Track 10: Visiting Theodosia Prevost. She's married to a British officer. The intellectual connection.
The Hermitage.
Paramus.
A sanctuary.
The war is raging, but here it is quiet.
A house full of books, a refuge from the riot.
She sits by the window, Voltaire in her hand.
The smartest woman in all of the land.
Theodosia Prevost. Ten years my senior.
A British officer’s wife.
But her mind… her mind is a knife.
Cutting through the nonsense, cutting through the lies.
I see the universe in her eyes.
Theodosia.
We talk of Rousseau and we talk of the soul.
You make me feel human. You make me feel whole.
It’s not just a flirtation. It’s not just a game.
I’m falling in love with your mind and your name.
The Hermitage hides us.
The Hermitage guides us.
She speaks French like a native. She challenges me.
"Aaron, what is your purpose? What will you be?"
I tell her my dreams. I tell her my fears.
She listens with patience. She dries up the tears.
I’ve never met anyone equal to this.
It’s an intellectual, dangerous bliss.
Her husband is fighting. He’s far, far away.
But I am right here. And I want to stay.
They say it’s improper.
They say it’s a sin.
But how can it be wrong when the light is within?
We’re partners. We’re equals.
In a world that wants women to silence their voice.
She makes a choice.
And I make a choice.
Theodosia.
We talk of Rousseau and we talk of the soul.
You make me feel human. You make me feel whole.
Wait for me.
Just wait for me.
I’ll come back.
I promise.