Chapter 4 Summary

Spring came beautifully that year. Julie began babysitting for the Catlins, often taking Debby with her to visit Peck's treehouse. Joe and Ruth spent a great deal of time with Marian, keeping an eye on her whenever John would go out of town for work, which was often. One afternoon, watching the wear and tear it was causing Marian to entertain Debby all day, he offered to allow them to board a horse on his land. Marian immediately went out and bought an old, gentle piebald horse. That weekend, Joe, John, and David Weld set about to build a corral for it. As they worked, the women were distracted by the sight of Peck doing yoga on the porch of his treehouse. Joe was simply annoyed that Peck did not have the insight to offer his help.

At some point that spring, Peck...