A Few Months Later
"Theodosia, come downstairs let me see your new dress." Angelica said excitedly as I walked down the staircase. "Oh Theo, Philip will simply love you." Angelica said as I blushed.
"You know my father as me kept up snug after what happened with Hemmings." I said as I brushed wrinkles off the navy blue fabric.
"I know but your father would approve of Philip." Angelica said as we walked back upstairs into my bedroom. She helped me unpin my hair as I started to unbutton my dress.
"I know but still Father is now really protective of me." I said as I slipped out of my dress.
"I know your father is but come on. He would approve of Philip." Angelica said as I slipped into my simple blue dress as she helped me tie it up. "Angelica, I don't know…" I said nervously as I slipped into my fur lined cape and grabbed my bonnet. "Aren't you excited for Christmas?" Angelica asked as we walked outside. "Yes indeed. I am so excited, I love the trees and the snow." I said as we started into the market and into one of the shops. We looked at some new hair ribbons as I looked up and saw Philip brushing snow off his jacket.
"Let me guess? Mama sent you to spy on me?" Angelica asked putting her hands on her hips.
"Yes she did. You know she doesn't like you in the city alone." Philip said as I giggled quietly and went back to looking a new fabric.
"You and Theodosia would always sneak into the city." Angelica said sassily as I looked up at her and blushed bright red.
"Angelica!" I squealed as Philip chuckled and smirked at me.
"Your daddy keeps you snug now a days Theodosia." Philip said at me as I rolled my eyes.
"Because Master Hamilton. He does not like me around scoundrels such as yourself." I said playfully as he chuckled and shook his head.
"Well Miss. Theodosia why don't I escort you home. It is getting awfully cold and your father certainly would not want you out of the cold." Philip said as I nodded.
"After I pay for this piece of fabric." I said as I took the roll of fabric to the counter and paid for the lace and ribbons. I turned to face Angelica and Philip as we walked out together. "Let's get going before my father has a fit." I said laughing as we walked out of the shop.
"Philip can you please leave me and Theodosia alone please? We were fine." Angelica said annoyed as Philip shook his head no. "Nope, Ma says she wants you home for dinner. She has news." Philip said as Angelica perked up as we arrived at my home.
"I will see you both soon. Thank you Master Philip for escorting me home." I said with a curtesy and walked up the stairs. I waved bye to them and walked in.
"Theodosia? What were you doing outside? It is getting too cold." Papa said as he walked out of the parlor.
"Angelica wanted to go buy some hair ribbons for the Christmas Ball in the town. Philip was kind enough to escort me back." I said as I handed my coat and bonnet to my maid.
"That boy seems to be attracted to you like flies to honey. I will say it again Theodosia. I don't want you alone with any man without unless I approved of it. I also don't like you in the town without an escort." Papa said sternly as I shook my head and kissed his cheek.
"He was a perfect gentlemen Papa. He just escorted me home and Angelica accompanied us." I said as he nodded.
"We are going to the Washington for an official dinner. Hamilton will be in attendance. So go get ready." Papa grumbled as I giggled and pecked his cheek again.
"Papa. Why don't you go into an event with Mr. Hamilton with a bit optimism?" I said as he shook his head no.
"I will tell you the same thing I told your Mama when she said the same thing to me. Hamilton makes everything into a huge argument." He said as I shook my head.
"Go get ready Theo." He said as he touched my cheek gently and I nodded. I took a step back and hurried to my room. I slipped out of my blue frock and started to dress in my favorite lavender colored dress and tied the shawl around my shoulders. I slipped on a pair of embroidered heels as I started to fix my necklace and make-up. "Theodosia? We must be leaving." Papa said as I grabbed my cape and muffler to keep my hands warm. I slipped my bonnet on and hurried down the stairs. He smiled at me and extended his arm. I took his arm and he walked be outside to a waiting carriage. I stepped in and folded my hands neatly into my lap as we started to ride to the Washington Estate. "Please be on…" Papa started to say as I smiled at him softly.
"On my best behavior? Always Papa." I said as he smiled at me widely and the carriage stopped in front of the Washington Estate. Papa opened the door and helped me out of the carriage and up the stairs to the door. Papa knocked on the door and the maid opened it.
"Master Burr, Miss Burr. Master Washington is expecting you." She said as she let us in and took our winter garments and put them away as Mr. Washington walked out from his study.
"Ah Mr. Burr it is good to see you sir." He said as Papa saluted him.
"Mister President. Good to see you sir." He said as Mr. Washington saw me.
"Theodosia. It is good to see you." He said as I curtsied towards him and smiled.
