its been ages since I posted. I've been busy with college. I have this next section wrote and im going to post more tomorrow
"Mama. Are you getting fat or are you expecting another baby?" Angelica asked her, quite bluntly.
"You cannot be in earnest. That is entirely inappropriate to ask of anyone. If you must know it is a baby", Eliza scolded her.
"Sorry Mama", Angelica smiled. "Can you get a girl this time?" Angelica shrugged. She was surrounded by boys.
"I'm afraid that's not up to me", Eliza laughed, running her hand over her bump.
Alex frowned looking up.
"What is it up to?" Eliza sighed.
"Enough of this conversation. Change the subject. Angelica are you excited to start piano lessons?" Both children nodded.
"Why do I need lessons, mama? I can play perfectly well", Angelica asked, mimicking playing the piano. Eliza smiled at her daughter. Soon she would be of the age to marry. It will fly in.
"Modesty, Angelica. There's always room for improvement", Eliza reminded her.
The servants opened the carriage doors as they came to a stop.
"We're home!" Angelica grinned. Alex tensed up.
"Yeah.." he got out last. Ladies first.
"I'll tell papa if you wish", Angelica offered. Eliza frowned. Why was she willing to get in trouble for Alex?
"No. It's not your fault. I am the man. I need to take responsibility", he still looked nervous.
"Alex", Eliza called after him before he went to see Alexander.
"Your bag", she pointed back to it. He half smiled, grabbing it before going upstairs.
"Mama, I wish to lie down. I have a headache", Angelica left her downstairs on her own.
Eliza found herself wandering outside into the garden. She would have to go to Angelica's house to get the children. The leaves on the trees were starting to turn yellow and red. Is Peggy going to be okay? What if that was the last time she saw her younger sister?
"Betsey, my dearest. Did I do something to offend you?" Alexander asked from behind her. The last few days before they left flashed through her head. There was nothing that stood out. What ever was he talking about?
Eliza jumped, quickly finding her composure again. She turned to him, her arms behind her back.
"No, what makes you think such a thing?" She stepped closer to him, taking his hand in hers.
"I didn't even get a hello when you arrived home", he kissed her hand. Eliza smiled at him.
"Hello, my love", she smiled while giving him a kiss. Alexander nodded, clearly pleased.
Eliza took his hands, placing them on her swollen stomach.
"Wait she was just kicking", she whispered. Alexander smiled at her.
"She?" He frowned. Eliza shrugged.
"Who knows" she laughed. Alexander grinned when the baby kicked his hand.
"Alright you still have a few hours of work left and I have to collect our children", Eliza kissed him once more.
"Do I have to?" Eliza laughed, shaking her head.
"I can never get you away from your work. Yet the moment you are away. You don't want to go back", she led him to the front of the house.
"I'll see you later, Dearest", she got back into the carriage.
Angelica snorted as soon as she saw Eliza.
"You would think one of them would mention this, but no", she laughed as she sent for the children. Eliza hugged her.
"Surprise! I never told them. They just think I'm getting fat", she took tea from a servant.
"So you and Alexander?" Angelica winked at her. Eliza covered her mouth.
"Well I do sure hope it's Alexander's" she laughed.
Angelica nodded, laughing slightly.
"Eliza, that is not a joking matter. It is one thing for a man to cheat and another for a woman", Angelica scolded her, waiting for an answer. Eliza shrugged.
"Of course it's Alexander's. You really think I would do that? You think that lowly of me?" Eliza asked, standing up.
Angelica took her hands in her own.
"I am merely looking out for you. I care about you and want you to be happy".
Eliza hugged William as he came running him screaming 'mama'. John and James appeared behind him. Eliza gave them a hug too.
"I'm sorry. My emotions are all over the place. Peggy wasn't doing well when I was there. She's in a lot of pain", Eliza recounted her visit.
"I'll be sure to arrange a visit. I'll write to her tonight", Angelica decided.
"Mama! I missed you the mostest", John declared, causing the other two to fight over who missed her more.
"We best be taking our leave", Eliza decided, smiling at Angelica.
"Congratulations", Angelica commented while giving her one last hug.
"Mama! I lost my mitten yesterday", John held up his two hands. One had a mitten on it and the other did not. She laughed at how ridiculous he looked.
"I'll make you a new pair", she shook her head smiling as they fell into a comfortable silence.
"Dearest", Alexander called her. Eliza looked over at the dwindling fire. It was a full flame the last time she noticed it.
She hummed, observing the mittens she had knitted.
"You seem off since you came back from Peggys", Alexander pointed out. Eliza shrugged standing up with his help.
"Are you going to bed now, I resume", she took his hand. Alexander nodded. She laid down in her nightdress beside him.
"Eliza. What? How is Peggy?" He struggled with his words. He knew the answer.
"She's...she's in pain", she choked out. Alexander pulled her into a hug.
"What if she?" She cried, unable to finish the sentence.
More will be uploaded tomorrow