Part 1: Chapter 12 Summary

Jo receives three items in the daily mail from the Laurence-March post office. The first is a large hat that Laurie has sent as a bit of joke. The second is a letter from Marmee praising Jo for her progress in controlling her anger. The third is an invitation to all the March girls to join Laurie and some friends from England for a day of outdoor fun on Longmeadow.

The group of revelers includes Ned Moffat, Sally Gardiner, Mr. Brooke and the four Vaughn siblings from England. During a game of croquet, Fred Vaughn cheats and Jo confronts him about it and he denies his actions. Jo bites her tongue and holds her temper. Later, she is able to win the game for her side.

The young people enjoy a pleasant afternoon of games and reading. Mr. Brooke, Laurie's tutor...