Theodosia stood silently in front of her seething father. She replayed their previous argument in her head.
"'I didn't raise you to be like this!"' She almost shuddered at the thought. "Well?" Aaron bellowed. Theodosia couldn't think of an explanation to make the situation better. Instead, she just smiled. "I'll be in my room if anyone needs me." She called as she turned away and walked up the stairs. She quietly shut the door behind her and waited to hear her father's angry footsteps. But nothing happened. Had she finally done it? Had she finally left Aaron Burr speechless? Exhausted, she collapsed on her bed and slept better than she had in months.
The next day, Theodosia snuck out to her embroidery lessons with Eliza. They sat in the parlor, sipping ginger tea and snacking on finger sandwiches. "So, darling, Philip tells me you're attending the harvest ball?" Theodosia nodded. "He's really head-over-heels for you, do you know that?" She nodded again, a small smile playing across her face. "And do you have a dress?" Eliza asked.
"Ms. Ainsley Williams is sewing one for me, actually."
"Ainsley Williams? How lucky! I've been asking to be a client of hers for years, but she refuses every time."
"My father probably had something to do with that, my deepest apologies." She giggled. Eliza smirked. "Speaking of your father, is he coming to the ball as well? He received an invitation, didn't he?" Theodosia shrugged. "He hasn't mentioned anything." She didn't want to tell Eliza that her father and she hadn't spoken in what felt like forever. "Well, maybe it's best if he doesn't. You know how absurd Alexander can be around men who intimidate him!" Eliza quickly covered her mouth, realizing what she had said. Theodosia giggled. "Now, you didn't hear those words come out of my mouth!" Eliza said with a hearty laugh. They chatted quietly about local gossip for quite some time before Philip came home. "Hello, mother." He said, kissing her on the cheek. "Theodosia! You're...here!" He bit back a grin as she gave him a small nod. "Indeed I am." Philip rubbed his neck nervously before saying, "Well, it was nice seeing you!" and running up to his room. Eliza rolled her eyes. "He thinks I haven't the slightest clue about the two of you. Isn't that adorable?" Theodosia mumbled a reply as she stared after Philip. "Oh, go on."
"Huh?" Theodosia turned sharply back to Eliza. "Go on and 'have a chat' with him," Eliza whispered with a mischievous smirk. "Mrs. Hamilton!" Theodosia exclaimed, both shocked and embarrassed. Eliza gestured upstairs. "Go." She repeated. Theodosia thanked her and stood up. She peered into the gold mirror and fixed her hair before hurrying up the stairs. She slowed to a walk as she neared Philip's room. The door was ajar and Philip seemed to be at his desk, scribbling something on a piece of parchment. "Knock knock!" Theo said, leaning against the wall. He nearly jumped out of his seat. "Oh, did I frighten you?" She asked with a titter. "What? No, of course not." Philip replied, that same nervous tone fluttering from his words. "Right. Can I come in?" Philip hesitated. "I was thinking," He rose out of his mahogany chair. "Maybe we could go out instead? I know a lovely trail we can take." He said. Theodosia looked down at her lengthy beige dress and chestnut heels. "I'm hardly dressed for a hike." She answered. Philip took her hand. "Come on, you're a strong girl. And if you get tired, I'll carry you." Theodosia sighed before obliging. "Alright, but no carrying! I can walk on my own, I'm sure." She said sharply before walking down the hall. Suddenly, a strong pair of arms wrapped around her and lifted her up into the air. "Philip Hamilton! What did I just say?" She squealed before kicking him in the shin. He set her back down into the ground before clutching his freshly bruised leg. "Okay, okay! No messing around with Miss Theodosia, I see." Theo gave him a glare. "Come along, now. You're strong, do you want me to carry you?" She mocked. He chuckled before sneaking a kiss on her cheek.
Philip and Theodosia exited the house, hand in hand. They walked down a sandy path in silence. Theo snuck a few glances at Philip, who looked deep in thought. "Is...everything okay?" Philip looked down at his feet. "Yes, well...I hope..." Theo looked at him, awaiting his elaboration. "I trust you not to tell anyone, but...I think my father is having an affair..." Theodosia gasped. "Alexander...cheating on lovely Eliza?" He squeezed her hand as a horse and carriage trotted by. "Not so loud! But, yes, I think so. Over the summer the family went upstate for a trip, but Father stayed behind to work, supposedly. I think that something happened then."
Theo paused to think. "How do you know?" She asked softly. "I don't." He said. "He's just been acting...odd lately. Maybe I'm overthinking it." Theodosia nodded. "I could never see Alexander having an affair. Eliza is perfect! He could never find anyone better than her."
"You're most likely right. I think I'm going a little bit insane because of all the harvest ball planning." Philip brought Theodosia's hand to his lips. "Is that all I get? A peck on the hand? You give that to all the girls." She complained. Philip swiftly grasped her and tilted her back before giving her a passionate kiss. "Better, love?" He mumbled softly. She nodded, starstruck.
"What did I ever do to deserve you, Philip?"
