Charleston, SC, 1828Sunday is the only day Melissa can escape the Alcott estate and visit her sisters. Today, she visits young Nathan Cox to celebrate his first birthday. Her sisters have secreted Nathan successfully in their home. Not many people come or go from the premises, except servants, who were told the child"s mother died in childbirth. Around the servant"s quarters, speculation abounds. They can"t understand three white women taking care of a black child and raising him as their own. The child"s heritage is evident given Nathan"s coloring and features. Some even wonder if one of the Gowan women had an affair with a servant. They wouldn"t dare ask questions. They"re just content the child"s safe from harm.
Nathan Cox sits upright in his crib, bouncing with laughter as the two Gow
