Alexander sighs. So much paperwork. Who knew being a butler was so boring?

Then Alexander has to reconsider that thought, because - in truth - he knew it was such a demanding task as evidenced by the tireless work of Mr Washington.

Then again, Alexander is finally gaining footing with the family despite Lady Angelica's evident preference for Mr Greene.

It does feel as though something is missing from his life, however.

He has the job he has wanted since coming to the Schuyler Mansion. He has the friendship, or at least respect, of his colleagues, and that is really all he can ask for, given his previous behaviour.

So why is something missing?

Alexander knows, deep within himself, that he wants someone who loves him unconditionally.

It isn't something that he can legally have, and he's told himself to give up on that several times.

But alas, there isn't very much that can be explained in regards to love, no matter how much the rational part of the brain knows such things.

Alexander has left his pantry door open to receive the letters from James before going up to serve breakfast to Lord Philip and the other members of the family, which seems to consist only of Mr Van Rensselaer and Lady Angelica today.

James brings him the post, handing him the usual post first, followed by anything that he wants to bring the butler's specific attention to.

Today's special post is addressed from...the residence of General Washington?

Alexander blinks in surprise, turning to look at James. James just shrugs and smiles.

Still in awe, Alexander places the letters on the silver platter designed for mail, along with the letter opener.

Climbing the stairs, he enters the chaos of the dining room to find Lady Angelica, Lord Philip, and Mr Van Rensselaer serving themselves breakfast from the side table.

"We really should cut our expenses. Operating this house is quite costly." Mr Van Rensselaer, now the agent along with Lady Angelica, is saying.

Alexander has brought Lord Philip the platter, and now Lord Philip speaks up.

"Well, this will certainly not help in reducing expenses." He sits back, smiling.

"The Honourable General Washington will be visiting the Schuyler Mansion."

The random clutter in the room stops momentarily.

"Pardon me?" Lady Angelica asks daintily.

Alexander almost rolls his eyes at her ridiculous actions. However, if he has learned anything in this house (and he certainly has), it is how to control himself.

"On his tour of New York?" Lady Angelica asks.

"That is what is indicated here." Lord Philip gestures at the paper in his hand.

"Hamilton, please inform everyone downstairs. I will do likewise for the upstairs." Lord Philip says, dismissing Alexander, who walks away with the practiced posture of a butler.

X

Alexander stands in front of the silver table pieces. He knows he should perhaps have a few of them polished.

However, he knows how difficult polishing is, and since General Washington is visiting, his staff will likely choose which pieces to use - which is a waste of James's time and effort.

He is just about to turn away when Lady Angelica surprises him from behind.

"So, Hamilton. Which pieces have you polished?" She asks haughtily.

"Well, m'lady, I thought we would wait until afterwards to polish, since His Excellency's - "

"Well, it is our house - we should be allowed to pick some of the items. Why isn't anything polished?" Lady Angelica cuts in, asking the question that Alexander was midway through answering.

Alexander tries his very best not to sigh.

Luckily for him, James comes to inform him of a guest at the front door.

Alexander breathes relief, as he nods at Lady Angelica before walking away to attend to the door.

X

Alexander pulls open the door to direct General Washington's servants toward the servants' door.

The servants seem to have their own ideas, however, as they march through the front door carrying several cases.

One of the servants, who looks mildly interesting, looks at him kindly as he walks into the house - as though embarrassed at the show of the others and appraising of Alexander's youth at the same time.

They are through the door before Alexander can catch up, and he rushes to open one of the doors. At that exact moment, Lady Angelica appears in the passageway and appraises him, and he does his best to smile.

X

He is tasked with escorting this guest to his room, something that he does not frown upon for once.

The man is considerably more handsome than Alexander had previously noted.

For the purpose of further conversation as the man unpacks, Alexander inquires about how two valets work.

The man smiles good-naturedly and explains it simply, chuckling when Alexander asks if the other valet is often ill.

