"He'll be right down," Alice said as she entered the Great Room.

"Thank you, Alice," Ned smiled. The children had gathered with Ned and Isaac in the Great Room like planned. Ned glanced around the room and quickly prayed to himself.

A light skinned, fairly thin man walked into the room. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

"That's alright, I thought you could have a little insight in our situation," Ned responded with a nod toward an empty seat.

The man sat in the chair indicated and looked around the room. It was the first time he had seen this whole family together.

"Who are you?" Lexy blurted without a blush.

"Lexy," Alice tried to correct her sister's rudeness.

"It's alright, I'm sure you've all been wondering," the stranger answered Alice. Then he addressed Lexy; "Did you ever hear of a man named Thomas Jefferson?"

Lexy nodded. "He was the President of the United States from 1801-1809. He wrote the Declaration of Independence and was from Virginia."

"Impressive," the man complimented in a rich Virginian accent.

"I listen in class," Lexy beamed and looked at her father. Her attention went back to the stranger, "But who are you?"

"I'm his grandson." He watched as a few mouths dropped around the room.

"Excuse me," Alice interrupted, "this might sound a little brusque, but you look like you might be.well, related to a colored person. I mean your hair and some of your other features." Alice's head dropped as she listened to the comment she made. Her last few words dropped from her lips as if she were ashamed at suggesting that the relative of a President could be colored.

"I am," the man answered. "My name is Lewis Woodson. A few years after Mrs. Jefferson died, Thomas Jefferson fell in love with one of his slaves, Sally Hemings. She was a house-servant, who primarily worked for his daughters. While he was in France, he began a relationship with Sally Hemings and made a deal with her. Well, it was less of a deal and more of a decision, especially since she wasn't sure how she felt about him yet. Anyway, Thomas Jefferson decided that he would not let Sally and the baby she was carrying free. You see, he knew that in France, she would not be provided for like he could provide for her back home, besides he wanted to be able to be there for her and love her like he wanted to. He had to keep her close and the only way to do that was to keep her as his slave but to privately treat her as a wife. She never had to worry about money, clothes, anything. Everything she could want or need was all provided for. Some time, he did give her freedom papers, but she had already decided to stay with him. They had several children, the first of whom was my father, Thomas Woodson. The reason that he had the Woodson name instead of being totally named after Jefferson was because he went to work on the plantation of one of Jefferson's kinsmen. When Jefferson passed away, my father was freed as well." Lewis shifted his gaze to Sean and Marita. "This story has been passed down in our family. As we ranged from light to the dark. I even have an uncle who moved to Wisconsin, took on the Jefferson name and claims to be white. His son fought in the war, Colonel Jefferson. But some of my family has taken a strong stand in what I like to call 'interracial relations.' The society is constantly building relationships that cross cultures. Coloreds are getting to know whites in social settings that were never allowed before. In some parts of the country it is more tolerable than in other parts." Lewis looked up at Ned, "The question becomes are you and this family ready to handle this? Because it's not just about Sean and Marita, it is about all of you."

"He's right," Isaac spoke up, "what happens to Sean and Marita happens to all of us."

"Which is why we have come up with a plan," Ned said. He stopped as he saw Bridgette enter the doorway.

"Excuse me, sir. This just came from the Winters, and I was told that it was of immediate concern," Bridgette said and stayed in place.

Ned nodded toward her, and she came in and gave the letter to Clay. Clay sat with a puzzled look on his face as he took the letter from Bridgette and opened it.

Dear Clay,

I know that you might think this odd of me to write you. It is totally improper of me as a lady, but there is something that I must tell you.

First, you did shoot William last night, just in case you did not know that. He is fine, but of course, he is whining about the pain. Well, the thought of him getting shot on your property got me wondering. I mean, why would William want to hurt the Peters. Then I thought of that repulsive letter that obviously had to have been fabricated during the election. If a copy of that letter somehow got into my mother's hands, this could have been what she was talking about. That is just an idea. I mean, John Turner was suppose to get rid of any copies, but if he held on to one and my mother or William stumbled upon it, we could have the cause of the whole problem here. Then all we have to do is discredit the letter somehow.

I'll see what I can find out, and please keep me informed. If that letter is the cause then this definitely has to do with me. I will try to visit later or better yet meet me in town for lunch after church.

Vivian Winters

"Well, Clay, what's so important?" Alice asked as she watched Clay fold the letter and returned it to its envelope.

