Summary

In Prologue, when Sallie is eight years old, her father the Duke gives her a wagon called Defiance Coaster. The first time she uses it, he rides with her. She will never forget this day. While they take the wagon out, her stepmother Jane, half brother Eddie, and cook Old Ida are in the Big House. The ride is so exhilarating, it makes Sallie want to be “the fastest girl in the world” (5).

Sallie continues practicing with the wagon. One day, she decides to teach Eddie to ride. They hit “the stone bridge and the wagon” flips, throwing Eddie (8).

Convinced Sallie is a danger to Eddie, Jane insists the Duke send her away. Jane has never liked Sallie. Her late mother Annie has a reputation in Claiborne County. The Duke sends her to live with her mother’s sister Aunt...