Adam, Eleanor, and Olivia stepped off the Washington and Atlantic train in the late afternoon on an unseasonably warm Wednesday in January. Darien Wright was waiting and greeted them while their baggage was brought to the station.

“My man will take care of your luggage, Eleanor. Don’t worry. My carriage is here to take us to Josephine’s. We will have you settled in no time,” he said. “How was the train ride?”

“Fine, but we did have to stop twice for problems with the track. It was scheduled to be a three-hour trip, but as you know it took us every bit of four to get here,” Adam said.

“We were comfortable the whole time,” Eleanor said. “It was all modern, and the conductor was very gracious.”

“Of course, we were in a semiprivate car, Mother,” Olivia said and smiled at Darien.

He laughed. “Of course, you were! My friend Adam would not like traveling with the throngs! He would insist on traveling in style.”

“Come on, Wright,” Adam said, laughing and grabbed him by the back of the neck. “Lead on and show us your carriage.”

“May I say that both of you ladies look lovely,” Darien said once they were seated.

Eleanor smiled. “Thank you, sir.”

He was looking at Olivia appreciatively, and she smiled at him. “Even after four hours of traveling? You are too kind!”

“All true! Josephine is very excited to have you visit her. She doesn’t often have houseguests.” He looked at Adam. “And you and I will rattle around in my bachelor town house, drinking whiskey later into the night than advisable and discussing all matters that are for men’s ears only.”

Adam chuckled. “I nod off in front of my fireplace before ten in the evening these days. We aren’t young college men any longer!”

“For four days, we will pretend it isn’t so. We will sleep late in the morning and carouse until midnight,” Darien said and looked at Eleanor. “You are no doubt worried that I will be a poor influence on your son.”

“My son is a man in his own right and will not be influenced beyond his comfort, but I imagine it may be a challenge with the enticements of lazy mornings and late nights when there may be unsavory characters about,” she said with a smile.

Darien shot a look at Adam with slumped shoulders and barely a grin. “Your mother does know how to take the wind from the sails of a man yearning for his youth.”

“She does,” Adam said.

“Here we are,” Darien said as the carriage drew to halt.

The front door of the house opened and Josephine hurried out. “I’ve been waiting for you to arrive,” she said with a smile as she took Eleanor’s hand and reached for Olivia’s. “Please come in. I am so excited to see you!”

Darien bussed his sister’s cheek and carried luggage inside. Olivia looked up and saw Adam staring at Josephine, seemingly oblivious to whatever else was happening around him.

“Miss Wright,” he said and tipped his hat.

A blush climbed up Josephine’s neck to her cheeks. “Mr. Gentry.”

Darien came back out of the house and slapped Adam on the back. “Come on. We’re to my apartments for a nap and a nip. We’re dining here tonight, and Josephine’s cook is exceptional.”

“’Til this evening, ladies,” Adam said and followed his friend into the carriage. Josephine watched him go.

Olivia could see the entranceway’s marble floors and high ceilings led to several rooms on the first floor, the hallways all painted in light colors with gray and rose accents and dark furniture. Josephine led them up the staircase, followed by the housekeeper and two young men carrying their luggage.

When everyone was gone from her room, Olivia washed her face and hands and sat down at the writing desk between two tall, narrow windows overlooking a small courtyard. She could see the backs of other homes through the bare branches of the trees. If she decided to move to Washington, she would have to accustom herself to being in such close proximity to other homes and people. It would be very different for her, she realized.

But it would be wonderful to plan her own household decorating. Paradise was all earthy tones and solid waxed woods. She loved it there, it was home and warm and safe, but it would be exciting to staff a house and choose the colors and the furnishings. She plopped her chin in her hand. She’d always thought she’d plan a home with a husband, that she’d have a partner to consult, but she wasn’t sure of that any longer, nor was she sure of herself, sadly.

Darien Wright was an interesting and attractive man, but her insides didn’t roll over when he was around and she had no intention of encouraging a relationship with him other than friendship. He would be a good friend to her, especially if she chose to move nearby, but she didn’t want any romantic entanglements with anyone until she began to feel herself again. She couldn’t predict when that might be. She was just not feeling herself and little had interested her in the last few weeks. She was hoping the change of scenery and setting would pique her interest.

