Alexander Hamilton

Alexander, Aaron, and John looked on as Washington read the latest letter from Congress. He was biting his nails and pacing the office of his quarters. As he neared the bottom of the letter, he swore. Washington rarely swore.

"They have done it." He muttered at last.

Alexander blinked, astonished. He looked to John and Aaron. Their reactions were similar to his own. None of them seemed able to believe that Congress had actually passed the bill that had been the topic of such intense scrutiny.

The bill had been put forth by John Adams, at Abigail Adams' behest. It proposed the admission of unmarried women into the American militia. It permitted women to serve in the military, alongside of men. No one had believed that such an incredible bill would be passed, least of all Washington. Though he was careful to keep from sharing his opinions with his men, it was clear that privately, he was viciously opposed to the concept.

Washington's opinion did not matter. Congress had passed the bill. Women would be joining the militia. Women would be arriving at Washington's camp within the next few months.

"What will do, sir?" Alexander asked after a long pause had passed.

Washington sighed. He finally turned to look at his aides.

"We will do what we must." He replied grimly. "We will adapt."


Angelica Schuyler

"Angelica, are you sure about those clothes?" Eliza frowned at Angelica's uniform. "Mother would be in tears if she could see you. And General Washington…won't he write to Father telling him about it?"

Once she had convinced her father to allow her and Eliza to join the militia, Angelica had snuck to the tailor's shop and ordered a uniform for herself. It was the same uniform that the men wore. She would not suffer through a battle in a dress. She was furious to discover that men's clothing was fantastically comfortable when compared to women's clothing.

Eliza refused to order a uniform. She insisted on wearing her dresses. Their father had secured Eliza a position as a medic's assistant. She felt that she did not need a uniform for such a task.

As for Angelica, her father had managed to secure her a position as one of George Washington's aides. It was a desk job, he assured her, but it would allow her to meet some of the most powerful men in the country. He was hopeful that she would find a good match in her position. Women were no longer permitted to serve in the militia once they were married.

"I have never been so sure, Eliza." Angelica assured her younger sister. She cast her a confident smile. Eliza smiled back.

Eliza was the only reason that their father had allowed the two of them to go to General Washington's camp. Unlike Angelica, Eliza truly wanted to find a husband during her tenure in the militia. She wanted nothing more than to find a good match, get married, have children, and run a household.

Angelica did not want any of that.

"What do you think the men will be like?" Eliza wondered, looking around their small cabin uncertainly. "Do you think they will be kind?"

"Well," Angelica hesitated. She did not think the soldiers they would find in Washington's camp would be anything like the dashing figures that Eliza imagined. "We already know General Washington. He is very polite."

"There is no better gentleman." Eliza agreed. "But do you think the soldiers will be so polite?"

"We must remember that many of the soldiers are common men who have not had the advantages that General Washington and Father have had. We must forgive them when they seem a bit coarse." Angelica said.

Eliza nodded eagerly.

"Of course we must." She agreed.

They were quiet for a moment. Angelica was content with the silence. Eliza, it seemed, was not.

"I have heard that there are other ladies aboard the ship." She said, fidgeting with her hands a bit. "I wish that we could have some sort of…oh, I don't know…some sort of party so that we might all meet one another."

Angelica couldn't help but smile.

"You want to meet the other ladies who will be looking for a husband." She said.

Eliza blushed.

"There are plenty of husbands to go around." She replied.

"Hm." Angelica tilted her chin. She did not believe Eliza, but she did not wish to devolve into petty squabbling so early in their journey. "Why don't we walk aboard deck and see if any of the other ladies are about? Perhaps we might meet the competition."

"All right." Eliza agreed with a smile.

They rose from their seats with some difficulty. Neither of the women had found their sea legs just yet. They exited their cramped cabin and staggered through the hallway towards the stairs leading up to the deck.

"Oh!" Eliza exclaimed. "I forgot my hat. I cannot show up to camp with a sunburn and a face full of freckles!"

Angelica smiled good-naturedly. She did not mind appearing before men with defects such as a sunburn or freckles.

Eliza hurried back to the cabin to retrieve her hat. Angelica waited patiently in the hallway.

Suddenly, Eliza let out a high-pitched squeal that pierced through the ship.

"Peggy!" Eliza then howled.

People began to poke their heads out of their own cabins. Angelica ignored their inquisitive stares.

"Did you say Peggy?" She walked back over to their cabin. She stopped when she reached the doorway.

Peggy Schuyler was the youngest of the Schuyler sisters. She was only sixteen and had not yet been brought out into society. Their father had not allowed Peggy to accompany Eliza and Angelica to George Washington's camp. He had said that Peggy was too young, and that their mother still needed some company during the war.

Yet, there was Peggy, looking abashed as she stood in the middle of the cabin.

"I could not very well stay behind while you two got to have all of the fun!" Peggy tried to argue, by way of justifying her status as a stowaway. "It wasn't fair! Eliza is only a year older than I am."

Eliza looked to Angelica to counter Peggy's argument. Eliza was always looking to Angelica to solve any problems they encountered.

"Fair or not, Father told you to remain home!" Angelica replied, exasperated. "How did you manage to make it on the ship without us noticing?"

"I hid in Eliza's trunk." Peggy's face reddened. "I had to remove a few of her dresses to make room."

"Peggy!" Eliza exclaimed, aghast.

"How are we going to get you back to New York safely?" Angelica wondered. "You cannot travel alone, but Eliza and I cannot accompany you when we have already pledged our time to General Washington."

"I suppose you cannot send me home, then." Peggy replied, still abashed but unmistakably triumphant. "You must take me with you to General Washington's camp. I am certain that there will be plenty of opportunities for me to make myself useful."

