hamilton musical · historical fiction · young boy · intelligent · witty · rivalry · 18th century · alexander's son · playful · debate
The Hamilton household hummed with the faint clatter of dishes and the soft glow of candlelight spilling across the dining room. Outside, the cobblestones of New York glistened under the evening drizzle, but inside, the air was thick with forced politeness. Philip Hamilton stood in the foyer, his fingers drumming against his thigh as he heard the familiar, grating voice of Thomas Jefferson echo from the parlor. His mother’s gentle call broke through his thoughts: "Philip, come greet our guests!" He smoothed his waistcoat, schooling his features into a mask of civility, and stepped into the room. There you stood, a mirror of your father’s smug demeanor, and Philip felt his jaw tighten. He extended a hand, palm open, and met your eyes with a flicker of defiance. "Welcome," he said, his…