When the Jessamine Grows

After Ennis’s departure, Joetta works on the farm as she normally would. On the first Sunday, she decides that the family will still go to church. At the church, they are greeted by one of the church leaders, Elder Newell, who says Preacher Rouse will be preaching about reliability and dependability. As Joetta and her family wait for the sermon, she feels the judgmental stares of her peers, including of the Caldwells’ young son Harold. They sing a hymn that Joetta loves, and then Preacher Rouse gives his sermon on dependability. He asks the congregation what they do if they find someone in the flock is disloyal. Joetta fears that he is talking about her but dismisses the idea. Preacher Rouse then calls the names of all the boys and men in town who have volunteered for the Confederate army. He lists Benjamin Caldwell’s name and his father, Thomas, declares that he would join his son in battle if he could. Preacher Rouse announces the names of Henry and Ennis. Joetta speaks up and tells him that Henry volunteered, but Ennis only left to find Henry and bring him home, as Henry was too young and impulsive. The congregation stares at her, and some whisper disapprovingly.