"Alice, if Clay wanted to tell us, he would," Ned reprimanded even though he was eager to know what the letter said too.

"Pa, it's from Vivian. She thinks that this whole situation has to do with that letter that came out during the election. You know the one about Sean and Marita."

"I know the letter you're talking about," Ned cut Clay off before Clay could elaborate.

"If that's the case how do we deal with this," Isaac said aloud what Ned and Clay were thinking.

"What's going on?" Alice whispered to Jeremy who shrugged.

Lexy looked up at Alice and Jeremy slightly annoyed that they were so oblivious. "A letter came out during the election. Apparently, it was a forgery about Sean and Marita. Mrs. Winters, William, and Dennis Elwood obviously have gotten their hands on a copy." Alice, Jeremy, and Lewis looked at the young girl with surprise. "I pay attention," Lexy added.

Meanwhile, the other conversation continued, "I think Vivian is going to be an asset to us. She was before," Sean said.

"What do you mean?" Isaac asked looking from Sean to Marita and back to Sean.

Marita answered for Sean; "Sean talked to Vivian about the letter. He emphasized how it would make her look if people thought that Sean had chosen me over her."

"Which I did do, but not for the reasons stated in the letter," Sean interrupted.

"But Vivian didn't need to know that. So Sean gave as much information as needed to answer Vivian's questions," Marita continued.

"Like you did when I asked you about the letter?" Ned and Isaac asked in unison.

"Yes," Sean and Marita answered together and smiled.

"We weren't lying, Pa," Sean said. "It's just that." Sean fumbled for the wording.

Marita picked up; "It is like the short story by Herman Melville. It's in your book, you know the one," Marita addressed Ned. " 'Bartebly, the Scrivener.' He always answered, 'I would prefer not,' because no one ever asked him the right questions."

Ned and Isaac looked at each other. "Hey, don't look at me that way, you had just as much to do with these two coming out like this as I did," Isaac laughed with his friend.

Ned retorted, "No, I think it's that they spent too much time with Libby when they were growing up." His laugh slowed. "Alright, well, everyone, we know what's going on. I am planning to have a talk with some of the men after church today. We have about an hour or so before service. We need to get David Engleman home and get ready for church. Is there anything else?" Ned looked around the room.

"Sean and." Lexy began to blurt out, but then she saw Sean's face. "Sean and Marita, I'm glad you're together," she recovered.

"Thanks, Peanut," Sean said, and though Lexy was beginning to hate that nickname she smiled and ran over to give him a hug.

"Alright, everyone, you know what to do," Ned announced. The family began to go about their business. Clay and Jeremy went to hitch the wagon and take David home. Marita went to help Alice get ready for church. She figured that she and Isaac would have a little service at the Logan home today for safety reasons.

Sean leaned over to Lexy, "Close call."

"I know, sorry."

"Hey, Lex, you know why I want to keep it a secret even though things seem like they'll work out?"

"Cause you don't want you or Marita to get hurt."

"Besides that, I want to do something nice for Marita." Sean began to address the others left in the room. "Pa, Isaac, Mr. Woodson."

"Please, call me Lewis."

"Lewis," Sean repeated with a grin. "I want to have an announcement party for Marita and I. I know it's too soon to think about it with everything the way it is, but I.well, Marita deserves it. Nothing big to draw attention. Just the chance to announce to the family that I would like to marry her, but I want it to be a surprise for her.

"Well, that'll be hard, Son, with Marita living in the house now," Ned said.

"I know, but can we give it a try?"

"Sean, you know that girl is nosey; she'll know in a second if something seems odd, but I don't see why we can't try?" Isaac said.

"I think it's a great idea," Lewis said, "and when the time comes and you need someone to perform the ceremony, it would be a great honor if you would let me join the two of you in holy matrimony." The others looked at him stunned. "I'm sorry I didn't formally introduce myself. Reverend Lewis Woodson from Richmond, Virginia, at your service," he said with a graceful bow. "I am ordained in several states and have secretly performed marriages of this nature before. So like I said, I'd be honored."

Sean's mouth wasn't the only one in the room slightly open.

"Wow!" Lexy let out. "This is going to be great! Pa, can I help with the planning?"

"I guess so, but we might have to have the ceremony out of state."

"That's find by me," Sean smiled.

"Well, then alright," Ned said.

