by J. D. Peterson (Author)
American Gilt - Absinthe (Vol 2)
Paris, 1883 - The new year finds Oliver and Sara enjoying their honeymoon on the Champs-Élysées. The intimacy they share is suspended by the arrival of the bride's mother and two sisters on a holiday visit.
Originally agreeing to Sara's family sharing their apartment, Oliver recants and becomes disgruntled. He reacts by disappearing for days at a time, while over-indulging in absinthe. Telltale signs of alcoholism cause uncharacteristic mood changes, making Oliver quarrelsome and temperamental.
Sara grows frightened, realizing there is a darker side to her groom. Oliver escapes to gambling houses and brothels, as his drinking escalates. A violent confrontation ensues. Oliver threatens Sara with a scandal and divorce, storming from their suite shouting "you are not my wife," leaving Sara battered and terrified.
In "Absinthe", book two of the AMERICAN GILT TRILOGY, readers are transported through time to the beauty and confines of propriety during America's gilded age. With information gathered from family letters, historical newspapers, books and personal interviews, J. D. Peterson skillfully weaves a tale based on the true account of the Belmont-Whiting Scandal of 1883.
Previously published as 'SWAN SONG - Absinthe'