Chapter 6 Summary

By August, it is bitterly cold, and Meggie has to quit school and come home. Fiona, in an advanced state of pregnancy, just could not manage all the housework. As soon as Meggie leaves, the gentle, sensitive Stuart began a hunger strike until he, too is allowed to leave school. Stuart remains around the homestead, caring for the vegetable garden and milking the cows. Meggie quickly becomes a mother to baby Hal, with Fiona much too exhausted to pay any attention to the child. The only time Fiona shows any animation is once every six weeks, when the mail is delivered. She always hopes for news from Frank, and sinks back into disappointment, when none arrives.

Fiona was delivered of twins, James and Patrick. The two red-haired boys are quickly nicknamed Jims and Patsy, and became favorites of the spinster housekeeper and maids...