Chapter Summary -
Alexander returns to Eliza from the war and life for them both begins to return to normal.
It was mid-morning when Alexander and his men, finally returned to camp.
After spending the night in the trenches, everyone was filthy as well as fatigued.
Alexander checked that all his men were accounted for, made sure that each one received a warm plate of food and a cup of rum before he made his way back to his own tent.
Catching a glimpse of himself in his small mirror, the visible trauma of the night before still covered his face. Despite being beyond tired, a mixture of ash, mud and dried blood clung to his clothes and skin. He looked more like a ghost than a General.
His reflection was interrupted as a young woman came into his tent, carrying a large jug of steaming water.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, "My apologies General, no one told me you had returned yet"
"Do not apologise, my dear" replied Alexander with a weak smile.
"Here is some water for you, Sir," said the young woman, placing the jug on a nearby table.
"Have my men had the opportunity to clean up yet?" asked Alexander.
"Not yet, General, they told me to bring you the water first, then they would take their share" replied the young woman.
Alexander chuckled.
"Have you eaten yet General?" she asked.
"No I haven't, but I have no desire to" replied Alexander, taking a seat.
"Well in case, can I get you anything else?" she asked.
"No thank you..., forgive me, I don't know your name?" said Alexander.
"Hannah Sir" she replied.
"Thank you, Hannah, your services are much appreciated" smiled Alexander.
Hannah nodded her head and quickly left Alexander alone.
Taking a deep breath he rose from his chair and poured some of the warm water into a bowl, taking a rag and a slither of soap, he began to clean the grime off his face.
He relished as the hot water hit his face, he slowly was beginning to feel like himself again.
Alexander knew a full wash would be necessary before the formal surrender but for now, he just wanted the blood and mud off his face, neck and hands.
As he was drying off his face he heard a familiar voice call his name.
"Alexander?"
He looked around and saw a rather worried looking Lafayette.
"Gilbert thank God" exclaimed Alexander, throwing down his towel to embrace his friend.
"No one knew whether you were alive or dead, I had to come and check for myself" chuckled Lafayette embracing his friend.
"I feel like I am" mused Alexander once the embrace had ended.
"I could not agree with you more" sighed Lafayette.
"Do you know how many you lost?" asked Alexander, taking a seat.
"Not officially, but more than forty I suspect" replied Lafayette quietly. "And you?"
"A little over twenty I believe, from whom I can't account for" replied Alexander.
"Far too many letters we shall have to write home" sighed Lafayette.
"Too many indeed" replied Alexander.
"But on another note Alexander" began Lafayette, reaching into his jacket pocket, "I believe you owe me a drink"
Alexander couldn't help but laugh as Lafayette dumped a rather singed feather attached to a blackened piece of cloth onto his desk.
"I said if you still had the hat in one piece" protested Alexander teasingly.
"I still have some of the hat, here" retorted Lafayette pointing to the scrap on the desk.
Alexander chuckled and rose from his desk to collect his bottle of brandy, "Very well, did it get blown off or shot off?"
"Shot off actually, I killed the bastard who did it, I liked that hat" mused Lafayette.
"I suspect you have another in that tent of yours" chuckled Alexander, pouring them both a drink.
"Oh yes" exclaimed Lafayette, "you should see the hat I am going to wear for their surrender"
"How soon will that come I wonder?" replied Alexander, handing his friend a well-deserved drink.
"Very soon, I saw the redcoats Captain being led across the fields on my way here, I believe negotiations are underway" explained Lafayette.
"Good" proclaimed Alexander, "that means we can go home soon"
"You want your Eliza don't you?" chuckled Lafayette.
"More than anything in this world" replied Alexander.
It was a cold, clear morning when the British formally surrendered.
With the papers signed and the legions of men across the country now stationary, Washington ordered a very physical form of surrender.
It was agreed that the three armies of, the British, American and French would meet in a field, just a few miles from Yorktown. In this field, the British troops would finally lay down their muskets, once and for all.
On the right stood the French troops with Rochambeau and Lafayette in command.
On the left stood Washington and Hamilton alongside their American troops.
At the very end of the field stood the British forces, being lead by General O'Hara. Cornwallis was absent due to an illness. But in the eyes of the American and French, it was nothing but shame keeping him from the event.
At Lafayette's command, his French marching band began to play a solemn tune as the British made their way across the field.
