A/N Ok so another long wait but this time it's because I wasn't sure where I wanted to go with this story. I think this will be my last 'real chapter' and I'll post and epilogue that more comic relief than plot related. Side note: everything before "One week later" was supposed to be on last chapter, oops. Enjoy!
Alexander's POV
It's when we're walking out of the woods I realize we never talked about last night.
"Hey, Eliza? What did you end up telling your father?" She blushes a bit and turns away as she answers, not looking me in the eyes. Was it that bad?
"I mentioned you briefly as I was making my leave last night." She coughs uncomfortably. "He didn't have time to say much…. I guess." I raised my eyebrow. Could you be more evasive? She sighs.
"So I told father while he was talking to Major General Washington and, because I didn't know who he was, ended up being short with Washington… I kind of sassed him." I stare at her for a second to see if she's lying, before bursting out laughing.
"Washington probably thinks we're a perfect match now." I exclaim, still laughing. She smiles and chuckles.
"He had said something about you being much worse." My laughter fades and I smirk a bit.
"I'm of the few brave enough to try and get away with my mouth." She smirks back at me.
"Brave and stupid often go hand and hand." I gasp with mock offense and put my hand to my chest.
"Oh how you wound me dear Eliza." She chuckles then loops our arms together once more and we continue our walk back to the cabin. We make small talk again, preferring the lighter conversation.
Eliza's POV
It is as we are approaching my temporary cabin does Hamilton slow down and look at me with the most conflicting look I've ever seen on his face. At first I don't notice it, carried away in not having to filter anything I'm saying, but when he starts to slow down I glance over and see it.
"Alex?" He looks up from where he was previously staring at his feet.
"Sorry m'lady I just…" He pauses, takes a deep breath and begins again. "What are your thoughts on slavery?" Oh.
"That depends, why are you asking?" He looks faintly amused at my safe answer.
"Come on, don't become a Burr now. Simple question, simple answer. Are you for or against slavery?" I hesitate, he continues. "You've grown up with your opinions, like slavery, being forced upon you. Let it loose, do your worst. What are your thoughts on slavery?"
"Hamilton, I am not as proficient about sharing these things like my sister is." I'm not as good as Angelica. He sighs.
"Look, I just want to know whether or not you'll want slaves within our house if we were to get married."
"Will my answer affect whether or not we wed?" This time he hesitates, then grimaces.
"Most likely." He admits. The one time I want someone to tell me what to say is the one time they won't. I take a deep breath and look away so I don't meet his eyes.
"While I get the economical reasons for slavery, I don't like it. The way they are treated, like they're not human beings, bothers me." I stare down at my feet sheepishly. I don't think I've ever told anyone about my hatred for slavery. Suddenly, I feel a gentle hand under my chin lightly forcing me to look up. Hesitantly I look at Alex's face, expecting disappointment, but instead his face is full of delight.
"Look at me Eliza." I meet his violet-like eyes, the spark shining brighter than it was in the forest. "That is the best new I've heard all day. I also despise slavery, and it's ok to tell me your opinions like that." He smiles at me and I can't help but gather him in a hug, which he melts into after stiffening for a moment.
"I always have to play a part," I whisper into his shoulder. "Recite other people's words as if they are my own. Thank you." I'm crying now, lightly, on his shoulder. Overcome with the emotions of my confession and his earlier. He just pets my hair and whispers sweet reassurances in my ear. I could get used to this.
A week or so later…..
Alexander's POV
I wiped my sweaty palms on for the third time now on my pants. Try to make it more obvious that your nervous Hamilton, will ya. Lafayette and I were silently walking together to the Schuyler cabin for "dinner." While the invitation was normal enough, even allowing a plus one, everyone attending knew my intentions of tonight; asking the Schuyler patriarch for his daughter's hand in marriage. Today was the day I had been dreading since our first night meeting at the ball. Today was the day I have to swallow my pride and ask, scratch that beg, for a chance. Fuck. I don't even notice that I've started to fidget with the hem of my coat until Laf gently stops me.
"Hammy you will fine, do not stress."