Alexander decides that he likes his sense of humour.

X

Alexander stands at the head of the table listening to Mr Lee, the 'Page of the Backstairs,' who is decidedly not a butler in title, as he shoves the Schuyler Mansion staff aside roughly.

He is not terribly offended. As long as they do their job and eventually leave the house, it is not much of a problem for him.

In truth, it is a relief that everyone is being pushed aside - which means that he is not being singled out, as he often is in this house.

X

Alexander's presence has been requested in the library, so he hurries up the stairs.

He is met with an unhappy surprise.

"Mr Greene! What may we do for you?" He exclaims.

"This is the thing. Mr Greene will take over for the duration of the General's visit." Lady Angelica jumps in to explain.

Alexander just stares at her. "Pardon?"

"How long has this been planned, milord?" Alexander inquires somewhat roughly.

"It has not been planned exactly -" Lord Philip looks sincerely apologetic at the same time that he glares at Lady Angelica.

"Because I do not quite understand what my position now is." Alexander interjects.

"You may be a sort of…" Philip begins.

"With your permission, I'd prefer not to be a sort-of anything, milord. I shall surrender my position and resume it after the visit if you wish." Alexander interrupts again.

And with that, he turns on his heel and strides out.

Lord Philip says something as Alexander moves, but Alexander does not listen, slamming the door during his speech on the way out.

In the passage, Alexander crumples. He may have just lost his job.

But that is alright. He reasons. If Lady Angelica cannot respect his skill and keeps passing him over, perhaps this is not the right position for him.

The very handsome servant walks by at that moment, so Alexander composes and convinces himself that he needs to move on.

He takes a deep breath and walks to the baize door before pulling it open and stepping inside.

The same servant follows him in at the next moment and Alexander almost loses his breath.

X

The servant, Alexander later learns, is named Mr Laurens - and is not nearly as irritating as his colleagues. Instead, it seems to be his job to smooth over any toes that are stepped on with the resident staff.

This is proved further when Mr Laurens responds that the General's visit is like a swan, with grace above and demented kicking down below.

Not an opinion usually voiced by someone who is obtuse or particularly enjoys working with his colleagues, so Alexander supposes that he is neither.

And before he knows it, he has an outing to Albany with this man whilst he visits his parents, courtesy of Miss Shippen.

He makes a mental note to scowl at Miss Shippen at the next opportunity that presents itself.

X

He has been sitting in the servants' hall for several hours, working on a crossword. Luckily, he has not received news that he has been sacked, which is a lucky occurrence. Although the family is rather occupied, and thus Alexander intends to remain vigilant, just in case.

Alexander has heard that there is a meeting downstairs late at night, and since he has no other appointments decides to join the rest of the staff - led by Mrs Lafayette - Adrienne to most of them - of all people.

As they each take charge of getting rid of or incapacitating some of the staff members, Alexander gets an idea - rather jumping ahead of himself - but he hopes that his plan will work nonetheless.

And that is how he ended with the task of getting the General's footmen out of the way.

X

Alexander stands outside in the courtyard, trying to suppress his smoking habit.

He has been trying to quit for several months, but sometimes he just feels the need to smoke. That brings him to his present position in the courtyard, hoping that standing there will be enough and he will be able to fight the impulse before going up to ask Mr Laurens for a favour.

Just as he is about to cave in and reach for his cigarette case, Mr Laurens joins him in the yard.

Two items accomplished in one action. Alexander thinks to himself, as he is now distracted by the handsome man in front of him too much to worry about cigarettes.

Control yourself. He may not be like you. And even if he is, he does not have to like you particularly. Alexander chides himself.

"Alright, Mr Hamilton?" Mr Laurens asks kindly.

"Quite so. I wondered if I might ask a favour of you?" Alexander jumps straight to the point, not wanting to make a delay and lose his edge.

Mr Laurens, to his credit, looks only mildly surprised. "Certainly, Mr Hamilton. I suppose I should ask what sort of favour first, but I am not too concerned at this point." He looks at Alexander pointedly.

