This is pure filler. I apologize. But it's necessary for the next bit.

Let me know what you think!

~TH~

February 1798
Alexander

"As I'm sure the jury is well aware, the accused is a woman, a young woman at that." Alexander watched as the collection of men nodded hesitantly. "Is there any logic in the idea that she murdered a man of middle age? She is accused of murdering a man twice her size, a manual worker. How could she logically do anything to him that would even suggest that she is the murderer? She is simply a weak woman!" He felt himself grow ill at the very words.

He wouldn't believe it. Women could be just as powerful and forceful as men. Obviously, these men had never met Angelica.

While he was convinced of his client's innocence, no true evidence existed. He was grasping at straws, hoping for a release.

"Thank you, Mr Hamilton." Alexander nodded and took a seat. "The jury will now meet to make their decision."

This was the part he always hated. Waiting for a verdict.

Hamilton lightly jumped as a hand came down on his shoulder. "Let's be thankful my wife isn't here."

"Very true." He laughed, "It's good to see you, John, it's been a while."

"That it has been. You're quite a busy man."

Alexander sighed, rubbing his temples, "Yes, it seems I am always doing something. Never a moment to myself. Or my family."

John nodded.

"But I have to. It's not as if I could just stop working. We are so far in debt and-" his slumped position straightened, "I apologise, I shouldn't be burdening you with my troubles."

"You know it you are in need-" his brother-in-law's face softened.

"We will be fine. Thank you for your concern, but this case will be quite profitable. We'll be fine."

John looked sceptical and Alexander once again cursed his inability to keep his mouth shut.

After a moment of awkward silence, John nodded towards the door. "I should be going, it looks as though the jury is returning."

The courtroom settled into order and the foreman stood.

Hamilton felt uneasy about this case. True, it would bring forth a heavy sum, assuming that he won. He wasn't all too confident. Not because of his abilities, but because of the sheer lack of evidence he had. And the fact that the jury had returned so soon didn't speak well for him.

"We find the defendant,"

Alex held his breath. He really couldn't afford to lose this case.

"Not guilty."

"Your kidding." He closed his mouth quickly as heads turned to him. But he had won? With that defence? Where all men this stupid?

Among the claps on the back for a case well won, Alexander exited the courtroom. He suddenly felt ill. What kind of jury would take evidence like that? He should be grateful, but still.

Men could be idiots.

~H~

It was nearly midnight when he returned. Alexander was exhausted. He had been non-stop for nearly a month.

He had mostly recovered from his fall, though Eliza scolded him to not taking more time off. There was no way he could have. He had three different cases that he needed to work on.

He was finally done. All he had to do was fill out the last of the paperwork tomorrow. That could be done in his office. No more long rides to the courthouse. He was finally done and had quite a bit of money to show for it. Maybe he could finally take that break.

When he finally reached his house, it was dark. He felt slight disappointment at the sight. He had been spending the last several nights at an inn near the courtroom. The ride was several hours ride out and had saved a considerable amount of time, but he had missed his family. Seeing John had been a breath of fresh air to his lonely soul. He had been so looking forward to seeing Eliza, that he had left a day early. He had sent a message several days back stating his desire to return home early. He hadn't gotten a response. Perhaps she didn't receive it...

No matter. It was late. Regardless of if she knew of his return, she had the household to care for. She needed her rest. He hadn't really been here for her as of late.

Over the past month, they had grown apart. Not of any particular reason that he was  aware. Perhaps it was him... But Eliza seemed distant. Her letters during a week-long stay in Albany held little of the usual warmth. The weeks he had spent at home had held very few of the meaningful conversations that normally passed between them late in the night. This past week had held no correspondence on her part.

Perhaps it was him

Perhaps he had done something to anger her. Maybe it was his work.

But this was his new chance.

Tomorrow.

He would leave the office early and spend the day with her.

Then a thought struck him, it was Valentines Day. Yes. The perfect opportunity.

He would surprise her.

Tomorrow, he would make up for all of his absences. And maybe this chill between them would finally be warmed.

~TH~

The basic outline for the first part is based on a real case Alex did. The time period is all wrong, but I loved the story and needed a filler.

Let me know what you think!

The next chapter is when things get... Interesting.

What do you think of poor insecure Alex?

He needs a hug.

Until next week!

God bless,
Jamie