"But Laf-"
"The lovely Angelica had repeatedly said you have a chance, and I believe her. You won't 'woo' any Generals acting like a nervous schoolboy." I sigh, knowing he's right. He just doesn't get it. His past and status, things he can't control, have never harmed him. He's never been judged for anything other than his own merit and- wait a minute.
"Since when do you have permission to call Mrs. Church by her Christian name?" Lafayette smirks.
"Dear Angelica and I have become… better acquainted recently." My eyes widen.
"Lafayette!"
"Relax Ham, it's only flirting… for now." I chuckle a little and shake my head.
"Can you at least wait until I get my answer from General Schuyler before you bed the eldest. You'll make me look bad." At this he turns and looks me head on.
"I cannot wait that long." I raise my eyebrows. I was kidding. "Now, if you didn't already have enough motivation, you must get this proposal done so I can have fun with Angelica." He finishes with a nod and a satisfied look on his face like he will deserve all the credit if tonight goes well.
"I regret bringing you." He chuckles and, realizing we've arrived, leads us up the path. I knock and the door opens to reveal General Schuyler. So it's begun. I put on my best charming smile.
"General Schuyler, pleasure to see you." Lafayette and I bow respectfully.
"Lieutenant Colonel. General." He nods at each of us and lets us in. We follow him towards his dining area where the Schuyler sisters are waiting. Eliza approaches me first and I grab her hand and kiss it.
"It's good to see you again dear Eliza." She smiles and blushes slightly.
"It's a pleasure Alexander." Distantly I hear a faint snort coming from Laf's direction at the use of my full name, but I'm too focused on the intimidating Mrs. Church approaching me to care. Grasping her hand, I kiss it lightly as well.
"Mrs. Church, a pleasure to make your acquaintance again."
"It's lovely to see you again as well Mr. Hamilton, Eliza speaks highly of you." I smile.
"Thank you," Then dropping my voice down to a whisper I continue. "The Marquis speaks highly of you too." She blushes and opens her mouth, but I've already moved on to the third sister. I've not met her yet, but she is quite beautiful for a lady her age. I do not grab her hand yet.
"We have not met yet m'lady. Alexander Hamilton." She curtsies.
"Peggy Schuyler, wonderful to meet you." I hold out my hand for her to place hers in, silently asking for permission. She complies and her hand meets the same fate as her sisters before her.
"It's great to put a face to a name, your sister holds you in high esteem." She smiles and a small flush fills her cheeks. I glance over and see Lafayette is done his greetings to the three ladies. He looks up at me and smiles reassuringly. Deep breaths Ham, deep breath. Resisting the urge to check my palms for sweat, I follow the male Schuyler's lead and, as he takes his seat at the head of the table, I seat myself in next to Eliza with Laf, Peggy and Angelica across. No sweat Ham, you've done harder things. Deep breaths.
"So Hamilton, how's General Washington doing these days?" Small talk, I can do small talk.
"Quite well sir. He sends his regards." The general chuckled slightly.
"I bet he's slightly envious we get a real meal instead of army rations tonight."
"I'm sure he is sir." I make sure to say this as lightly as possible. Can't have him think that wasn't a joke.
"When I mention I was going as well, he joked about smuggling back some real alcohol, but I'm unsure if he was jesting." Lafayette added, joining the conversation.
"I bet he needs it, especially with the stress of losing a staff member." My hand tightens slightly into a fist. I really don't need to discuss him right now.
"What happened Daddy?" Peggy asks. Dam this conversation.
"A member of his staff was killed in a breech within camps. Report said it was a spy who shot him."
"Yes, it was rather sad to lose a bright, young man so early." Lafayette coughed out.
"It's war. What was his name again?"
"Lt. Col. Laurens, John Laurens." My voice is neutral, betraying no emotion. I notice Eliza's eyes widen slightly in recognition.
"Have you heard what the boys around camp are saying?" The general continues, oblivious to my internal grief.
"What?"
"That he killed himself." I flinch slightly. "Nobody knows why, but he did it in the General's tent. Some even suspect the spies were just a cover up." My nails are digging indent into my palms and neither Lafayette or I reply. Both of us knowing what really happened and would rather avoid the topic. Seeing this Eliza, bless her heart, spoke up.
