Thomas J. Scott (6)–Theo (8) Summary
Thomas J. Scott (6)
Scott writes to Julien, who is now in New York. Scott himself is in the Union army. He will not write of the battles, but he does describe the men’s illness and misery. Scott has managed to become friends with the chaplain, Thomas Gunn, even though the two did not like each other at first. Gunn appreciated Scott’s calls for prayer and Bible reading, and the two have now been working together in the field hospital. Gunn was teaching in Texas before the war but could not stay there after secession.
Scott tells Julien about the mixed loyalties in Kentucky and about the diseases that have ravaged the army. He has tended the wounded and sat with the dying. Now he is “sick and tired of the carnage” and wishes he could paint again.
Martha Jackson (5)
Martha brings the painting of Lexington to Paul Mellon, a wealthy art connoisseur who may be interested in purchasing it. His first wife loved horses, and Mellon’s interest lies in equestrian art. He is hesitant about a painting by Scott, whom he considers second rank, but when he sees Lexington’s portrait, he is interested. Martha tells him to keep the painting for a week, for she knows that Mellon will not haggle, and she wants to get a fair price for Annie.
Martha returns to her apartment and looks at the place where the painting was hung. She misses it, and part of her hopes that Mellon will make an offer that she can match so that she can buy the painting herself. She will sell her car, she thinks. Pollock wants it and may trade it for a couple of his paintings. One she can sell, and one she can keep as an investment. She hesitates a bit because Lee might not approve.
Mellon has not called several weeks later, and Martha wants the painting back. She speaks to Mellon’s secretary but cannot get a firm answer. Mellon will be away for many weeks. Finally, Martha tells her to have the painting wrapped. She will pick it up the next day. The secretary should tell Mellon that Martha has another buyer. Martha hangs up the phone, pleased with herself.
Alexander’s Jarret (2)
In 1865, Jarret returns to his cabin after being in the barn and sees a man in a Union uniform. It is May’s Robert, who now calls himself Robert Hawthorne. Jarret learns Robert’s story, how he was sold to Louisiana and escaped to a contraband camp where he entered the army and was injured. Jarret knows that May will return to Robert, who intends to buy her and Robbie. They will go to Ohio, where Robert can work on a farm. Jarret leaves the cabin to give May and Robert some privacy.
May packs her things the next day, and Jarret gives her the painting of Lexington that Scott did when they first arrived at the farm. He tells May that she can sell it if she must and not to take less than ten dollars for it.
Martha Jackson (6)
Martha is visiting with Lee. Pollock is cheating on his wife again with a young art student, and Lee means to leave him this time. She is going to Paris to concentrate on her own art. Martha tries to assure Lee that she is talented and that Pollock will tire of his mistress and return to her.
Martha has traded her car for two of Pollock’s paintings. When the artist picks up the car, Martha sees his young mistress. Pollock is drunk, and Martha winces...
(This entire section contains 1196 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
as he drives away. Then she writes a check to Annie Hawthorne for one thousand dollars. The painting of Lexington belongs to Martha now, and she hangs it back in its place in the bedroom, musing that someday people will wonder what that painting is doing in a modern collection like hers.
Alexander’s Jarret (3)
Jarret buys two mules to help May and Robert on their journey and then watches as they ride away. A while later, Thomas Scott arrives at Jarret’s cabin. He appears haggard and almost unrecognizable. Scott has just reenlisted for another term, although he cannot quite understand why, and since his unit is camped nearby, he has come to visit. He mentions General Grant’s horse, Cincinnati, who is a descendant of Lexington. They go to see Lexington, and Scott compliments Jarret on the life he has created for himself on the farm. Jarret, though, is worried about the proximity of Confederate bushwhackers.
Scott decides that he will paint Lexington once again. This time he will include Jarret in the portrait. Jarret hardly recognizes himself when he sees the finished product, but Scott has captured both him and the horse perfectly. Jarret thinks it is the best Scott has ever done. Scott will send it to Julien in New York for display.
Scott suggests that Jarret come with him and join the army, but Jarret knows that such a life would not suit him. In fact, it would just be another kind of slavery. Scott himself still wonders why he has reenlisted. The bond with the men is strong, though, and they need him. He has saved lives, and he believes in the rightness of the Union cause.
Just as Scott is sitting down to supper with Alexander, the bushwhackers arrive. It is Quantrill and his raiders, and they have come for the horses. Scott and Alexander set their defense, and Alexander tries to negotiate with the raiders. They are holding Willa Viley hostage, and Quantrill announces that he will let him go only when he gets the horses and when Alexander and his men deliver up their weapons. Quantrill especially wants Lexington and Jarret.
Scott tries to get away to warn Jarret while Alexander stops one of the raiders from raping his manager’s wife. The raiders begin to set fires and loot the farm. One takes the painting of Lexington as a colt from Jarret’s cabin. Scott is captured. But Jarret and Lexington are gone, and when Quantrill leaves with Scott, Viley, and the horses, they are ready to follow.
Theo (8)
Theo tells Jess that he intends to give the painting of Lexington back to his neighbor. There has been an offer of fifteen thousand dollars on it, and she can use the money. He has made money from his articles and found a project for his thesis. He must do what he knows is right, and Jess will go with him.
Theo goes for a quick run with Clancy while Jess fixes dinner. It’s raining, and Theo puts on his dark rain jacket. As he runs, Theo thinks of Jess. Clancy begins to whine, starting down into a ravine. There is a woman down there who must have fallen and hit her head. Theo’s phone has no signal, so he goes down to see what he can do for the woman, who is still alive. Then he hears a voice yell, “Police! Freeze!” Theo raises his cell phone as he shields his eyes from the glare of light, and Clancy howls.
Ten Broeck’s Jarret (8)–Martha Jackson (4) Summary
Alexander’s Jarret (4)–Jess (12) Summary
