When Two Worlds Split

Here

After releasing me, Lafayette's eyes went wide with worry.

"What are you doing here?" He shook his head, inhaling my feminine smell.

"I- I'm getting married." I stammered.

He glared at me with disbelief.

"No, not to me.." He mumbled.

"To Stephen. Stephen Van-"

"Rensselar." He spat, turning his face to the side. He stepped away, leaning against the table placed in the center of the room.

"It wasn't my choice," I took a step towards him.

"I know, I know." Lafayette turned back to me.

"I hate him, Marquis." I felt tears leaking from my eyelids.

"He's a coward." He cupped my cheek and wiped my tears. He changes the subject. "But... how did you get here?"

"I stole- I mean," I paused. "Bought a horse."

"Did they do anything to you?" He gestured to the door.

"They nearly ripped my skirt off." I chuckled.

"Oh, Peggy," He murmured.

"It's fine, it's fine. I stole their clothes instead." I snickered.

"I see that... I've never seen you in pants." Lafayette looked at my legs.

"I like them." I said.

"I like them, too."

We stood in silence for a brief moment, taking in each other's presence.

"I.. I'm sorry, Peggy." He blurted out.

I glared at him, confused.
"Why?"

"For leaving you. Twice." He ran his hand through my tangled hair.

"It's not your fault, Lafayette."

"But-"

His voice was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door. I scrambled to grab my hat, pulling my hair back into it and grabbing grease that had spilled off of the kerosene lamp to dirty my face. I sat at the table, keeping my head low.
The door flew open.

"General Washington!" Lafayette saluted.

"No need for that, Marquis." His voice was low. His height added intimidation to his aura.

"I was just wondering, the troops spotted a young lady in a yellow dress riding through the street on a white stallion."

"Rather strange." Lafayette said, keeping his hands at his sides. He remained calm.

"Have you happened to see this young lady?" Washington said, before sending me a look.

"No, sir. I think the soldiers must have been bluffing. Making up a story to ease each other's ears." Lafayette lied.

"All right, Marquis. Now, who's this? Raise your head, lad." General Washington's voice aimed towards me.
I lifted my head.

"It's-" I lowered my voice.
"Payton. Payton..."
I struggled to find a last name.
"Schumer."

"Payton Schumer," Washington said, addressing my name.

"What is the particular reason you're here in this establishment?" He raised an eyebrow at me.
Lafayette answered for me.
"He was one of the ones claiming to see that woman."

"Well, next time, come to me first." Washington nodded to me.

"Y-yes sir." I murmured.

"What was that?" Washington asked.

"Yes, sir!" I yelled.

The general turned towards Lafayette.
"You'll see fit to decide what to do with this vagabond, Marquis."
Washington then turned, leaving us alone again.

"I'll see fit to decide what to do with you, vagabond." Lafayette joked.

"Well? Where am I supposed to stay?" I asked.

"In my room." He smiled.