Angelica was frustrated with Peggy, but she could not deny the small sense of pride in her sister. She had wanted something that was not granted to her by their father, so she had concocted a plan to achieve it for herself. Angelica would have done the same thing, had she been in Peggy's position.

"All right." She told Peggy with a small sigh. "All right, Peggy. Welcome to the miltia."


Alexander Hamilton

"Here they come!" Aaron Burr crowded the tiny window to get a better look at the women who would soon become a part of the camp.

"Watch those elbows of yours." John grumbled, nudging at Aaron.

Though Alexander often envied John for being placed at the desk near the window, he did not envy him today. He grinned as Aaron danced just out of reach of John's nudging elbows.

Washington emerged from his office at this moment. John and Alexander jumped to their feet, looking ahead respectfully. Aaron swung around to face Washington. He held his hands behind his back, obviously hoping that Washington had not noticed his eagerness to see the young women who were to be his new colleagues.

"Gentlemen," Washington addressed them. "It appears that the ladies who will be serving our cause have arrived. Mrs. Washington is joining them, and has been asked to escort them directly to my quarters. I will address them personally. Afterwards, I will ask each of you to assist in showing the ladies about camp. I expect you to behave as gentlemen."

"Yes, sir." The three men chorused.

"Very good." Washington cast them each a stony glare before moving towards the door of his quarters. He opened it with a flourish, waving away the groom who had hurried forward to perform the menial task himself.

"Welcome, ladies." Washington called, bowing far lower than he typically did. He was feigning humility for the sake of the ladies. Washington always behaved differently around the ladies. It might have been amusing, if Alexander did not have to suppress the urge to roll his eyes.

"General Washington." Martha Washington greeted her husband with a bright smile and a graceful curtsy. "May I present your new charges? These are General Schuyler's daughters, Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy."

Alexander raised his eyebrows. He had handled the paperwork for two of the Schuyler daughters - Angelica and Eliza - but he had been under the impression that the youngest, Peggy, was to remain at home with her mother.

"It is a pleasure to see you once again, ladies." If Washington was surprised, he did not show it. He bowed to the three Schuyler sisters as they stepped forward to present themselves.

Alexander took the opportunity to assess each of the sisters. They were of particular interest to him due to their family name. The Schuylers had magnificent connections and wealth beyond compare. He could do no better, should he make a match with one of them.

"You are kind to include us in this progressive venture, General Washington. I hope we may prove ourselves worthy of your kindness." The eldest, Angelica, said. She looked up from her curtsy with a wry smile that stopped Alexander's heart in his chest.

Unlike her younger sisters - unlike every other lady in the country - Angelica Schuyler was dressed in a fashion which Alexander had never before seen on a woman. She was wearing a uniform, just like his. A man's uniform. It clung to every curve on her body in the most indecent manner. Alexander had to avert his eyes to avoid staring.

Washington nodded and smiled at her, then looked to Martha for the next introduction. He ignored the curious uniform that Angelica was wearing, as any proper gentleman should.

"This is Miss Theodosia Bartow." Mrs. Washington introduced the next young lady. She stepped forward, her eyes cast downward in a demure gesture of respect. "Formerly Miss Theodosia Provost."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bartow." Washington did not bow as low for Theodosia as he had for the Schuyler sisters. Mrs. Washington's words had suggested that she was divorced, for a widow would have never returned to her maiden name.

She was attractive enough, but her questionable social standing allowed Alexander to pass over that fact with relative ease.

"The pleasure is all mine, General Washington. I have heard nothing but praises whenever your name is spoken." Theodosia replied.

"I am certain that I have done nothing to deserve such recognition. I am humbled by the regard to which my peers hold me." Washington said without much conviction.

Theodosia curtsied once more, then moved to stand beside the Schuyler sisters. A fifth lady stepped forward.

"Last but certainly not least, this is Maria Lewis." Mrs. Washington gestured to the final young lady.

She curtseyed, maintaining eye contact with Washington the entire time. She was not nearly as demure as the Schuyler sisters, or Theodosia. Alexander had never heard of the Lewis family, but he could not deny the intrigue that Maria elicited. If he could not charm any of the Schuyler sisters, he might entertain Maria. At least, until he could find a more suitable match.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Lewis." Washington bowed the same shallow distance as he had for Theodosia. Clearly, Maria was not to be held in the same esteem as the Schuyler sisters.

"General Washington." Maria dipped her head just enough to be respectful. Her dark lashes swept over her freckled cheeks. Alexander licked his chapped lips.

Washington cleared his throat and turned to look at his aides. Alexander straightened his posture and hoped that his expression did not betray the level to which he was scrutinizing the women before him.

"Ladies, may I introduce you to my aides? This is Aaron Burr." Washington first gestured towards Aaron.

Aaron bowed too low and nearly lost his balance. He stumbled forward and swung back up, his eyes wide with embarrassment.

Angelica Schuyler turned her head as she stifled a laugh. Eliza looked at him endearingly. Peggy pressed a hand to her face to conceal a smile. Theodosia shook her head and smiled openly. Maria looked at Aaron as though he was the silliest man in the world.

"Ladies." Aaron nodded towards the women, but did not make eye contact with anyone.

"This is John Laurens. His father is Henry Laurens, president of our Continental Congress." Washington moved on before Aaron had another opportunity to embarrass himself.

"Colonel Laurens." Angelica spoke up as Eliza and Peggy broke out into polite smiles. "It is so wonderful to see you again. I trust that your family is well?"

"Very well, thank you, Miss Schuyler." John replied, nodding curtly towards Angelica. He then glanced in Theodosia and Maria's direction. He imitated Washington's shallow bow. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Lewis and Miss Bartow."

