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strength. I made a name for myself at the Point last year when I lifted nine hundred pounds.”
    â€œSurely you jest! No one could lift that much weight,” Jordana said before Meg could answer.
    G.W. smiled. “Well, I certainly did. It’s all a part of the record books now. Aren’t you proud of me?”
    â€œI scaled a four-story brick building,” Jordana countered. “Are you proud of me?”
    G.W. laughed and turned to Meg. “Did she indeed?”
    â€œUpon my honor,” Meg replied. “She nearly caused me to faint dead away.”
    G.W. looked back at Jordana and studied her for a moment. Self-conscious of his scrutiny, Jordana said nothing. She didn’t want to encourage him to think anymore along the lines of what Meg had suggested he already felt.
    â€œI am impressed,” G.W. replied, reaching into his uniform to pull out a piece of newspaper. “But I already had it on the best authority.”
    Jordana took the paper and gasped. No one had told her that the newspaper had written a story on her escapades. “Look here, Meg. It doesn’t list me by name, but it says I showed uncharacteristic bravery for a woman.”
    â€œYes, and read on,” G.W. said as he climbed up to take the reins to the carriage. “It also says you showed less than proper judgment. I suppose it was necessary to point that out in case you were given over to having swelled pride on the matter. Probably a good thing everyone refused to release your name to the reporter. If your folks caught wind of this, you would probably be on your way to Europe even as we speak.”
    Jordana ignored his teasing and refused to say another thing until they arrived at the Vanderbilt farm. She liked the coolness of the tree-lined drive and the scent of flowers on the air. The island was like another world compared to the busyness of the city. She smiled to think of G.W.’s assumption that it had been her antics that the newspaperman had written about. Having known each other only a couple of years, and even at that, years when G.W. had been mostly confined to the West Point grounds or Civil War battlefields, Jordana thought they were rather well-acquainted.
    But this illusion met with an unceremonious ending when G.W. pulled up in front of the Vanderbilt house and spoke to his niece.
    â€œMeg, you run along. I desire to speak to our guest for a few moments,” G.W. said as a liveryman stepped forward to help them from the carriage. He turned over the reins to yet another stablehand before directing his attention to Jordana. “You will take a short walk with me, won’t you?”
    Jordana handed him back his newsprint. “Are you sure it wouldn’t be yet another example of me exercising less than proper judgment?”
    G.W. laughed. “Well, what if it is? At least a city full of people won’t observe you doing the deed.” He quickly took hold of her arm. “Please, walk with me.”
    â€œAre you quite sure you are up to it? You do look to have been quite ill.”
    â€œI suffered a bout of pneumonia and other complications, but I’ll regain my strength. Your company will cheer me on to do so even more quickly.”
    His eyes implored her and Jordana nodded. “Very well.” For all her fears of what he now might say, Jordana cherished their friendship.
    â€œI’ll tell Mother you had no choice,” Meg called after them. “She understands G.W.’s rudeness and therefore will excuse your tardiness in bidding her good afternoon.”
    â€œYes, tell her that G.W. was a complete ill-mannered oaf about the entire matter,” Jordana replied. “She’ll no doubt believe every word.”
    â€œYou are ever the tease, Jordana,” G.W. said, pulling her closer.
    Jordana maneuvered her arm from his grasp and stepped away from him. “What is it you needed to say to me that couldn’t be said in front of the