This story did not appeal to me; I had difficulty caring about the characters or plot. This is surprising because stories centered around the difficulties of the Civil War have always been favorites. This story takes place during the Christmas holidays of 1864.
Jacob DeWitt has a few days' leave of absence to go home during the Civil War and marry Ellie Wintifred. The backstory is that Jacob married Ellie's prettier cousin, Lucy, and had two children. Unfortunately, Lucy died, Jacob's farmhouse burned to the ground, and Ellie took in the children and Jacob's young brother, Thomas. All this happened while Jacob was off at war.
Ellie thinks she is getting a second prize, not because Jacob loves her (and wants to marry her) but because he feels obligated to her. Of course, Ellie has been in love with Jacob for years. Jacob's aunt is badgering Jacob about staying with an unmarried lady (Ellie). It creates a scandal in the area.
Jacob DeWitt has a few days' leave of absence to go home during the Civil War and marry Ellie Wintifred. The backstory is that Jacob married Ellie's prettier cousin, Lucy, and had two children. Unfortunately, Lucy died, Jacob's farmhouse burned to the ground, and Ellie took in the children and Jacob's young brother, Thomas. All this happened while Jacob was off at war.
Ellie thinks she is getting a second prize, not because Jacob loves her (and wants to marry her) but because he feels obligated to her. Of course, Ellie has been in love with Jacob for years. Jacob's aunt is badgering Jacob about staying with an unmarried lady (Ellie). It creates a scandal in the area.