Alexander could tell from the tightness of John's smile and the strain in his voice that he did not much care for Angelica Schuyler. He would have to ask John about the nature of his disdain once the ladies were not around. He wished to know all that there was to know about each of the Schuyler sisters.

"And this is Alexander Hamilton." Washington finally moved to him.

Alexander bowed in a carefully practiced manner. Aaron and John could afford to flout social proprieties; they had family names and plenty of money to secure a good match. Alexander had his manners and only his manners.

"It is my greatest pleasure to welcome you to our humble camp. I hope you find it acceptable." He said as he straightened his posture again.

He received only smiles from the ladies. Considering the mixed expressions that Aaron and John had received, Alexander considered this a moderate victory. Evidently, so did Washington.

"Colonel Hamilton," He said. "I would like you to show the ladies to their quarters. Mrs. Washington will accompany you. She is to be the matron of the house."

Mrs. Washington flushed with pleasure. Alexander smiled at her. He liked Mrs. Washington a great deal. She acted as a mother to all of the aides; ensuring that they ate a sufficient amount, got enough rest, and were in otherwise good health.

"It would be an honor, Your Excellency." Alexander agreed straight away.

It could only benefit him to be the first man to interact with the ladies in such a small group.

He held the door open for the ladies - ignoring the groom's offers to do such a task for him - and moved to guide them towards the building that would become their quarters.

"Tell me, Mr. Hamilton. How do you enjoy being an aide?" Angelica Schuyler asked him as they walked through the muddy fields of camp. Bullet casings and scraps of fabric littered the ground.

"The work is challenging, but I believe in the cause and General Washington is the most honorable man one could hope to work for." Alexander replied automatically. He could hardly say less in front of Mrs. Washington.

"Do you not wish to ask why I made such an inquiry?" Angelica asked coyly.

The other ladies looked at her through narrowed eyes. Her tone was flirtatious. To flirt with a strange man in front of so many other ladies was hardly appropriate. Alexander wondered if Mrs. Washington would interject.

"Why do you make such an inquiry?" Alexander asked when Mrs. Washington did not interject.

"I am to be an aide with you and the rest of the gentlemen." Angelica said, her voice glittering with pride. Her sister, Eliza, beamed up at her fondly.

"Is that right?" Alexander could not hide his surprise.

He had known that women would be joining the camp, but he had expected Washington to place them in positions more traditional for women. Nursing positions, certainly. Cooking positions, perhaps. Household management, sure. He had not anticipated Washington permitting a woman to occupy a position so important as an aide. She would be handling confidential documents and writing letters to Congress.

"Angelica is the smartest person I have ever met." Eliza contributed, as though this would lead Alexander to believe that her employment was proper.

They passed by a group of enlisted men, huddled by a small fire. One of the enlisted men whistled in their direction. Alexander's ears burned with embarrassment. He did not wish to insult the women by paying any attention to the men, but he recognized the conduct as highly offensive.

"God bless Congress!" Another man called. "They finally sent us rations worth havin'!"

Alexander finally turned to look at the ladies. He was fully prepared to apologize on behalf of Washington for the conduct of the men. He would promise the ladies that the men would be punished for such behavior.

Before he could utter an apology, however, he saw that Angelica had broken from the group. She was marching straight up to the man who had spoken. Her mouth was set in a hard line.

"What is your name?" She demanded when she reached the man.

Alexander wondered if he ought to intervene. He did not know if Angelica had placed herself in danger. He hoped that the enlisted men knew better than to harass a woman.

"'scuse me?" The man who had shouted out in the first place asked. He smiled at Angelica indulgently, as though she were nothing more than a precocious child.

"What is your name?" Angelica repeated. She enunciated each word this time, matching the patronizing tone of the man.

"MacLeoud." The man replied, still grinning. The men around him chuckled.

"Well, then, Mr. MacLeoud." Angelica did not flinch back at the sound of men's laughter. "I challenge you to a duel."

"'scuse me?" MacLeoud asked for the second time.

Alexander knew that he needed to intervene at this point. Duels were outlawed by Washington, himself. Besides that, it would not do to allow General Schuyler's eldest daughter to be shot by an enlisted foot soldier. He could hear Mrs. Washington spluttering for the correct words behind him. Eliza looked as though she was going to faint.

"I challenge you to a duel." Angelica repeated patiently. "Unless, of course, you are too afraid to accept a challenge extended by a woman."

"Miss Schuyler, I think perhaps you should let General Washington see to the misconduct of the men." Alexander stepped in, touching Angelica's elbow in an effort to redirect her attention.

"General Washington need not trouble himself. I have the matter perfectly in hand." Angelica fixed Alexander with a devastating smile. "As a matter of fact, Mr. Hamilton, I would like it very much if you would be my second."

"Angelica!" Eliza exclaimed tearfully.

Alexander balked at the presumption that Angelica had made. He did not know how to gracefully detangle himself from the situation. There had never been such extraordinary circumstances before. There was no precedent.

"All right. I accept." MacLeoud had the audacity to say.

"You can't! She was only -" Eliza tried to protest.

Angelica turned around to glare at Eliza. Eliza shut her mouth. Beside her, Peggy looked enthralled. Theodosia appeared just as thunderstruck as Alexander felt. Maria looked intrigued.

"And who will be your second?" Angelica asked MacLeoud calmly.

MacLeoud looked around at the other men huddled around the fire. He gestured lazily to one of the other men.

"Martin." He said.

"Very well. I will see you tomorrow at dawn, Mr. MacLeoud." Angelica nodded in MacLeoud's direction before rejoining the group of women that Alexander had been charged with.

