Part 2 Chapter 14 Summary

Imogene gushes about the Owens' house and claims to be learning much from Mrs. Owens, who presides on many committees. Neither Amanda nor Ruth sees the point in ostentation. When Amanda asks coyly about Mr. Owens, she panics to hear that he has some business with ships, but recalls that Rebecca Rae is outbound. For a week Imogene models hand-me-down clothing and affects Mrs. Owen's speech and handwriting. Amanda is jealous.

Amanda recalls being exhausted and uncomfortable as her baby grows big. Reading and gardening are too much effort. She lets Ruth go to the lake but warns her away from the water. Spying a piece of paper wedged between rocks, Amanda recovers a dropped note from Mathilda, addressed to Carl, who is still away at the war. It reveals Amanda's shame and sounds like a different Mathilda. Amanda wraps it...