"When eighteen-year-old Martha Dandridge marries Daniel Parke Custis, all agree she has done remarkably well to fall in love with and land one of the wealthiest men in the Virginia colony. Their union is a happy one until, after seven years and four children, Daniel dies suddenly. Resilient and beautiful, Martha is soon courted by other men, and becomes engaged to a military hero: Colonel George Washington. The newlyweds' mutual affection--and attraction--is obvious to all. At twenty-six, George is handsome, athletic, and over a foot taller than petite Martha. She and her two surviving children move to Mount Vernon, where Martha's fortune enables George to improve his estate and establish himself as a political power. Where once Martha envisioned a sedatelife as a planter's wife, now a very different future beckons. During the unsettled years that foreshadow revolution, Martha proves herself George's anchor, advisor, and most trusted confidante. As war ravages the country, she risks her safety to winterwith the army, staying by his side during harrowing betrayals and personal tragedies. And when at last the war is done, it will take all of Martha's courage and devotion to take her place in history as the first lady of the land..."-- Provided by publisher.