Chapter 5: The Home

Watching the trees rustling in the wind against a picturesque blue sky, Alexander Hamilton remembered just how much he loved this country. He fell in love with the young nation the minute he laid eyes on it when he first came here from the Caribbean. New York specifically had a special place in the revolutionary's heart. It was where his new family was and he longed to see them again now that he was out of danger, at least for now.

He was in a carriage being escorted by two of the three assassins he met, Connor and Able, to Albany. He was being taken straight to Schuyler manor via a series of back roads and hidden streets and he couldn't help but worry. He hadn't been told anything about the state of his wife, unborn child or mail runner. Amelia had assured him that he would find everything to be fine, but it did little to calm his fears.

Able was driving the carriage and Connor was sitting across from him. Both men had changed from their assassin clothes into more normal articles. Able was dressed as a simple servant, one that no one would be shocked to see driving a carriage at this time of night, and Connor was dressed as a businessman, one that no one would be surprised to see being driven around at such an ungodly hour of the night. Alexander himself was simply given a long, hooded cloak he was to keep on and over his face. There was still a chance that the Templars would be looking for him and the Brotherhood couldn't risk being found out, not while they were still rebuilding their organization here.

Able gave a short, birdlike whistle from the front and Alexander groaned. He stood and lifted up the seat to reveal a hollowed out space large enough for about two people. He crawled inside and closed the seat back as if he'd never been there. Able whistled whenever it looked like a group of soldiers were going to look into the carriage and he would hide inside the seat until the group went away. This group stated around for a short time, thankfully; the hole was very uncomfortable.

Connor helped him out of the hole, "We're close to Albany now. We shouldn't be much longer."

"Good. I'm not sure how much longer I can take having to hide like this."

"It is necessary for your safety. The Templars will not hesitate to kill you if you are seen."

"Why are there so many here anyway?"

"We are not certain, but there are rumors. They say your General is in the area."

"General Washington? Here in Albany? Why?"

"We do not know as of now."

"I see. Let's hurry then."

They reached Schuyler manor about an hour later and Alexander couldn't stop the feeling of dread that spread out over him. He was very worried about everyone he left behind when he was captured. The Templars claimed that he died at the gallows two weeks ago and he hadn't so much as sent a letter to them. He was able to see the towering mansion that was Schuyler manor from the back roads and it made his stomach twist. They were going to kill him if the Templars didn't get to him first. As they pulled up in front of the manor, Connor turned to him.

"Remember, keep your hood up until we are inside, stay hidden until we can further the plan, and do not let your family know what transpired these past few weeks. Them knowing about the Templars would but them in danger."

As much as he hated lying, he would never willingly put anyone he loved in danger, so he agreed. He kept his hood close to his face as the three of them walked up to the front door. He couldn't help but glance out of the corners of his eyes, expecting to see soldiers coming for him again. He was so busy looking for danger that in all honesty probably weren't there that Able had to pull him inside and close the door behind him.

Able gripped his shoulder tightly, "Don't look like we're doing something illegal. It makes people suspicious and if you look suspicious you get carted off to prison. You get it?"

"Y-yes. Sorry."

"It's fine. Let's just get you back to your family."

He nodded and followed Connor and Able as they walked thru the manor. A maid said that the Schuyler family was in the sitting room, comforting each other. Alexander had an idea why they were in need of each other's comfort. Connor knocked on the door of the sitting room. A faint "Come in" prompted the younger assassin to open the door. Over the two men's shoulders, he saw the scene they walked in on. A teary-eyed Angelica and Peggy were hugging a sobbing Eliza while their mother, Mrs. Schuyler; who was also in tears, was rubbing the back of Andrew, who was looking on the brink of tears himself.

Mrs. Schuyler looked up at them as they entered, disapproval clear on her face, "Who are you and what do you want?"

He couldn't help a small smile that sneaked its way onto his face. Mrs. Schuyler was a very sweet woman, but when she felt her girls needed a mother's hand, she took control of the situation. His smile faded as Eliza's tried to stifle her sobs, to no avail. He glanced at Connor, silently asking if it was safe to go to her. The second Connor nodded, he briskly walked up to his wife. The three women watched him suspiciously as he kneeled before Eliza.

"Betsy? Dearest, can you hear me?"

All five of the people sitting stilled at his voice. He had a very distinct voice, one that was very hard to forget or mistake. Eliza looked up at him with shocked and bloodshot black eyes.

"... A... A-alexander...?"

She shakily reached for his hood. He gave her a sad smile and took her quivering hands in his own, hearing her gasp at the contact like she couldn't believe he was really there. He pulled back his hood and smiled at his beloved wife.

"Yes, it's really me Eliza. I'm so sorry I didn't come to you sooner."

Eliza slid onto the floor and took a hand from his grip. She touched the side of his face ever so gently like she was worriedhe'd fall apart if she handled him wrong.

"... A-alex... I-i thought... Mother s-said you w-were... H-how are y-you...?"

He sighed and gently kissed her palm, "Forgive me, Eliza. I wanted to see you, but I couldn't risk putting you in danger..." He placed a gentle hand on her stomach, "... Either of you."

Eliza sniffled and cupped his cheeks, "Alexander, say this isn't another dream. Say that you're really here this time. And if this is a dream, never let me wake up... p-please..."

Alexander could feel his heart squeeze in his chest at the broken tone in his beloved's voice. He pulled her close to him and gently kissed her forehead.

