It was an unseasonably beautiful day in April, so Martha found herself out of doors in the fresh air. She walked along the grounds of Mount Vernon, admiring the plantation. It was strange, she thought, being married again.
When she had agreed to George’s proposal, she liked him, of course. He was handsome and amiable, flirtatious and teasing. But it had been closer to a strategic choice than one born out of passion. He was respectable and wealthy enough that, between the two of them, her children would never want for anything.
George was away on business for the first time since their wedding. She tried to not miss him. It had been two years since her first husband died, but she had loved him, she had been happy to be the mother of his children, and missing George felt like betraying Daniel.
She was just turning back to the house when she heard the sound of a carriage driving up. Her heartbeat quickened, and she tried to keep her steps measured as a smile spread across her face.
“I thought you wouldn’t be home for another week!” she said in greeting.