All the British soldiers were dressed in their uniforms, their red coats and brass buttons gleaming in the winter sun. They held their guns in their arms, marching like they were at a parade. However in their eyes was not a hint of happiness.
As the troops came closer Alexander could see the emotions painted across the British soldiers. Some were blankly faced and staring forward, others were shedding tears, some simply stared at the ground.
Soon the long line of troops began to march past their victors. However, Lafayette noticed something.
He saw that the British soldiers were only looking in recognition of his French countrymen, not one man was casting his eyes over the Americans.
"Cowards" spat Lafayette.
"General?" inquired his captain.
"You see, they would rather stare at us, their lifelong enemies, than look General Washington in the face" replied Lafayette, disgusted by this behaviour.
"What are we to do Sir?" asked his captain.
"I am going to put them in a bad mood" replied Lafayette, tapping his horse in the direction of the band.
Across from the French, Alexander had also noticed the behaviour of the British, it was to be expected.
"And what pray is Lafayette doing Alexander?" inquired Washington.
"I have no idea Sir" replied Alexander, watching his friend ride past the slow procession of British soldiers.
Alexander looked on as Lafayette climbed down of his horse and murmured something to the conductor, who almost seemed to laugh before bringing the music to an end.
A few seconds later with a blast of five trumpet blows, the French band began to play a loud rendition of an old American patriotic song.
Alexander looked to his General as Washington let out a loud chuckle. His troops also recognised the song and began to tap their boots along to the beat.
Lafayette rode back to his position and cast his eyes over to Washington who nodded his head in recognition. Lafayette smiled and saluted his commander, before seeing one by one the British soldiers cast their eyes over to the Americans, now too embarrassed to stare at the French.
"How is she Ruth?" asked George, as Ruth again returned to the kitchen with a tray of uneaten food.
"Worse than yesterday" sighed Ruth, dumping the tray on the table, "she hasn't touched food in days"
"That cannot be healthy for her or her baby" commented George, nervously wringing his hands.
"She needs to hear from Mr Alexander, the second she receives a letter, she will be well again" explained Ruth, "it has happened before, but he has never not written to her in such a long time, she is petrified"
"Perhaps I should take a visit to the post office myself, inquire about any letters?" suggested George.
"I doubt that would do any good, letters have always come here" sighed Ruth.
"We will just have to hope that he sends something soon" replied George, "from what I've been hearing this war is nearly over"
"Mr Alexander wrote last week of a battle taking place in Yorktown Virginia, could that be the battle you mean?" asked Ruth.
"I expect so" replied George, "we can only hope that the battle has swung in our favour"
Alexander sat alone in his tent.
After finally having a good wash, he could put his mind to more difficult and painful tasks.
Earlier that day he had finally received the last death count, with the names of the soldiers handed to him on a piece of paper. It was his responsibility as General to write and inform the soldier's families, it was a responsibility he loathed.
His eyes scanned down the list, again and again, reading out the names, the ranks, the ages, the hometowns, but it took him hours to finally have the courage to put his pen to paper.
It wasn't a difficult letter to write, but it was the principle that tortured him. These men had died with honour, but as their commander, his job was to ensure that no one needed to die, they had won him the war, but it was at a steep price.
He only had 28 names on his list, but as he wrote the same letter, again and again, he realised how much pain this one letter would cause. He did not know all the men that well, he knew their faces, who would shout and yell, who would remain quiet, the young ones from the old. Each of them had a story, many that would never be told. All of them had a family, some had parents waiting for them to return, others had wives and children, all of them had someone. Now with this letter, Alexander was well aware of the hopes and dreams that his words would shatter.
He wrote until he could bear it no longer.
Taking up a new sheet of paper he began his letter to Eliza, a letter long overdue.
He wrote for what felt like hours, he was glad to be writing this letter, the more he wrote, the more he grew impatient to see her. It had been four months since he had been with her. He had been deprived of her for too long. He missed everything about her. Not just her face or her body but he missed her very being. He missed eating meals with her, taking walks through the park with her on a pleasant evening, waking up every morning to find her beside him.
More than anything, he missed her love.
At long last he finished the letter, he called for it to be sent immediately before he reluctantly returned to writing the letters of condolences.
"General Hamilton Sir" called a young man.
Alexander looked up from his papers, "Yes?"
