Charismatic Marian Forrester, the wife of a railroad pioneer, captures the heart of every person she meets. Niel Herbert is no exception. He has adored Mrs. Forrester since the age of twelve, considering her the epitome of feminine charm and grace. However, as Niel comes of age, he is shocked to find that Mrs. Forrester is not all that she seems. Content warning for one use of the N-word (Part 1, Chapter 8). (Summary by cadastra)