Alexander tries to determine if there is flirting involved in that tone, but decides not to ponder it too much - if it isn't, he will likely either end being reported to the police or at least just look exceedingly stupid.

He almost shudders at how likely the first outcome is. Then he realizes that he has just been standing there stupidly whilst Mr Laurens stares at him with one eyebrow raised in inquiry.

Alexander shakes his head to return to the moment. "Right. My apologies."

"No reason." Mr Laurens replies kindly. "How may I help?"

"Well there is a bit of a problem with the General's footmen…." Alexander begins, as Mr Laurens leans against the house and raises an eyebrow in interest.

X

"The General will not notice! Do as I say!" Mr Laurens is yelling in an impressive impression of some high figure in the General's employ to Mr Lee, the insufferable 'Page of the Backstairs' who apparently finds it demeaning to be called a butler, although that is the nature of his job in earnest.

Alexander almost laughs, but luckily he controls himself - having Mr Lee hear him laughing would most certainly ruin the ruse.

There is some mumbling on the other side before Mr Laurens slams the telephone down on its cradle before smirking at him.

They hightail it out of the post office - wouldn't want anyone to remember the strange gentlemen who came in, yelled into the telephone, and left, after all.

Out in the street, Alexander inquires what Mr Lee said.

"Oh, the usual things. Denial followed by apologies." Mr Laurens says casually. "Do not fret, no one questions the General's organizer, and even if they rang back, they could not trace it to us. I've had years to perfect that impression."

Alexander raises an eyebrow.

"Habit of mine. I have never had an opportunity to use it before today, however, so I thank you for that." Mr Laurens adds in explanation.

Alexander tips his hat cordially. "My pleasure."

"Shall we head into the city?" Mr Laurens asks.

"I find it almost unfortunate that I am not there to witness the enjoyment." Alexander mumbles.

He realizes almost immediately how ungrateful that sounds and quickly tries to correct his error.

"Certainly. Let us go. Where shall I wait for you whilst you visit your parents?" He inquires.

"I imagine we are capable of finding a suitable public house." Mr Laurens says mildly.

Alexander chuckles and continues walking.

X

It has been several hours. Mr Laurens told him that they would meet up after about four hours.

Alexander had wandered around Albany for a few hours - judging by the pocket watch attached to his waistcoat - before returning to the public house in which Mr Laurens had left him.

He looks around the counter, and a stunning gentleman catches his eyes.

The gentleman is giving him what feels like a very overt, but is likely actually subtle, glance.

Alexander looks back at him, trying very hard not to stare - although the man's handsome features are making that rather a challenge.

The man comes around the counter to speak with him and introduces himself as Francis Kinloch.

He remarks that Alexander has been waiting for quite a while before encouraging him to come to a place called "Turton's" or something similar. Alexander has never heard of such a place, but he trusts Francis innately for some reason.

He drains his glass before following Francis out of the public house, although he raises an eyebrow when Mr Kinloch seems wary to give the location to which Alexander and him are going.

He shakes it off, however, deciding that he simply wants to follow this man without asking any questions.

Mr Laurens is in the back of his mind, but with no certainty that he intends to present himself at the public house, Alexander decides that he prefers to enjoy himself for one night at least rather than waiting on people who break promises and let him down. The omniscient knows that he has had too many of those already.

X

Mr Kinloch, Francis, he insists, takes Alexander to a public house that is slightly out of the way.

He looks around furtively before knocking a specific combination on the door. Alexander also looks around in confusion.

A man opens the door, says hello, and steps aside to let them in.

Alexander is shocked by what he sees. There are several men here who are dancing, kissing, and sitting in the laps of, other men. He has never seen anything like it.

He says as much to Francis, who just smiles and asks him for a dance. Alexander obliges, following Francis to a seat on which to remove his coat and cravat.