"Alright," Isaac nodded.

"Good," Rev. Lewis winked at Lexy and she giggled with delight.



Later that Morning



As the Logan family left for church, Marita took her bag to the guest room David Engleman had stayed in. The room had been cleaned and fresh linens dressed the bed. Marita opened the curtains and pushed the windows open. The air was crisp and had the faint scent of summer's approach. Marita stood there a while letting the warmth of the sun play against her cheeks and the gentle breeze dance with her hair that she was wearing free. She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around herself as she took a deep breath. Marita slowly let out her breath and opened her eyes. This time she saw her house. A pile of charred wood lay in the distance barely visible, but Marita knew what it was. She wondered for a moment if her nightmare was completed. She had slept well last night, despite all that had happened. And it wasn't just because she had fallen asleep with Sean close by; her dreams were peaceful and full of joy. Marita smiled to herself as she thought about waking up in Sean's arms, feeling his breath by her ear as they breathed in sync. Her mind wondered to what might have happened that morning. Marita was surprised at how much her body remembered from that morning. She could sense his body on hers. Marita's heart ached as she longed to physically be with Sean in every way. "God give me the strength," Marita said to herself as she exhaled the breath that she didn't realize she was holding.

The door was opened, so Isaac paused a moment to look at his baby girl. He saw her silhouetted by the light that poured in the window. She truly looked like an angel.his angel.no, Sean's angel. Sure, Sean and Marita weren't married yet, but Isaac knew that his position in her life was going to change the closer they got to the wedding and especially after the wedding. She'll always be his daughter, but the man of her life would be Sean Logan. Isaac stifled a laugh as he realized that Sean has always been the other man in Marita's life. He knocked on the opened door.

"Marita, baby girl, you settled in now?"

Marita turned to face her father. The light didn't want to let go of her form so it caressed and warmed her back as Marita addressed her father. She nodded, "The room is fine, Pa, but I wished you could stay here or closer than the spare room downstairs."

"Well, sweetheart, you're a grown woman now and your father doesn't need to sleep on the floor in your room."

Marita knew he was right, but Sean's room was next door. She knew that the further her father was from her the greater the temptation.

Isaac kept talking, "I don't mind sleeping downstairs. I chose to." That much was correct. Sean, Clay, and Jeremy had offered their rooms, but Isaac said he wanted Marita upstairs. He knew she'd be safer there. Besides, keeping a room downstairs would help him be on his guard in case the Logan home was ever in danger again.

Isaac walked over to Marita and looked out the window. His eyes drifted to the burned house in the distance. "Hard to believe it's gone, baby girl," he said as he passed her.

Marita came up behind him. "Yes, Pa, but we're safe and that's what matters."

"Well," Isaac didn't turn as he added, "I'll just have to start over. Build me a new house. Maybe a little smaller."

"Papa, I'll help."

Isaac's gaze stayed on the house a moment longer. Then he took a deep breath and turned to face Marita. He let out his breath as he said, "No, baby girl, you need to start preparing things for your own home. There are a few things that your mother and Libby put together for you. They kept it in the attic here for safety. Good thing, I guess." Isaac half smiled. He took a breath, composed himself, and headed for the door. "Come downstairs when you're finished so we can pray and have Bible study."

"Yes, sir," Marita said as she began to empty her bag and put things in place. "This is going to be one interesting stay," she thought to herself.



In Town

"Good morning, Ned," the reverend said as the Logan family came to the door of the church.

"Good morning, Rev. Jennings. How are you today?" Ned said trying to make polite conversation as he shook the reverend's hand.

"Not bad, but I'm a little disturbed," the reverend's voice lowered.

"Why?" Ned said as he stepped to the side to talk to the reverend privately. "Is something wrong?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing," the reverend continued to speak in a lower voice. "I heard what happened at Isaac and Marita's place."

"Oh?" Ned watched his tone, not knowing how much the reverend had heard.

"It's a tragic shame. Isaac and Marita seem like good people. Better than most folk I know..." the reverend drifted, and Ned waited. Finally, the reverend continued, "Are they alright?"

"Yes, we were able to get them to our house before the men came." Ned continued to watch the reverend's face. Ned knew too many "religious" people who wavered when it came to the treatment of colored people, but he knew the reverend.

"I'm glad to hear it," relief filled his voice.

