Sharing Hamilton

Chapter Four

Chapter Four“M—M—Mrs. Hamilton—” I'd been so expecting Alexander, I stammered out her name, as nothing else could come out. I gulped.

She rescued me—in a way. “Please, do come in.” She held the door open. I entered, my tongue so dry, it stuck to the roof of my mouth. “What can we do for you?”

“I—that is, my husband—” My eyes darted round the entry hall and up the stairs. The house sat in dark silence, the only light from a candle she held in a brass holder. I wondered if she'd been asleep. Shadows of fatigue surrounded her eyes. Her belly protruded. “I hope I didn't disturb your rest. My husband wanted me to speak with Mr. Hamilton about—about investing in some land out west—he's busy, so he sent me. But if now is a bad time—” Looking into the eyes of Alexander's pregnant wife, I no longer considered this a rational idea. But at least I'd conjured up a halfway believable excuse. Relief flooded me.

“Mr. Hamilton is not at home at the moment but should return shortly. Would you care to wait?” She glanced at the doorway to her left.

“Uh—no,” I stammered, my legs so weak, I nearly collapsed. No, I couldn't face him now. Not with his wife at home! “No, I can have James call—would tomorrow be convenient?” I backed out, my hands groping behind me for the door. I couldn't get out of there fast enough.

“Certainly. I shall tell my husband to expect yours.” She smiled so sincerely, it crushed me.

Out of curiosity more than an attempt to be cordial, I asked, “Do you plan to visit your family in Albany this summer?” After all, the papers said she was already there.

“I was, but returned for a short visit. I could not bear being apart from my husband. Something told me to come home to him.” She tapped the side of her head. “Tis a woman feeling. Do you know, in your heart, when your husband needs you?”

No, mine did not. A pang rippled through me. But I nodded.

“Thank you, Mrs. Hamilton. I'm sorry I disturbed you.” I pulled the door closed—and ran smack into Alexander.

Stunned, I leapt back, my hands fluttering.

Mrs. Hamilton said, “Mrs. Reynolds came to see you, Alex, on behalf of James.”

He nodded. “Ah, yes, James. How can I be of assistance, Mrs. Reynolds?” His calm tone soothed me. I caught my breath—almost. The sight of him melted me.

“Well, he—” If I was tongue-tied with his wife, I was dumbfounded now. “James asked me—”

Sensing my discomfort, he clasped my elbow and led me back into the hall. “Betsey, give me a minute with Mrs. Reynolds.”

“As you wish, sir,” she obeyed, bobbed a curtsey, turned and vanished. I was surprised she didn't back out.

Alexander and I stood almost eye to eye, which unnerved me even more. His hand still held my elbow as he led me into a parlour. He gestured to an overstuffed sofa as he pushed up his sleeves. “Saints alive, I am hot.” He pushed a side window open.

You're hot, all right! I bit back the words as I sweltered, gazing at him.

He sat across from me in a wing chair, our knees nearly touching. “How may I help you?”

I tried to remember what I'd written in my letters, but only fragments came to me. Knowing I'd be out of here within minutes, I tried to regain calmness. I recited word for word, “Mr. Hamilton, I am from Dutchess County. My husband James treated me cruelly and left me for another woman. I am in so dire a condition that I have not the means to return to New York. I appeal to your humanity. Will you, sir, assist a woman in despair?”

He nodded even before I finished speaking. “Your situation is interesting, Mrs. Reynolds. I am disposed to help you. Unfortunately, tis not convenient at the moment to provide any assistance. I have no money readily available. Could I send some money to you at your place of residence?”

Drowning in relief, I released a deep breath. Thank God this mortifying episode was nearly over. “Why, of course. I'd be ever so grateful.”

Then, with a smile, he said what I'd been dreading and longing for at the same time. “I shall deliver a bank note personally later this evening.”

I stood too quickly. Without a decent meal in days, I lost my footing and grabbed the sofa. My head spun. He clutched my arms, steadying me. “Shall I fetch you a glass of water? Or wine?”

“No, I am fine, I'll be on my way—” I escaped his grasp and darted for the door. “Thank you again, sir, and I'll expect your visit. I currently reside at Number Two Drinker's Alley, between Second and Front Streets.” I omitted any reference to its proximity to the Three Jolly Irishmen. I was sure even he knew it sat dangerously close to Hell Town. “Good evening, sir.”

I gulped sweet air and fled down the street as if chased. He's coming to visit later tonight! Pondering James's nefarious scheme, I shuddered. Flirtatious as Alexander was, I now understood the meaning of his overture that first night we'd met. Offering him my body made me quail with shame, yet enraptured me. Now, the enraptured part blossomed.

What will happen tonight? I wondered. I harbored a strong premonition that tonight my life would change forever.