X

Alexander is just beginning to relax as the alcohol flows into his bloodstream and Francis turns him around and around as they dance.

The dance turns into a tango, and Alexander tries his best to keep up despite being significantly off-balance. Francis whispers in his ear, and Alexander feels himself blushing.

"Is there anyway in which I can make this more comfortable?" Francis inquires.

Alexander is mildly surprised. No one has ever asked him that question before. He decides to be honest. "I - I have never had the opportunity to follow whilst dancing."

"Oh? Would you like to lead then?" Francis offers.

Alexander ponders it. "No. I like following. I've just never had the chance to; I will improve." He promises.

"It is alright if you do not, sir." Francis responds.

It occurs to Alexander that Francis still does not know his name, and he is about to offer it, but Francis twirls him around again.

Alexander is so carried by the momentum that he collapses into a hug, which Francis reciprocates, smiling widely at him.

They continue dancing, but all of a sudden there is a commotion at the entryway to the warehouse.

"Police! Police!" Someone shouts from the doorway.

Alexander's mind goes blank. Police, here? Just when he was feeling safe!

Francis tugs on his shoulder, but Alexander is not paying much attention, and the touch goes unheeded.

"Alright! Gather your belongings! You are coming with us!" The police call.

"Officer, no one is creating any disturbance." Francis insists.

"That is for the judge's discretion." The officer says matter-of-factly.

Judge? Alexander thinks.

"I have never been to this establishment before!" He protests.

"You are here at this establishment presently." The officer effectively ignores him, emphasizing the word establishment in disgust.

With that, Alexander, Francis, and the others are shoved out the doors and into wagons roughly and tripping over one another.

If Alexander had looked aside, he would have seen Mr Laurens lurking around the corner and watching in horror.

As it is, he just looks forward and tries to concede the fact that his life and career are completely ruined.

X

The gate clangs open. "Mr Hamilton!" The guard calls out.

Alexander raises his hand and takes a step forward. Where am I being taken?

The guard approaches, and although Alexander isn't entirely certain what he expects him to say, but it is definitely not what comes out of his mouth.

"You may go." The guard grumbles.

Alexander's eyes widen in surprise. "Go? Me?"

He's aware that pressing the subject is likely not the wisest course of action, but it is too late at this point.

"Yes. Go on, get out of here lest I change my mind." The guard grumbles again, and Alexander needs no further encouragement.

He is out the door and onto the street before the guard has even closed the door. He had debated glancing back at Francis, but decided that owing to the fact that he knows he will see the sadness present there, he opts to make haste lest the image haunt him for life.

Which it likely will anyway. He ponders as he steps onto the street, adjusting his hat.

He looks around to see if the cause for his freedom is still present.

Within moments, his eyes land on Mr Laurens, standing in the corner and leaning against the carriage.

He tips his hat toward Alexander, and it dawns on Alexander what must have happened.

He makes a path toward Mr Laurens, fearing that Mr Laurens is disgusted and will reprimand Alexander before leaving him to call a carriage back to the Mansion.

"Are you the cause of my release?" Alexander says once Mr Laurens is within hearing range.

"No. Extraterrestrial forces pleaded with the police." Mr Laurens wisecracks.

"How did you know where I had left to?" Alexander inquires.

"The owner of the public house informed me. I located the address just as the police arrived. I presented my card to the officer, and that seemed to solve the issue." Mr Laurens explains, offering said card to Alexander as he speaks.

Alexander glances at the card. It states, "Mr John Laurens, Valet to General Washington."

Alexander sighs. "I feel terribly stupid for my actions. Please accept my apologies."

"You will be alright, Mr Hamilton. Please keep in mind that discretion is a virtue in the future." Mr Laurens turns to face him as he speaks, placing one of his appropriately gloved fingers on Alexander's lips.

There is a knowing smirk on Mr Laurens's lips, and the truth collides forcefully with Alexander. Mr Laurens is like him!

