Hello Stranger

Chapter 5

Dear Philip,

I hope your time at school and studies are going well. Mother and Father continue to be in a perpetual staring fight with each other, and it's starting to feel oh so juvenile- though who am I to call something juvenile. Aunt Angelica and Peggy are still here (Aunt Peggy sends her love.)

Now that we have that out of the way, I have a matter to ask you about. This morning I had a girl approach me in the shop asking about you. Though I'm used to girls developing silly fantasies over you- it is incredibly irritating- this one was particularly concerning. I doubt you'll be surprised to learn that it was Theodosia Burr.

I can't say I'm surprised, seeing as you've been bringing her up lately, but I can't help but wonder why she was asking after you- and after the "Way you converse with women." (Which by the way, she claims not to have meant as an innuendo, but I'm not too sure.) And asked me in a rather snappy manner, I might add.

So, dearest brother, I have to ask- why is our Father's enemy's daughter asking after you? I want to say I'm sure that you haven't committed any... controversial acts with her, but I'm afraid it would be a lie.

I hope you reply swiftly, seeing as if you don't, I'll have to take matters in to my own hands.

-Angelica Hamilton

PS. James told me not to tell you he stole your handkerchief- but knowing you, I'd doubt you've even noticed it.

Philip couldn't help but smile at the letter- the irritation in his sisters writing was clear, and the fact that Theodosia had asked after him was... well flattering to say the least. He bit his lip as he reread the passage, feeling himself starting to blush. He quickly folded the letter and slid it into his desk drawer, shaking off the feeling.

He was surprised that Theodosia had asked Angelica about him- he really hadn't thought much more would come of it. Yes, he found Theodosia... beautiful felt like it was the wrong word, but was also the first one to come to mind. But she was also a lady. She wore her title with pride, her head held high, almost as if she was looking down on those around her.

Philip never went after ladies. He went after "young women," who blushed and giggled and touched his arm when he told jokes. And even then, he never actually went after them. He had never actually gone after anyone before.

His eyebrows drew together as he pulled the letter out and reread it again. He had felt a pang of sadness at the lack of response- which still resinated through him as he read Angie's letter- but the fact that she was pursuing his family members with questions seemed like a sign in his favor.

- - - - -

Dear Angie

I will assure you, that despite the fact that I could if I wished, I have not committed any "controversial" acts with Miss Burr.

I want to say that she was looking after me since she's desperately in love with me, but knowing that you aren't very good at taking a joke, I will instead tell you that I have no idea why she was. She probably was worried that I was courting her, and you know how the Burr's get with their honor and such.

I do hope you used proper manners with Miss Burr, though I know better than assume you did. Perhaps the reason she was so snappy is because you gave her reason to be.

I have, indeed noticed that James stole my handkerchief. I also never used that handkerchief, so you can tell him to keep it.

Yours