Chapter Text
Philip Hamilton-Burr smiled as he read the latest article about his mother.
She was fighting for women’s rights, and this was one of the few articles that didn’t trash-talk her. It was admiration for her ever-present motivation and passion to change things, to make things right.
Theodosia Burr, Philip’s step-sister, was reading over his shoulder. “You think she’s really going to change things, Philip?”
Philip looked at her. “Theo,” he said, “she’s already changed things in this country. She’s Alexandra Hamilton . She can do anything as long as she fights for it with all she’s got.
Theodosia nodded. “I’m just worried that she’ll gain so many enemies for this.”
“I don’t think she’s concerned with enemies,” Philip said, “just concerned with making a difference.”
…
“Theodosia, Philip!” Alexandra called her children into the living room. Aaron was beside her.
“Yes?” Theodosia entered first, smiling. Philip was close behind with a curious look on his face.
“Sit down,” Aaron told them, nodding to the couch opposite the one he and his wife were sitting on.
“Are we in trouble?” Theodosia asked.
“No, nothing like that,” Alexandra assured her step-daughter.
“Both of you have reached the age of eighteen, and that means it’s time to find someone whom you will spend your entire life with,” Aaron said.
Theodosia’s eyes widened. She’d never thought about that. Her mind was never on love. She preferred to think of things like politics and starting her own career, not relying on a man.
Philip chuckled. He had girls his age giggling every time he walked by. He didn’t think it would be that hard to find a wife, but he didn’t really like any of the girls he went to school with as more than friends.
“Father,” Theodosia said, finally finding words, “why would I need to find a husband? I can do well on my own.”
“My dear daughter, I know. But one day, your mother and I will not be here anymore, and you’ll need support. That’s why you need a husband. Besides, there’s not much you can do on your own until your mother changes that,” Aaron said, glancing at his wife.
Theodosia sighed resignedly and decided to let Philip talk.
“Mother, Father,” he looked at both of his parents, “I have no interest in any of the girls I know. How am I supposed to find someone I’ll love?”
“That’s why we’ll be hosting a ball,” Alexandra said, chuckling at the irony.
“The whole city is coming,” Aaron added, “I’m more than sure you’ll find somebody there.”
…
Theodosia was preparing for the ball with her cousins Maryanne (by Petey) and Linda (by Aaron’s sister, Sarah), and best friend, Eleanor Church.
“I still don’t want a husband,” Theodosia maintained, “but my father is right.”
“Why wouldn’t you want a husband?” Maryanne asked. She was a true romantic. “Someone to love and care for you all your life?”
“I already love and care for myself enough already, thank you.”
“Don’t you want children?” Eleanor asked.
“Children are a nuisance,” Theodosia scoffed. “I don’t need a man. I’m just doing this for my parents.”
“Anyways,” Maryanne smiled, “I’m hoping that Henry will be there.” She was talking about Henry Knox’s son, who was also named Henry. She was desperately in love with him and he didn’t have a clue about it.
“Henry is a real ladies man,” Theodosia rolled her eyes. “I’d be careful with that one.”
Maryanne sighed. “Theodosia, why are you so bitter?”
“I’m not bitter, Mary, I’m just honest.”
“Personally,” Linda said, “I hope Joshua Revere is there.”
“Paul Revere’s son?” Theodosia grinned. “Really?”
“What?”
“At least he’ll alert you when the British are coming.”
“ Theo ,” Linda warned. She always tried to put Theodosia back in her place, but never could succeed at such a hard task.
“What about you, Eleanor? Who do you hope will be there?”
“Well,” Eleanor said, “I have a sort of fancy on Eston Hemmings.”
“Isn’t that Jefferson’s son?”
“He’s not as much of a bastard as Jefferson, I promise.”
“We’ll see about that,” Theodosia said. “I trust your instinct, Ellie.”
…
Philip was preparing for the ball, also, with Richard and Stephen, both of whom were 18, his own younger brother, James Burr, who was 16, and Phil, his cousin of the same name, who was 17.
“Do you think you’ll find a wife?” James asked his older brother.
“Perhaps, if a girl is lucky enough,” Philip chuckled.
“You must have ridiculously high standards, Philip,” Richard said.
“When I want your opinion, Mr. Price, I will ask for it,” Philip said, smirking at his friend.
“I’ll give it to you regardless,” Richard said.
“Personally, I hope to see Eleanor Church there,” Stephen said.
“Oh, she’s coming. She’s actually here as we speak, getting ready with Theodosia.”
Stephen blushed.
“It’s sad that you do not have a chance,” Richard said.
“What do you mean?” Stephen asked, glaring at Richard.
“She’s so obviously smitten with Hemmings. And he’s quite a charmer.”
“I’m a Schuyler , Richard. He doesn’t stand a chance.”
Philip sighed. This was going to be a long ball.
…
Philip Schuyler had let Alexandra and Aaron use his ballroom for their ball, and it was full of people from all over the city, mostly the children of political figures.
Theodosia entered the room, her entourage with her.
