Summary

Chapter 9 begins with the section “Emmett.” Emmett was surprised when he woke to discover Sally making breakfast. He told her she did not have to do so, which seemed to make her angry. Upstairs, Sally told Emmett that Duchess had mentioned to her that Emmett and Billy were going to California. Emmett acknowledged he had not told Sally yet, but he noted that Sally’s father had suggested they get a fresh start somewhere else.

After breakfast, Emmett took his car for a drive. As he drove, he thought about the expectations Sally might have for him though he did not think he had done anything since he had been in Salina to encourage her.

Though Emmett considered avoiding the fairgrounds, he changed his mind and stopped. Two years ago in October, Emmett and Billy had been on their way to the fiddling contest...