Chapters 18 and 19 Summary

Perhaps torn between her father and her husband, Mattie takes up the slack doing chores that the increasingly busy Troy does not have time to do. Mattie does not show self-pity, and is an honest, present kind of person. The women of Port William make sure that those who are in need are cared for, and often call upon the men to help. As many of the women grow older, Mattie calls on Jayber to see to things being done, although everyone in town knows all about Jayber and he is somewhat "marginal" to the women of the town. Jayber sees Mattie as she plays with and cares for the children at Bible school, and suddenly is absolutely and totally overcome with love for her. He imagines that marriage is what creates true presence between two people. Mattie has no defenses...