"I'm sure it doesn't really matter either way Father." He's dead either way. I take a steadying breath. Stay collected.
"Sir, Lt. Col Laurens was one of the best men I knew. I'm sure, however he died, it was with just as much honor that he possessed while living." There's a beat of silence, like everyone's a little shocked at my declaration.
"Of course Hamilton, I apologize for my lack of tact. You have my condolences, good sir." I nod respectfully and the conversation shifts into lighter topics. Thank heaven for small mercies.
It is halfway through the dinner when General Schuyler brings up the elephant in the room.
"So, Lt. Col, you've come here to ask for my daughter's hand in marriage." A silence descends upon the table. All side conversations stop and everyone's eyes flick towards me. No pressure. I sit up straighter.
"Yes sir. That was one of my purposes for coming here tonight."
"My daughter dislikes everyone I set her up with, so why are you different." Deep breaths Ham, charming smile.
"Truthfully I don't know sir," Lie. "for I can't speak for Eliza, but it could've been a number of things. I'm not arrogant enough to believe myself a better man than any suitor you've chosen, so it could be something as small as an organic meeting rather than an arranged one." His face doesn't reveal whether or that was the right answer, but Angelica is smiling. Her expression could also be because of her close proximity to Laf, Hamilton. Don't get your hopes up.
"Now, son," I wince a little. "The Schuyler family's been around for a while. I say this as humble as possible, but we're quite wealthy. A fact I'm sure you're aware of."
"Yes sir." I start to sweat a little, here it comes.
"What's your situation?" I take another deep breath.
"I'm going to be honest with you sir, I'm not well off. While, yes, I am General Washington's right hand man and a certified genius who fast tracked through college, I'm also a poor orphan immigrant with no name. I don't have anything to offer your family but myself, sir." A pause. He was staring at me with a look so intense it was like he was seeing through me. Then he turned to Eliza.
"Eliza do you truly want to marry this young man?"
"Yes Father, I do. He makes me very happy and I would love nothing more to spend the rest of my life with him." The General sighs and we all held our breath.
"Ok, while I don't like your situation son, I'll allow you to be wed." I huge weight lifted off my shoulders and I turned to Eliza with biggest smile on my face. She giggled, then jumped up and hugged me. I buried my face in her shoulder and we stayed like for moment before she blushed a deep red and scurried back to her seat. The Schuyler patriarch chuckled.
After the proposal dinner was more lighthearted, happy…and everyone was albeit tipsy. Lafayette and Angelica were relentlessly trying to make the other blush, General Schuyler was trying hard not to kill him and keep Peggy entertained at the same time, and Eliza and I were whispering about our marriage.
"Liza, I going to be honest and tell you I'm still kind of shocked."
"Come on Alexander, I knew you would woo him all along."
"Eliza… I just want to let you know there's a real possibility we could end up in poverty."
"Alex-"
"Let me finish. Poverty's not all picnics and frolicking in overgrown meadows like it's so often depicted. It's not easy, it's a hard, hungry life. While I am confident that won't happen, please ask yourself; would you soberly relish being a poor man's wife?"
"Alexander Hamilton as long as we're together we both have a chance at happiness. I wish that I could love you the way a wife normally would, but please know I do love you. Your my best friend."
"And your mine," I put on my signature smirk. "Betsey." She mock gasps and lightly slaps me on the arm.
"That is a horrible nickname Hammy." I put my hand to my chest in mock offense.
"Oh how you wound me so dear Betsey." She giggles and I smiles almost as bright as before that fateful day. While I am not healed from my loves death, moments like these with my friends, with Eliza, make the pain fade. Will it ever go away? Probably not. But I think forgetting John would hurt a thousands times worse than the pain I feel now. I am not ok, but I will be. And that's enough for now.
A/N Ok so that one was full of ups and downs and a SUPER CHEESY ENDING. I hope I didn't rush the ending, like I said there'll be a epilogue. I hope you liked this, thank you for reading my first short story (I usually write one shots). Bye!