Chapter 2 Summary

On June 14, Abigail awakens Miranda very early, knowing that the day will be a turning point in her life, and Miranda feels the misgivings one often has when starting out on new venture, along with the pain of separating from those she loves. At the same time, her mother is once more reminded of the special affection she feels for her eldest daughter.

Miranda dresses in her "Sunday best", a brown merino dress touched off with her favorite brooch and a brand new bonnet. She and Tibby share a warm, sisterly goodbye, and she kisses Seth, Nat, and the baby as they sleep. Then she takes a seat beside her father on the family wagon, and Tom goes along with them to meet the market boat headed for New York.

As they wait for the boat, a neighbor warns them of the dangers...