When Two Worlds Split

Arrangement

"Good day..." I heard Stephen say, as I waited for him to come to me. I watched my father step down to the first floor. "Stephen!" He said, opening his arms. It was as if they knew each other well... I hated the man I was arranged to marry.

"Peggy, meet your husband."My father said. I stood up, holding out my hand. If this man was supposed to marry me, I would die. Stephen leaned down, kissing the back of my palm. He held his hat behind him. "Pleasure to meet you, my dearest."

I felt chills run down my spine. Only Lafayette was aloud to say those words to me. "The pleasure is mine.." I said, trying to make an impression.
Father smiled, happy that I had been acting kindly. Stephen took a seat by me, the couch shrinking on his side, and I was slightly pushed upwards due to the change in the cushions.
I looked through the window, across the living room. The street beside our house had been empty, except for Stephen's carriage.
I turned back around when I felt smooth skin lace over my hand. I looked down, seeing the ruffles of a sleeve. Looking back up, I saw Stephen's sharp collarbone and dark eyes. His hair was surprisingly not in the formal white updo that most men wore, but it was let loose, the brown streaks of hair falling somewhat in front of his face.
He was blabbering on to father, about how he had been. I suddenly decided to pay attention, when he asked, "So how long do you believe we will be courting?" Stephen asked, his voice sounding almost desperate.
"A month." My father said, continuing. "Peggy might need awhile to get herself... situated."
They continued to blabber on, and eventually Stephen let go of my hand. He stood, leaving, finally.
Immediately after, I rushed up the steep stairway to orchestrate a dramatic yet intriguing letter to Lafayette.

My Dearest Lafayette,
I'm talking to you with unfortunate news.
Stephen Van Rensselaer has been courted with me. I cannot believe my father would do such an inconceivable act, to pair me up with that scoundrel. It's unbelievable. Sometimes I wish Father wasn't so ignorant. He's only doing this to make himself rich! I'd wonder what he'd think if he had known I had been seeing a rough looking, battle-crazed, insanely beautiful man as yourself. If Stephen ends up marrying me I might as well run away to you. It seems very extravagant but it would be my only action. I hope you can let me know how you're doing, or else I might starve from the lack of interaction. You're not running off with any war-maidens, I hope? I mean to keep this letter short, before Father catches me writing to my mysterious love.
Love,
Your Dearest Peggy

I folded the letter off. The more I thought of Lafayette, the more I yearned for his arms around me once again. It was a painful pit in my chest, to know that he may never respond to that letter. I let out a deep sigh, stumbling backwards to turn to the window once again. The streets of winter seemed desolate and plain, the gray sky swirling with pale clouds.

I turned downstairs, only to witness a unfamiliar face in the door. Eliza stood there, her hands covering her mouth and her head facing down as Angelica finished reading a letter to her.
I walked down the steps, asking, "My, what's the matter?" I stared down, as Angelica held in a sharp breath. The mailman at my door turned, walking from the situation.
Her voice broken from her slight tears, She spat out a small sentence.
"John Laurens is dead."