History Has Its Eyes On You ~ A Hamilton Fanfiction (Book 1, Act 2)

Strike Back

!!Warning!!

!!Themes of enslavement!!

(Y/N POV)

'Here it is!'

At the top of the staircase on the second floor of the home, Martha pointed to the room directly in front of us, coated almost entirely in blue.

'This will be your room for now.'

'We have to share it?' asked Emily.

'Yes, my husband thought that it would be best to keep you both together. A method of support.'

I nodded. 'That's a nice idea.'

Not only would I be able to keep my eye on Emily but I would be able to help her with her nightmare. We would be in closer proximity compared to the Hamilton home, where I had to constantly make sure not to wake Frances and Angelica whenever Emily appeared startled. At least now, things would work out much easier for the both of us.

Being the first to wander inside, I was met by three blue chairs lined in front of me and another three to my left against the wall. A wooden dresser was situated beside them and a fireplace embedded into the right corner of the room. Blue walls, a blue bed for two and a blue rug: blue, everywhere. On the bed was our luggage, four bags placed accordingly down for us.

I shuffled aside to allow Martha and Emily to enter together. Peering back towards the dresser, I recognised two windows looking out onto the field, the same one that those men were working on. It took barely any time at all for me to turn my head away.

The dinner had been difficult enough. I hadn't looked up from my plate, even when one of the family members tried addressing me. It was ignorant - I understood that, and so did Emily - but the knowledge of what was happening here with my powerlessness against it all was mortifying.

'Blue,' Emily muttered quietly.

Martha chuckled. 'Quite. It was once two rooms, combined with the one to our right, but my husband split them to make for more room.'

'It's nice.' I came over to the bedside and patted it down.

'One of the finest rooms in the house, I would say.' Martha stood in admiration for a short while whilst Emily joined my side. 'Would you like some assistance with getting you both settled in?'

'I think we'll be alright, thanks.'

'Please, I insist! Caroline!'

Footsteps began to emerge from the staircase. I knew instantly what was about to happen and I was in no way prepared. Again, I shunned my head down and put my focus onto the luggage.

As soon as the footsteps ended at the doorway, I shuddered.

'This is Caroline,' said Martha. 'She will be tending to your daily needs.'

'Nice to... to meet you,' Emily stammered.

Martha clicked her fingers. 'Help these girls unload and get a fire going.'

'Yes, Lady Washington,' obeyed the presumed 'Caroline'.

I did not step away from the bed, but once I'd heard that Martha had left, I took a glimpse to the lady. Upsettingly, she appeared no different than the others, the dark tone to her skin and the frailness of her body. I did not want to look, of course I didn't, but by not looking, she might have assumed that I was being ignorant because of her status in comparison to mine. Therefore, I kept my head held up and forced on a smile.

'Nice to meet you,' I repeated from Emily. 'I don't think we need any help, um - we can do it ourselves, it's alright.'

Caroline shook her head. 'It is my duty to serve.'