slowtoanger (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
slowtoanger) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
amrev_intrigues2022-05-04 11:43 am
slowtoanger) wrote in amrev_intrigues2022-05-04 11:43 am
Private Storyline 7
The small clearing with the circle of cabins that has been their home the past week and a half is starting to thaw--the end of an unseasonable blizzard--dripping pine needles and mud and chill, crisp air.
Burr sits in a rocking chair, Theo bundled in a sash against his chest while the wagons are loaded, waiting for Hamilton to bear him into the wagon. Still sore, torn, unable to walk for more than a few paces, lest the surgeon or Hamilton or Washington begin gripping at him. Beside him, three overstuffed sacks--necessities from Mrs. Smith and Linden, who can never be repaid for their kindness, as well as his own possessions.
Washington inspects the wagons nearby, accounting for supplies, though Hamilton or Laurens has likely already been over the process three or four times. Tents broken down, flour counted. He spots Burr and his face softens, crows feet smoothing, a sight Burr thought he would never see, in the stoic general. Because he sees Theo, no doubt--a soft spot for children.
"How is little Theo bearing this cold?" He asks, as Burr rocks her, asleep, blessedly, before she will doubtless cry for the rocking wagon.
"Not awfully," Burr says. "Hamilton has wrapped her in our wool with enough care I thought we should never be ready, and I have here our extra blanket, should we need it. Laurens has tracked down some oiled tarpaulin, in case it rains, and I am sure he will have no reservations over ordering someone to pitch it over the wagon, should there be the first threat of rain."
Across the clearing Hamilton is tugging at his saddle straps, his back to Burr, a fine sight amid mud and pines, in a continental coat and freshly laundered trousers. Washington follows his gaze, shakes his head, though he is smiling.
"Come," he says, "I will help you into the wagon now before he spirits you away, lest I never have the chance to see little Theo."
Burr sits in a rocking chair, Theo bundled in a sash against his chest while the wagons are loaded, waiting for Hamilton to bear him into the wagon. Still sore, torn, unable to walk for more than a few paces, lest the surgeon or Hamilton or Washington begin gripping at him. Beside him, three overstuffed sacks--necessities from Mrs. Smith and Linden, who can never be repaid for their kindness, as well as his own possessions.
Washington inspects the wagons nearby, accounting for supplies, though Hamilton or Laurens has likely already been over the process three or four times. Tents broken down, flour counted. He spots Burr and his face softens, crows feet smoothing, a sight Burr thought he would never see, in the stoic general. Because he sees Theo, no doubt--a soft spot for children.
"How is little Theo bearing this cold?" He asks, as Burr rocks her, asleep, blessedly, before she will doubtless cry for the rocking wagon.
"Not awfully," Burr says. "Hamilton has wrapped her in our wool with enough care I thought we should never be ready, and I have here our extra blanket, should we need it. Laurens has tracked down some oiled tarpaulin, in case it rains, and I am sure he will have no reservations over ordering someone to pitch it over the wagon, should there be the first threat of rain."
Across the clearing Hamilton is tugging at his saddle straps, his back to Burr, a fine sight amid mud and pines, in a continental coat and freshly laundered trousers. Washington follows his gaze, shakes his head, though he is smiling.
"Come," he says, "I will help you into the wagon now before he spirits you away, lest I never have the chance to see little Theo."
no subject
But, belying the dirty talk, he bends and presses a soft kiss to the crown of Theodosia's head. She is so utterly precious and tiny and perfect. He is gone on her completely.
"Are you all right?" he asks, wringing out the cloth in the basin. "Do you hurt, at all? I meant to be much gentler and much... less." Given they have to go on horseback today.
no subject
"Only my joints hurt, from yesterday's ride," Burr says, "down by my hips. I think any pains beyond that are for me being out of practice. We went reasonably slow on the way here, or I should think I would have saddle sores. We will be fine to ride, I believe. I simply do not like Theo on so dangerous an animal. If we were to fall or be thrown, I am not sure I could land in such a way as to shield her."
He offers his fingers to her then and she eagerly latches on, makes a disgruntled, angry noise when no milk is forthcoming.
"And of course, we will have to break frequently to feed her, every two hours or so."