"All of the bodies have been returned to camp, they have all been identified by fellow comrades, what is to be done now?" asked the young soldier.
"All of them are to be buried immediately, apart from one, whom is under my control and will be receiving special treatment, you must mark the graves clearly with names, ranks and importantly hometowns, so should the families wish to have their dead moved home, it will be possible" ordered Alexander.
"The men have built coffins General, may we use those?" asked the young soldier.
"You may, but ensure that Private Thomas Pelter is kept apart and unburied, his remains are mine to deal with" replied Alexander.
"Yes, Sir" replied the young soldier before saluting and leaving the tent.
Alexander sighed and returned to the last letter. He had been purposely avoiding this name on the list but now he had no choice.
21st October 1781
Yorktown Virginia
"To Mr and Mrs J Pelter,
It is my painful duty to inform of the death of your son, Private Thomas Pelter. He met his death on the night of October 14th, whilst we were engaged in battle with the British forces stationed in Yorktown Virginia.
Under my command and under the orders of General George Washington, Private Pelter was removed from his normal station, and he fought alongside myself as we attacked the enemy forces in their fortifications just a few miles from Yorktown.
That morning I had kept your son very close to me, in those short hours I spent in his company, I came to learn what a dedicated and gentle young man he was. During the fighting I took great care to ensure his safety, keeping him close to my person. Together with his fellow comrades, we succeeded in storming and gaining complete control of the barricade. Your son, with others, stormed the lower layers of the fortifications and aided in the capture of over 80 men including several high ranking officers.
Your son met his death as one of the captured British soldiers, flew at myself and his fellow soldiers with a bayonet. I do not know where he found his courage but to this very moment, I am in awe of your son's bravery. Thomas received a deadly wound to his lungs and abdomen which ultimately resulted in his death shortly after. I hope it will bring you comfort to know that your son did not die alone, I held your son in my arms until he took his final breath, treating him with the same compassion and love as I would my own child. He died in peace as I read to him the twenty-third psalm, whilst he held the portrait of his sweetheart Rosie in his hands.
Your son died honourably and I have ensured that he receives a funeral befitting a man of his character. I have arranged for his body to be brought back to your home in Charlotte where his funeral can be taken place. All of this will cause you no expense. Your son was a dear friend to me, it is an honour to provide you with the funds that are necessary.
His death serves as an inspiration to us all, and I pray that you will find comfort in the knowledge that your son fought and died so that you and his countrymen can now be free. As not only his General but as his commanding officer and friend, I offer you my deepest and sincerest condolences for your great loss.
Yours truly,
General Alexander Hamilton"
Alexander must have read over those letters more than a dozen times before he began sealing them in envelopes.
He sealed Thomas's letter last, before he wrapped up in brown paper the photograph of Rosie and his mother's bible, tying it all together with string.
After personally delivering the letters to the correct tent, he could barely stand. Exhausted, he flopped onto his bed and fell into a deep but troubled sleep, wishing his Eliza was beside him.
Eliza lay in bed, tired, hungry but unable to sleep.
It had been over two weeks since she last heard from Alexander, she was now fearing the worst.
She continued to stare out at the dark sky, seeing the stars peek out from behind the clouds. Nothing could bring her solace, not her letters, not her God, not even her child. She was lost without him.
All at once she heard a commotion at the end of the street. At first, just a few voices were shouting then more and more. She heard the neighbours open their doors and soon she heard them join what sounded like a celebration.
With her curiosity reaching breaking point, Eliza slowly swung her legs out of bed and padded towards her window. Outside she saw men, women and children all wrapped in dressing gowns, almost dancing in the streets. She still couldn't make out what they were saying.
All of sudden Ruth, wrapped in a dressing gown herself, burst into the room, with an envelope in her hand. At first, Eliza was worried, as tears were pouring down Ruth's face, but she soon saw that they were tears of joy.
"Ruth what on earth is going on!" exclaimed Eliza.
"Oh Miss Eliza, we've just heard the new from Congress, the British have surrendered, Washington has won!" cried Ruth.
Eliza couldn't believe her ears, "We have won!" she gasped.
"Yes we have Ma'am, and Mr Alexander is alive, he signed the papers at the official surrender, he's alive" exclaimed Ruth.
Eliza broke down into sobs, she embraced Ruth as they both shared tears of joy.
"He's alive" breathed Eliza, "did you hear that my darling your Papa is alive," she said rubbing her hands over her swollen stomach.