"Shhhh. It's okay Eliza. I'm here. I'm really here, I promise. I'm sorry Betsy. I'm not going anywhere, I swear it."

With that, Eliza burst into a new round of tears. He pressed her into his chest and softly rubbed her back. Two people moved next to him and he turned to see Angelica and Peggy, both looking shocked and confused. Peggy sniffled and pressed her face into his shoulder, joining her sister in crying. Angelica stated a small distance away and held Eliza's hands. Alexander met her eyes and gave her an apologetic smile, she wasn't amused.

"Where have you been, Alexander? We thought you were dead. How dare you just disappear like this. Eliza thought she was going to have to raise your child alone. Give me one reason I shouldn't beat you senseless and kick you out of this house now, Alexander."

He sighed and placed a hand over the one Angelica was using to hold Eliza's.

"Angelica, I am so sorry. The redcoats threw me in prison as a cover. They linked me back to General Washington and wanted me to tell them everything I knew about the revolution. They wanted me to sell out thousands of men in exchange for my freedom. I decided that I'd rather die knowing that my wife, my child, and my friends got to live in a country where they could be free than live with the guilt of knowing that I sentenced thousands of men to die and have my name stained as a traitor. I couldn't let Eliza or our children live with that. I knew you'd be furious Angelica, but I want you to know that I am completely willing to give up everything, even my own life, for your sister. If you can understand that, can you find a way to forgive me? Even a little?"

Angelica looked down at Eliza and a small, soft smile made its way onto her face. She looked back up at him and frowned. She hit him upside the head and pointed a finger into his chest, "If you ever do this again, I will personally end you."

He chuckled nervously, "I can't guarantee what will happen in the future, but I will do what I can."

The oldest sister huffed and leaned against him, "I'm... glad you're okay."

Alexander chuckled and hugged the Schuyler Sisters. He heard footsteps behind him and turned to see Connor and Able smiling at the scene. He let go of the sisters and stood to face them.

"Connor, Able, thank you both. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the two of you."

Able huffed and folded his arms, "Getting mushy on us now, huh? I know we did well. No need for praise."

"Still, thank you."

Connor nodded and extended his hand, "You are welcome, Alexander. I hope our next meeting will have a little less excitement."

The revolutionary smiled and shook the assassin's hand, "Likewise, my friend."

Able laughed and patted both their shoulders, "Oh, come off it, you two! What's a meet up without a little excitement?"

Connor smirked and little brushed Able's hand from his shoulder, "Not everyone would agree with you, my friend."

"Ah, yes. I suppose that may be true."

Alexander chuckled at the two assassins. Despite their occupation frightening him slightly, he'd grown to like the two men.

"I suppose you two will be off then?"

"... Um, Alexander? Who are these two?"

He blinked and turned Mrs. Schuyler, "Oh, these two helped me hide from the redcoats."

Connor stepped towards Mrs. Schuyler and bowed slightly, "Connor Kenway. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Able simply tipped his hat, "Able Castilla, at your service madam. That in-law of yours is a trouble maker, I'll tell you what."

The eldest Schuyler woman chuckled, "I've found that to be true, I'm afraid. Still, thank you for bringing him back to us. Are you two really going back out there? The British army has been especially strict these past few days."

Connor nodded, "That was the plan, Mrs. Schuyler."

"Well, it just changed. I insist you two stay until morning. I shall make the arrangements."

Before either of them could protest, Mrs. Schuyler had pulled both of them into a seat and went off, most likely to tell the cook to prepare a meal for them. Alexander chuckled, Mrs. Schuyler wouldn't let anyone who did her a service go unpaid. He turned to Andrew, who had been shocked silent since he walked in, and smiled at him.

"Andrew. Good to see you're alright."

"Y-you as well, sir. I did exactly what you asked. Mr. Mulligan was nice and pointed me here. Your family has been very kind to me as well, sir. Your mother-in-law has been a lovely host. A tad intimidating at times, but a very kind woman."

"You got to Hercules? How was he? Is he well?"

"He was less than fine the last time we spoke. I... I had informed him of your supposed death. He... didn't take it very well."

"... I see... Did he say anything else?"

"Oh, yes actually! He said that he and some people who knew you would go and visit your grave tomorrow night. He wouldn't say who though."

"... My... grave?!"

Eliza stood and held his arm, "Alexander, I thought you were dead. We couldn't get your body, but I needed to give you a proper burial if only to make myself feel better."

He sighed and turned to Andrew, "You said it was tomorrow, right?"

"Yes, sir. Late at night when the redcoats aren't around. Why?"

"I think I might drop in. Let Hercules and whoever else is around that I'm still alive."

Able looked at him like he was crazy, "Are you daft?! They could still be after you!"

Eliza gripped his arms tightly, "Alexander, please don't. My heart can't take another scare."

"I'm sorry Betsy, but I can't have one if my dearest friends think I died. I'll be careful, I swear it. I'll be back at your side before you even wake up in the morning."

Eliza sighed and laid her head against his chest, "I think all this excitement is going to be bad for my heart."

Alexander chuckled and kissed her hair, "Would you rather I be a boring old businessman?"

"It would be better for my health, but I know you wouldn't be happy and that's what I want... Go see Mulligan. I expect to wake and find you writing some article or something since some ungodly hour in the morning. That would be enough."

He smiled into his wife's black hair, "Alright then. I'll be back, I promise."