His eyes widen in surprise, and Mr Laurens's smirk simply grows as he inclines his head toward the carriage and invites Alexander inside.

X

The ride back to the Schuyler Mansion is undeniably awkward, but Alexander is in so much shock that he cannot bring himself to break the silence.

Mr Laurens seems to sense his unease and tries to create light conversation, but when he makes a remark that Alexander responds to in two words only, he wisely takes the hint to be quiet and allow Alexander to sort his thoughts.

Chief amongst these thoughts is the realisation that he has been saved from a very bleak future and still maintains his position as the butler of the Schuyler Mansion under the condition that Lady Angelica does not find out about his brief time in prison - although he is not truthfully a secret anymore, but that does not help his case.

Alexander takes the opportunity, once his thoughts are sufficiently sorted, to observe Mr Laurens whilst he is slightly distracted by driving to avoid being too obvious, which would be terribly unfortunate.

Mr Laurens - John, his card says, - has pursed his lips and is watching the road as he directs the horses but Alexander notices that John glances at Alexander every so often - but quite discreetly, to his credit, - as if to ensure that he is alright.

Alexander decides to break the silence. "Is it difficult to keep such an inclination hidden in the capital, Mr Laurens?"

"Not too much. I have had an enormity of practice in such action during my life, despite being raised in Charleston. Not to give you the wrong impression, of course." Mr Laurens replies lightly. "My parents have since moved to Albany."

Alexander had already made that connection since John seems to have a southern accent and slightly southern manners indicative of Charleston (although Alexander has never traveled there himself, he is relatively aware of the customs), but it does no harm to hear John make the connection explicitly.

In any case, it creates the foundation for a lengthier conversation, which Alexander is happy to pursue.

X

Alexander is uncertain if he has made his gratitude clear enough, so he decides that he may as well confirm it.

"I feel that I have not thanked you properly for your actions." Alexander begins.

"Yes, well." If Alexander is not mistaken, Mr Laurens looks the tiniest bit abashed at this pronouncement. "We must stay together, gentlemen such as we."

Alexander sucks in his breath, hoping that Mr Laurens might mean slightly more with that statement than he is letting on, although Alexander will not be taking action on that score.

"But yes. It does feel appreciable to seem like two ordinary gentlemen." Mr Laurens continues.

"Will society ever share our views?" Alexander inquires cursorily.

Mr Laurens takes a breath. "I am unsure. Twenty years previous, who would have imagined the colonists could lead a revolution?"

Alexander smirks, as this is an excellent comparison. They continue walking together and into each other all the way inside.

X

Alexander pulls the key for the servants' door that he has become accustomed to carrying in the last year and a half from his waistcoat pocket, using it to unlock the door as it clicks loudly in the lock.

Once inside, he and Mr Laurens remove their coats and hats and stand somewhat awkwardly in the front hall.

Mr Laurens looks like he has something in mind for them to do, but Alexander does not want to rush anything, and he certainly is not going to make the first move.

So instead, he inquires on a softer basis. "Would you like some tea?"

"Certainly. Lead the way, good sir." Mr Laurens places his hat on his head again for a moment before sweeping it off in a grand gesture.

"Thank you." He adds, managing to make it not sound like an afterthought, which Alexander is certain that it is not, if he knows anything about this man in front of him.

Alexander laughs at the gesture, leading the way to the kitchen and silently thanking Mrs Ball for teaching him how to boil the kettle and make tea himself, although her intentions at the time had certainly not been for this intent.

Alexander shakes his head to clear it as he places the kettle on the flames.

Mr Laurens has joined him in the kitchen, leaning against the kitchen counter and smirking.

Alexander finds that to be an oddly comforting action, surprised that Mr Laurens would join him whilst he is performing such a domestic task rather than waiting in the hall as most gentlemen do.

Then again, this gentleman is not 'most people' nor usual. Alexander supposes.

