When the Jessamine Grows

Joetta, Robert, and Charlie decide to travel by night, walking by day. When they wake, Charlie is gone. They follow a trail and see an arrow pointing north, showing that Charlie returned to Virginia. Joetta and Robert are upset and make their way home. However, they smell smoke and see the house, and the front of Rudean’s cabin, destroyed. Rudean says that he woke up and saw that part of the cabin was on fire and saw that someone also set the main house on fire. When he asks where Charlie is, Joetta and Robert explain that he left, presumably because he thought it would be better for them. Though Joetta fears the arsonist might come back, Rudean says that the person who did it believes she, Robert, and Charlie were inside the house.

Soon after, people in town visit Rudean to give their condolences while Joetta and Robert hide in the cabin. Mr. Spivey is distraught about the news, while the Caldwells arrive to give their condolences only to be rebuked by Rudean. Preacher Rouse and Elder Newell also pay respects, stating Joetta was always a woman who made things difficult. Eliza Garner and Rebecca Hammond also visit, and Joetta notices the war has impacted them financially.