The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post: A Novel

In 1935, Marjorie returns to society by attending a small dinner hosted by her friend May, who introduces her to Joe Davies. Once again, Marjorie finds herself bewitched. It turns out that Joe has just been offered an ambassadorship by the Roosevelt administration. Marjorie is also pleasantly surprised to find that Joe is from Wisconsin. They continue flirting, but May later reveals that Joe is married.

When Marjorie returns to New York, she receives a call from Joe. He and his wife have long been separated and that he wants to formally divorce her so that he can be with Marjorie. He felt the spark between them, and Marjorie agrees, but refuses to see him until his marriage is over.

Despite his frequent gifts of flowers and letters, Marjorie does not speak with Joe until she receives a telegram saying that his marriage is over and that he is leaving for New York. He appears at her home, professing his love and telling her that the divorce documents have been signed. They spend two weeks together. On the morning of his departure, he asks her to marry him, and Marjorie agrees.