Prologue; 1-2 Summary

Prologue:

The story opens in Memphis Tennessee in 1892. Amelia Connor stands in front of a mirror. She notices that she has grown pale and sallow. Her body is no longer a body of youth. Motherhood and neglect have taken their toll. Amelia tries to figure out how to regain the affections of her lover, Reginald Harper. Reginald is a wealthy and powerful man with whom she had been involved for some time. Since the birth of their child, Reginald has been absent. No amount of begging or pleading could make Reginald appear at Amelia's door. One night Reginald arrives. Amelia begs for Reginald to resume their relationship. Reginald talks about their stillborn baby. Amelia knows it is a lie. She had given birth to a healthy baby boy. The baby had been stolen by Reginald to be raised by Reginald and...