“So, you girls see your boys anywhere?” she asked them.
Maryanne looked around for Henry. She spotted him talking with some other men she didn’t know. “I see him. Should I go ask him to dance?”
“Go ahead,” Theodosia said, “take the initiative. If you need me to, I’ll gladly go with you. I know Henry very well. We’ve been friends since we were small.”
“Would you please do that?” Maryanne asked.
“Okay, well, let’s get a move on,” Theodosia said. “Follow my lead.”
Theodosia moved towards Henry, and he saw her coming. She curtsied as a sarcastic greeting and then said, “Good evening, Mr Knox. How are you?”
“I’m just swell,” Henry said just as sarcastically.
“I’d like to introduce you to my cousin,” Theodosia said, gesturing to Maryanne. “Maryanne Schuyler.”
“It’s great to meet you,” Maryanne said with what Theodosia thought was a little too much excitement.
“She’d like to dance with you,” Theodosia said.
“I wouldn’t mind dancing with her,” Henry said, smiling at Maryanne.
“I’ll leave you to it,” Theodosia said.
“Wait, there’s someone I’d like you to meet,” Henry said, gesturing to one of the men he had been conversing with. “Joseph Alston.”
The man nodded to Theodosia. “Henry’s told me all about you,” he said, “the intelligent daughter of the Vice President.”
“Guilty as charged,” Theodosia deadpanned. Joseph seemed to find humor in this.
“I’d like to learn more about you, Theodosia. Perhaps you’ll dance with me?”
Theodosia scoffed but said, “Sure.”
As they danced, Joseph started a conversation. “So, Henry tells me you’re a bit of a cynic.”
“Henry isn’t wrong,” Theodosia conceded.
“Why?”
“I am the daughter of two politicians, Joseph. It’s hard to trust many people in a world like that,” Theodosia said. She had no idea why she was opening up to a stranger, but she didn’t get a bad feeling about it.
“Well, trust is key to making connections,” Joseph said. “Surely you want friends, maybe even a husband someday?”
“Sure,” Theodosia said, “but I have to choose wisely, don’t I?”
“Henry also told me that you’ve never shown much interest in men. How come?”
“Perhaps I prefer women,” Theodosia joked.
“Is that humor I detect?” Joseph asked teasingly.
“Ah, you must be mistaken. Surely Henry told you that I fancy women over men.”
Joseph laughed. “That he didn’t tell me.”
“But honestly,” Theodosia said, “I just don’t see the point.”
“There’s a point, Theodosia. Why would anybody want to be alone when love is around every corner?”
“So it’s so I’m not lonely?”
“No, it’s so you’re loved.”
They continued to talk and dance until the song ended, signaling the switching of partners.
Theodosia decided to check on her friends. Maryanne was still dancing with Henry, and Theodosia was happy for her for that.
Joshua Revere was sitting alone at a table, and Theodosia found Linda and pointed him out to her. “Can any of you take initiative?” Theodosia asked.
Linda sighed. “He looks heartbroken, and I heard he and his gal recently split.”
“Perhaps a dance will cheer him up. Go ask. Now.”
“Okay, okay,” Linda said. Theodosia watched as Linda approached Joshua and asked him to dance. He accepted, and Theodosia considered this another success.
It seemed that Eleanor had gotten a dance with Eston. Theodosia hoped Eston wouldn’t shatter Ellie’s heart.
…
Philip and his friends sat at a table, trying to decide whom to ask to dance.
“Well, there are plenty of worthy options here,” Richard said. “You think I should ask Theodosia to dance?”
“Theodosia? Why Theodosia?” Philip asked, raising an eyebrow.
“She’s a safe bet, overprotective brother,” Richard laughed.
“Go ahead,” James laughed, “if you think she’ll accept.”
Richard stood up and went over to ask Theodosia to dance.
“How much you wanna bet Theo rips him to shreds?” Stephen asked.
Philip laughed. “I don’t gamble.” He turned to his brother. “Who are you going to ask, James?”
“I’ve been considering Eleanor’s little sister, Ramona,” James said.
“Oh, she’s a sweet girl,” Philip said. “Go for it.”
James left as Richard came back.
“Well, she’s not in the mood to dance,” Richard said dejectedly.
“Poor Richard,” Stephen said.
“Hush,” Richard said, putting his face in his hands.
Phil, the cousin, said, “I’m not going to ask anyone to dance. I’m more of a spectator.”
“You’ve got a girlfriend, Phil, it’s alright that you don’t ask some random girl to dance,” Philip said.
Stephen saw Eleanor dancing with Eston Hemmings. “Damn it! She’s dancing with the President’s son!”
“Well, there’ll be more balls,” Philip said.
“Now, you’re going to ask someone, Philip,” James said, “Mother and Father threw this for you and Theodosia especially.”
“Fine,” Philip scanned the room, “fine.”
His eyes settled on Susan Reynolds. She didn’t go to his school, she was homeschooled, but he’d heard about her, and she seemed okay. He approached her and asked, “Would you like to dance?”
“Sure,” she said.
And they danced.