"Isaac and Marita will be glad to hear you care." Ned felt guilty for doubting his friend so he let his wall down. "May I ask how you found out?"

"Griffith told me. He's already seated inside. Ned, this church might be for white only, but I do care about colored people, especially ones like Isaac and Marita. Like I said before they're good people and don't deserve anything like that." The church bell rang for the last time. "Well, I need to get up front." The reverend left Ned and headed to the front of the church.

Ned went and sat with his family. Sean leaned over. "What was that all about?"

"He heard about last night. He seemed really concerned about Isaac and Marita," Ned relayed to Sean.

"Really?" Sean was slightly shocked. "You believe him?"

"Yes," Ned said confidently. "Sean, we might not know who all the attackers are, but we can't live in suspicion of everyone. We can't live in fear." Ned spoke as much to himself as he did to Sean.

After singing two hymns, the sermon began and amazingly enough the topic was "Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You." Reverend Jennings used the story of the Good Samaritan. ".He helped someone who socially he shouldn't have even spoken to, let alone touch. This is a story Jesus tells. Jesus, the Son of God, tells us to be a good neighbor to everyone. Yet I'm sad to say that even here in Lexington sitting in this church are people who treat others badly, even to the point of physical harm." The congregation squirmed and murmured. "If we can't even treat colored with a little decency by letting them have a home, how can we expect for them to keep treating us with respect. That murderous slave, Nat Turner, led a revolt when we whites pushed him too far. Though we might not like it, coloreds are free by law. What kind of revolt would happen if your house," the reverend pointed at Mr. Mott, "was burned to the ground in the middle of the night?"

Mr. Mott looked around and hoped Rev. Jennings was not really pointing at him.

Rev. Jennings continued, "You're free, aren't you?" His eyes blazed and seemed to sear Mr. Mott.

Mr. Mott nodded.

"Wouldn't the loss of your home make you a slave to whoever takes in you and your family?"

Mr. Mott slowly nodded again.

"Wouldn't your revolt?" Rev. Jennings pressured.

"Yes," Mr. Mott's voice cracked as he spoke a little louder than he wanted. There were a few snickers from some members of the congregation.

"Well, that's not happening. There's no revolt. Why? Because the people who lost their house last night love this town and the people here." Some people were leaving. "I know that I might get ran out of the town for what I have said today, but this has to be said. God wants us to love our neighbors as ourselves. This is considered the second greatest commandment. So let's abide by it." With that the reverend bowed his head and prayed.







After Service



Sean and Jeremy took Lexy and Alice home. Pa wanted to stay and talk with some of the men, and Clay was going to meet Vivian for lunch. Sean wanted to rush home to make sure Marita and Isaac were alright, but he contained his feelings in case someone was watching. Jeremy, Alice, and Lexy were just as anxious to get home, so Jeremy slapped the reigns and pepped up the golden brown horse's step to a trot. The blonde mane shook with the horse's head as it livened its step. Sean's horse matched the trot. "Thanks, Jeremy," Sean said just loud enough for the family to hear.

"You're welcome, Sean." Jeremy hated seeing Sean upset. Sean had cheered up some during the service, but it was clear that Sean was deeply concerned because Marita wasn't in his sight. Jeremy remembered watching Sean leave Marita to go to church that morning. Sean had held her as if he wasn't sure if he would see her again. Tears had fallen from Sean's eyes, and Marita gently wiped them away saying, "Shh.It'll be alright. I'm not going anywhere." She softly kissed both of Sean's eyes, holding his face in her hands. She kissed his lips "Remember, Sean," she whispered, "I said 'yes'." That had made Sean smile. "Yes to what? Did Sean ask her to marry him already?" Jeremy looked at Sean. "Boy, was Sean right. This IS complicated."



In Town



Clay saw Vivian from a distance. She was prim and proper as usual. Everything was just in the place it was suppose to be. Her hat sat just so on her head, not damaging a single curl. There was not a single wrinkle in her dress. Her parasol seemed to set on her shoulder like a graceful angel protecting her from the heat of the sun. Clay's heart almost stopped when she turned to see him and smiled at him. "If only." he thought to himself.

"Good day, Vivian," he said as he tipped his hat and offered his arm.

"Good day, Clay," she said as she took hold of his arm.

As they began to walk they lowered their voices.

"Thank you for the letter. We think you might be right."

Vivian was not surprised, but she was still concerned about her reputation. "So what do you plan to do about all of this?"

