Book Three: The Summer of Cindy Summary

Bart learns of Melodie's leaving at the dinner table. He was gone all day and did not know she had left. He asked to read the letter, but his mother denies him the opportunity and says she hopes he had nothing to do with her decision to leave. Bart is angered and says he is glad she is gone.

Cindy returns home after graduating from high school. She helped Catherine take care of the twins. She bores without friends, however, and asks to take a walk in the gardens one night. Bart accuses her of running out to meet a boy. Cindy claims Bart is trying to run her off, just like he did to Melodie. Cindy does sneak out for her walk, during which she meets a boy named Victor. The two...