In Garden of Shadows, after a Yale reunion in 1918 he meets Olivia and quickly marries her within two days, but flirts with many other women at the reception. Olivia later discovers he only married her for her money and because she's plain. When they arrive at Foxworth Hall, he discovers Olivia in the forbidden Swan Room, kept as a shrine to his mother, Corrine, who abandoned him when he was five and leaving him with his cold and loveless father, Garland. he attacks and rapes Olivia, calling out his mother's name whilst in the process. Olivia becomes pregnant as a result.