• Still Waiting For It • Reader X Aaron Burr

Chapter 22: Charle's Letters

I stepped off of the carriage. I felt nauseous, I wasn't sure if it was morning sickness or the after-affects of riding on a carriage for so long. I glanced at the cottage that I'd called home. It was a lonely, small building. I hated it with all my heart. Still, as soon as the war was done, Charle would either take me across the sea with him or divorce me and steal a large portion of my father's money. I wouldn't have to deal with it for much longer.

    I sighed sadly as my eyes drifted to the mailbox. It was quite empty for me being gone a while but too full for my liking. I opened the mailbox to find multiple letters, about seven or eight, inside. Most bore the British seal.. I'll save those for last. I opened the first letter from Peggy.

                                       •

Dear (Y/N),

I am writing to you because I am extremely worried about Angie and dad. Angie started courting this man who is rumored to have British ties and dad isn't happy about that. They are getting into so many fights. I want to help but I don't want to get caught in the middle of their fighting. We've all really been on edge ever since you married Charle and Liz getting taken really stressed everyone out even more. Please, if you could come over and help everyone calm down, I would be so thankful!

I miss you, Peggy

                                     •

    Aw, poor Pegs. I made a mental note to go over to visit my family. Oh jeez, what would father say when I showed up with a pregnant belly? I shook my head and glanced through the other letters. Most of them were from Charle's relatives overseas, parents and such. I opened the first letter with the British seal.

                                      •

My wife,

We have reached the trenches & camp. It's dry for my liking in Georgia, a disgusting state. Everyone is on edge. I'd be on edge if I was an idiot in a war as well. I'm sick of this cavalry, they wouldn't know a bullet if it hit them in the ass and getting hit by a bullet will most likely happen to most of them.

Regards, Charle

•

I scoffed as I opened the next letter from him. His cockiness will get him killed. I flipped open the next letter. The handwriting looked rushed and shaky, I felt my entire body quiver.

•

Dear (Y/N),

I've never dueled before. The other men tell me I have to confess my sins. I know I'll be gone long before the letter reaches you but I just need to talk to someone before I die. Besides, I owe you an apology and an explanation.

You remind me so much of my old wife, Marina. You have her spirit, so stubborn and gentle at the same time.

She wanted so badly to go to sea. When I took her though, our ship got wrecked somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic. We were found but by the time they got there, it was too late. We were both sick with Yellow Fever. I got better but she went quick.

I know you still hate me and you want to be rid of me. I regret so much making your life hell and I really want to make you happy. I promise, when I get home, I'll make you happy. I'll be a better husband. I know I can't fix what I've done but I really want to make it up to you. You are such an amazing woman and an amazing wife deserves an equally amazing husband. I hope to see you soon.

With much love, Charle.

•

I felt my eyes water a bit. He wanted redemption. I couldn't find it in my heart to forget but I may be able to give him a second chance. I set the letter aside. To my horror, another letter lay in the box. It was like a prisoner reading his guilty verdict. My hands quivered as I opened the final letter.

•

Dear Mrs. Charle Officier,

We regret to inform you that your husband has unfortunately passed away. We offer our deepest condolences. Your husband had participated in a duel. His attacker, however, fired at him 3 seconds too early. Enclosed is 500 pence. It isn't much but hopefully it can help you get back on your feet. Please take care.

General Augustine Taylor
The British Army
Atlanta, Georgia
Troop 119

                                     •

    I wasn't sure what to think. I collapsed to the ground, holding my mouth. On one hand, I was sad. Charle wanted another chance to redeem himself but death wouldn't allow it. On the other hand, I was out of an abusive relationship and I could go home. Not to mention that I could marry Aaron now.

Aaron. My thoughts clouded with worry. How was he? Does he miss me as much as I miss him? Is he still Charles Lee's second? I felt my eyes well up. For both Burr and Charle.

I went inside and picked out a black dress from my wardrobe. I was officially in mourning. I didn't expect to become a widow at 25 but here I am.

I really should visit my dad and sisters, they've probably been missing me. I sighed and stepped out the door. It was a windy day. The sky was blanketed in grey. As I walked to the manor, I noticed the other women from their 20s to their 40s in mourning as well. They looked torn up and grieving. I couldn't help but feel sorry that I didn't feel the same way about Charle. I sighed and continued walking towards the manor, my heels clicking against the concrete.

James opened the door for me. "Welcome back, Ms. Schuyler. You got the news about your husband, I assume?"

I nodded. "Yes, I did."

Suddenly, shouting came up from the parlor I jumped back a second. James chuckled.

"It happens everyday now."

I stopped out of view outside the parlor and listened to the conversation.

Eliza's POV

Angelica paced around the room, her curly hair whipping around.

"Dad, I'm not asking for his blessing! He just wants to stay for the dinner for (Y/N)!"

Father adjusted his glasses and looked up from his documents. "I don't want a Brit staying at this house! I just got back Eliza from the British! Now I should invite one in my house?!"

"Just because he doesn't support the war doesn't mean he's a Brit! I swear, you've gone mad! You listen to those damn rumors; they cloud your judgement!"

"Watch your language in my house! Your little siblings are present!"

John and Philip Jr hid behind my skirt. I sighed and crouched down to meet them.

"Hey, you guys can go play upstairs while the adults talk."

They nodded and ran off. Not a second later, a chorus of "(Y/N)! (Y/N)! (Y/N)'s home!"

(Y/N) walked into the room, a tired smile on her face. Angelica and father smiled widely and rushed over to meet her. She hugged them both. I swear I saw a tear run down her cheek.

Dad adjusted his spectacles, smiling. "It's been a while. How have you been?"

(Y/N) looked down and clutched her stomach. "About that... We need to have a little chat, dad."

^^

I know, I know, I know!

Yes, it's been forever since I've updated. Yes, hell- I mean school has started again. I'm a Freshman, don't judge me XD

I promise I'll try to fit as many updates in as possible. I'm just trying to stay on top of schoolwork and not completely fail everything XD

    Also, ladies and gentlemen... WE HAVE HIT 5k READS! I want to do something special for this milestone so I want your input before you go. Should I do a raffle, an author Q&A or a character Q&A? If you have any other ideas, let me know! Bye!

~ Em