The candlelight cast ribbons in her shiny chestnut hair, and the skin of her cheek looked velvety.
She was knitting a glove for a wounded drummer boy she had befriended at the hospital.
Eliza collected strays homesick soldiers, orphaned kittens, one-legged veterans, shy spinsters, and so on.
What do you mean that our currency problem is an illusion, Colonel Hamilton?
Eliza Schuylers uncle was nearly apoplectic.
Doctor Cochran held his pipe away from his teeth.
It had gone out.
And those reprobates in New York!
Give them more money?
Doctor Cochran couldnt grasp the fact that lack of confidence in the money supply drove down the currencys value.
America needed a national bank to put its house in order.
It took a fistful of Continentals to purchase what one dollar bought a year earlier.
Alexander had tried to explain the concepts he learned in Malachy PostlelthwaytsUniversal Dictionary of Commerce.
But as often happened, stubborn assumptions impeded comprehension.
In Alexanders experience, prejudice and ignorance were the brick and mortar of mens prisons.
Say bank, and otherwise sane gentlemen foamed at the mouth and started barking.
Alexander had been courting Eliza Schuyler for nearly a month.
He had visited the Cochrans home almost every evening since the skating party.
If she tried harder to ensnare him, she would be easier to resist.
Alexander refrained from discussing Eliza with Tench Tilghman.
The suave Southerner menaced all his plans.
I dont believe she has any idea how pretty she is.
He wanted Eliza alone.
He could kick himself.
Uncle John, Eliza said without flagging in her knitting, tell us about your research on smallpox inoculation.
Have you submitted your notes to Mr. Franklins Philosophical Society?
His nieces query brought a wrinkle to Doctor Cochrans brow.
No, it seems theres never enough time.
How fortunate that you were able to leave the hospital early today, she said.
Thats an excellent reminder, my dear.
He set down his cold pipe and turned to Alexander.
Would you indulge me, Colonel?
I have a bit more time than usual to rummage in my papers.
I ought to use it to advantage.
Of course, sir.
He took the seat next to her and picked up a glove she had just finished.
Perhaps
the next pair would be for him.
If he was lucky.
If she didnt turn away aghast.
How do you know how large to make the gloves?
Eliza smiled up at him.
Alexander felt he could swim in her dark eyes.
She held up her right hand.
I just placed my palm against Private Bradys.
I saw how much bigger his was than mine, and knitted accordingly.
Dont tell me youre holding hands with our drummer boy.
Alexander felt a stab of jealousy.
Your charms might induce heart seizure, and we cant afford any more casualties.
Eliza smiled as she resumed knitting.
I believe youre jealous, my dear colonel.
Thats exactly how I size mittens for my younger brothers.
Ill not be jealous if that is how you treat your brothers.
Alexander reached over, took Elizas needles, and set them in the basket at her side.
But your kindness induces me to hope for a different place in your affections.
I want to know your hearteverything you feel, shady or bright.
Eliza made no protest when Alexander raised her hands to his lips.
He kissed the backs first, then her delicate palms.
They smelled of flowers.
She caught her breath.
He felt his own deepen.
Eliza withdrew her hands.
He looked at her inquiringly.
He couldnt bear for her to pull away now.
You mustnt make love to me as you do girls in town.
Im a country mouse.
Then the cities should be leveled.
Ive never met anyone as captivating as you.
A pink blush suffused Elizas face and Alexander felt emboldened to take her hands again.
They were so small.
He was overwhelmed by the sense that she was defenseless.
She had erected no barriers.
Only a dress and petticoat shielded her, yet she didnt draw away.
The desire to possess and protect overwhelmed him.
Alexander took a deep breath.
He wanted to tell her she would always be safe with him.
But first he must know if he was safe with her.
hey dont mistake me for a man who woos a different damsel every day, he said.
Ill admit Im ardent, but the Almighty gave me a good heart along with a good head.
Before we met, I preferred to die a hero.
You make me want to live.
Alexander swallowedand then went hollow inside.
He hated what he had to say next.
The words, the thoughts, the reality were repugnant.
He felt as naked as a slave on the block in Christiansted.
No matter the cost, he must tell her.
You deserve someone worthy.
Im earnest, but Im poor.
I cant offer you what men of better birth can.
Eliza squeezed his hands tightly.
Alexander fought the compulsion to crush her in his arms.
I know all that, she whispered.
Love is wealth enough.
Alexander took a deep breath.
My family isnt like yours.
I have family enough for two.
Im not what I appear.
Rancid shame rose in his throat, but he went on.
He must tell her the worst.
My parents werent legally married.
I was born in disgrace.
Mamas dishonor and death, his fathers disappearance, his own illegitimacy.
Eliza didnt move during the excruciating speech.
Im an outsider, Betsey.
Always waiting for the moment people find out and despise me as a pretender.
My mother was good, but they called her a whore.
The word was bitter.
Every man dreams of a son.
Under Danish law, I dont own the name I would give him.
Alexander stared now at the hands she hadnt yet stolen back.
Forgive me, Eliza.
The room sounded empty.
Only the wind in the pine branches disturbed the silence.
Tears rolled down her beautiful cheeks.
Alexander couldnt tell if she wept for his misfortune or because their courtship had ended.
He let go of her hands.
There was stern comfort in doing what must be done.
He would rather destroy his own future than hers.
Hed always known happiness wasnt his lot in life.
Eliza took her knitting basket off the couch and placed it at her feet.
She turned to him and slid her arms around his chest.
Alexander inhaled the intoxicating scent of her thick, glossy hair.
Every bit of her smelled wonderful.
Unaware until that instant of the unbearable tension that gripped him, Alexander softened.
A lump rose in his throat.
It took his last reserve of self-restraint.
He met her eyes.
If people find out, theyll never let you forget what I am.
And what Im not.
Eliza placed a finger to his lips, then pressed.
She looked toward the open doorway.
And yes, Im sure.
Why do you think I tricked Uncle John into leaving?
Alexander stared, then burst into laughter.
He gazed into her eyes.
So she wasnt entirely without guile.
He wrapped his fingers around her wrist and pulled her to him.
He never wanted to stop kissing her.