Clay wanted to give an answer that would maker her proud, but all he could say was, "My pa is having a meeting at the Jockey Club. He is hoping he could talk some sense into the men."

"Let's head that way then. Maybe we can do something."

They crossed the street. "I hope this doesn't make things worse," Clay thought to himself.



At the Jockey Club



"Thank you, gentlemen, for showing up on such short notice." Ned lit his cigar and took a puff before continuing. "A horrible incident took place on my property last night. A group of men, who from my knowledge met here first, came to my house and burned down my head trainer's house." Ned weighed each word carefully, knowing that this would be an uneasy topic if he turned it into a racial one. "Now, I know who some of the head people are. They were, unfortunately, injured as my family protected our property. The paper wanted to print an article on it for this week, but I decided." Ned looked at his cigar and rolled it between his thumb and fingers, ".Well, I decided to have a little talk with all of you first. I could press charges due to the loss and damage of property, but I haven't decided yet."

"Well, Ned, why did these men burn down Isaac's house?" said a man with a long, black mustache. I know he is normally a good Negro, but maybe he did something to cause this."

"Now you know Isaac, Mr. Cromwell. Do you really think that after all this time of him being free that he would jeopardize that?"

"I heard that it was because of that colored girl and your son," Mr. Sampson spat out.

"That's true," came a voice from the entrance of the club. Ned turned around and was surprised to see whom he saw. David Engleman was being wheeled into the room in an odd contraption. "I like to call this a wheeling chair." David gestured to the chair. "A friend of mine made it in college, but people laughed at it. He wanted to get rid of it, so I took it. Little did I know I'd ever use it." His younger brother pushed David forward. "We went because of a letter Dennis and William found saying that the reason Sean didn't marry Vivian was because he was in love with Isaac's daughter and was sleeping with her."

There were gasps and grunts from some of the men.

"I wanted to tell you the whole truth. That letter was a phony. I grew up with Sean and honestly, Sean and Marita are just friends like they've always been. I mean, they grew up together on the same property where their fathers have worked together for years. Goodness, men, Isaac had even saved Ned's life in the war. Friendship is bound in happen, but there is no foul play." David turned his head and looked up into Ned's eyes, "Ned, I was drunk and made a stupid mistake. I apologize for all that we put your family through. Isaac and Marita are good people, and what we, I, did was wrong. Can you tell them that for me."

Ned walked over and placed a hand on David's shoulder. "Sure."

"That's very touching, but how do we know that the letter was a forgery," said Mr. Sampson.

"Because," came a female voice from the doorway. The men were shocked she a women there. Vivian and Clay had entered the room to hear the last part of David's comments. "John Turner made up the letter to help William's campaign. I stumbled across the letter while straightening a few papers for them. John and I talked about it and I told him that publishing such a thing was inappropriate for the Winters' family name. He told me that he would destroy them all, but I see he did not."

"Why should we believe you?" another man said. "You could just want your name to stay clear from all this."

"Gentlemen," Ned stepped in. "This is getting out of hand. If that were the case, why would Vivian even be here? Honestly, what does Vivian have to gain from coming in here and helping our family? Nothing. She has already been through enough with her family, she just wants the truth to be known."

"I agree with Ned. This has gone on far enough. Let's just let it go," Mr. Cromwell said.

"Same here," said many of the men.

"Thank you, gentlemen. I figured we could settle this," Ned said as the group began to disperse. Ned walked over to David, Vivian, and Clay. He lowered his voice, "And thank you all for your help today."

"Ned, that girl came and took care of me after all that I have done to her. This was the least I could do for her," David said before his brother wheeled him away.

Ned, Clay, and Vivian walked out. "And you, Vivian, why did you come?"

Vivian searched for the right words. "I'm just tired of seeing people get hurt." Tears began to well up in her eyes. "Now if you, gentlemen, will excuse me." She turned and walked away.

"Vivian," Clay called after her. Then he looked at Ned.

"Go ahead, son."

That was all Clay needed to run after Vivian.



At the Logan Home



Marita went back to her room after the Bible study. She laid across her bed and thought about Sean coming home soon. Rev. Woodson had left and gone back to town. Isaac had went about his business. Marita's mind was running, "This has got to work out somehow."

"Marita!" Sean called as he came through the front door. "Marita!" He began to look in the front rooms.

