Chapter Six Summary

After Mr. Pendergast's funeral, Ma Richards announces that Julie is expecting and that she is going to stay to help take care of the baby. Julie is mortified. She wasn't sure she was pregnant in the first place, and she certainly doesn't want Ma Richards staying until the baby is born. Hank, too, is shocked by the news but tells Ma that Julie will manage on her own. Julie knows he's said this for her benefit, and she falls in love with him all over again. A week later, Hank hitches up the buggy and drives Ma back up to Painter Mountain. While he's gone, a lawyer knocks on the door to speak to Julie. He says that he represents Mr. Pendergast's estate and that since he had no will, Julie's claim on the property could be just as valid in...