Part One, Fall:Chapters 1-5 Summary

The funeral of Jack Mercy, a solitary man who allowed no one close to him draws most of the people in the surrounding area. Willa Mercy, Jack's youngest daughter by his last wife, Mary Wolfchild Mercy, is uncomfortable with all of the people in the massive home she has grown up in. After watching the casket lowered into the ground Willa heads to her room and changes into her work clothes. Bess Pringle, the housekeeper who raised Willa after he mother died is not happy that Willa is being rude to the guests but knows that there is no sense arguing with Willa as the 24-year-old is as stubborn as her father had been. Willa tells Bess to clear the house of the people that have gathered and she will be home for dinner. The...