Many apologies! My computer was not cooperating, and I couldn't get anything to work. Dreadfully sorry again! Requests, please!

PEGGY'S POV

I finish a concerto, and stand up, as Angelica applauds me.

"It's here!" A shrill scream comes from the doorway. Eliza is gripping a letter, with a familiar red signature.

A. Ham

But it seemed Angelica didn't share her excitement. A shadow crossed over her face, and she bit her lip. I was conflicted who to side with, but I gave into curiosity.

"What does it say?" I ask, peering over Eliza's shoulder.

"My dearest Eliza-" She pauses, "He called me his dearest!"

"My dearest Eliza,

You, my darling, are all I think about, morning, noon, and night. I have never been so infatuated by the thought of any women ever before. Everything you do makes me want to smile and sing your praises loud enough even King George could hear! I will be coming to your home in a week's time to-"

At her pause, I shake her in excitement, "To what?!"

"In a week's time to ask your father for your hand in marriage! I know we've been talking about it for some time, but I'm serious now. My dearest, we are meant to be.

All my love

."

"Marriage!" I shriek happily, "Eliza, he wants to marry you? Why didn't you tell us?"

Eliza was crying with tears of joy, "Alexander and I have been discussing marriage since that winter's ball. I was told that he's never satisfied... But with me, he may be!"

Angelica breathed quickly. Eliza turned, "what?"

"Oh, nothing." Angelica smiled. "I'm so happy for you. You'll... have a wonderful life. Congratulations."

"Peggy? Are you happy for me?" She dabbed at her eyes with a crisp white handkerchief.

"Of course! Alexander seems like... Like a wonderful man, so long as you love him." I fiddled with my fingers. I wasn't sure what to say other than that...

Eliza sniffled and shook her head, "well, dinner is in fifteen minutes. We'd better clean up, don't you think?"

Father was absent from supper, since the Senate meeting was taking longer than planned. So my sisters and I sat in uncomfortable silence, afraid any topic would lead to conflict.

Knock knock.

We all jumped at the sudden sound at the door. Betsy, our maid, scurried into the room and cleared her throat timidly.

"The Miss Schuylers? A Miss Lafayette has come a calling. Shall I invite her in?"

Angelica smiled, "Betsy, please do. And take her cloak. It is only January, after all!"

Betsy curtsied and bobbed her way out of the dining room. A lovely brunette girl floated in, and we all started when she spoke in a delicate French accent.

"Bonjour. I am Rochelle Lafayette." She fluttered her long dark lashes, "I am Monsieur Lafayette's seester. He is one of Alexander 'amilton's close friends. I came to meet ze famous Schuyler Seesters!"

Eliza raised an eyebrow, "Of- of course, Miss Rochelle, please, take a seat. Would you like some tomato bisque?"

She demurely crossed her arms in front of her chest, "Merci, mademoiselle. Some tomato bee-sque sounds lovely."

"Now, Miss Rochelle, I'm Elizabeth, though Eliza is just fine. That's Angelica. She's the oldest. And that right there," She pointed to me, "is Peggy, the youngest daughter of Phillip Schuyler."

"Miss Schuylers? Have you met my brother dearest?" Rochelle daintily sipped the soup that Betsy brought her.

I brush away some fly-away curls that had fallen into my eyes, "I haven't had the pleasure."

Rochelle giggled, and her laugh sounded like bells. Lord, this girl is just perfect, now isn't she? I sigh defeatedly. Every time I gain confidence, someone's there to be better. Usually it's my sisters, but now I have a gorgeous French girl to compete with? This is absolutely typical.

"'E should be stopping by to pee-ck me up soon." She swept back a stray curl, and I frowned. Whenever I did that, it looked messy, but when she sweeps back her hair, it looks delicate and refined.

Angelica gave me a pointed glare, and smiled sweetly, "Well, we'd love to meet him, now wouldn't we, Peggy?"

I paste a fake grin on, and Eliza gives me a sympathetic look. She pitied me, for being so naive and jealous. But Eliza was wrong. I wasn't naive. I just pretend not to know, so I can fit in... Angelica needs to maintain her status as the oldest and the wittiest, and Eliza stays the sweet one. Then what am I left with? The silly, carefree sister.

"When he stops by, Peggy dear, why don't you answer the door?" My eldest sister smirked, "After all, you are the youngest."

So I nod and act like everything's alright. But the next twenty minutes are when the conversation strayed from me, and I sulked. Why can't I be the eldest? Why can't I be the pretty one? For once, I want the spotlight... But that's not my place.

Knock, knock.

"I'll get it!" I spring up, and march to the door like I'm supposed to. When it swings open, however, I am completely unprepared. A handsome man is standing there, wearing a polished looking suit and tie.

He bows, and kisses my hand, "Bonjour, mademoiselle. I am Monsieur Lafayette, calling upon my sister. She came here to meet the charming young ladies known as the Schuyler Sisters. From all the stories about their beauty, I must assume you are one?"

"I'm Pe- I'm Pe- Peggy." I stutter. Great job. I internally scream, There goes all your proper etiquette! You didn't even curtsey to him. Then you stutter? Who are you anyways?

Lafayette smiles, winking at me, "You are sure, no?" My cheeks got warm and I could practically see how red they were. "I am just... how you say... playing with you."

"Peggy!" Angelica's voice echoes into the front foyer, "Hurry up and let Miss Rochelle's brother come sit with us. You're letting a draft in."

Grinning at me, Lafayette follows me inside and I try and look put together.

OKAY. SORRY FOR THE DELAY 3 LOVE YOU ALL!