That Boy is Mine

The Truth

Dear Margarita Schuyler,

My name is Dr. William Young. One month ago, a soldier by the name of John Laurens was brought into my hospital. He had been shot in the side, and was deeply wounded. He finally woke up yesterday, asking for you. I told him that I would write you, and let you know that he is alive. You should receive this letter a month or so after I send this out. If you would like to see John, he is in Regency Hospital. I hope to you hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Dr. William Young

I slowly lifted my eyes from the paper. I looked at my father, as the widest smile spread across my face. I had never heard more happy and joyous information in my life.

"He is alive! John is alive! Can you believe it Father?" I practically screamed in joy. I ran out of the study, and to my bedroom.

"John is alive? Wait Peggy, how is that possible?" My father yelled, running after me.

I threw my door open. I grabbed my large luggage crate from the foot of my bed, and dragged it to my wardrobe. I quickly opened the crate lid, and then the wardrobe doors. I frantically grabbed random dresses, and threw them into the crate. Once the crate was filled, I moved on to grabbing gloves and combs.

"Peggy? What's going on?" Angelica asked, standing in my doorway. My father was standing behind her.

"A doctor in South Carolina wrote to me, saying someone brought John into a hospital! He is alive! The doctor saved him! I have to run to him!" I replied, frantically trying to grab as many things as I could.

"Okay, go get dressed, I'll get your nightgowns and fold all of your clothes to make more room." Angelica said, with a giggle. She quickly grabbed a random dress from the mess in the crate, and handed it to me.

My father left, saying he would tell the carriage driver of the journey ahead. I called to one of the female servants. She ran into the room, and helped me get changed.

Angelica quickly took out all of my dresses, folded them, and placed them back in the crate. She then moved on to grabbing a good number of nightgowns, which were already folded. She grabbed the combs I had already tried to grab, and delicately placed them on top of the folded clothes along with the gloves.

Once I was dressed, I helped Angelica by grabbing a smaller luggage crate and filling it with shoes and ribbons.

Early the next morning, I stood outside by the carriage. The family's carriage driver couldn't take me all the way to South Carolina, so he asked a friend to get me their. This new carriage driver was fastening my luggage to the roof of the carriage. My father and Angelica stood in front of me. Eliza stood behind them, Philip in her arms.

I hugged my father, and then Angelica. I told them that I would write to them the second I arrived at an Inn. I then moved on to Eliza. She hugged me with one arm, and then handed her child to me. I smiled at the baby, and then back at my sister.

"Philip is going to miss you, and so will I." Eliza told me.

"I left my old blanket in his crib, so when he cries in the night, he can be comforted. I also left my favorite ribbon on your nightstand for you." I replied with a smile. Eliza smiled in return.

The carriage driver announced that it was time to leave. I whispered a cheerful goodbye to my nephew, and handed him back to his mother. I quickly walked over to the carriage, and shouted a last goodbye before I stepped inside.