"He sent this on express delivery," said Ruth, trying to catch her breath, "Samuel went down to the post office just as the news was coming through, the messenger arrived with all the papers for Congress and this letter.
Eliza was shaking as she took the letter from Ruth's hands.
"Ruth, go and get one of the bottles of wine from Alexander and I's wedding, this calls for a celebration" smiled Eliza, moving slowly to a chair, "I will be down in a moment"
"Yes Ma'am, come down when you are ready" replied Ruth, quickly leaving the room, closing her door behind her.
Eliza held the letter in her hands before almost tearing it open.
"To my dearest Eliza,
I ask for your forgiveness, I must have caused you much pain and left you anxious because I have not written to you in such a length of time. For this, I am truly sorry.
You will know either today or tomorrow that this war has finally come to an end, and I will be returning home to you at long last. I hope this news and knowledge brings you not just happiness but also peace.
I have been left physically unscathed by the events of this conflict, but the things I have witnessed will no doubt haunt me for the rest of my days. But do not worry news me my Eliza, I am still the same man you married all those months ago, I have not changed.
I will be returning within the next few weeks, depending on how fast and by what mode of transportation Washington chooses to dispatch the army with. I may be allowed early leave because you are so heavy with child and I would not miss the birth of our child for anything in the world. I will confirm the exact dates with you my darling as and when I know them.
Life in New York will become hectic again, as all British troops are being recalled to be processed and sent back home, should they choose to leave. Tensions will be running high, so be cautious if you should venture into town.
You do not know the joy I feel in the prospect of returning home. Life in our little home seems a world away from the cold tent I currently reside in. I can not wait to be able to have you in my arms once again and be able to kiss your beautiful lips.
Give Ruth, Immanuel, Samuel and George my love, they have been so kind to us both. Once I return home the gifts I will receive from my work in the war, will not only benefit us but them too.
I promise I will write to you again soon.
Sent with all my love,
Yours, Alexander Hamilton"
Eliza held the letter to her chest and cried with joy, her Alexander was coming home.
It was a bright and clear November morning when Alexander arrived in New York.
He smiled and he rode his horse through the neighbourhood, being greeted and praised by nearly everyone.
Washington had happily dismissed him from his services, Alexander had been a great asset to the success of the war, so it was about time he received some happiness of his own.
Alexander knew his arrival home would come as a surprise. He had only been able to give Eliza a rough estimate of his return, as he had to consider various factors. Much to his surprise, he was a week earlier than he had originally intended.
As he was dismounting his horse he heard the door fling open.
"Mr Alexander!" exclaimed a young voice.
Alexander laughed and smiled as Immanuel practically flung himself down the front steps to meet him.
"Young Immanuel" smiled Alexander leaning down to embrace him, "how have you been my dear boy?"
"Very good Sir, Miss Eliza will be very happy to see you!" exclaimed Immanuel, tugging at Alexander's jacket.
The pair made it halfway up the steps before Alexander heard another familiar voice.
"Immanuel, why on earth are you leaving the door open like this for?" exclaimed Ruth, wiping her hands down on her apron. "You are letting all the hot air in!"
Alexander smiled as she looked up and gasped.
"Oh praise the lord!" she exclaimed.
"My dear Ruth" smiled Alexander, gently pressing kisses against her cheeks.
"Mr Alexander, you do not know how happy I am to see you" she replied.
Hearing all the commotion, both George and Samuel emerged together from the kitchen and shared equal happiness with Alexander's return.
"Hello George" exclaimed Alexander, dumping his bag at the door, "you haven't forgotten me?"
"Oh no Mr Alexander" replied George, shaking Alexander's hand.
"And you my dear friend must be Samuel," said Alexander with a smile.
I am at your service Sir" replied Samuel, "your wife had told me many things about you, it is an honour to finally meet you"
"She's been telling you things has she?" chuckled Alexander, "not all bad I hope"
Samuel laughed and firmly shook Alexander's hand, "No sir, not in the slightest"
"Speaking of my wife, Ruth, where is she?" asked Alexander.
"She was sleeping in the drawing room when I last checked on her, she hasn't been sleeping well, so I figured I'd best leave her be" explained Ruth, "shall I go wake her?"
"Oh no" smiled Alexander heading towards the drawing-room door, "I will wake her myself.