"Yes, Sean." Marita called as she appeared at the top of the stairs. "What's wrong?"

A look of relief came across Sean's face. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," Marita said as she came down the stairs, "why did something happen in town?"

Jeremy, Alice, and Lexy had come in just in time to see Sean meet Marita at the bottom of the stairs. He gathered her in his arms. Lexy ran over to answer Marita's question, "Marita, Rev. Jennings talked about the fire, and how we are to love everyone and."

"Alright, Lexy," Alice said and put her hand on Lexy's shoulder.

Sean still didn't totally let go of Marita. He held onto her side as he turned to face Lexy.

"You have to admit, Alice, it was great the way the reverend stood up for Isaac and Marita."

"Sounds like an interesting service," said Isaac as he came from a back room.

"Sure was," said Lexy. "I can tell you everything, Isaac."

"I believe it," Isaac laughed.

"Lexy," scolded Alice.

Isaac interrupted, "It's okay. I want to hear this. Let's go sit down, Lexy, and you can tell me everything."

Lexy took Isaac's hand and led him to the Great Room. Jeremy and Alice went to find snacks in the kitchen.

Sean turned back to Marita and looked into her eyes. She was so beautiful. Sean brushed a stray curl off her cheek. "I think it's all going to be okay."

Marita's nose crinkled as she smiled and teasingly said, "I told you so."

"Why you." Sean began but decided to stop talking. He leaned toward Marita and kissed her instead. All the staff had off the rest of the day, so Sean and Marita took advantage of the situation. They enjoyed not having to watch their back for family members. They were able to be openly affectionate in the house.

After a few moments, Marita stepped back. "Sean, there is something I need you to see. Come upstairs with me."

Sean's face lit up with a mischievous grin. Then he rubbed his chin as if thinking as he said aloud, "Something I need to see and we have to go upstairs. Boy, Marita, I didn't know about this side of you."

Marita playfully hit Sean's arm. "Is that all you think about?"

"Well, I am a man," Sean laughed.

"Huh, you men." Marita put her hands on her hips. "Seriously, Sean, there is something I found that you need to see."

"Alright," Sean said as they began to go upstairs.

When they reached Marita's room, she told Sean to wait outside. Marita went inside and got her box. When she came out Sean had already taken a seat on the floor. Marita joined him.

"What's that?" Sean asked like a little boy itching to know a secret.

"My box of special things." Marita began to pull things from her box.

Sean recognized his handwriting on some of the envelopes. "I can't believe you saved all these. I mean, I saved yours, but I didn't think mine were good enough for you to even want to read twice."

"But you wrote them."

"Yes, but I went on about Vivian in them." Sean still felt guilty about that.

Marita gently took his face in her hand. "Never feel guilty about Vivian, Sean," she comforted him with her words. "I kept the letters because in every letter you said you wished I was there, even when you didn't write that often."

"I really don't deserve you," Sean said and kissed Marita's cheek.

"I know," Marita giggled.

"You're just something else today," Sean said as he began to tickle her.

"Stop, Sean," Marita got out between her laughs. After a few minutes, Sean stopped.

"So what did you want to show me?"

Marita composed herself. "This," she said as she pulled out the papers her mother left.

"Where did you find these?" Sean said as he skimmed the letter addressed to Marita and put the others in front of him.

"Under a board in my closet. Take a look at this." She pointed to the copy of the will in front of Sean.

He quickly read it. "Well, it's binding, but we don't even know where to begin looking for this. Did you tell Isaac?"

"Not yet. I'm still not sure what I want to do about any of this. I wanted to wait until you opened this one."

Sean hadn't noticed it among the papers that were laid out in front of him. There it was a sealed envelope with his name on it. It was not written in Marita's handwriting.

"I wanted to open it but mom said it was for you, so there it is." She waited. Sean hadn't even picked it up yet. "Sean, open it! I'm dying to know what it says."

Sean was, too, but the thought of reading a letter from someone who died and he couldn't even remember her face spooked him. Finally, he picked up the envelope and opened it. As he took out the folded paper a dingy yet extraordinarily accurate drawing fell out. Marita picked it up while Sean unfolded the letter. The drawing was of Sean and Marita as adults sitting in a bench under their willow tree by the lake. Sean began to read aloud,

"Dear Sean, I once had a dream of you and Marita. The drawing was my only way to keep the dream vivid. There was so much love between you and my Marita in the dream.