"The women are in the parlor. Mr. Burr do you wish to join me in the study?" Mr. Washington said as Papa nodded and motioned me to go to the parlor. I walked in quietly and saw Mrs. Washington and Mrs. Hamilton chatting as Angelica saw me and got up.
"Theo." She said as she curtsied towards me and I curtsied back.
"Angelica." I said as I sat next to her and listened to Mrs. Hamilton and Mrs. Washington chat.
"How have you been Theodosia?" Mrs. Hamilton asked me as I nodded. "I've been well ma'am thank you." I said softly as Mrs. Hamilton smiled at me and patted my hand. I started to chat quietly with Angelica as the maid walked in curtsied.
"Dinner is severed ma'am." She said as Mrs. Washington nodded and dismissed her. We got up and followed her to the dining room where we were met by the men. Mrs. Hamilton smiled at her husband as he took her hand and kissed it.
"Philip would mind helping me with my chair?" Angelica asked as he nodded and looked at me for a moment before helping his sister. I sat down in my chair next to my father as Philip sat across from me. I smiled at him as we said grace then started to eat our food. I phased out the conversation as I felt someone nudge me with their foot as I looked up and saw Angie as the adults were talking. She motioned her head to Philip as he flushed bright red and then looked away. I giggled to myself with Angelica as Papa looked at me.
"Theodosia what is funny?" He asked as I straighten up.
"Angelica just told me a funny joke." I said as he nodded.
"Theodosia do you mind playing something on the piano for us?" Mrs. Washington asked as I blushed.
"Yes of course ma'am." I said softly as I got up and walked to the sitting room as everyone followed me. I sat at the piano and started to play. "Green finch and linnet bird, Nightingale, blackbird, how is it you sing? How can you jubilate, sitting in cages, never taking wing? Outside the sky waits, Beckoning, beckoning, Just beyond the bars. How can you remain, staring at the rain, Maddened by the stars? How is it you sing." I sang as I played the piano as everyone sat around me to listen. I finished as everyone clapped softly. I got up and curtsied as Father stood up.
"That was excellent my dear Theodosia." Papa said as I smiled and blushed bright red. "Well, we should be off. Come along Theo." Papa said as I nodded and followed him out of the parlor. I put my cloak back on and tied my bonnet on. I slipped my hands in into my muffler. I followed Papa out of the carriage as he helped me in. I sat in content silence. I fiddled with my fingers and felt a piece of paper in my muffler. I waited till we arrived home as Papa helped me out of the carriage. "I am going to retire. Good night my dear." Papa said as he kissed my forehead as we walked inside. I took off my bonnet and handed it to my bonnet to my maid. I held my muffler in my hands as I walked up to my bedroom. I placed my muffler on my bed and pulled out the piece of paper. It was addressed to me and I recognized the handwriting.
"Dear Theodosia, I wish I could have given this to you tonight but out of fear that you father would shoot me in front of my father and mother. I am giving you this instead. I would like to see you outside of the social event that involves our fathers, I miss see you and would love to see you again. Meet me at the clock tower, early noon tomorrow. I hope to see you soon.
~Philip Hamilton"
I read it over and over again as my face flushed bright red as I held the letter close to my chest. I smiled at the adventure and risk that was in store with the piece of paper. I put my note in my jewelry box and froze. I ran my fingers around sliver edging and remember the blood that was on it a few months ago from Hemmings. I shuttered at the thought put the note inside of it. I started to unbutton my dress and slipped out of my chemise and into my long sleeve night dress. I blew out my candles and climbed into bed. I fell asleep to the fleeting thoughts of Philip. I woke up to the bright morning sun shining in as I woke up and got out of bed quickly. I slipped on a warm caramel frock and brushed my curls out as someone knocked on my door. I turned to face the door. "Come in." I said as Papa walked into my room. "Papa what is it?" I asked worried as I stood up.
"It's nothing my dear. I just wanted to tell you I am going to be in meeting all day." Papa said as I nodded.
"Okay, do you mind if I go into town?" I asked as he looked at me and crossed his arms.
"Why are you going into town?" He asked as I brushed off my skirt.
"I wanted to just look around. Christmas is coming and I wanted to see if I could find some presents." I said as he nodded.
"Alright, as long as someone accompanies you." He said as I nodded.
"Angelica said she would meet me by the clock tower." I said as he nodded.
"Alright fine." He said as I pecked his cheek. "Thank you." I said as he nodded and walked out of my room. I closed the door and went back to my vanity. I clipped on my mother's locket and saw started to brush my hair and braid it. I brushed the French styled braid as I wove in a tan ribbon behind my ear as I tied my bonnet onto my head. I slide into a pair of brown saddle boots. I grabbed my coin purse and put in my muffler as I slide on my fur lined cloak. I walked downstairs to the dining room table to eat before leaving as Papa kissed my temple and gathered his things. "Be back in a few hours." Papa said as I got up nodded.