Alexander is thinking of a logical point from which to begin a conversation, but before he knows it Mr Laurens - John, he reminds himself, - has begun an intriguing discussion that keeps the two of them engaged into their consumption of the tea and subsequent retirement to bed without it ever feeling forced.

It surprises Alexander. He had forgotten that conversations existed that did not feel forced, and it gives him renewed wishes that Mr Laurens will agree to be his friend and to keep in contact once he returns to Albany with the General.

He falls asleep with a smile on his face.

X

Alexander wakes up slightly late, having stayed awake until a very early hour this morning.

Fortunately, he is not on duty. Unfortunately, however, he has woken up only slightly later than he is usually forced to wake up. He attributes it to the force of habit. He dresses slowly before deciding to join the servants downstairs for breakfast.

It is in his mind that Mr Laurens will be leaving today, and Alexander will no longer have his excellent company. He hopes again that Mr Laurens will keep in contact with him.

He lingers in the hallway, eyeing the door to Mr Laurens's room.

Just as he has decided to knock on the door in case he has not yet gone downstairs, the door opens and Mr Laurens steps out, dressed in the usual attire of valets but somehow making it look more attractive than Alexander has ever before seen such a uniform look. Well, at least he has been saved from the embarrassment of knocking. He thinks, walking toward Mr Laurens slightly beyond the pivot of the hallway.

Mr Laurens does not speak to Alexander as Alexander reaches the stairs and then descends them.

He does, however, smooth his tie and jacket as he follows swiftly after Alexander.

At the bottom of the stairs, Alexander stops and turns around to face Mr Laurens.

Mr Laurens quirks his lips slightly in a gesture that leaves Alexander puzzling at its suggestiveness.

Alexander watches as Mr Laurens holds onto his tie and jacket as he sweeps into the servants' hall. Alexander takes a deep breath before following him.

As they take seats opposite one another, Mr Laurens smiles at him from the other side of the table, whilst Alexander busies himself in pouring some tea because he is trying not to be upset that Mr Greene has taken his seat once again.

The conversation flows around them, but Alexander focuses on his toast and on not reddening under Mr Laurens's watchful gaze.

X

After breakfast, Alexander returns to what is thankfully once again his pantry.

He is later tidying some papers that have gotten pushed into various random drawers - Alexander suspects that Mr Greene is not responsible for this clutter - whilst the General's staff makes preparations to leave and move into the next house that they will inevitably disrupt.

Suddenly, there is a knock on the open door as Mr Laurens steps inside.

Alexander hurries to stand and bid him farewell.

Mr Laurens steps into the middle of the room, not looking at anything but Alexander.

"I suppose you will be on your way back to Albany then." Alexander begins, in a sincere effort to not make those words sound resentful or like he is pushing Mr Laurens out.

Thankfully, Mr Laurens does not take it that way. Instead, he replies simply. "The carriages will carry us back to the city."

Alexander takes a deep breath. This is it. This moment matters more than anything that Alexander can remember mattering in many years.

"I do hope that we may remain in contact." He ventures tentatively.

Gaining a smile from Mr Laurens gives him the extra courage to add on to this statement in a way that he hopes will show his sincerity. "I feel that I have at long last met an amicable companion and good friend."

Mr Laurens raises his eyebrows. "Is that who you have met, Mr Hamilton?"

Alexander barely has time to register Mr Laurens's raised eyebrows, the wonderful way that his name sounds on Mr Laurens's lips, and the gloom that follows his actual statement. His heart drops as he curses himself. It was foolish to assume that anyone would like to be friends with him.

As soon as this realisation sinks in, however, it is quickly washed away by Mr Laurens's lips on his own. Alexander is taken by surprise to a degree that it takes a moment for him to return the kiss, his fingers sliding around to the back of Mr Laurens's head to gently pull him closer.

"The General is taking his leave." A voice suddenly calls through the open door.

Alexander jumps backwards, mercifully not knocking into Mr Laurens's jaw with his erratic movements.