She kicked off her shoes and curled up in a large, soft chair. She closed her eyes and didn’t open them until a maid came in her room announcing the party would be gathering in the parlor soon.

“There she is!” Darien said as Olivia came through the open double doors into a large well-lit room with several seating areas and papered walls with an ivy design.

She accepted a glass of sherry and smiled. “I admit, I napped in the most comfortable chair I’ve ever sat in.”

“Traveling can be so tiresome,” Josephine said and turned to include Eleanor. “I wanted to let you know what I’ve planned for us for the next few days. Of course, my salon is on Friday evening, but we’ve got tomorrow and Saturday and Sunday. I’d like to take you to the dining rooms at the Occidental Hotel in Washington on Saturday. What would you ladies like to do?”

“I’d like to do some shopping for my son Matthew’s new home. I’ve promised his wife Annie that I will look at some furniture and china and perhaps bring back samples or pictures for her to choose,” Eleanor said.

“Shopping will be no hardship for me,” Josephine said with a laugh. “Although, it won’t be complete unless we visit some dress shops I know. Is there something special you’d like to do, Olivia?”

She glanced at Eleanor and Adam. “Yes, there is. Do you know where the Clover Hill School for Young Ladies is located? I do have the directions written down upstairs in my bag.”

Darien turned from Adam. “I know where it is. Not far, actually. Maybe a mile or so as you go out of town.”

“That will be no problem. We could go Saturday morning if that suits. May I ask why you are interested in Clover Hill?” Josephine gave her a quizzical look.

“I’ve been reading newspapers out of Washington when they are available and looking at the prices of houses and row homes. Clover Hill has run an advertisement for someone to teach riding to their pupils a few days a week. I thought I might investigate while I am here,” she said.

Adam was looking into the glass he held and clinking the chips of ice against the crystal. Her mother was looking at her in her normal serene manner. Darien Wright was smiling broadly.

“Are you thinking of moving here, then?” he asked.

“Yes. Yes, I am,” she said.

“You are interested in teaching equitation?” Josephine asked.

“I am. I like to be active, and if I decided to live on my own, I don’t see myself being satisfied with visiting and shopping. I’ll need something to do, I think.”

“You really are seriously considering this?” Darien asked.

“Yes.”

He smiled at her. “I haven’t had such good news in forever.”

“This is quite a surprise,” Josephine said. “I didn’t know you were thinking about moving here, although I am thrilled. What brought on this interest in Washington?”

She didn’t know what to say. She had no interest in Washington particularly other than it was not Winchester and Jim Somerset wasn’t in it. “I’ve been thinking of moving to a city for some time. Your visit and stories of Washington prompted me to begin investigating what I could expect here, if and when I decided to move.”

“What do you think of Olivia’s plans, Eleanor?” Josephine asked.

“I will miss her terribly if she does decide to move, and I’m not sure I like the idea of her being in the city alone, but Olivia is bright and self-sufficient, and her own person. She’ll make up her own mind.”

“I think it’s a terrible idea, even though no one has asked me,” Adam said. “But Mother is right. Olivia must make up her own mind about the direction of her life, even if it is dangerous.”

“Come now,” Darien said with a chuckle. “You must recognize that Olivia is an adult and this is 1872. Are we not modern enough yet that a woman can be safe and happy if she is careful and has her wits about her? This is not the Wild West, and she would have friends here.”

“I am just starting to think seriously about this change for myself. The Clover Hill position appeared in the last paper I was able to read before coming here, and I thought perhaps it was a lucky coincidence or maybe providence.”

“There is no luck about it,” Adam muttered.

“Not very supportive of you,” Darien said. “It’s not as if she’s moving across an ocean. She would be able to visit often, and you could visit her as much.”

“It’s a very exciting city, and you are just the type of woman that would take it by storm. I would be thrilled to call you friend and have you nearby,” Josephine said. “We would have such fun!”

“It’s the everyday living that I would miss,” Eleanor said and patted Olivia’s hand. “But time marches on, and Olivia is a young woman of a new generation who is intent on making a mark. I’m jealous of her and terrified for her all at the same time.”

