Why might the author have chosen to have a family member from a southern state visit the creightons at this time What could the visit foreshadow?

The author may have chosen to have a family member from a southern state visit the Creightons to highlight the cultural and political tensions between the North and South during that period. This visit could foreshadow conflicts or challenges the Creightons will face regarding differing ideologies, particularly related to issues like slavery or regional loyalty. Additionally, it might serve to introduce themes of family loyalty versus broader societal conflicts, indicating potential divisions within the family dynamic.