Mount Vernon Love Story Author:Mary Higgins Clark Rumors have flourished over the years about the true relationship between George and Martha Washington. In Mount Vernon Love Story, Mary Higgins Clark applies extensive historical research to create a fictional account of a love story for the ages. — This story moves back and forth between two eras -1797 as George is leaving the office of Preside... more »nt, and George as a young boy from 1745 onwards. The novel depicts George's difficult early life on Ferry Farm and his travels to his half brother's estate of Mount Vernon. George longs to be free of his mother's tight control and to live on a large plantation. Eventually he pursues the career of surveyor and meets George William Fairfax and his beautiful wife, Sally Carey Fairfax. George and George William become best friends through many heartaches and losses. Although George Washington secretly gives his heart to Sally, their relationship does not stray beyond friendship.
George enters the military and gains renown. During a party, he meets Mrs. Martha 'Patsy' Custis, and he gets to know her and her two young children. After Mrs. Custis is widowed, he visits their home, The White House, where he wins the hearts of little Patsy and Jacky. The development of their relationship is a sweet romance, full of joy. Athough not the loveless marriage that has often been portrayed, George and Patsy's life together is not without trial. They are affected by illness, separation, and disagreement about the extent of George's involvement in the discipline of his step-children. Even though these historical figures are often put on a pedestal, they are revealed here as real people who loved, hurt, and experienced tragedy. --Melissa Parcel« less