[A.Ham]
A Winter's Ball. I can't believe I'm actually going to Jefferson's ball. Much less with Eliza, but I'm a little excited nonetheless. Eliza really came through with the necklace. On it, "a. ham." etched into the metal. It was perfect. I had Muda's key on a leather cord around my own neck, tucked hidden under my shirt. I'll admit, I was nervous. What if she didn't want her freedom? What if she didn't want me? What if she leaves with Lafayette or Washington once she's freed? What if-
"I can hear you thinking, Alexander. Calm down." Eliza came into my study, closing the door behind her. I tugged at my jacket again, straightening it for the tenth time.
"I don't know what you mean, I don't think aloud, Betsy." I defended, but she just clicked her tongue and walked closer to me.
"If you're worrying that she'll reject you, don't. Just be yourself, she obviously likes you as you are." Gentle hands massaged my shoulders and prompted me to release the tension I was holding. I sighed, slipping the necklace into my pocket.
"It's just... scary not knowing what she's thinking. Even with her way to communicate, she's still very reserved." I pulled my hair back, tying it off neatly. "I adore her, 'Liza. I really do. I want her to be happy with me."
"She must like you if she's put up with you this long. Now hurry up, Lafayette just arrived and I need to help Muda with her hair." She patted my back, "Don't stay in your head. Talk to Lafayette, you've still got about twenty minutes until we leave." And with that, she left. I sighed again, picked up an envelope Washington gave to me when he gave me Muda's papers and opened it.
From the desk of the standing President, George Washington
Papers of Manumission
Simple order to overrule current law pertaining to the slave under ownership of A. Hamilton and granting them freedom to be a citizen in the United States of America with all rights and privileges that go with it...
He knew. Of course he knew. I chuckled to myself and headed downstairs, tucking the envelope away in my jacket pocket.
"Evening, Hamilton. Eliza says you are nervous?" Lafayette patted my shoulder as I got near.
"Well, wouldn't you be if you were worried about rejection?" I slipped my hand in my pocket, the necklace tangling around my fingertips.
"Amie, you are rarely afraid of anything in your life. You're the biggest hardass in this country, and probably most of Europe."
"Yea yea, but this isn't politics. This is a woman, one I really want to spend my days with." I shoved him, only earning me another hearty laughter.
"You'll be fine. Just be who you are. Your charm is impeccable." He reassured me as we heard the click of heels descend the stairs. Turning, we caught gaze of our partners for the evening. Eliza was beautiful as always, and Muda... perfection. I really did not deserve her. The icy blue of her dress, the way it hugged her waist to the wrap covering her shoulders, her hair in a long braid that laid over her shoulder. I was speechless.
"Madams, you are more beautiful than ever." Lafayette spoke, giving me a nudge as he stepped past me to the giggling pair.
"I- yes! Beautiful." I stuttered slightly. I stared at Muda's collar, the thick leather like a blemish on her skin. I wanted it gone already. "Muda, come here a moment." My girl had been tense ever since yesterday's encounter with Angelica. I knew she was frightened of what I meant, but she has to trust me. I undid the cord around my neck, taking the key from under my shirt. She swallowed nervously as I prompted her to turn around. In less than a heartbeat, the lock was undone and the collar fell limply around her neck as I pulled it away. "You won't be needing this tonight. It's not worth what you are." I stated, dropping the object into a nearby chair. She was shivering, but I continued. "Instead, you will wear this." I took the necklace from my pocket and brought it around her neck, connecting the ends.
Glancing past her shoulder, I watched my friends smile proudly, Eliza wiping away a few tears from her eye. I smiled back, leading Muda to the mirror hanging in the foyer so she could see it. Her eyes were already wet with tears, her fingers found the small plate of the necklace and traced the letters in it. She turned and threw her arms around me, I almost stumbled from the surprise of the hug, but held her closer than ever. I smoothed her back, finally pulling her back so I could lean her forehead against mine, gazing into her smiling eyes.
"How sweet, my friends, but we still have a ball to attend. Shall we?" Lafayette held his arm out for Eliza with a cheesy smile, earning a giggle from her as she took it.
"We shall." She said, lacing her hands over his arm. "Come on, you two, you can cuddle later." Muda and I blushed equally hard as we pulled away from each other. I cleared my throat, shaking my shyness as best I could and offered her my arm.
"May I have the honor of accompanying you to the ball?" I asked, bowing slightly. Muda's gentle laughter soothed me, her arm lacing into mine. I gleamed with pride and thankfulness, taking her hand to my lips to lay a kiss on it as we left the house to the carriage.
Let's make some memories.
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10/10/17
YOU ARE READING
Muda
Fanfiction"Jefferson, what's this?" I frowned, glancing over the chained woman standing beside him. "A peace offering, maybe a little incentive to stir on the compromises in the debate we had the other day." Thomas replied, as if it were obvious. "This is a...
