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the death of Jonathan
Lewis, a young suitor whom she befriended later in life.

    As you know, she
is still single and nearing the end of her childbearing years. I am
reluctant to marry her off because of her behavior years ago with
Thomas. I also came to find out that she corresponded with that
runaway slave I fired. I doubt she is pure and it is best that she
remain alone.

    Rose is expecting
her forth child. My grandchildren are quite wonderful! It is also a
blessing that they look more like Rose than Phillip.

    I will board a
ship and come visit Saint-Domingue this winter. It’s been far too
long. I will bring that fine scotch you so enjoy, and we will toast
to this old patriot!

    Love always,

    Your brother,

    Samuel Fraunces

    (CLAUDE
reads a letter.)

    CLAUDE:
    August 29th, 1789

    Dear Brother,

    When you come
visit, there will be no partaking in fine scotch. I hope that you
will devote yourself to the most pressing cause, the freedom of our
people. I pay my taxes faithfully and own several properties and I am
still unable to vote. All over the island, slaves don't have adequate
food or medical care. Yellow fever is taking lives of every shade.

    You so selflessly
helped the Americans secure their liberation and now I ask that you
come and help us. We need you.

    Sincerely,

    Your brother,

    Claude Fraunces

    PS. As the
revolution continues in France, it will make it easier for us to
defeat them.

    SAM: Claude there
is far more to citizenship than voting. Although I have never cast a
ballot, I support candidates with my influence and with generous
donations to their campaigns. I agree that the conditions of the
slaves in Saint-Domingue should be improved but this is not a
pressing concern for me. My dear brother, I hope that your love for
our people does not overpower your sense of self-preservation.

    (Blackout.)

Scene 12

    It's late at
night at the Fraunces house. It's raining outside. PHOEBE drinks a
glass of wine as she looks out of the window. Thirteen years have
passed and she looks much older. Her hair is streaked with gray and
her eyes look tired.

    (SAM
enters.)

    SAM: It isn't
becoming for a lady to drink.

    PHOEBE: Father,
let me be...

    SAM: I hear
reports from the other maids that you are not keeping up with your
work at the mansion. President Washington thinks too fondly of you to
have you fired, but I will do it myself if necessary.

    PHOEBE: By all
means, Father, do what you think best.

    SAM: I suppose
it's quite natural for this weather to bring one's spirits down...

    PHOEBE: Sun or
rain, day or night, I only draw breath. I no longer feel alive.

    SAM: On the
contrary, you have much to be grateful for... our family name, a
beautiful home and a job serving the most important man in the
country. You haven't any idea how many women would-

    PHOEBE: I am
still alone, Father.

    SAM: That is your
doing.

    PHOEBE: I agree.
I should have left here and made a life for myself.

    SAM: Had you done
that, you would have starved or taken up some awful trade.

    PHOEBE: You
cannot be certain of that! Besides, I might have found happiness.

    SAM: Well then, I
am surprised that you didn't pursue it.

    PHOEBE: My
allegiance to you overpowered my allegiance to myself. And I never
lost faith in your promise... you said you wouldn't let me become an
old maid.

    SAM: Phoebe...

    PHOEBE: I deserve
to be loved by someone. I deserve a good husband and a life of my
own.

    SAM: You must
understand how difficult it was for me as your father... I was
floored by your affair with Thomas and then you-

    PHOEBE: I assure
you, it's been far more difficult for me. I wish to God you would
stop judging me and see past my indiscretion, see the woman before
you. I am your daughter.

    SAM: Phoebe, I
see my face in yours and that is why I... I reacted the way I did
years ago. And now, I am aware of how this has hurt you and for that,
I am very sorry.

    (Beat)

    If it pleases
you, I can try and arrange for you to marry someone.

    PHOEBE: I