For the earnest, headstrong daughter of a prosperous slave owner, living as a missionary among the Yoruba people in Africa is utterly unlike anything in Emma Davis's sheltered childhood--as is her new husband. Twenty years her senior, mercurial Henry Bowman is the object of Emma's mad first love, intensifying all they see and share. Each day brings new tragedy and heartbreak, and each day Emma finds the strength of will to press onward. Through it all, Henry's first gift to Emma, a simple writing box, becomes her closest confidant. -- Provided by publisher.