Alexander quietly opened the door and peered around. He was relieved to find Eliza still in deep sleep, sitting on her favourite chair, with her arms wrapped around her swollen stomach. He silently slipped inside the room, smiling at Ruth before closing the door behind him.
He stood by the door for a few moments, just watching her. She was as beautiful as the first night they met, she had not changed in the slightest.
He hated to wake her, but he couldn't bare their separation any longer.
Alexander approached from the back. He knew to frighten her or make her jump could hurt the baby, so he decided on a gentler approach.
He bent down beside the chair and brushed several locks of her hair away from her neck with his fingers. He ran his fingers down her around, ever so gently brushing her velvet skin. He watched as she shuffled slightly, sighing under her breath.
Alexander then moved closer and whispered in her ear, whilst gently pressing tiny kisses against her neck and cheek.
"Eliza darling" he whispered, watching as she shuffled again.
"Eliza, wake up dearest" he whispered, still pressing kisses on her neck in between words.
He heard her sigh, before in her sleep she mumbled, "Alexander, not now"
He almost chuckled, "Eliza, wake up" he whispered a bit louder.
A few seconds later, he saw her eyes flutter open before he pressed another kiss against her neck.
"Mhmm, Alexander" she sighed, leaning into him before she suddenly came to her senses.
She spun around on her chair, "I'm dreaming!" she exclaimed.
"No my darling" smiled Alexander, helping her out of the chair, "You are most certainly not dreaming"
"But you told me you wouldn't be home for another week" she cried, clinging onto his arms.
"Well" proclaimed Alexander teasingly, "I can always go away and come back again," he said going to walk away from her.
"Don't you dare" she exclaimed with a laugh.
"Come here" he whispered, nearly lifting her off the floor as he pushed his lips against hers.
Eliza almost crying with joy, kissed her husband with as much love as she could muster in one moment,
"I have missed you so much, I thought I would go mad" sighed Alexander happily, embracing her again.
"I have missed you too" she replied, snuggling into his chest, "we both have"
"Of course" breathed Alexander kneeling down in front of Eliza, so his face was in line with her swollen stomach.
"My darling" he whispered, pressing a kiss against her stomach.
"I have grown out quite a bit since you last saw me" she chuckled, running her hands over Alexander's hair.
"You have never looked more beautiful" assured Alexander.
"I don't feel it" she mused.
"How much longer now?" he asked, holding either side of her stomach with his hands.
"Within the next few weeks or so" replied Eliza with a smile.
"Please hurry little one" whispered Alexander, kissing Eliza's stomach again.
"Eliza, are you decent?"
Eliza smiled, it had been so long since he had called her name.
"I am darling, come in" she replied.
Alexander slipped inside the bedroom with a loose towel wrapped around his waist.
Eliza blushed, even though she was Alexander's wife in every way, his near-naked form still caused her cheeks to tint with red.
"I could not find any nightshirts in my closet room, I guessed they were all in here," he said with a smile, heading towards the wardrobe.
"Second shelf on the left" she smiled, returning to her writing.
"You look busy my dear" noted Alexander, rummaging around in the wardrobe.
"I am writing to Angelica, I have been very unresponsive with my letters as of late, my family must be worried about me" replied Eliza, signing her name at the bottom of the letter.
"Ruth mentioned your lack of sleeping, are you well Eliza?" asked Alexander, his concerned gaze meeting hers.
"I was worried about you, that's all" she replied reassuringly.
Alexander nodded, he still hated himself for causing her concern.
"Will you be sleeping with me tonight?" asked Eliza, after a moment of quiet.
"Of course" replied Alexander, "why on earth not?"
"Well" smiled Eliza, "I just thought you might want a peaceful night's sleep away from anyone"
"My dear Eliza" proclaimed Alexander walking towards her, nightshirt in hand, "I will have the best night's sleep with you next to me"
She smiled and gently kissed his knuckles.
"Alexander" she began, turning away as he changed into his nightshirt.
"Yes my darling"
"You do know that nothing very intimate can pass between us tonight," she said.
"What do you mean?" he asked, gently tossing his towel across the room.
"Well, the doctor said to me, that we should avoid making love at the later stages of pregnancy as it has been known to induce labour, and our child isn't fully developed yet"
"Eliza?" whispered Alexander, kneeling down beside her.
