Alexander Hamilton / Angelica Schuyler

Angelica Schuyler

Alexander Hamilton

It’s a small inn on the outskirts of New York. A man and a woman are sitting at a table having a drink in the late afternoon. There is familiarity in their words and gestures. They have selected an inn where they are not likely to be recognized.

Angelica Schuyler Church: Did you have much trouble getting away?

Hamilton: You don’t seem to understand, I manage my own time and this time I’ve managed to devote to you.

Angelica: Please don’t scold me. I only want to be sure that our sweet Betsy doesn’t suspect anything.

Hamilton: My wife’s day is completely taken up with the children in the morning and a church meeting in the afternoon. We can be as naughty as we like.

Angelica: That’s really disappointing. A bit of danger excites my imagination. I’m so lonely.

Hamilton: With your husband in England, I’d be foolish to believe you spend your evenings alone.

Angelica: I confess I’m somewhat insatiable but only you come close to giving me genuine pleasure. I would be delighted though were Betsy to look at me with a bit of suspicion.

Hamilton: Your sister is incapable of being suspicious. She is a pure spirit. Her trust in those she loves is limitless. Neither you nor I can ever approach the plane upon which she exists. She sees little and hears less. You and I need our carnal escapades and that is why we’ve come together.

Angelica: You make me sound monstrous.

Hamilton: Not at all. I love your whimsical forays and your unexpected repartees.

Angelica: Then why didn’t you marry me?

Hamilton: You were simply not available.

Angelica: Spoken like a true gentleman but I don’t believe a word of it. I am not exactly Joan of Arc. My reputation is somewhat off-white and that would not do for a man constantly under public scrutiny. You need my sister who does much to raise you from your baser proclivities.

Hamilton: Now you make me sound monstrous.

Angelica: And well deserved. Now my dear Alexander, before I let you hold me in your arms tell me why you didn’t support Father for a second term in the senate.

Hamilton: I did support your father but conditions were different the second time. The scoundrel, that you think I am, caught everyone off guard when I managed to get Philip into the senate. When his term ended, I was being watched from all sides. It was just not possible to secure a second sleight of hand. Besides, a fellow federalist and battle companion Aaron Burr appeared unstoppable.

Angelica: So I am expected to select any one of your possible reasons that you showed tepid enthusiasm in my father’s interest? This matter is not closed. Come to bed, Alexander.

The owner of the inn winked his eye at the gentleman who followed his lady to the stairway leading to the upper floors.