"Miss Schuyler, I do not know what you mean by behaving in such a manner, but I can assure you that once General Washington finds out, he will be most upset." Alexander chastised Angelica. He tried to tow the line between a voice of authority and a tone respectful of her status in society.

"Do you think that he will hold me responsible?" Mrs. Washington fretted, wringing her hands. "He did tell me that the ladies were in my ward, but I did not consider that there might be such a situation! I am hardly qualified to impose myself upon a challenge!"

"Mr. Hamilton, do men not challenge one another to duels?" Angelica asked pointedly.

"Yes, some men do. Men." Alexander agreed reluctantly. "And if you are to be employed at this camp, you must learn to address men by their titles. I am to be addressed as Colonel Hamilton, not Mr. Hamilton."

He dismissed all notions of marrying any of the Schuyler sisters. Surely they would not wish to marry him after witnessing him address Angelica in such a manner. He was letting his temper get the better of him, and it felt good.

"In that case, Colonel Hamilton, I suppose that you had better refrain from calling me 'Miss Schuyler' in the future. I am, after all, an aide. Just like you." Angelica countered with a self-satisfied smile.

Eliza looked mortified. Peggy looked spellbound.

Alexander felt his face redden. She was right, of course. If she was to be his equal, he would be forced to address her in the same way that he expected to be addressed. Similarly, if she was the equal of every man at camp, she would have the same rights as her fellow soldiers. Duels were outlawed, but Washington rarely discovered duels until they had already been completed. Still, Alexander could not shake the innate wrongness of a woman dueling with a man.

"Oh, let us not stand around here waiting for more trouble." Mrs. Washington said, looking around uncertainly. "Ladies, I will show you your quarters. Colonel Hamilton, would you mind leading us?"

"Of course." Alexander hurried to guide the ladies towards their quarters. It would not do to upset Mrs. Washington.

He led the ladies to their quarters, where Mrs. Washington showed each of them to their respective rooms. Peggy had to share a room with Eliza. Washington and his aides had not planned for Peggy's presence at camp.

"Oh, Colonel Hamilton." Angelica stopped Alexander before he could escape the ladies' quarters and return to Washington's headquarters. "I would like to speak with you later tonight. Where might I find you?"

Alexander sighed and turned around to face Angelica. He had hoped that he was through with her, at least for the day.

"I will be at dinner." He told Angelica. "Mrs. Washington has been gracious enough to plan a dinner in your honor. It will be held in General Washington's quarters at five o'clock."

"Very well. I would like to take a turn about the room with you after dinner. I believe we have much to discuss." Angelica persisted. She smiled at him coyly, as though they were both conspirators in a plot no one else understood. Though Alexander was determined to dislike Angelica, he could not deny the charm of her smile.

He bowed, masking his feelings as best he could. He then made his escape from the quarters, hurrying towards Washington's quarters to inform Washington of all that had transpired. He would, of course, edit the tale to lessen any trouble he might find himself in.


Angelica Schuyler

The dinner that Mrs. Washington presided over was not extraordinary in the sense of the cuisine offered - though the gentlemen who worked for Washington ate heartily enough to make one think that it was something marvelous - but the company was rather extraordinary.

Washington clearly favored Alexander. It was not difficult to see why. He was clearly the most intelligent of aides in his employ. Aaron was more interested in making eyes at Theodosia Bartow than he was in making interesting conversation. John seemed to want nothing more than to listen to what Alexander said, and laugh at every joke Washington told.

No one spoke of Angelica's imminent duel. Eliza had tried to talk her out of it when they were getting dressed for dinner, but knew better than to speak of it in front of General Washington. Alexander had not spoken of it, either. Angelica hoped that meant that he was finally prepared to treat her as an equal.

Once dinner was over, the gentlemen rose to their feet, obviously preparing to go to another room where they would converse about politics and the war. Angelica would not allow Alexander to brush her aside so easily.

"Oh, Colonel Hamilton." She called, breaking from the group of ladies. "I hope that you have not forgotten your promise to show me around after dinner."

Alexander looked back at Washington and the other men, obviously embarrassed. He was not accustomed to women asserting themselves. Angelica intended to cure him of this malady.

He recovered his expression quickly. He nodded towards Angelica and smiled. It was a fake smile. Angelica had faked enough smiles to know.

"Of course. I apologize." He said. He deliberately avoided addressing her by name. Washington looked at him strangely for this social blunder. Angelica just smiled. He would call her 'Colonel' before the war was over.

"You are quite forgiven, Colonel Hamilton." Angelica took care to emphasize his rank.

Alexander's smile grew strained. That gave Angelica a dose of satisfaction. He crossed the room and offered his arm to Angelica. Angelica accepted it with a self-satisfied smile.

"What did you wish to discuss?" Alexander asked as they left Washington's quarters. He led her towards a part of camp that Angelica had not yet visited.

"I would like to discuss my duel." Angelica replied airily.

Alexander let out a sigh. Now freed from Washington's watchful eye, it seemed he was more open with his emotions.

"What possessed you to challenge a man to a duel on your first day at camp?" He wondered. "I could never have imagined such a thing."

Angelica clucked her tongue.

"That is why Congress permitted women to join the militia in the first place. You men have no imagination at all! How could you start a country with such a defect?" She teased.

"What about your duel do you wish to discuss?" Alexander asked impatiently.

"Well, Colonel Hamilton, if you can believe it, I have never experienced a duel before." Angelica replied matter-of-factly. "I do not even possess the requisite firearms."

Alexander let out a groan. It should have angered Angelica, but instead, it made her smile. He was the first gentleman to express his emotions honestly instead of hiding behind a smile and the same polite turn of phrase that every other man in the country used. He was different.