She glanced at her mother and looked away quickly. Tears sprang to her eyes. Her mother jealous? The woman she worshipped and stood in awe of? The woman who survived a kidnapping, married a stranger, raised a family, nursed the love of her life until his death, all while instilling a heightened sense of honor and insisting on ladylike behavior was jealous of her? How could she continue this farce? She couldn’t. She couldn’t let them think she was some perfect individual when she was in fact a coward.

She stood and walked to the marble fireplace, her hands trembling. “I’m not what you think, nor are my motives noble. I’m not moving toward what I think is high-minded and exciting society. I wish to move away, run actually, from unhappiness, from a situation . . . that will always be in Winchester. It will stay and I will go.”

The room was silent other than the deep breaths she herself was taking. She felt an arm slide around her as Adam kissed her forehead.

“I am a firm believer that things do work out for the best in the end and this will, too,” he said quietly but then continued to the others in the room, “I am also so hungry, I could eat everything on that sideboard of nibbles but would prefer to sit down to a many course meal. Have I embarrassed you and Mother with my poor manners?”

She laughed softly and touched the corner of her eyes. “You haven’t embarrassed me.”

“A hungry man!” Josephine said as she stood. “We must feed him immediately before he begins eating the drapes!”

* * *

“I could write an ode to your beauty, Miss Gentry,” the bespectacled fellow said to her as they stood chatting in the parlor.

“Please, do not, Mr. Finchlot,” Olivia said with a smile. “Ladies do not like to draw attention to themselves, as I’m sure you know.”

“The reader would never know who the poem was about. I would change your name, and it would be our secret.”

“Changing my name would be helpful, I think, as little rhymes with Olivia.”

Mr. Finchlot looked momentarily perplexed. “You are right. This will be a challenge, but it will be worth it for you to know how your beauty and kindness have affected me.”

She didn’t smile. “Thank you, Mr. Finchlot. I believe my mother needs me.”

She wound her way among Josephine’s guests to the dining room laid out lavishly with thinly sliced beef and cheeses and platters of sweets. It was a lovely party, she thought, even knowing few guests, but all in all it reminded her very much of socials in Winchester. Adam was standing with three men talking quietly and seriously and she saw her mother speaking to several men and a few women.

“Here is my daughter, Olivia,” Eleanor said, smiling and reaching out her hand. “I was just saying your father and I were blessed with three extraordinary children.”

Introductions were made, and Olivia noticed several of the older men vying for her mother’s attention. Eleanor was animated and charming and it was wonderful to see such a fuss made of her and to see her smile in such a carefree, cheerful way.

“We were discussing the poor veterans from the war, Olivia, and I know you have some firm opinions on the matter,” she said.

“I’d like to hear them, Miss Gentry,” Jessup Hendrix said. “I’m always interested in hearing our young citizens’ views.”

Olivia found herself at the center of a spirited conversation. Not everyone at the gathering was respectful and measured, but Josephine or her brother quickly settled outbursts. She even saw Darien escort one red-faced young man to the door.

When the last guest left and Darien and Adam wished them good night she, Eleanor, and Josephine sat together in the sitting room attached to Josephine’s bedroom. Josephine was in a voluminous and frilly pale yellow nightgown and robe, Eleanor had kicked off her shoes, and Olivia had let down her hair. She sat on the floor in front of Eleanor as her mother brushed it.

“What a lovely evening,” Eleanor said. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed myself as much.”

Olivia tilted her head back to see her mother’s face and smiled. “Mr. Hendrix and Mr. McKellar were enjoying themselves in your company certainly.”

Eleanor shook her head. “Hardly, dear. They were very polite, though, and so gentlemanly.”

Josephine smiled. “Every man in the room was asking me who you both were. Hendrix and McKellar were very attentive, Eleanor, which is a bit unusual for both of them. Hendrix never married and is seen about town with a variety of ladies his own age, rarely the same one twice. McKellar was widowed a few years ago after a long and happy marriage. He escorts his maiden sister to social events. Both are well-situated financially, respected here, and quite handsome, in my opinion.”

