Legacies (A Hamilton Fanfiction)

Chapter Two

One Week Later....

     "Alexander! Breakfast is ready, join me downstairs!" I joyously trilled as I placed the breakfast I made on the wooden table. I still couldn't believe that he was back after all this time, so every morning for the past week I would wake up early to prepare breakfast for him. He would always worry if I was risking my health to do this, but the look on his face as he tasted the pastries was worth any amount of misfortune I could go through. I was about to climb of the staircase to get him when I identified the rhythmic poundings of his boots hustling down the stairs and into the dining room.

     "I'm coming, dear! You don't have to arise so early in the morning just to make me a meal!" Alexander chuckled as he sat down in front of the feast in front of him.

     "Nonsense!" I proclaimed as I placed a cup of water by his side. "Let's see, today you have freshly-baked apple pastries, bacon, fruit from the garden, and porridge! I hope everything is to your liking!" I explained as I lit the candles on the table to bring more light into the room. I always made sure the house was in a perfect condition, but I sometimes forgot about the candles. Walking back to Alexander, I brushed invisible dirt from my teal and silver silk dress, making sure I appeared as presentable as possible. With a patient hand on the top of his chair, I awaited his response.     

     "This is...astounding! Elise, how did you create something like this?!" Alexander exclaimed while eating as much as possible without being considered rude. A giggle escaped my lips due to the spasmodic use of my nickname. Ever since I was a little lady, I was in love with the name "Elise", and that was how I introduced myself to people. Presently, the people who know me best call me "Elise" due to my wishes.

     "It was no issue, really, Alexander," I began while clearing his dishes from the table. "I desperately want your first weeks back at home to be something to remember. In fact, some visitors should arrive shortly, if not now!" I smiled, hearing a distant knocking sound. "Ah! There they are! I'll be back soon!" I cheered while rushing to the silver-encrusted door. I opened door with a wide grin, ushering our guests inside while saying, "Welcome, boys! Please have a seat at the dining table, Alexander just finished breakfast but I have a delicious treat for everyone!"

    The minute I mentioned food, Lafayette and Mulligan ran inside, sharing only brief "Hello"s. Laurens, however, stepped inside the building, taking my hand and kissing it gently.

    "How are you, Mrs. Hamilton? As soon as I received the invitation, I felt the strongest of urgencies to be here once again." greeted Laurens, bowing politely. Blushing from Laurens' politeness and caring nature, I quickly closed the door behind him and took his arm as we walked to the dining room.

    "Oh John, you know that Alexander and I aren't even engaged! Thank you for asking about my well-being, though. I've been doing great!" I cheerfully responded. It was intriguing to me why Laurens called me "Mrs.", especially since Alexander and him were extremely close and would know about each other's personal lives. Laurens blushed a bright shade of red, as if he revealed a big secret he wasn't supposed to share and quickly began to apologize.

     "I apologize, Miss. Elise! I didn't know that Hamilton didn't a- oh nevermind! I must've been a fault of my own!" Laurens stuttered, trying to regain composure. I chuckled at Laurns' quirky response while walking into the dining room and escorting him to his seat. "It probably was just a mistake." I thought while walking into the kitchen to retrieve the treat I baked early this morning.

     In the kitchen, I heard muffled sounds of talking and conversations, making me laugh to myself. "They're probably discussing what rounds of beer to drink," I thought, that was until I heard a loud banging sound and the screams of Alexander, clearly in distress.

     "GUYS! I HAVEN'T ASKED HER YET, OK?! I'M NERVOUS!" I heard him yell, then multiple gasps erupting through the air. "It must have been something about a friend of theirs or something..." I assured myself before talking back into the dining area with a big silver platter. 

     "I'm back with the surprise!" I trilled happily while placing the platter on the center of the table. Immediately I noticed the blushing expression of Alexander and all of his friends staring at him as if he did something wrong. When the men saw that I had entered the room, they snapped out of their expressions and put on bright smiles.

     "This smells delicious, MADEMOISELLE!" said Lafayette, glaring at Alexander while pronouncing the last word. Alexander noticed Lafayette's staring and almost sunk back in his seat, trying to avoid him. Laurens, clearly trying to change the direction of this conversation put on a bigger smile and faced me.

     "What is this surprise, Elise? My stomach is dying to know!" Laurens asked while patting his stomach. Trying to hold in my laughter, I removed the platters top and revealed a two layer vanilla cake with strawberry icing and chocolate stripes and shavings.  All the attention in the room immediately went towards the art that I had slaved over to get just right.

     "Wow. You've really outdone yourself, Elise!" Mulligan bellowed while reaching towards the knife.  I quickly grabbed the knife from his reaching fingers, shaking my finger at him before slicing the cake myself.

     "Nonsense, Hercules! I shall cut this cake myself, you all should relax for now." I explained while placing a slice on each boy's plate, giving Alexander a peck on the cheek along with his slice.  Humming to myself while letting the gentlemen enjoy the treat I prepared them, I barely missed the suggestive sounds coming from Alexander's companions. Knowing better this time, I turned around swiftly and glared at each one of them, causing gulps from all four of the men. Silence consumed the room, before Lafayette stood up and stared at Alexander with flaming daggers, before turning to me and taking both of my hands.

     "Elise," Lafayette began, his thick French accent flaming with annoyance. "Hamilton needs to tell you something, but is being a.....chicken, as you say?" Laughter erupted in the room as Laurens and Mulligan began pounding on the table, unable to control their laughter. Alexander, clearly embarrassed and annoyed, stood up from the table, grabbed Lafayette by the collar of his jacket, and forcefully shoved him in his chair before turning back to me. With a nervous expression, he began to clear his throat while his friends watched with interest from behind him.  

     "Elise, there's um- something I need to ask you.." he stuttered, his friends silently cheering in the background. My heart was racing beyond any comparison. "Is he breaking up with me? Is he leaving for congress? Has the worst of fates finally caught up with me?" I thought frantically while trying to stay calm. I was about the ask him what was the matter, before I saw him bend down on one knee. I gasped, covering my mouth in shock.

     "Elise," Alexander began, beginning to grow confidence. "I may not be extremely wealthy, and I may not be perfect at all times, but I enjoy every second I spend by your side. Over the war,  I've been thinking about you, about us. I-I've been thinking about this for the longest time, making sure I could be happy doing this. I am, Elise. I would treasure you until my dying days. I would be there for you every step of our life. I'd be willing to do anything for your hand. Elise, the first day we met, you captured my attention, as well as my heart." he proclaimed while pulling out a diamond ring with a golden band, cheering filling the room. Tears brimmed my eyes as Alexander looked at me with the most loving expression. "Elise, will you forever be by my side? Will you marry me?" Alexander asks. I didn't know how to respond, so I just stood there, tears pouring down my cheeks. Seeing my expression, Alexander stood up, a look of regret on his face, expecting the worst before hearing my words.