"I always do." I said as I watched him walk out. I got up and brushed off my skirt and walked out into the newly fallen snow. I started to walk to into the tower as the clock tower rang. I made it to the tower and saw a figure waiting in the shadows. "Philip?" I asked nervous as he took a step out and took off his hat.
"You came?" He asked shocked as I nodded.
"I did. It's been ages since we have seen each other." I said as I smiled at him as snow began to fall even more. "Let's go walk around." Philip said as we walked towards the town as I stopped.
"What's wrong?" He asked as I shook my head. "If anyone see us together. They will tell my father. He would loss his mind, I told him I was with you sister." I said as he nodded.
"Why don't we walk into the park and talk there." Philip said as I followed next to him.
"Philip why did you want to meet with me?" I asked as we sat on the bench.
"I just missed being around you." Philip said as I raised my eyebrow.
"I am not buying it. What is the real reason?" I asked as he shook his head.
"I just wanted to be around you." He said as snow fell around us. I bit my lip as the wind started to pick up. I pulled my cloak close to me.
"You okay?" Philip asked as I nodded.
"How did you get the letter into my muffler without anyone seeing?" I asked curious.
"I paid the Washington's maid five cents if she would put it in your muffler." Philip said as I giggled.
"Why couldn't you just give it to me." I said laughing as my laughter pierced the winter afternoon.
"Because your father would have shot me." Philip said as he rubbed his neck. I stood up and brushed off my skirt.
"Why don't we go into town and get us something to drink?" I asked as he nodded.
"I have to meet Angelica at the town square. My mother had to help her with a dress fitting for the Christmas Ball." Philip said as I started to walk out. I smiled at I felt him toss snow at my back.
"Philip!" I exclaimed as I turned to face him with my arms crossed.
"What I didn't do anything." He said as I grinned and picked up a handful of snow. I tossed it at him and took off running. I ran into the town square and saw Angelica waiting by the fountain.
"Theodosia what on earth are you running from?" She asked as I laughed and felt more snow against my back.
"Your brother is attacking me." I said as I turned and saw Philip smiling as Angelica crossed her arms.
"You two meet up without Mama or Papa's permission?" Angelica asked shocked as I turned red and looked down.
"Angie you can't say a word." Philip said as I nodded.
"All I know is that you two happen to be in the same time." She said with a smirk on her face.
"Angelica would you like to look at some Christmas with me?" I asked as she nodded.
"Philip, Mama has a list of things for you to get." Angelica said as she handed a piece of paper to Philip.
"Now go. Me and Theo have some shopping to do." Angelica said with a bit of spunk as I laughed and followed her to one of the shops. I ran my finger over a spool of thread as Angelica was caught up flirting with the shop owner's apprentice as the bell rang and I saw Hemmings. I froze and then hurried away. I went to the back of the store and started to look idly at some more as I felt someone behind me.
"You still up to your whore tricks." Hemmings said into my ear as he trapped me against the shelf, pressing himself against back as I froze.
"Get away from me…" I stuttered out as he pulled me closer to him.
"Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. You still have that spunk. I always have wanted you with a bit less of it." He said as I felt him try to rub my chest.
"Get your hands off of me!" I yelled slapping his hands away as he took a step back as Angelica ran over to us with Philip as she held him back.
"Hemmings get away from Theo and walk away from all. Or go outside and we settle it on the dueling ground." Philip said lowly as Hemmings glared at me and then back away.
"This is not over." Hemmings said as I took a deep breath and started to shake as Hemmings stormed out and left us alone.
"He has some nerve coming even in the same town as you." Philip said as we walked out.
"It's fine Philip." I said as we stood outside the shop.
"No it is not. That shop keep is going to tell your father you know?" Philip said as I nodded.
"It is fine." I said as he looked down. The window and snow became bitterly cold.
"I start to walk home. It's started to get bad out here. I will write to you soon." I said as I said good bye and started to walk home in the snow storm as I tripped in the snow. I got up as the window and snow knocked me down again. I made it home as my maid pulled me inside.
"Miss Theo. Thank the Lord you came back in time. You father has been worried sick about you. The storm has just grown worst." She said as I nodded and handed her my muffler and cloak.
"I'm sorry, I just got caught up in the storm." I said as my father walked out of his study. "Theodosia Burr, you scared me half to death." Papa said as he pulled me close to him and hugged me. "I'm sorry Papa. I just got caught up in the storm." I said meekly as he looked at me worried. "Is everything alright?" He asked as I nodded. "I'm fine." I said lying.