"I-I just didn't want you to be disappointed" she continued, gently rubbing her fingers against his hand, avoiding all eye contact, "I know you have been without my touch for a long time-"
"Eliza" hushed Alexander, "is that why you suggested I should sleep alone?"
She nodded.
"Sweetheart" began Alexander, taking her hands in his and looking at her directly. "You are more to me than just a way to satisfy my flesh, you are my very world, surely you must understand that, I will be more content and satisfied to lie beside you, hold you and our child in my arms than be with any woman in the world"
"You mean that?" asked Eliza, "truly?"
"Of course I do" exclaimed Alexander, "Eliza, I adore you"
"I promise you now" he continued, "I vow to keep our child and if we blessed with more completely safe. I will not let any harm come to them or you. God forbid that I was to risk forcing our child into the world too soon because I could not contain my desires"
"I love you" she whispered, pressing a kiss against his cheek.
"Now then my dear, may I escort you to your bed?" asked Alexander, rising from his knees.
Eliza chuckled, "Yes you may"
Alexander had made sure Eliza was completely comfortable under the sheets before he climbed back into his marital bed for the first time in months.
He sighed happily as his tired limbs sunk into the soft mattress, leaning out of bed to blow out the one remaining candle soon the pair were plunged into darkness.
"Alexander" called Eliza.
"Yes darling" he replied, leaning over towards her.
"I have grown used to sleeping with the closest set of curtains open, would you be able to open them for me?" she asked.
Alexander chuckled, "of course I can"
Eliza smiled as she watched his shadowy figure quickly pad around the bed and pulled open the curtains, revealing a huge full moon.
"How beautiful" she breathed, holding her stomach for support as she leant forward.
"You should have seen the stars in Virginia and the moon," said Alexander, slipping back into bed.
In a way Alexander was glad that Eliza wanted the curtains open, the moon shone directly into their room, meaning he could see her clearly, covered by a beautiful white haze.
Eliza sighed as she snuggled into Alexander's chest, revelling in his clean and earthy scent.
Alexander was reluctant to break this beautiful moment, but he needed answers to his questions.
"Eliza" he began.
"Yes darling" she replied, noticing a change in his voice.
"I need you to tell me about the night of that attack," he asked.
"I told you what happened in my letter" she protested.
"Not everything, you stopped and I need to know what you didn't tell me" he objected.
"Alexander please" she whispered.
"Eliza, you know I don't ever wish to harm you, I know how painful it must be to relive that night, but I need to know what happened" replied Alexander, his tone soft.
Eliza sighed, her voice wavering as she spoke, "Where did I stop in my letter?"
"After those bastards struck you" replied Alexander, his hands stiffening with every word.
Eliza was quiet.
"Eliza please" urged Alexander, sensing her hesitation.
"The man knew my name," she said eventually.
"As Mrs Hamilton?" asked Alexander
"No" she replied, "he called me Eliza"
"How would he know you as Eliza" exclaimed Alexander.
"I don't know" replied Eliza, her voice breaking.
Alexander pulled her closer, pressing a kiss against her head, he asked gently, "Please Eliza, try and go on"
"The man then told me to give him my letters and he pushed his gun under my chin when I refused" stammered Eliza, doing her best to stay composed.
Alexander was furious, he kept his breathing as regular as possible, as with Eliza lying on his chest he didn't want to frighten or upset her further.
"He then forced me up the stairs and into this room, tying me to that chair over there," she said.
"He did what" whispered Alexander, his anger near breaking point.
"I still have the marks on arms from the rope" she sniffed.
"What happened next?" asked Alexander, swallowing hard.
"He read all my letters until he snatched the key from around my neck so he could read the letter you sent me that very day, it was after that he-" she stopped.
"Eliza?"
"That was when he tried to take me," she said, her voice quiet and hurting.
"How close did he come to you?" asked Alexander.
"Alexander please" exclaimed Eliza, shocked by his request.
"How close?" he asked again, the anger in his voice becoming more and more visible.
Eliza took a shaky breath, "he started to kiss me like you do, but there was no love or gentleness behind it, he was forceful and his kisses hurt me"
"I felt his hands on my body and that's when I realised his intentions, so I bit him and pushed him away"
"How did you manage to get him, all of them to leave?" asked Alexander, holding her even more ferociously.
"I used the pistol you gave me" she confessed.
"I told George to care for the pistol, not you Eliza" exclaimed Alexander, "what did you do?"
