The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

As Cussy Mary feeds Honey at home, Pa worries what people will say. Cussy Mary tells him they can let people think Honey is hers, from Charlie Frazier; only Lovett will know. The timing was right, and Doc never saw Angeline. Cussy Mary says that Honey must be a relative anyway, the last Blue, and that nobody else will raise her. Pa comes around, saying to make the baby a pallet and to give her milk. 

With Pa watching over the baby on the pallet, Cussy Mary goes back to the Moffits to ensure they have been buried. Lovett is there, by the gates, and has buried them both. Junia nuzzles Lovett, who won’t take any pay for his work. He asks after the baby, telling Cussy Mary that she is special for taking her. He has cut locks of hair from the Moffits for the baby. He explains that his own mother and twin brothers died when he was young. Cussy Mary tells him about her mother’s death and how Pa ran into the woods afterward, something she’s never told anyone before. They exchange personal histories, and Cussy Mary tells Lovett about Queenie’s letter and how she herself has never had the chance to leave.