Prologue
... A cockcrow signaled a new Virginia dawn, while agonizing cries filled the air. Window light graced the face of an expectant mother. She cringed as her back arched with each stabbing contraction.
“Hold me, Samuel!” she shouted.
Her skin reddened and her knuckles whitened while squeezing her husband’s hand. Perspiration saturated her, and trickling sweat stung her sight. A midwife blotted her brow ...
... “Mama, come quick!”
“What is it?”
“It’s Papa!” she yelled out of breath.
Anna threw down her apron and ran frantically behind Lavinia.
“Samuel! Oh my God!”
“Lavinia, ride to Doc Crowley’s place! Tell him to hurry!” ...