"What possessed you to challenge a man to a duel for the first time in your life?" Alexander wondered in an exasperated tone.

Angelica's smile evaporated.

"Was I meant to accept his disrespect as a natural consequence of my presence? Am I required to suffer all of the indignities that men can sling at me merely because I am a woman?" She demanded.

"Certainly not, but…" Alexander's brows furrowed.

"This will show the men that I am not afraid of them." Angelica persisted. "It may teach them to be afraid of me. I could survive it if the men did not respect me, but it is important that they respect Eliza and Peggy. I cannot allow men to treat my sisters the way that they treated us today."

Alexander nodded. A thoughtful expression took hold of his features.

"All right." He said. "So, what would you like me to do?"

"Teach me what you know." Angelica responded. "Show me how to shoot a pistol, how to aim, and how to avoid getting shot."

Alexander shook his head in disbelief. "Will you not settle for an apology?"

Angelica frowned. "I will not."

"Very well." Alexander sighed. "I will show you how to properly shoot a weapon, but only after General Washington has gone to bed. He has opted to ignore your duel. He believes that it will resolve the issue of the men harassing you and the other ladies in the militia. He also wishes to avoid taking a stance on whether ladies may be shot in the course of the war without Congress first speaking on the matter. However, he will not ignore my involvement beyond being your second."

"How kind of him." Angelica retorted playfully.

It seemed comical, really. Alexander spoke of Washington's decision to look the other way as though it was something admirable. As though he should not have been the one to instruct the men on how to properly behave around ladies.

"I will meet you outside of your quarters around ten o'clock in the evening." Alexander said, ignoring Angelica's retort. He looked Angelica over. It was the first time he indicated that he was interested in anything about Angelica's appearance. Angelica felt a small sense of triumph.

"If you have another uniform like the one you are currently wearing, I recommend that you wear it to the duel." He added.

Angelica nodded.

"I believe I will excuse myself from Mrs. Washington's party. I have much to think about." She said. She curtsied slightly, then started for the quarters that had been assigned to the ladies. She savored her newfound ability to walk wherever she pleased without an escort. She felt Alexander's eyes on her as she walked away and smiled to herself.


Alexander Hamilton

Alexander stood outside of the ladies' quarters at nine forty-five, looking around at the few soldiers still roaming the camp. He did not wish to be accused of impropriety, but it was almost an inevitable consequence of his presence outside of the quarters.

"Colonel Hamilton, you're early." Angelica emerged from her quarters, wearing her uniform and a charming smile that made Alexander's heart shudder.

Alexander nodded, distrusting himself to speak when Angelica was smiling at him in such a way. Instead, he gestured for her to follow him in the direction of the edge of camp. He had decided that they would practice shooting in one of the fields used for military drills. He had a case containing two dueling pistols tucked under his right arm, preventing him from bowing.

Angelica walked beside him in silence as they moved towards the field. She was smiling to herself, seemingly content with the quiet. Alexander had never much liked the quiet, himself. He found himself racking his brain for subjects to speak about; anything was preferable to the oppression of silence.

"What compelled you to enlist in the militia?" He heard himself ask.

Angelica looked at him, her expression one of surprise. She recovered from her surprise quickly. The smile returned to her face.

"I wanted to be free." She replied simply.

"Free?" Alexander echoed, looking at her curiously. "Were you not free when you were in New York? I am certain that a man such as General Schuyler would not shackle his own daughters."

Angelica rolled her eyes, but continued smiling.

"It was not my father who has placed shackles upon me, but society." She said. "I spent all of my evenings going to dances, to parties, and making calls around New York. No one - not even my mother - asked me if I wanted to go to those dances, parties, and house calls. No one seemed even the slightest bit concerned about whether or not I liked the people I was thrown together with. Everyone accused me of friendships with people whom I cannot stand. Going to war and being shot at seemed far more preferable."

Alexander laughed in spite of himself. Angelica's smile brightened.

"I was led to believe that women were joining the militia to serve while meeting suitable matches." Alexander said as they neared the field.

Angelica shook her head violently.

"There is nothing that would suit me less than a husband." She declared. "I had to tell my father that I would look for one during my stay here, of course, but I have no intention of doing so. I will remain a part of General Washington's army so long as the war lasts."

"And once the war ends?" Alexander could not help asking.

Angelica shrugged. It was a profoundly unladylike gesture. Alexander found he did not mind when it was just him and Angelica. He might have been mortified, had other ladies and gentlemen been present.

"I will resolve the issue when it arises." She replied.

"If it arises." Alexander said, setting down the case containing the pistols once they reached the field. He opened the trunk and looked down at the two dueling pistols nestled into the velvet lining of the case. "You may die tomorrow morning."

"Is that how you encourage your students, Colonel Hamilton?" Angelica demanded incredulously. Her question was followed by a peal of laughter.

"This is unloaded." Alexander said, handing one of the pistols to Angelica. She accepted it, examining it with a surprising amount of intensity. "First, I will show you how to walk and count to ten. I hope that MacLeoud is honorable enough to wait until the count of ten. You must wait until the count of ten. It would ruin your reputation if you did not."

Angelica quirked a smile as Alexander retrieved a pistol for himself.

"Have I not already sufficiently ruined my reputation?" She wondered.

"I believe that depends largely on the outcome of this duel." Alexander responded.

"So tell me, Colonel Hamilton. How do I walk and count to ten? It must be terribly complicated if you feel as though I should practice it." Angelica teased.

Alexander smiled. He did not like being teased, usually, but there was no malice in Angelica's tone. She was not laughing at him, but was instead laughing with him. He had not expected a society lady such as Angelica to tease and flirt with him as though he were her equal.

