When Two Worlds Split

Ideas

It had been two days since I talked to Stephen. It was a truly chilling experience. And now that my father had known about the letters, it would be no different to simply forget about Lafayette.

But I couldn't. 

I had to go see him. Even though he was miles away, there had to be some way for me to get there. 

But it was too dangerous. I would get shot. The British have been invading, and there would simply be no way that I could get to Lafayette while not being assumed a soldier's prostitute.

That is, unless I didn't make my presence known.  I could sneak in. Find a horse, ride there on back roads. 

Yes. I will run.

I glared at the ceiling of my room, contemplating these things. Hours and hours went by, of me running the same situation over and over again in my head.

Find a horse.

Get out of the house.

Collect needed supplies.

Run away.

Find Lafayette.

And live happily ever after.

It seemed too foolish. What would Angelica and Eliza think of me? What would Stephen do?

To hell with Stephen and my sisters.. and my father, most importantly.  

I heard my door creak open.

"Peggy," Eliza said. "Dinner." She gestured for me to get up. I did, but slowly. I walked across the hardwood floors, picking up my dress and fixing my hair.

I stepped down the steep hallway, glaring down at the dinner table.

There were five seats.

One for Angelica, one for Eliza, one for me, and one for my father. And one for Stephen, of course. 

I felt a cold shiver run down my spine to the small of my back. My feet lightly tapped the wood.

Stephen pulled the chair out for me, and I sat down. Just the fact that his hands were near me made me want to scream and push him away.

After saying grace, we all grew silent. Stephen seemed to be the cause. We were all uncomfortable. 

"So, how is the stew?" Angelica asked, grabbing the plate of bread that had been sitting by her. 

"It's great." My father said, taking his spoon and eating a bit more.

I poked the stew with a fork. 

"Why aren't you eating, Peggy?" Eliza asked, sending a glare at me.

"I'm not hungry."  I insisted, nibbling on a piece of bread.

Stephen began to talk to my father about legal matters. Revolution, and all. But he talked about himself, mostly. How he got into the continental congress's debates and discussions. It was all so boring. 

Eliza looked up when Stephen asked her a question. 

"How is Alexander?" He asked, before taking a sip of his drink.

"Alexander? Well, I don't know. He's been trying to get a hold of Washington. After Charles Lee retreated... well, I.. I hope he'll be home soon."

Eliza quickly finished up eating.

"Father," She said, "I have to go to my room.. for just a moment." Eliza excused herself from the table. She held her hands to her lower abdomen, which was now holding a baby. She walked upstairs, as silent as a mouse.

"Angelica, you're the oldest one here. Why haven't you been taken by someone yet?" Stephen asked her. He seemed to be pulling for conversation. Eliza's empty seat seemed to make the situation even more awkward than it already was.

"Oh, Father has been planning to marry me off to someone in London. I'll be leaving to meet him  again in a few months." 

"Mr. Schuyler," Stephen said, "is this true?" 

"Why, of course. In fact, Angelica will be leaving for London in a matter of weeks."

Oh no,

No one told her. She isn't ready to leave. Not yet. 

Angelica stood up. 

"Your dishes, please." Everyone had finished their dinner. She brought the plates and bowls to the kitchen. Her face was flushed with embarrassment.

She went upstairs.

"Well, you two can talk more about your business. I'll be in my room." I hurried upstairs. I closed myself in my room, opening a few windows. 

I wanted to leave, now. 

I glared over at my dresser. Sitting atop of it was a bag of clothes, three pence, and ten shillings. 

I could leave.

Do it. 

Leave.

I grabbed the bag and the money, and I made my way to the window. I traced my hand over the railings of the window, I looked back at my room, for one last time.. for a while. Luckily, my house was on a slope. So, the second floor was jump able. I took off my shoes, threw them to the grass below, and I jumped down onto the soft grass.

I heard Angelica's window creak open. I looked up at her. 

She mouthed out the words, "Go." 

So, I left. I grabbed my bag, and my shoes, and I ran.