Dolley and James

May 13, 1794 Blousy lilacs and prim redbuds blurred as the black carriage rumbled through the cobbled streets of Philadelphia. The distance from the cemetery to the courthouse wasn’t far, but the visit to John’s grave, with their infant William lying beneath a tiny mound at his side, proved an excruciating ordeal for Dolley Payne Todd. Every jostle laid fresh the months-old wound deep in her heart. Dolley pressed her cheek to the cool pane as the carriage came to an abrupt stop before the impressive brick building on Fifth Street. She fingered the iris bloom kept back from the bundle she’d scattered on the graves and dabbed at tears before she nudged the young woman beside her. Betsy Pemberton could make her smile through any spot of trouble, but not even Betsy managed a smile that afternoon. Her dear friend’s mother, Sarah, sat across from them. Mrs. Pemberton clutched her reticule as the door swung open. Dolley leaned into Betsy’s shoulder and spoke. “Would you come in with thy mother and me? It should not take long to sign the will. The papers are properly prepared, and everyone will be inside waiting for us.” How odd she would have the need to make this will. She’d put it off far too long. And as sad and terrible as it was, she was glad when Mrs. Pemberton suggested the three ride out to the cemetery first. Yellow fever had raged through the city the year prior and spared no family from pain. Even the Pembertons lost kin, but Dolley had lost her beloved husband and infant son within a single day and was left alone to raise their firstborn, John Payne Todd. The visit to the graves bolstered her determination to do right by Payne. He was only two years old—so young to be fatherless. Too young to understand his baby brother and papa were gone. “Of course. Let me help you.” Betsy climbed out behind her mother and turned to offer her hand. Dolley squinted against a brilliant blue sky as she emerged from the dark carriage and grasped her friend’s hand. Cheerful anemones bobbed in the spring breeze from a window box, but she saw them through dull eyes. Indeed, it was too glorious a day for the task set before her. A small group of men lingered on the corner near Congress Hall and watched as the ladies made their way up the stone steps to the courthouse. She adjusted her kerchief about her shoulders. Betsy took her arm. “It must be time for the legislature to adjourn?” “In a month. Mama’s boardinghouse will be full until then. She wants me to come with her when she joins Lucy at Harewood,” Dolley said as she tucked a stray curl beneath her cap before they slipped inside. “Would you do that?” **** James Madison stopped pacing and surveyed the room as the delegation returned to Congress Hall. He looked beyond his fellow congressmen and eyed the stairs leading to the Senate floor. Aaron Burr appeared at length, and he cut straightway to intercept him. “Colonel, if I may have a moment with you on the front steps?” “Why, of course, Jemmy.” Burr chuckled as they went out to the fresh air. “You’re looking a bit cheerful. Do you know something I don’t?” “I was hoping you might know something I do not. Or rather you might remedy a situation for me.” His grin broadened as he looked down at the polished buckles on his shoes—anywhere other than Burr’s expression. He delayed no further with his request. “I saw the most remarkable woman walking down the street today. She was in a group, but she stood out singularly, like the sun among stars.” The silence was too much, and James looked up. Burr’s eyes rolled upward. “Did she have bright blue eyes that seem to twinkle from the heavens?” “Quite so. And black curls that frame her face. Do you know her, Senator?” Like himself, Burr had graduated from the College of New Jersey. Both attended during the same years, though he was much younger than James. Burr distinguished himself as a hero during the war and resigned at the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1779 to study law. Madison respected the man. “Very well. I know her very well. I’ve had occasions to stay at her mother’s boardinghouse many times after Congress moved here. Her name is Mrs. Todd. She’s a matchless beauty, wouldn’t you say? And her beauty comes from within as well as outwardly. I’m surprised you haven’t noticed her before. Everyone knows Dolley.” “Oh, to be sure I’ve noticed her. But I’ve never had a formal introduction.” Burr shook his head, the glint in his eye fading. “She’s a widow with a young boy. Her youngest, an infant boy, died the same day as his father. Her own father died the year before. So much loss for such a young woman. So much grief in what must have seemed a never-ending, and yet short amount of time.” If James had ever felt sorry for his own love life—many thought he preferred bachelorhood—he quit now, and a curious urge to protect her ran through him. He pushed again. “Would you do me the favor of a formal introduction?” The senator looked down at the top of James’s head. “She’s taller than you. Did you notice?” “I did, and I thought every inch beautiful.” Burr pulled at his white, powdered wig. “If I did not have such a high regard for you, I would tell you to banish the thought. But I do, Jemmy. I shall send her a message forthright and inform her of our desire to call.” James forced his giddy feeling to retreat and doffed his hat to the senator. “It would mean much to me to make her acquaintance. Thank you.”