"Well it's a good thing you aren't a lady then isn't Annabella"
Philips' head spun as Theodosia butted into the conversation.
Annabella's gaze turned cold.
"Miss Theodosia" she spat "wearing your dead mother's dress, I might have known"
"At least my dress can be considered one, I've seen that dress worn down at the harbour, how much do you charge again? One dollar or is it two now?" spat Theodosia.
"Why you little bitch!" exclaimed Annabella.
"Okay, that's enough," said Philip pushing himself in between the two girls. The last thing he wanted to be the cause of a fight.
"Annabella don't waste your time with me, there are plenty of young men in this room who would give a limb to dance with you. I beg you, implore them to dance, for you will get nowhere with me" pleaded Philip.
Annabella huffed loudly, "Both children of bastards, you deserve each other"
Before they had a chance to react she was gone, pushing herself into the dance.
Philip turned to Theodosia and laughed, "I didn't know you had that in you!"
"You'd be surprised," she said, winking at him.
The pair spent the whole evening together, talking, laughing, ignoring the stares.
"That lace really looks lovely on the dress Theodosia," said Philip.
"It was an excellent choice" smiled Theodosia.
Their conversation was interrupted as a random girl came up to them.
"Sorry Miss Theodosia but your father is looking for you," she said.
Theodosia sighed, "I'll be back, I promise"
"Sure, I'll stay right here" assured Philip before he watched Theodosia disappear into the crowd.
Philip didn't mind being by himself but after twenty minutes and no sign of Theodosia, he decided he would go looking.
He wandered the ballroom several times before he spotted the girl who came and got Theodosia.
"Hey you!" called Philip
The girl looked up, very confused.
"Miss Burr, the girl I was sitting with where is she?" he asked.
"I don't know what you mean?" she replied.
"You came and told her that her father wished to see her, where is she!" he exclaimed.
"Oh, she's through in one of the spare ballrooms, over there" pointed the girl, before she moved away quickly.
Without a second thought, Phillip rushed to the spare ballrooms and saw a dimly lit candle coming from the one closest to him. He pushed open the door and called out loudly.
"Theodosia are you in here?"
He received no reply.
"Theodosia this isn't funny!" called Philip.
He wandered more and more into the empty ballroom and failed to notice the girl behind the door, who swiftly slammed it shut.
Philip jumped round and before he knew what was happening Annabella almost pounced on him, pressing her lips against his.
He staggered back and managed to push her off him without hurting her.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing!" exclaimed Philip angrily.
"Just having some fun that's all" she purred.
"Why won't you leave me alone!" he exclaimed still fuming.
"Because all the men I've been with talk about being friends with you, and what a ladies man you are, I wanted a piece for myself" she smiled.
"I'm not doing anything with the likes of you Annabella, now move out of my way" he spat.
"Why? So you can go a fuck that Burr girl?" she hissed.
"Unlike you, she's a lady, so no I won't" retorted Philip
"So why don't you fuck someone with a little more experience," she said pulling her hair down.
"Before you make a complete fool of yourself I'm leaving" spat Philip, pushing past her.
"Philip wait" she exclaimed tugging on his jacket.
Desperately trying to rid himself of her, he simply let her pull his jacket off him.
"If you leave I'll scream" she threatened.
Philip stopped dead. "You'll what?"
"I'll scream bloody murder if you take one step further," she said coldly.
Phillip spun around, "why are you doing this to me?"
"Because I want to fuck you" she smiled, throwing his jacket on the floor.
Meanwhile, Theodosia wandered the balconies aimlessly, her father was definitely not out here.
"You Theodosia Burr," said a voice suddenly.
Theodosia spun round. "I am why?"
"You need to come with me," said the girl.
"Why?"
"Are you looking for Philip Hamilton?" she asked Theodosia.
"I am now" replied Theodosia.
"Follow me," said the girl, who lead her across the ballroom and into the empty rooms.
"He's in there" pointed the girl before she quickly left.
"Hey what the hell!" exclaimed Theodosia "where is he?"
The girl didn't answer her.
Theodosia didn't like this.
She began to call out his name loudly, wanting to find him as quickly as possible.
"Philip! Where are you?"
Philip spun at the sound of Theodosia's voice.
"What are you doing?" he exclaimed at Annabella.
"Ruining her life" smirked Annabella. "I see how she looks at you"
Phillip creased his brow, very confused.
Upon hearing Theodosia yell again, regardless of what Annabella said she would do, he called to her, "In here Theodosia, blue door!"
Annabella watched as Theodosia began to open the door.
All of a sudden she pulled Philip over to her and jumped onto the top of the large table, yanking down the suspenders of his breeches and hitching up her skirts. She then pulled Philip almost on top of her before pressing her lips against his.
He had no time to react before Theodosia swung open the door, revealing the scene.
"Oh my God" stammered Theodosia before turning scarlet, "I'm sorry I thought you said - I'm -"
Philip pulled himself off Annabella who wore a satisfied grin and tugged back up his trousers.
"Theodosia" he begged, "it's not what you think!"
"No I'm sorry" she stammered, near tears.
"Theodosia please let me explain" begged Philip.
"I'm - I'm" chocked Theodosia before she ran.
"Theodosia wait" he yelled.
He pulled his jacket off the floor and scowled at Annabella.
"Are you satisfied you bitch" he hissed.
"Very, I've ruined her life and got you right where I wanted you, nice meeting you Philip," she said smugly.
He swore at her and ran from the spare ballroom, tugging his jacket back on. He re-entered the ballroom just to see a flash of red fly out onto the balcony.
Pushing past the guests he made it out onto the balcony and saw Theodosia standing by the rails, sobbing.
"Theodosia" he called.
"Leave me alone" she sobbed.
"Please let me explain" he begged.
"There's nothing to explain" she cried "she was giving you what I can't, that's it"
"She was controlling me, Theodosia, do you honestly think I would trade some whore like her for you?" exclaimed Philip coming to her side.
"You looked very in control when I came in," she said her tone moving from upset to angry.
"Did you think I would call you whilst being with another girl?" he exclaimed. "I called you because I was worried, and she pulled me onto her the second you moved the handle of the door"
"You expect me to believe that?" she spat.
"Yes I do because it is the truth" pleaded Philip
"Philip if you want to be with Annabella-" started Theodosia.
"Theodosia!" exclaimed Philip grabbing her gently by the hands, "I don't ever want to be with her, I want to be with you"
Theodosia's expression changed, "you want to be with me"
"Yes!"
She pulled her hands from his grasp, "you have a funny way of showing it"
Theodosia pushed past him but he grabbed her arm.
"Yes, I want to be with you because-" he stopped
"Because what?" she spat, turning round to face him.
"Because I - I love you," he said
Theodosia pulled her arm from his hand, "you what?"
"I love you" he repeated.
He saw her begin to cry again, but she didn't seem sad. He didn't have much time to register what was happening because she flew at him. She grabbed the sides of his jacket to pull him down to her level and pressed a kiss against his lips.
It was short and innocent, but it was the best kiss he had ever had.
"Well then" she whispered once she broke the kiss. "I guess I love you too"