Eleanor shrugged but followed with a grin. “I enjoyed their conversation. How was your evening, Olivia?”

“Mr. Finchlot promised to write an ode to me until I pointed out that nothing rhymes with Olivia.”

“Oh dear!” Josephine said when she had stopped laughing and wiped her eyes. “That is so typical of poor Edwin Finchlot. He wants very badly to be seen as a romantic hero, but I can rarely notice anything about him other than whatever he has spilled on his shirt.”

“It was yellow tonight. I imagine it was the mustard sauce, although I didn’t ask him.”

They all laughed again, and Olivia thought about how much she’d enjoyed herself so far on their visit. She was very seriously considering setting up a household here as a single woman, and having Josephine as a friend would be lovely.

“Mr. Newton told me as he left that he was very interested in an introduction, Olivia. He was sorry he had to leave early as he was called back to his work at the secretary of state’s office. He asked me if we would be ‘at home’ for visitors on Sunday. I would be very surprised if he didn’t arrive on my doorstep at two o’clock sharp in the afternoon.”

“Which gentleman was he?” Eleanor asked.

“He is quite tall and brown-haired and so very charming. When he smiles, every debutante within one hundred feet sighs,” she said.

“He had on a black waistcoat with pinstripes of silver thread, did he not?” Olivia asked, and Josephine nodded.

“You noticed him then, Olivia?” Eleanor said.

“He is a very handsome man,” she replied.

“You sound less than excited about the prospect of meeting him, though,” Josephine said.

She shrugged and looked down at her hands. “I’m not interested in any romantic entanglements. Perhaps it’s best I stay to my rooms when your guests are visiting.”

“Oh,” Josephine said softly. “Newton is a gentleman. He would not pursue you if you weren’t interested.”

Eleanor hugged her from behind and kissed her cheek. “We will shop in the morning and eat a fancy meal at a very popular restaurant in the evening and not worry what the next day will bring.”

“You’re right, Mother. I’m tired now and will find my bed. Good night, ladies,” she said as she stood.

* * *

Olivia lay in her bed Sunday morning watching large fluffy snowflakes tumble past her window and thought about the busy day they’d had yesterday. Shopping for Matt and Annie had put her in mind of her own furniture purchases if she bought a house on her own. She’d seen several beautiful pieces, including a bedroom set that had been painted white. It seemed a waste to cover all that exquisite wood, but the outcome was so gorgeous; that was exactly what she would buy when the time came. Some houses came fully or partially furnished, Josephine had told her, and she supposed she’d have to look at each house and what was included before making a decision, but the dreaming was so nice and kept her mind occupied when it might have wandered into that part of her heart that was crushed. Bruised. Lost.

On the return trip from shopping Darien had the carriage take them to Clover Hill. It was a magnificent farm and stables, and the headmistress was gracious. The school buildings were well-kept and the young girls there, from eight to seventeen years old, were mannerly and bright, greeting them with youthful exuberance and good manners. There would be a position available come September of the following year, although Miss McNally wished to settle on an applicant by the spring.

Olivia was tempted to ask Darien or Josephine to direct her to an agency that knew of homes for sale even more so than when she’d thought about moving to Washington just to get away from Winchester. It wasn’t Winchester she wanted to get away from if she were honest with herself. It was Jim Somerset. The idea of teaching riding to young women appealed to her, too. She’d found solace and challenges and equine friendships as a young girl in the stables of Paradise and would like to pass along her passions and whatever talent she had to offer. She’d talked to the stable master at length, and she could tell he’d been impressed with her knowledge. She’d been able to identify the source of a particularly nasty sore on one of the mares and given them Paradise’s salve recipe for treatment. It was a successful interview, from both her perspective and Clover Hill’s, she believed.

She was beginning to feel as though a move to Washington might be a path to some happiness and contentment rather than the destination she arrived at as she scurried away from something unpleasant. She turned at a knock at her door and heard her mother’s voice from the other side.

“Come in, Mother.” She stood, pulling a shawl around her shoulders.

Eleanor was fully dressed, down to her gloves. “Oh, good, you’re awake.”

