The Spy in New York

An Old Friend

Washington gasped as he surveyed the manor they approached. "This is all

yours?" he asked looking over to Alexandra who is still soaking wet. "Yes, it was a gift from the king when he sent me here to fight" Alexandra said with distaste. Alexander, who was following behind them, looked up and said, "You must have been very important to the king". There was a silence before Washington looked over his shoulder at Hamilton, "You are to go and gather our horses once the general here has shown us to our rooms" he said with a hint of anger. "Yes sir" Hamilton said without protest, for he feels guilty for what has happened to Lafayette. As they approached the large extravagant, blue-grey building with white trim and a black roof, Alexandra quickened her pace to open the door for Washington and Alexander. As they entered Washington and Alexander were greeted by a warm homely feeling, for the sizeable entrance hall was a warm light beige color, had beautiful handmade carpets, and a table off to the side with a beautiful vase placed on it. There was a beautiful landscape painting hanging in the next room over that could be seen due to the open flow between the front rooms. "Well, here we are" Alexandra said closing the door behind her.

She stepped into the room and called out for her servant Lillian. A thin woman of color walked into the room, she was just shorter than Alexandra, and dressed in a servant's dress. Lillian smiled taking the men's coats "Alexandra, would you like some tea made?" Lillian asked pausing after she had finished. "Yes, and prepare some food as well" Alexandra said smiling kindly at Lilian before turning back to the men. "I'll show you all to your rooms, and then Alexander may leave to get your horses" She said sweetly. Alexandra led the men upstairs to three rooms. Each room had a hearth, bed, dresser, and a desk. Hamilton left to gather the horses after seeing his room. As they entered the first room Washington placed Lafayette, who is still wrapped in the cloaks, onto the bed, "Would you help me unwrap him, and get him into the bed?" Washington asked looking to Alexandra. "Of course. I can fetch him some fresh clothes, I can send Lillian to get a shirt, vest and some riding pants from the garrison" Alexandra said as she began unwrapping Lafayette from the now wet cloaks. "That would be very kind of you" Washington said as they tucked Lafayette into the bed. Alexandra nodded before turning and stoking the fire to warm the room. Washington walked over to his room and removed his coat and hung it over the chair before heading downstairs to the sitting room.

Alexandra sat in the sitting room in a clean uniform drinking her tea. Washington approached, clearing his throat to make his presence known. "I've sent for fresh clothes for Gilbert, and Lillian should be back in around twenty minutes. So, feel free to have a seat, and make yourself at home" she said sipping her tea. "May I inquire as to how you know the Marquis, and why you are helping us?" Washington asked sitting in the chair across from her. Alexandra looked over to Washington as she placed her teacup on the table. "Well, I've known Gilbert since I was a young girl in France... I am not English, nor am I French. I am the Hessian king's eldest daughter, and I was exiled at the age of three after the birth of my younger brother. I was sent to live with my aunt, Lady DeauBeaux in France. That's when I met Gilbert, for he and his mother lived next to my aunt." Alexandra said solemnly before drinking more of her tea. "As to why I am helping you, it is because I no longer or ever wanted to serve the King. I was forced into receiving a thorough education and military at the age of thirteen by my father. My father had realized that I would make a great gift for one of his allies. I was gifted to King George at the age of seventeen, and quickly became one of his closest 'friends' and servants. That is how I got my title General Alexandra Michelle DeauBeaux Hesse-Hanover and became the second highest ranking general in the army. So, I want to serve you General Washington, and I believe I can provide you with vital intelligence on the British troops. I no longer wish to be a part of this horrid empire, and you and the revolution are the best shot I have of being freed from being King Georges lap dog." Alexandra said, her piercing green eyes looking hopefully and willingly at Washington. Washington sat in silence for a few moments before saying "Well General, I- I would be glad to accept you into our ranks, and accepting all the intelligence you can give us, but how would you get us information and such?". "I have my ways General Washington, and I happen to be quite good friends with Sir Henry Clinton and can use that to my advantage" Alexandra said as she finished her tea. Washington stood up and reached out to shake Alexandra's hand. As she stood up and grasped Washington's hand Alexandra said, "well it's official then".