"You will stand in the center of the field with your backs to one another. Press your back to mine, if you would." Alexander turned his back to Angelica as he spoke.

Angelica did as he requested without complaint. Alexander felt the warmth of her body through both of their uniforms. He tried to ignore it as he continued with his instructions.

"Each step is one number. When you and MacLeoud begin walking, the first step will be 'one'. Speak loudly. If MacLeoud can argue that he did not hear you, he may have an excuse to turn early. We'll start at the count of three. One…two…three."

Angelica did as Alexander had instructed. She matched every stride that Alexander took. She called out each number in a loud, clear voice. Alexander had never heard a lady speak at such volume before. He feared by the end of the night he would forget altogether that Angelica was a lady much above his station.

Once Alexander reached ten, he turned on his heel as quickly as he could. He blinked in surprise when he saw that Angelica had already turned and was pointing her pistol at him.

Angelica let out a laugh and dropped the pistol to her side.

"I am faster than you!" She exclaimed, seemingly amused by this fact. "Does that mean that I will be faster than MacLeoud, too?"

"I slowed my movements to grant you confidence." Alexander replied dismissively.

"Oh, you did not! I saw the look on your face." Angelica grinned as she rejoined Alexander at the center of the field. "Why are men so afraid of admitting that women might be their betters at some activities? Are you really so fragile?"

"All right, all right. You were slightly faster than me." Alexander conceded.

"Slightly." Angelica repeated with a laugh. "Poor, fragile Colonel Hamilton."

"Would you like assistance or would you like to return to your quarters?" Alexander asked without any real malice. He liked that Angelica was comfortable enough to tease him.

"Oh, please, Colonel Hamilton, continue your lesson on how to count." Angelica faked seriousness.

Alexander shook his head, but could not bite back a smile.

"Firing a pistol is more difficult than the walking and counting. Have you ever shot any sort of gun before?" He asked.

Angelica shook her head.

"All right. When you fire a weapon like this, there is a sort of jerking movement that will make you fall backwards if you are not careful. You must keep your shoulder set in place and hold your arm very straight." Alexander explained.

Angelica nodded, her smile evaporating and giving way to a more serious expression. She considered the pistol in her hand.

"How do you aim?" She asked.

"I have heard of people using different strategies. I close my left eye and try to focus with my right." Alexander replied.

"And that works?"

"Sometimes."

Angelica quirked a small smile at Alexander's honesty.

"Very well." She said. "I believe that I will give it a try."

Alexander nodded and took a few steps back from where Angelica stood. He did not wish to get shot, not even by a Schuyler sister.

Angelica raised the pistol, holding it at shoulder-level. She appeared to be aiming at a tree several feet away. Alexander watched, intrigued. He had never seen a lady fire a gun before. Angelica squeezed her eyes shut and pressed the trigger with her index finger.

A gunshot rang through the quiet of the night. The bullet disappeared into the darkness. The tree that Angelica had been aiming for remained uninjured. Angelica staggered back against the force of the pistol.

"Ouch!" She whined. She sounded, for the first time, like the society lady that she was meant to be. She looked at Alexander, her eyes wide with confusion.

"That was the jerking movement I told you about." Alexander reminded her. He showed her how to reload the pistol as he spoke. "You must be deliberate in your movements, and you must treat a gun like you would treat an unruly horse. You must act as though you are in control and unafraid, even when you are afraid. A gun can sense weakness, just as a horse can. Here, let me show you."

Alexander moved to stand behind her, in order to straighten her arm and show her the correct posture. He placed his hand over hers on the pistol, and raised their collective arms up to point the gun at the tree once more. He tried desperately to ignore the proximity of their bodies, for fear that he would forget himself. He closed his left eye and pressed her finger down on the trigger, bracing himself for the impact.

The gun fired, sending a bullet whizzing into the tree. Alexander heard the satisfying sound of the bark chipping away from the tree. Angelica's shoulder was thrown back into Alexander upon the impact. Alexander tried to ignore the sensation. He released Angelica's hand immediately, not wishing to overstep.

Angelica looked up at Alexander the moment he released her hand. He had not yet had time to step away from her. Her face was flushed and she was smiling wide enough to show off two pretty dimples.

"I did it!" She exclaimed, seemingly unaware of the impropriety of it all. Her face was mere inches from Alexander's. She was leaning back into him like a lady would lean back into a sofa. "I hit the tree!"

"You certainly did." Alexander placed a hand on the small of Angelica's back in order to step back without sending her tumbling onto the ground. He needed to put some distance between them. "Would you like to try it again on your own?"

Angelica nodded with a comical amount of eagerness. Alexander smiled - a bit too fondly. He bit his tongue and looked at the ground in order to come up with a more appropriate expression.

Angelica did not seem to mind. She quickly reloaded the pistol, then raised her arm to aim at the tree once again. She closed her left eye, just as Alexander had, and pulled down on the trigger. The bullet did not hit the tree squarely, but it grazed the side of the tree. Alexander could hear the bark splinter. Angelica stumbled back a step or two, but steadied herself quickly. It was a vast improvement from her first attempt.

Angelica reached for another bullet.

"I want to try again." She said.

Alexander nodded. This time, he did not hide the fond smile that crept up onto his face.


Angelica Schuyler

Angelica did not get more than two hours of sleep the night before her duel. She had stayed out practicing with the pistol, accompanied by Alexander, until Alexander reminded her of the time. When she crept in, Eliza had woken up and poked her head out into the hallway. She had not said anything, but had stared at Angelica with wide eyes that were easy to understand: What would Mother say?

