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fear Susannah's reasons for choosing Mount Holyoke have nothing to do with her grandmother's past association with it. Her favorite teacher at the Cherokee Female Seminary was a graduate of Mount Holyoke. I think it's in her footsteps that Susannah is following."
    "Perhaps it's both," Susannah suggested.
    "A very tactful response." Reverend Cole nodded in approval, his eyes twinkling with laughter. "A trait you obviously acquired from your father, since tact has never been a virtue your mother possessed in any great abundance."
    "That is unkind," Eliza said in mild protest
    "But true, nonetheless," he replied without criticism.
    "Perhaps." Eliza would admit to no more than that and adroitly shifted the attention away from herself. "As glad as we are to have you back with us, Lije, it would have been nice if you had yet another year of schooling to finish so that you would be close by during Susannah's first year away from home. I know it would have been a comfort to her. Hopefully, we can look forward to Alex joining her next year. I know Kipp wants him to study at Harvard. Of course, his marks will have to improve for that to happen."
    "Please, Granny El." Alex grimaced. He was obviously not keen to embark on a lecture he had heard repeated too often over the years. "Not everyone shares your love for books and learning."
    "Alexander Gordon, I will have you know an education is important. I—"
    He held up a hand to stop her. "Spare me, Granny El. I've heard it all before. There are other things in life besides an education."
    "Not if you want to make something of yourself. Look at Lije. He—"
    "I am not Lije. I will never be like him." His anger came in a flash, as black and as quick as his father's. But as quickly as it was revealed, it was concealed by an easy smile. "Sorry, Granny El, but it's true."
    "Of course, it's true. I never meant to imply you should be. However, that doesn't lessen the value of an education."
    "Maybe I don't want to go East. Maybe I want to stay here."  
    Reverend Cole tipped his head toward Eliza. "I think a young lady has caught his fancy."
    Alex seemed about to deny that, then changed his mind, his smile widening. "You could say that."
    "Who is she?" Susannah asked. "Anyone I know?"
    "You have seen her."
    "Who is she? What does she look like? Don't keep us in suspense, Alex."  
    "Well, let's see." He paused, mischief dancing in his eyes. "She has the biggest, most beautiful eyes you have ever seen. And hair, black and shiny as a midnight sky full of stars. She is young, a bit wild, and headstrong, but—" Off to the side Kipp snorted a laugh.
    "Shooting Star," Susannah murmured in sudden understanding. "Alex Gordon, you are describing your new horse."
    He laughed and dodged the slap of her hand. "Wait until you, see my filly, Lije." There was pride in his voice. "She is lightning fast. I hope to have her ready to race by fall. She'll clean up at the tracks. She's going to be the fastest thing in the Nation—maybe the whole territory. I rode her today. After dinner I'll show her to you."
    "I'd like to have a look at her."
    "Horse racing," Eliza said in reproval. "That is not a very sound occupation, Alex."  
    "But a fun one, Granny El."
    "You are hopeless." But there was affection in her tone.
    Unlike Eliza, Lije recognized the attraction the sport would hold for Alex. Horse racing required speed, daring, and luck. The inherent thrill and danger of it would appeal to the reckless side of his cousin's nature. The higher the stakes, the better.
    "You don't really want me to be any other way, now do you, Granny El?" Alex replied with confidence and charm.
    "I wouldn't go that far," she began, then paused, catching muffled sounds in the grand foyer. "Is that Will's voice? I didn't hear the carriage arrive." Removing her hand from Reverend Cole's arm, she turned toward the archway.
    From the hall came the rapid patter of running feet. An instant later Lije's eight-year-old