3
Jeremiah found himself at loose ends that evening, for it was his nephew Clay’s birthday that day. Clay was Samuel’s son, which meant Jeremiah had no desire to spend the evening in his brother’s house, pretending to be civil. He would never prevent Jacob from attending his cousin’s party, but he saw no reason to be there himself, Emma’s words notwithstanding. Besides, he had never been one for children’s games and amusements; while he was glad enough that his nieces and nephews were able to enjoy themselves, he could never unbend enough to take part in their frivolities.
So he had made his excuses to Grace, Samuel’s wife, and sent Jacob over to their house for supper. To be perfectly honest, Jacob hadn’t seemed terribly eager to go, either; he was not overly fond of Clay, who was loud