Eliza tried to talk Angelica out of the duel as she readied herself. The other ladies - Peggy included - were not yet awake. The duel was to occur at dawn, before the rest of the camp awoke.

"You could be killed." Eliza reminded her helplessly.

"Would that not be remarkable? I believe I would be the first woman to die in such a fashion." Angelica teased.

"That is not funny!" Eliza was near tears.

"I will be fine." Angelica reassured Eliza, pressing a kiss to her cheek before starting down the hallway to the door. Eliza followed at her heels.

Angelica opened the door to find Alexander waiting for her on the other side. He did not look as though he had slept. He was wearing the same uniform - now slightly wrinkled - and his hair was rather unkempt. Still, he smiled at the sight of her. He had a nice smile. It was not predatory, the way so many men's smiles were. It was a shiny smile, like a newly minted coin.

"I want to come with you." Eliza said, before Alexander could issue any sort of greeting.

Angelica sighed. "Eliza, darling, there is really no need! I would be afraid that you would come into harm. All will be well - I promise. Colonel Hamilton will be watching out for me. Do you not trust Colonel Hamilton?"

Eliza looked at Alexander. A deep blush beset her features. Eliza had not inherited the same ability to laugh and flirt with handsome men that Angelica and Peggy had. It was endearing; nearly everything about Eliza was endearing.

"Of course I trust Colonel Hamilton, but I would really like -"

"Stay here." Angelica coaxed her. "Start your work in the medic's tent. That is where I will need you, if I run into trouble this morning."

"Very well." Eliza pouted.

Angelica smiled, pleased that she had gotten her way yet again. She kissed Eliza on the cheek once more before walking out the door to join Alexander. She closed the door behind her before Eliza could protest.

"Your sister cares about you very much." Alexander commented as they walked towards the field. His brows were furrowed, but he had not phrased the statement as a question. He was making a declaration, but it was a declaration that confused him.

"I am very close with both of my sisters." Angelica replied, nodding slightly. She looked over at Alexander. She appreciated the angular handsomeness of his profile for a few seconds before speaking. "Do you have any siblings?"

Alexander turned to look at Angelica. He smiled slightly, but it was not the same shiny smile that he had exhibited many times before. There was something strange hiding behind this smile.

"Having your sisters with you on this extraordinary expedition must bring you great comfort." He said, taking refuge in propriety.

Angelica did not press him further. She was concerned about the duel which would take place in the next few minutes. She could not be bothered to worry about Alexander's refusal to answer a simple question about his family.

As they neared the field, Angelica noticed a rather substantial group of men milling about. Angelica looked to Alexander in surprise. He looked equally perplexed.

"Are there typically so many spectators at a duel?" Angelica wondered.

"There are not." Alexander replied, his tone one of immense disapproval. He noticed men whom he recognized - the men that Angelica had been introduced to the day before in Washington's office. "Laurens! Burr. What are you doing here?"

"Have you not heard? This is an event. To hear the men talk of it, you would think it was the theater." John Laurens answered with a bright smile in Alexander's direction.

"Besides that, it is history. I have never seen a woman wield a gun; much less enter into a duel." Aaron Burr contributed. He bowed towards Angelica with an apologetic smile. "If you will excuse me for being so blunt, Miss Schuyler."

"You are forgiven this time, Colonel Burr." Angelica replied playfully. "But I would advise you to watch your tongue in the future."

Aaron bowed again. "Certainly, Miss Schuyler."

Angelica could not help but feel slightly irritated that the men insisted on calling her 'miss'. She hoped to change that soon enough.

"There is MacLeoud." Alexander steered Angelica away from John and Aaron. "We must join them. I am to speak with his second before the duel will commence. If MacLeoud gives an apology which you deem acceptable, there will be no need for anyone to shoot."

"I cannot imagine that boar is capable of apologizing without choking on it." Angelica remarked dryly.

Alexander smiled that shiny, newly-minted smile of his. Angelica smiled, too.

Angelica stood at the edge of the field while Alexander moved to the center of the field to speak with MacLeoud's second. Across the field, MacLeoud was smirking at Angelica in a way that made her hand itch for the feel of a pistol. She ignored all of the stares that she knew were aimed in her direction.

Alexander returned to Angelica after a few minutes. His expression as he walked across the field told Angelica all that she needed to know. There had not been an acceptable apology. She would partake in her first duel.

"I apologize." Alexander said, his face earnest. "MacLeoud's apology consisted of an apology for your thinness of skin, rather than an apology for his conduct."

Angelica nodded, hoping that her expression was stoic.

"Very well." She said, the words sticky in her mouth. "Is there a physician present?"

"Yes." Alexander replied. "He will be close by, should you need his services."

Angelica nodded a second time, considering this. She looked at the case of dueling pistols that Alexander had brought with him. Alexander saw her start for the case and knelt down to remove the pistol, himself. He appeared to still harbor concern for Angelica's propriety. It might have been amusing under other circumstances.

Alexander handed Angelica the pistol.

"I reloaded both weapons this morning." He told her, handing her one of the pistols. "I looked them over a dozen times before meeting you to ensure that they would function properly. Are you certain that you want to partake in this duel?"

"I am certain." Angelica replied without having to think about it.

"All right." Alexander sighed. He took a step back and held his hands behind his back in a formal stance. He had separated himself from Angelica. She was on her own now.

Sucking in a deep breath, Angelica moved towards the center of the field. MacLeoud did the same. When they met at the center, MacLeoud was still smirking.

"No shame in quittin'." He reminded her.

"Shall we start our count on three?" Angelica responded.

She turned her back. MacLeoud did the same. He did not press against her as firmly as Alexander had the night before - she was grateful for this - but she could feel the heel of his boot against hers. Once Angelica had counted down from three, they began their ten paces.