“I’ve been lulling around in this lovely bed watching the snow fall, but you’re already dressed and . . . Mother? What is wrong?”

“I received a telegram very early this morning. Aunt Brigid is ill. I’ve sent for Adam and the two of us are leaving on the nine o’clock train to return to Paradise. I’ve already spoken to Josephine about you staying here a few more days, and she is very pleased to have your company.”

Olivia’s breath caught. “Aunt Brigid is sick? How sick, Mother?” she asked and hurriedly pulled her case onto the bed and opened it. “Give me just a few minutes and I will be ready. Why didn’t you wake me earlier?”

Eleanor came around the bed and took her hands. “Livie, I’ve already spoken to Josephine, and she said she will have a maid accompany you on a return trip later this week. You need to be away from things, people, even us, right now, I think. I must get home to Aunt Brigid, but you need to stay here and enjoy the change in routine and company.”

“But . . . but what of Aunt Brigid? I can be a help to you while she’s sick.”

“Yes, you could be a wonderful help, but that is my life, Olivia. You have your own life to live. I think Josephine is good for you, too. She is close to your age, and to look at her you wouldn’t think there was much depth to her but that isn’t a fair judgment. I believe she would be a good sounding board for you if you chose to share your troubles with her.”

Olivia looked away. “I don’t have any troubles worth mentioning, Mother. And I would never unburden my insecurities on someone of such a recent acquaintance.”

“Perhaps that is the problem, dear. You won’t talk to anyone about much of anything.” Eleanor leaned forward and kissed both her cheeks. “Stay here and relax. Sort out what needs sorting and then come home with a clear head and maybe a more definite direction. I love you, dear.”

“I love you, too, Mother. Please kiss Aunt Brigid for me. Let me dress so I can say good-bye to Adam.”

Olivia hurried and then went downstairs. Adam was there, dusting snow from the shoulders of his topcoat and hat, Darien beside him doing the same.

“The snow doesn’t seem to be lying much on the roads and walkways,” Adam said. “But we should hurry if we are to catch the early train.”

“I’ll take good care of your sister, Adam,” Josephine said.

He walked to her and clasped her outstretched hands. “I’m sure you will. I enjoyed myself very much on this visit. Will you come to Paradise again sometime?”

She smiled. “I would like that. You may write to me, if you wish. Oh, do not look at me that way. As if a man and a woman sharing an occasional letter were somehow as evil as the temptation in the Garden.”

“I will not comment on temptations in the presence of my mother and sister,” he said, “but will wait impatiently for your first missive.”

Darien chuckled, and Eleanor clucked her tongue.

“Adam? We mustn’t be late you said,” Eleanor said.

“I feel like I should be going with you,” Olivia said.

Adam kissed her cheek. “I will get Mother home, and we’ll send a telegram straightaway about Aunt Brigid. I’ll be leaving Tuesday morning with Matt to settle the selling of Annie’s house in Bridgewater, and Annie will be able to help Mother.”

“It depends on what is ailing Aunt Brigid, Adam. I think Annie is expecting again, and the doctor will not want her in a sickroom. But I have Jenny, and all the rest of the staff. Please relax and enjoy yourself, Olivia. I don’t think her situation is serious, but you know how it is when you are ill. We always want our loved ones close by. Aunt Brigid is the same. She is missing me and I would not let her want for my company. You know she is dear to me and to us all.”

“Annie is expecting?” Adam asked.

Olivia nodded, and Eleanor said, “She has not said so but we both think she is.”

“I suspect that was why your brother made the comment about her not traveling to Washington on the night of the dinner at Paradise,” Josephine said and turned to Olivia. “I’m so very glad you are staying a while longer. We will spend some time lolling about the house, reading and doing nothing more strenuous than walking to the dining room for our meals.”

Darien looked at his pocket watch. “We will have to hurry soon.”

Olivia hugged her mother and brother and watched them pull away in Darien’s carriage. The snow was still falling but it was not terribly cold outside, and she watched as some couples walked and children ran ahead, tongues out, catching flakes.

“Come,” Josephine said. “Let us have some breakfast and then we can find comfortable chairs near a fire in the library or the parlor and kick off our shoes.”