The Blood Red Rose

Chapter 13

Thomas Jefferson let out a content sigh as his carriage slowed to a stop. Goodness it had been a long day of traveling. Thomas was happy though.

Sure, the foreign land of France had been exciting, but he was looking forward to returning to his lovely home, well mansion, have a meal cooked by his servants and sleep in his feathered bed.

The carriage stopped completely and the door was opened by a servant.

"We are here Sir." The young boy said.

Thomas simply hummed, exiting the carriage and walking up to his home.

"Ah, Monticello." He said, grinning. "Did you miss me?"

His house didn't reply of course, but Thomas paid it no mind. He was smiling as he entered his home, dropping his coat in the waiting arms of a servant. He strolled along, sighing happily at finally returning to his simply gorgeous house.

"Excuse me sir?" A meek voice said, interrupting Thomas' fantasies about sleeping in his feather bed and eating his warm, delicious home cooked meal.

He turned to the girl scowling. "What?" He snapped.

The girl, Sally he thought her name was, cowered slightly under his glare.

"T-This came for you in the mail sir." She said, holding out an envelope. Thomas snatched it from her hands.

"Go." He ordered with a wave of his hand. He tore open the letter as the girl scurried away.

"George King?" He said once reading who the letter was from. His nose wrinkled with distaste. "Why is that brute contacting me?"

As he read the letter, Thomas began to feel annoyed. "How dare he think that I would drop everything just to help him in some ridiculous scheme!" He cried.

You see, Thomas was the owner of the only mental asylum in Yorktown. He and his close friend James Madison were the ones who decided if a person should be sent there.

Thomas' eyes flickered back and forth as he read.

"Sarah Burr?" He muttered. "That girl is far from crazy... And she's harmless."

He threw the letter to the floor which a servant hurried to pick up.

"I suppose I could go meet him. I am curious as to what his motives are..." He mused. "You there!"

The boy who was picking up the letter squeaked and stood at attention. "Yes sir?"

"Prepare the carriage." Thomas said, strolling over to receive his coat and cane. His mouth twisted into a grin. "We are going into town."

The boy nodded and rushed away, still clutching the letter.

---

Thomas strolled into the tavern elegantly. With his bright purple clothing, he immediately caught everyone's attention.

"Mr Jefferson."

Thomas looked in the direction and frowned when he saw tall but meek Samuel Seabury practically skip over to him.

"Mr Seabury." Thomas basically sniffed. Aside from Mr King himself, nobody but Seabury matched Thomas in height.

"Just this way please." Seabury said, sounding far too cheerful.

Thomas obliged, following him to a small table that was pretty far away from the rest. He grabbed a chair and plopped down. Across the table, George King sat looking stupidly menacing.

"So," Thomas said. "Why does this scheme of yours need me?"

"Aaron Burr." George said. "I want to marry him."