Chapter Thirty-SixMaria
Jacob stayed for two weeks, having a grand time. Lodging at the nearby Poughkeepsie Inn, he arrived at Susannah's every morn at ten, in time for the serving of breakfast. Weather permitting, we rode Susannah's and Gilbert's horses with picnic lunches. He played games with the young ones, lawn bowling, blocks, and spelling bees. Evenings we adults spent in the music room. I played violin with Susannah at the harpsichord. I did not let Alex fill my thoughts. Mayhap the proverb “out of sight, out of mind” held some truth after all.
Jacob never mentioned Alex or my upcoming divorce again. But he threw out subtle hints about my accepting his marriage proposal.
“Ah, what a perfect eve for star-struck lovers to plan a future together.” He held my hand under the full moo
