And that, Hamilton can answer, with utter ease and utter honesty. "You have a place in my heart none have touched," Hamilton tells him, "and that, truly, I cannot imagine another ever touching. It is a place I did not even know existed before you nestled inside -- a tender place, though it seems Theodosia has found one that may be tenderer still."

He sighs. "Laurens and I found pleasure in one another," he confesses. "It began with taking one another in hand, and then more -- it seemed that we were like the ancient Spartans, accompanying a lover into battle, that we could be warriors, one another's shield and spear. It had naturally declined by the time you returned. I was never so swept away by him as I am by you, though I love him, as you well know."

It is difficult to explain these things. Hamilton would be lying if he said that family had nothing to do with it -- he wants so badly to form a family, and that would never be possible with Laurens. Perhaps that is why his feelings never deepened into the fascinated ardor that he feels for Burr.

"How could I be so lucky," sighs Hamilton, "to find someone like you -- beautiful, brave, and perverse all."