If by chance some day, you come to realize your love for her, let nothing or no one stop you. Society might banish you, but love is worth it. Your mother and I had dreamed the same dream on the same night, so we started making plans.



In the attic of your house is a trunk. In the trunk is a wedding gown for Marita. There are also a few things to make a house a home and some money that Libby and I put away for the two of you. It's not much, but Marita is the heir of an entire estate in Georgia. My family might not want to give it to her, but it is rightfully hers. She'll need your help to get it.



If by some reason, you and Marita decided not to follow your hearts and be together or if God has taken her before you could, then remember that a deep and true love will always be fulfilled even if it is postponed for a while.



Love Always,

Katherine Marie Tucker Peters



PS. I could not have chosen a better son-in-law than you.



Outside the Jockey Club



"Vivian! Vivian!" Clay called after Vivian as she hurried down the street. Her dress slowed her, so he was able to catch up quickly. Clay gently grabbed her arm and turned her to face him. Her usually perfected look of grace and composure was no longer evident. Her face was stained with tears and completely flushed. "Vivian, what is it?" Clay quietly asked as he pulled Vivian out of view.

"I lied, Clay. You know I didn't find that note. I know it was a forgery, but I have seen the way Sean looks at Marita. He never loved me like that. No one has."

Clay had to protest, "That's not true, Vivian. You just haven't given anyone else the chance." With that said, Clay built up enough strength to walk away from Vivian. He was tired of hearing about how she felt for Sean. Sean had been right when he said Vivian was using him to get back at Sean. Maybe he put his foot down about all of this.

Vivian stood there stunned. Clay was walking down the street. He had never walked away before. "Maybe," she thought, "maybe he's right." Vivian found her buggy and driver and headed home with a lot on her mind.



In the Logan Home

Lexy ran to the door and opened it before there was a fourth knock. "Yes," she said without a beat of breathlessness.

"Hello," the man said. "My name is Thomas, and I'm looking."

Alice came to the door. "Excuse me, sir. May I help you," she said from above Lexy.

"No, I am," Lexy said under her breath.

"Lexy," Alice scolded.

The man chuckled at what he figured must have been two sisters. "You can both help me. I'm looking for the Logan home. Is this it?"

"Depends," Lexy said and crossed her arms. She liked the rugged, farm-look of the man. It reminded her of Sean, but she knew he was a stranger to the town.

"Lexy," Alice said sternly again. "I apologize, sir. Yes, this is the Logan home."

"Great! I'm looking for a Sean Logan. It's extremely important, ma'am." Thomas' excitement was so much that he rushed his words. He realized he slipped up and tried to regain composure. "Sorry, ma'am. Is this also the home of Mr. Sean Logan?"

"Yes, it is. May I ask whose calling and what this is in reference to?" Alice answered without a falter.

Lexy was stifling her laughter but had to cut in. "Thomas, come on in. I'll get him," she said as she took Thomas' rough hand and brought him into the Great Room. "Stand here, I'll be right back."

"Lexy," Alice huffed as Lexy ran past her.

"You were taking too long," Lexy said as she ran past her sister and upstairs. "Sean!" she called. Sean and Marita were seated in the hall still looking at the different papers. "Sean," Lexy said softer.

"Yes, Lex," Sean looked up from the drawing.

"There's a man here to see you. He says it's important. I think he's a farmer or field worker from further south."

Sean smiled at Marita and stood. He turned his grin to Lexy. "What part of the South?" he asked trying not to laugh at his sister's obvious love for details.

"Georgia," Lexy said confidently. She loved playing this guessing game with Sean when it came to his visitors.

Sean walked toward her. "Alright, Lex, I'll give you a penny if you're right. I'll be back, Marita," Sean said as he went down the stairs with Lexy. "Now, you didn't ask him already? He didn't tell you, did he?"

"No," Lexy said. "He's in the Great Room with Alice. Pa came home, and he and Isaac are in the study. Jeremy's eating and Clay hasn't come home yet."

"Boy, that was a mouthful." Sean and Lexy reached the bottom of the stairs and headed into the Great Room. "Hello, I'm Sean Logan." Sean stretched out his hand to shake Thomas'.

"Hi, I'm Thomas Kane. I work on the Tucker estate in Georgia. The day of the house sent me here to give you this." Thomas handed Sean a note.

"Did you say 'Tucker'?"

"Yes, sir."

