Catherine had to cope all alone Running a sugar plantation was hardly the work for a petite nineteen-year-old; but what choice did Catherine O'Mara have? Her father was wrapped up in his own grief over the loss of his wife and son. He had lost interest in Catherine and the farm. David Hungerford, Catherine's forceful neighbor, offered help. Catherine soon learned, however, that what she wanted most was not his assistance - but his love.