She could see Alexander as she walked. He was counting along with her, mouthing the words to himself. His brows were furrowed and his eyes were focused on MacLeoud. Angelica felt safer with Alexander's eyes on MacLeoud. Though there was nothing he could do to stop a bullet, should MacLeoud turn and fire early, Angelica felt as though she would at least receive a warning.

When Angelica reached ten, she turned around as quickly as she could. She felt the briefest amount of satisfaction when she realized that MacLeoud was even slower than Alexander was. By the time she raised the pistol and took aim, he was only just halfway around.

She squeezed her left eye shut, braced herself for the impact of the gun, and pulled the trigger.

The sound of the gunshot was followed by a shout of pain. Angelica opened her eyes and saw that the bullet had hit where she had intended it to hit - MacLeoud's shin. It was enough to wound him without any serious risk of death.

"She shot me!" MacLeoud howled, outraged. "That whore shot me!"

Angelica frowned. She had expected MacLeoud to accept his loss with a touch more dignity. Instead, he raised his pistol in Angelica's direction. She blinked, startled. She looked down at her pistol, virtually useless without a bullet.

Another shot rang through the morning air. Angelica closed her eyes, fully intending to feel the pain of a gunshot.

Instead, she heard another shout of pain. She opened her eyes and saw that MacLeoud was clutching the hand that had been holding the pistol. It was blood red and torn to shreds. Angelica looked over her shoulder in Alexander's direction. He was holding the second pistol. He let it drop to his side once it was clear that MacLeoud would no longer be a threat. He met Angelica's eyes and nodded slightly. Angelica nodded back, then turned around.

"Medic!" MacLeoud's second called out. "We need a medic!"

Alexander finally moved from his position behind Angelica. He stood beside her, watching as the physician squatted beside MacLeoud. His expression was grim.

"You should return to your quarters." He said quietly. "General Washington is willing to overlook the duel, so long as he is not confronted with direct evidence of it. He will come to the field during his morning ride soon. It will not do to be seen here."

Angelica nodded and followed Alexander away from the scene. Most of the men who had turned out to watch the duel followed their cue and started for their own quarters. Only MacLeoud and the physician were left remaining on the field.

"You did very well." Alexander told Angelica as they moved towards the ladies' quarters. "I knew that you would."

"You did not have to rescue me, you know." Angelica replied, looking at him very seriously. "I would have been all right."

"I know." Alexander agreed. There was no indulgence in his voice; only earnestness. He cast her a sidelong glance. It was one of wonder - which she was accustomed to - and respect - which she was notaccustomed to.

Angelica had to look away. She did not know how to hold a man's respect. She had never done such a thing before.

They reached the quarters. Eliza raced out of the door before Angelica had even reached for the knob. She pulled Angelica into a hug so tight it made Angelica's ribs ache.

"Oh, I was so worried!" Eliza exclaimed, looking Angelica over for any signs of injury. When she did not see any, she looked to Alexander with a grateful smile. "Thank you. Thank you for keeping her safe."

Alexander shook his head, obviously embarrassed.

"She did not need my help." He replied. "She had everything under control all on her own. You ladies rest up and enjoy your breakfast."

"I will see you at work, Colonel Hamilton." Angelica called as Alexander started walking towards Washington's quarters.

She found that she preferred to be in his company rather than anyone else's. She had never enjoyed a man's company in such a way before. She was accustomed to watching the clock whenever she was forced to entertain a gentleman.

Alexander turned around. His hands were tucked in the pockets of his uniform. He smiled slightly and nodded his head.

"I will see you at work, Colonel Schuyler."


Alexander Hamilton

Washington assigned Angelica and Alexander to make copies of his letters and documents for 'posterity' as a punishment for their involvement in the duel. When Alexander had reported to Washington on the outcome of the duel, however, Alexander had not missed the way that Washington's mouth had curved to the side ever so slightly. He was not angry with Angelica at all. He was proud that General Schuyler's daughter had successfully stood up for herself.

Alexander had begun making the copies when Angelica arrived at the quarters. She was wearing a fresh uniform - it was different from the one she had worn to the duel, but just as maddeningly form-fitting.

"Hello." Alexander greeted her, rising to his feet. He gestured to the second chair which had been pulled up on the other side of his desk. "You and I are being punished."

"Is that right?" Angelica did not seem to mind the idea of being punished. She sat down in the chair on the other side of Alexander's desk. She was smiling. "Dare I ask what our punishment is?"

"We are to copy all of these letters and documents." Alexander replied, gesturing to the massive trunk sitting beside his desk. It was full of papers. "Is it safe to assume that you are comfortable reading the documents and transcribing them again?"

"Yes, Colonel Hamilton. I am literate." Angelica rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. She plucked a piece of paper from the trunk and set to work.

"Very good." Alexander hummed.

He allowed himself to watch Angelica read the letter, her lips pursed, for just a few seconds longer than what was proper. She looked up at him after a few seconds, her eyes questioning, but with a smile playing on her lips.

"Can I be of service to you, Colonel Hamilton?" She asked.

"No." Alexander returned his eyes to his parchment, his face burning in embarrassment.

He heard Angelica's soft laughter as she returned to her own work.

He considered the possibility that permitting women to join the militia might not have been such a mistake, after all.


*Chants* Hamgelica, Hamgelica, Hamgelica! I am returning to my roots after a weird foray into Hamilton/Jefferson and it feels so good.

I apologize for getting this out later than usual this Saturday - last night was a rough one. To any and all readers who are old enough - please vote. To any and all readers who are not - please encourage those around you to be kind and tolerant.

I hope you all enjoy this new fic (and I hope I enjoy writing it)!