"As in Katherine Marie Tucker?"

"You know her, sir?"

"Well, yes and no. Please have a seat. Lexy get Marita, Isaac, and Pa." Sean's voice was so serious and sincere that Lexy took off running and yelling. Sean called after her, "Tell Marita to bring the papers we were looking at."

"What's going on, Sean?" asked Alice.

"Something I think might be amazing," Sean answered.

Sean opened the letter.

Mr. Logan,

My aunt, Katherine, is alive but not well. She has been an invalid

for the past twenty years. I heard she has a daughter named Marita

and would like for Marita to see her before my family does any-

thing else to my aunt. My uncle John has been working in your

town for a family named Winters. I don't trust him or the

other men in my family. Please help.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Anna Porter

Later On



Isaac and Ned walked into the room. "Sean, you wanted us?" Ned asked.

"I think you all need to have a seat." Sean tried to stay calm himself.

"Oh, I forgot. I was told to give you this also." Thomas handed the gold locket to Sean. Sean opened it and saw the picture and inscription.

"Isaac, this is for you." He walked over and put the locket in Isaac's hand.

"Sean," Isaac started and then looked at Thomas. "Who are you, boy?"

"I work at the Tucker's estate. Mrs. Porter said that the Logans could help Miss Kathy."

"Katherine's alive?" Ned asked bewildered.

"Who's Katherine?" Lexy asked as she skipped into the room.

"She's my mother," Marita answered as she came in behind Lexy. She held her box with one hand and walked over to Sean.

"This man.Thomas.am I correct?" Sean asked and waited until Thomas nodded to continue. "Thomas says that your mother is alive and the note says her niece wants us to help. Apparently, she has been an invalid for the past 20 years."

"But I saw her fall. She hit her head. I should have gone to her." Isaac put his head in his hands and for the first time he broke down in tears in front of everyone.

Ned put his hand on Isaac's back, "They had told us she was dead, you were almost killed that night, there was nothing you could have done."

Sean managed to get everyone else out of the room, so that it was just he, Marita, Thomas, Isaac, and Ned. "What was the story they told you, Thomas?" Sean asked.

"There were lots of rumors floating around when I was young, but Mary says that Miss Kathy's brothers had hurt her and then left her to slowly die in the big house. But Miss Kathy has kept on fighting. She can barely talk and is paralyzed, but Mary said that the doctors said she could have gotten better if people helped her. Mr. Tucker, Mrs. Porter's father, wouldn't even let Anna, I mean Mrs. Porter, talk to her aunt. She had to sneak in."

"We've got to go," Marita said.

"Wait a minute, Marita. Though the heat isn't on us as much, we still need to be careful," Ned said.

"Ned has a point, baby girl." Isaac said as he lifted his head. "That's my wife down there, but I know what those people are capable of. We'll think of something."

"Isaac, you can't go again. If the brothers are alive, they might string you up," Ned said. "Let Sean, Marita, and me go. We'll take an early train tomorrow so as not to draw too much attention. Thomas will go with us so it really looks like a business deal. We might have to clean you up a bit, Thomas, if you don't mind."

"That's alright by me, sir. Anything to help Miss Kathy and Mrs. Porter."

"If all goes well, Isaac, hopefully we will be able to bring your wife home."

"Thanks, Ned. Now if you excuse me," Isaac rose and left the room.

"Thomas, this note said something about a John Tucker who worked for the Winters. There's been a John Turner, but not a Tucker. Did you see what he looked like?" Sean asked.

"About this tall," Thomas held out his hand about an inch or two shorter than himself. "Sandy-blonde hair, no moustache, pompous, and tricky. Mean to everyone but Mrs. Porter's daughter, Sarah, and sometimes Anna."

"And who is Mary?" Ned asked.

"She was Mrs. Porter's mammy. She practically raised Anna and I together. She had a twin sister named Eleanor, but everyone called her."

"Nana," Marita finished.

"Yes, how did you know?" Thomas was stunned.

"Auntie Nana lives here next to a large maple tree in the workers' area. She said she'd keep working as long as she's still breathin'. Though Mr. Logan doesn't give her much to do." Marita continued. "But tell us more about my mother and cousin."

They all sat and listened to Thomas' stories. Marita was amazed to find out how much she and Anna were alike. They began planning their trip to Georgia and how they were going to do if they ran into John Turner/Tucker.