Summary

Chapter 17, Spring 1851 – Two years later, and at fourteen years old, Lisbeth continues her every-morning ritual of looking out the window at the slave quarters, remembering Mattie and missing her. Later, at breakfast, she tells her mother that she’s seen the first spring crocus and would like to go on a picnic with her. Her mother, however, decides instead to invite the boys and girls of the area with an eye to building up social connections. Before the picnic can happen, however, Lisbeth is upset first by Poppy’s illness and then his death and funeral. Soon afterwards, she sets out with her friend Mary Ford, other young women, and several boys (including her brother Jack, Edward Cunningham, Mary’s brothers Robert and Albert, and Matthew Johnson) for the picnic. On the way, Mary and Lisbeth compare their feelings for several of the...