"I felt safer with it beside me, if I hadn't have used it, that beast would have taken me by force" protested Eliza tearfully.
"Eliza darling I'm not angry with you" hushed Alexander, "I just didn't want you to have to fire a pistol"
"Well I did, I shot him" breathed Eliza, still shaken by recalling the events.
"I assume not fatally," said Alexander.
She shook her head, "no, I shot him once in his leg and then his man came and got him, they dispersed into the street and I never saw them again" replied Eliza.
"Will you forgive me?" whispered Alexander.
"What do you mean?" asked Eliza, leaning up from his chest.
"For allowing that to happen to you" he replied tearfully.
"Alexander you had no idea that I would be attacked, I won't allow you to blame yourself for it" objected Eliza.
"But I knew attacks were taking place and I did nothing" protested Alexander.
"You gave me a pistol, I used it to defend myself, if I did not have it with me that night, I would have been in a far worse state" hushed Eliza.
"I have still failed you" exclaimed Alexander, "both of you"
Eliza sat up on her knees, it was an awkward position with her swollen stomach but she needed to console him.
Taking his face in her hands she said firmly, "You have failed no one"
"But Eliza-"
"Alexander you have failed no one" she repeated, "you are my husband and I love you, you could never fail me"
Alexander sighed deeply, "I don't deserve you"
Eliza pressed a small kiss against his lips, "you deserve love and happiness Alexander, I hope that our child and I can provide you with both"
Alexander gently placed his hand on Eliza's stomach, "I can't begin to explain the happiness I feel"
"Well, you should not have very long to wait" smiled Eliza, groaning as she slowly sunk back down.
"Goodnight my darling wife" smiled Alexander pushing a kiss against her chocolate mess of curls.
"Goodnight my dear husband" replied Eliza, beyond happy to finally have him home.
Life at home for Alexander and Eliza quickly picked up a gentle rhythm.
At first, Alexander was away for large proportions of the day, as Washington needed his skills in piecing together the broken and near bankrupt Congress. Despite this Alexander always came home, even if it was just for a few hours.
As Eliza's time grew even closer she was delighted to hear news from Angelica.
"To my dear Eliza,
We are most thankful for your last letter. Your lack of response in these recent months had us worried, but we are relieved and happy to know that you are your child are safe.
You will be, no doubt, as delighted as we are to hear that Papa has finally agreed to move the family back home. With the war over and the real danger behind us, I can hardly wait to return to you.
Please give Alexander our love, we are all thankful for his efforts at Yorktown and the sacrifices he made for his country and his family. I do not wish you excite either of you, but Papa has been speaking about Alexander very favourably since the news of victory, I am inclined to think that Papa will help Alexander reach his full potential within our new government. But please do not quote me on this Eliza, it is merely a hopeful observation.
I shall be seeing you very soon!
All my love,
Angelica"
"Do you have any idea of when the family is coming home?" asked Alexander, later that evening.
"Angelica's doesn't say, but I imagine within a day or so" replied Eliza.
Alexander nodded and continued to stare out of the window.
Eliza was concerned, Alexander never did just stare. His eyes were always occupied with something. He was not acting like himself.
"Alexander darling, what's wrong?" she asked gently.
"Nothing Eliza, I am just a little tired" he sighed, trying to smile.
"You are troubled by something, I can tell" she urged, "what is troubling you?"
Alexander let out a strained laugh, "You are getting very accurate at reading me Eliza"
"I am your wife Alexander, it's my job" she replied.
Alexander sighed, he had been defeated.
"I've not heard from John, that's all"
"Still!" exclaimed Eliza, "it's been a month since Yorktown!"
"I know," said Alexander, his hand tapping at speed against his leg.
Eliza pushed herself from her chair and sat beside him, gently reaching down and stopping his hand, he only shook like that when he was worried or nervous.
"We would have heard if anything has happened" she hushed.
"The problem is he was not fighting at Yorktown, he was stationed in South Carolina, we have not received reports from his commanders in more than a week" explained Alexander.
"Alexander, God forbid that the worst has happened, his family would have been notified immediately because of his station. His father would have written by now, he knows how close you two are" said Eliza softly.
Alexander sighed and smiled at her, "You are probably right my dear"
Eliza kissed his cheek and rested her head on his shoulder, secretly praying for the safety of their dear friend.