A/N: I am so sorry about not getting this chapter up last Saturday. I planned to, but I had a bad case of writer's block last week, so...
Anyway, the next chapter should be up by February 3rd. Until then, enjoy this one!
Chapter 5: Persuasion (Eliza)
Some part of me knew that my husband would respond that way; I knew well that his public reputation was quite important to him—so much so, in fact, that when he had been forced to choose between that and his private reputation, he chose the former, allowing the latter to be tarnished in its stead. That particular incident, however, was not necessary to dwell upon at that time, as it would only serve as a distraction from what I needed to do: find some means of convincing Alexander to miss the morning's interview.
"Let me ask you a question," I began. "Which of these do you cherish more: your life and your family, or the public's opinion of you?"
As the next few seconds flowed on, I could clearly see the indecision in his eyes; he knew that the second response would be a lie or a betrayal—or both—and that the first would likely reveal some crucial flaw in his thought process that would render any rhetoric he may use to defend his side of our disagreement useless.
"I value both of those options quite highly, but as for which one is dearer to me...at this moment, I cannot decide between them," was his eventual reply—most likely the only reply he believed he could give.
"Despite their presently appearing diametrically opposed?"
"Yes, despite that possibility."
"Perhaps this may help you choose between them." I paused for a moment to arrange my thoughts in the order and manner in which I would present them. What I was about to say had to be clear and concise, since there was not much time before Alexander would be required to depart, and my words had to make some sort of impression on him and his final decision.
"Even as honor may call for you to attend this interview," I began, "you must keep in mind your other responsibilities as well.
"You are still necessary here in multiple capacities: as my husband, as a father to our children, and as the wage-earner for this household.
"If you leave to attend this interview, there is a very real chance that even if you do waste your initial fire, some part of that encounter may still go wrong; and if it does take some unexpected turn,"—if he fails to return unscathed, I could not help but think—"then there may be no actual way for you to fulfill any of those in the future.
"I suppose what I am trying to say is... You may be willing to die for honor. The question is, are you willing to leave me a widow, this household destitute, and our children fatherless in its name?"
For the second time that night, Alexander seemed to be at a complete loss for words—a rarity in and of itself for him, but twice in the span of minutes? Quite the improbable thing.
Stay on topic, Eliza. Complete what you began.
"All I ask of you," I finished, "is that you choose your course of action with your family in mind."
I picked up the still-lit candle from his desk and began to turn back toward the open entryway. "Farewell, A—"
"It is still too early for any farewells yet," my husband interrupted.
I stopped then, turning around to face him again.
"After I decide what steps I will take in this matter," he continued, "then may be the time. However, since that time has not yet arrived, let us part with merely a 'good night'."
I smiled slightly then, despite myself. "Very well. Good night, Alexander."
"Good night, Betsey. I love you."
"As do I." With that, I turned again to the open doorway, stepping through it into the hall. As I began to return to our bedchamber, I briefly reflected on the events that had unfolded only moments before and wondered if there was anything more I might have done.
No, I decided. I have done everything that could be done to convince Alexander to stay here. All there is to do is to pray that my words had been enough.