"Thank you." Mr Laurens does not miss a beat in replying, giving Alexander yet another reason to admire and appreciate him.

They stand apart, breathing heavily, and Alexander reflects that he is grateful that he is not the only one gasping after their intense kiss.

Mr Laurens looks at him, pulling an object out of his pocket. "I would like you to have this. It is not a particularly fancy piece, but it has been in my possession for many years."

Alexander tries his best not to look too shocked. He gently takes the object, which turns out to be a very delicate pocket watch.

He almost wants to refuse the watch, saying that he does not deserve something of John's. However, this is more likely to come across as a rejection of any kind of relationship between them, and with his background in watches, Alexander can recognize the beauty of this watch in a glance.

So instead, he takes the watch and spreads it within his injured and gloved hand.

He looks up as Mr Laurens speaks again.

"It will help to remind you of me." He pauses. "That is the purpose, correct? So that you may think of me until we have the opportunity to meet once more?"

Alexander almost stops breathing. The meaning of this gesture is not lost on him. He had thought that this would be a one-time occurrence with someone like him. To imagine that someone wishes to be in a continuous and long-distance relationship with him is almost impossible.

Not wanting to look like an idiot, he looks back down at the watch.

"Thank you." He replies earnestly, and he hopes that Mr Laurens can hear the sincerity in such a simple phrase.

They smile at each other for another moment before Mr Greene's voice is heard calling Mr Laurens.

"Mr Laurens, you must join us upstairs for the General's departure!"

It's not shouted, really. It is more called from a long distance. Despite the multitude of more important things for him to focus on, not least the incredible gentleman in front of him, Alexander finds himself thinking about this trivial occurrence.

Mr Laurens, however, looks at him, as if asking permission to leave.

Truth be told, it startles him a bit. No one has ever cared about him or his permission to do anything.

Before this can conjure its inevitable plethora of shameful memories, Alexander forces the memories down, focusing on the sheer unimaginable fact that Mr Laurens is asking permission, and what that says about him.

Although it feels as though an eternity has passed since Mr Greene called from upstairs, it is - mercifully - only a moment or two before Alexander finds himself nodding and murmuring "Yes," in a remarkably hoarse voice that is unlike him.

Mr Laurens nods and takes his leave, swinging his hat and coat gently as he climbs the stairs to the upstairs floors, and Alexander watches until he disappears out of sight.

Alexander finds himself silently cursing that he did not close the door after Mr Laurens entered. In review, however, it is likely fortunate, as Mr Laurens almost certainly would have missed his carriage had the door been closed.

If he was not nearing forty years of age, he would have blushed at that thought.

He sighs softly and reexamines the beautiful pocket watch. He must let Mr Laurens go, for now. He thinks with a smile, knowing how many times the for now part has been nonexistent or removed within his relationships.

X

Promptly one week later, Alexander receives a letter written in firm but beautiful handwriting amongst his other letters related to being the butler of the Schuyler Mansion.

He pulls the top part of the letter out of the envelope.

It begins:

Dear Mr Hamilton,

Please do not think me overeager, but I missed you so greatly that I felt compelled to write to you.

Alexander smiles, shaking his head slightly and sliding the letter back into the envelope.

He will read this one later, in privacy.


A/N: Happy New Year! Thank you for reading! Some dialogue is taken from the Downton Abbey film, which I do not own. A few extra scenes have been added by my discretion. Reviews are appreciated!

Historically, Mrs Eleanor Ball Laurens was John Laurens's mother. Francis Kinloch was John Laurens's previous relationship - from which he was recovering when he met Alexander Hamilton. Adrienne de la Fayette was General Lafayette's wife. Peggy Shippen was Benedict Arnold's wife, who convinced him to defect to the British war effort as one of the highest-paid spies of the time.

Please pardon that the telephone did not exist at that time - I could not find anything to replace it with that was time period-appropriate.

A poll is present on my profile page for which of my three incomplete stories I should complete first. Thank you!

-HamiltonAsparagus