." . . And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God . . ." -Ruth 1: 16 ." . . Ruth leaned against the big tree trunk admiring this man called Spencer Marsh. He turned toward her quickly and asked, 'Were you watching me?' 'And what if I were?' Ruth replied breathlessly. He took three quick strides and lifted one of her small hands into his big one and placed his other hand behind her shoulder against the tree. His face was so close to hers that she could feel his breath against her cheek. "Remember the last time we found ourselves in this position what I said to you?" Strong emotions almost took her breath but she managed to squeak out a yes. He traced her lips with his finger tip and asked, 'What did I say?' . . ." The Marsh House. . . A Family Affair The author, Joan Clinton Scoggins, has provided a rich family history in the making of this novel. During the final days of editing, it was discovered that the author's grandfather and father had actually papered rooms in the Historic Marsh House, with a signature and date etched on the wall that read: Papered by Claude C. Clinton and Son 1931. Mary Clinton Smitherman, sister of Author, is Events Coordinator for the Marsh House. Phillip Scoggins, son of Author, wrote and produced a capital campaign fund raising video for the Historic Marsh House through Scoggins Video Productions. His wife Judy, helps with all fund raising events. Gregory Scoggins, son of Author, is the Publishing Agent. Joan Clinton Scoggins was born in Aragon, Georgia in September of 1929. She currently residesin LaFayette, Georgia with her husband of fifty nine years. Joan is the second child of Clarence and Rebecca Ann Clinton, with three sisters and one brother. She was married to the love of her life, Max Scoggins, on November 17, 1947. They have two sons, Phillip and Gregory, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Archie (P.D.) and Janice Fortune shown here and on the front cover, are dressed in period costume at the Historic Marsh House. As descendents, Archie is the great-great grandson of Spencer and Ruth Marsh. They have contributed greatly in the restoration of the Marsh House, which has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The townspeople consider this home a treasure of the history of the city of LaFayette, GA.