And Peggy

I am Sailing Off to London

Peggy was getting married.

She could hardly believe it.

Part of her was eager to start a family. The other was scared half to death. There was still a small shred of guilt that brought up John whenever she would think too much about the wedding.

Stephen had waited a few months before he proposed. He listened to all of Peggy's stories about John, and always told her how amazing he sounded. He really did care for Peggy, and she felt awful that she clearly did not love him as much as he loved her.

Soon the day came, and Peggy could hardly sit still. She could not decide who her maid of honor would be. She finally decided the day before, it would be Eliza.

Angelica would also stand near Peggy though. She would be an honorary maid of honor.

As her father walked her up the aisle, Peggy had half a mind to run away. She could feel everyone's eyes on her, and knew they were thinking if her love as loyal or not. It clearly was, but perhaps not as much as Stephen loved her.

Their said their vows. Now was her last chance to run. But she realized she did not want to run.

Yes, she would never love with all of her heart. But John was the same way. Part of his heart went out to Alexander. Peggy was okay with that, just as Stephen was okay that part of her heart went out to John.

She took her groom's hands in hers. He seemed surprised. Peggy nodded. She was ready.

He seemed to have understood, or received something from her eyes, and nodded himself.

Then they kissed.

"WOOO!"

She wasn't sure who cheered, but she was sure the tears streaming down her cheeks were tears of happiness.

•••

"That party was truly wonderful!" Eliza smiled the next day. "Alexander has not lost any charm over the years."

Angelica smiled. "John was simply elegant at dancing. It is one of his best skills. But... I have some news."

Her sisters turned their attention to her.

"John is originally from London... And his job is hard to do all the way over here."

The girls nodded.

"Seeing as we are well into our marriage... Well, we are.... Moving to London."

It took a moment for Eliza and Peggy to process this. "You're... Leaving?" Peggy asked. She hated to be that way, but she could not help herself.

"Y-yes I'm afraid so."

"But Angelica!" Peggy cried. "You cannot go. Sisters stay together!"

Angelica pulled her close. "It is not my choice. I wish I would never have to leave you."

Eliza joined their hug.

"Angelica." The eldest sang.

"Eliza."

Peggy sniffed. "And Peggy."

"The Schuyler sisters!" They finished together.

"That will never change." Angelica smiled as she kissed Peggy's forehead.

But secretly, Peggy was afraid. What if Angelica never came to visit? What if they never wrote letters?

"I shall write you everyday. You needn't worry so much, Peggy."

"How did you know I was worried about that?"

"Because I know you." Angelica smiled.

The sisters had grown so much closer when Eliza had left. Peggy supposed everything did happen for a reason.

"We shall miss you dearly." Eliza said.

"Besides, you shall have a new house to live in! Just check in on father, will you? I worry about him getting older." Angelica tried to make the best of the situation.

"When do you leave?" Eliza and Peggy asked.

"One month."

•••

One month later, everyone was crying and hugging each other near the port.

Peggy saw Angelica give a very heartfelt hug to Alexander. "Don't forget to write!" She whispered.

Peggy pulled her sister over. "It is not too late to back out." She winked.

Angelica smiled, but Peggy saw sadness in her eyes.

"Angelica, you were never truly committed to this marriage." Peggy whispered.

"And you were never entirely committed to Stephen, but look at you."

Peggy had no response to that.

"I know what I am doing, Peggy." She hugged her. "But words cannot describe how grateful I am to have sisters like you and Betsy."

"The first time words have failed you." Peggy sniffed as Angelica took her sister's face in her hands.

"Write me if you need anything. I shall be at your doorstep."

Suddenly, a tear stained Eliza came over. "One last time?" She asked.

Angelica took a few steps back. "Angelica!"

"Eliza!"

"And Peggy!"

"The Schuyler Sisters!"

"Angelica! Come on!" John smiled as he waved from the ship.

"This is it." Eliza grabbed her sisters' hands.

"I will always love you." Angelica smiled.

"And us to you." Peggy smiled through her tears. They shared one last hug, and Angelica boarded the ship.

Peggy ran to the edge of the pier. "Goodbye!" She yelled as the ship sailed farther and farther away. "Goodbye!"

Stephen ushered her down. "Peggy my sweet, you are making a scene."

John would have joined me. She thought. But she could do nothing about that now.

Angelica was gone, and Peggy could no longer take care of her. She was more worried about Angelica'a happiness than if she were to write or not.

"She will be fine." Eliza smiled.

Peggy smiled as well, but it was hard. Eliza did not know why she was worried. For once, Peggy could not go to anyone for comfort.

But if there was one thing about Angelica, it was that she always took control. Peggy had a feeling things were going to be okay.