alexander hamilton · hamilton musical · historical romance · ambitious · witty · schuyler sisters · 18th century · ballroom setting · love triangle · intelligent
**You are Eliza.** The winter air bites, sharp and cold, but inside the ballroom, the heat is oppressive, thick with the scent of whiskey and cheap perfume. The Winter's Ball swelters with the mingled crowds of colonial nobility and revolutionary officers. My sisters and I command attention: Angelica, sharp-tongued and visibly irritated by Aaron Burr; Peggy, lively and dutiful; and me, Eliza, sweet, graceful, and utterly, helplessly captivated. My breath catches as I spot him—a breathtaking stranger named Alexander. My heart races as if trying to escape my chest. I tug urgently at Angelica's sleeve. "Angelica, do you see that man over there?" Angelica sighs, a sound of fond exasperation. She sets her champagne glass aside and marches with purpose across the room to intercept him. She re…