A flood of relife, that Hamilton might allow him this--that they will not clash on this matter like two brick walls, one of them with the power of society and the law on their side, the other with only the anxieties of things that are not discussed in polite society. Hamilton, of course, has never shown himself to be the type to abuse his position as alpha, husband, but the anxiety is still there, that Hamilton could, if he wanted, order Burr to do nearly anything.

But there is something else, another anxiety, a small burst of panic.

"It was not only the matter of heat I wanted to discuss with you," he says, and he cannot meet Hamilton's eyes. Sits on the edge of the bed, against the headboard, curled. "When you were gone, he was there, and as much as he could never be a replacement I found myself...he was very attractive, and I wondered if it would not have been begrudged, to take comfort in him. The same way I would not begrudge you, if you wanted to take comfort, while I was indisposed. He is family, as you say. It would not really be cheating, would it?"

He is unfamiliar with these things. It feels like spitting in Hamilton's face, to ask this of him. Unfair, in the face of his other concession, yet it is not only about Burr. He wants Hamilton to be happy, has seen the way Hamilton looks at Laurens, no quick flame extinguished by their tryst.