The narrative resumes two years later, in July 1939. Nellie Cross still works as a housekeeper for Constance MacKenzie, and she sometimes tells Allison about her past and her unhappy marriage. Allison has maintained a friendship with Norman Page, and the two of them share a kiss.

Dr. Swain and his friend, Seth Buswell, discuss Rodney Harrington, who has grown into a rebellious, spoiled, and willful teenager. They both worry about his future unless his father exerts some discipline. They also observe that Norman Page’s mother is too controlling and is stifling her young son.

Constance is planning to marry Tom but has not yet broken the news to Allison. Selena (now 16) is pregnant as a result of being sexually abused by Lucas Cross, her stepfather. She is terrified of telling Ted (now her boyfriend of more than two years) or anyone else. She goes to see Dr. Swain and begs him to help her.