Chapters 17 and 18 Summary

Not By Bread Alone. Grandmother and Mother leave the house in what they think is a shameful condition, with no cake or sweets in the pantry (see "Quotes", p. 270). This means that Marigold, now eleven, is all alone when relatives unexpectedly arrive, looking forward to good food.

Marigold, despite never having baked, decides she's going to bake both a cake and biscuits. She is interrupted by saucy cousin Jack, but matches him taunt for taunt. Once he's left her alone, the Lesley in her - and Providence, according to narration - makes her baking a success.

The dinner goes well, and Jack remains silent until the very end, when he starts taunting Marigold again. Again, she gives as good as she gets, winning the approval of the other relatives (as much for her cleverness as for her baking) as they leave...