And Peggy

Letters, letters everywhere!

Life has been lonely without Eliza. I even miss her obsessive chatter about Alexander. She and her fiancé have visited us a couple of times in the last few weeks like for Angelica's birthday.

Angelica turned twenty one. We had a high tea with cute little cakes and sandwiches. She got a hair clip and an embroidered clip from mum and dad and a photo of Alex and Eliza from the couple. I could feel her inwardly cringe as she glanced at the photo.

On the night of the wedding when Angelica confessed her love for Alex, we had a talk about how Alex was "Eliza's man" and that there would be other men for Angelica. I could tell that it still hurt for her to see them so happy together.

Alex has gone back to the war front now. Eliza is coming over more often. Especially is that she is with child!

Alex doesn't know yet but Eliza has written to the general asking to send him home. He hasn't  responded yet.

The next morning I wake up to a letter on my desk. The post has already come. The letter has my name on it in handwriting that I know is John Laurens's. I unfold the letter with a sigh.

"Dearest Peggy
We have returned to the battle front. Some days we write essays against slavery and some, we fight. Alex was hoping to get promoted but instead, Washington gave the command to this idiot Charles Lee. I think even he regrets it now after Lee's performance at the Battle of Monmouth. He commanded us to retreat so Washington put Lafayette in charge instead. Lee was left behind which annoyed him and now he's spread rumours about Washington. Alex, being Alex challenged him to a duel but I didn't want to see him be killed so I stepped on and duelled for him. That Aaron Burr guy was Lee's second. When the time came, I was quicker than Lee and shot him in the side. Washington heard the shot from his office and came out to confront us. Alex got in trouble and was sent home (so you might see him soon).
Send my best wishes to your sisters.
Yours truly
John Laurens."

I frown at the letter. What was he thinking? He could have been killed in that duel. It could have just as easily been him who was sent home from the war. I immediately grab an ink pot and paper and start writing back.

I write this to John:
"My dear John,
After reading your last letter, I am filled with concern for your safety. It could have just as easily been you who was shot or sent home. I'm so glad that you're speaking out against slavery! Father says that the war might end soon and then we can go back to a peaceful, simple life.
I await your next letter with hope,
Yours truly
Peggy"
I seal the envelope and kiss it before writing John's name in cursive. I hurry downstairs to give the letter to father before he goes to work so that he can drop it off to postage on the way.

I fly down the stairs just as father reaches for the door handle.
"Wait, father! I have a letter! Can you please take it to the post?"
Father takes the letter and slides it into his satchel. He then kisses me on the forehead and leaves.

The next few days fall into the same routine of school, leisure, check the post, school, leisure, check the post. Eliza comes over and we do gardening together. There is something so satisfying about getting your hands dirty and ripping into the dirt.

A few days later, Alexander comes home. After they he and Eliza have a nice catchup and talk, they burst through our door, red faced and grinning.
"I'm going to be a dad!"
He exclaims as Angie and I rush into the hallway.
He both giggle at his greeting to us and hug him.
Eliza and Alex stay at Schuyler mansion for a few nights. While they are here, the whole household is happy.Everyone is smiling and best of all, we have a dinner party with Penny and Eden! The three of us gossip about which soldiers we like and think of baby names for Eliza. I guess even though being home is meant to be a punishment for Alex, it's a nice change from the stale food and muddy trenches that he is used to.
After a month, Alex is called back to battle. Lafayette is Washington's new general and although he is great at engaging, escaping and enraging the British, as well as getting guns and ships from France, there is someone else they need:

Hamilton!

Eliza is moping around, sad since his departure. Angelica is also depressed. It still hurts to see his face. The house has gone back into its usual routine. The only ray of sunshine is a letter that I got from John this morning.

"Dearest Peggy
While your last letter displayed concern for me and my incident with Charles Lee, I can assure you that I am healthy, safe and that my soldiers position is in no jeopardy. Alex is back with us now and i have moved to" (there is a destination which as been crossed out) "we are all split up now but we will be united once more when we move to" (more cross outs) "we have secured lots of states so hopefully I can return to New York soon. In the meantime, I await you next letter in hope of comfort in these dark times.
Yours truly
John Laurens"

I smile to myself. Oh, how I long for the day when we can live a happy, peaceful life together.

Hey guys!
Sorry that nothing much happened in this chapter. Peggy didn't make any appearances in "Stay Alive" to "Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)" so it was hard to include her in it. Sad, dramatic, happy (or I guess emotional) chapter ahead.
Thank you for reading!
Cocolocosam 🐔🐓☺️