When the Jessamine Grows

After learning of Ennis’s death, Joetta is heartbroken. She isolates in bed, barely eating or drinking. Eventually, she regains enough physical and emotional strength to get out of bed and put on her mourning gown. Rudean says Joetta has been sleepwalking. A month has passed, and Robert is staying with the Caldwells. Joetta asks about Ennis’s Union garments, and Rudean says that the Confederate soldiers do not have standard uniforms. Mary has been housekeeping for the family. 

Joetta goes to get Robert. Outside the Caldwells’ house, Joetta sees Robert pretending to be Confederate soldiers with Harold. Robert tells her he is staying; she tells him she will be waiting for him when he decides to be the son he must be. Robert, now 13, says he is almost a man, and Joetta says he needs to start acting like it. Joetta works the fields over the following months. In late 1862, Rudean is angry about Lincoln’s plan to free enslaved Black people. Joetta simply wants the war to be over. They agree that they will never understand each other.

Joetta waits for Robert’s return and continues her farm work, hiding from Confederate soldiers as they pass. She struggles with her grief over Ennis’s death and her estrangement from Robert.