Summary

When Layla cannot find her map in Chapter 38 because Willa hid it, Willa escorts her to Mrs. Lansbrough's home where she eavesdrops from the top of the stairs. Mrs. Lansbrough reiterates that Felix and Vause were close friends, and she doubts the story about Vause stealing money from the mill because he was not a thief. She also explains that Felix was not at the mill because he was attending a party at Mr. Tare Russell's house that evening, but she discredits the rumor of romance between Vause and Jottie while observing that Felix did not attend Vause's funeral. As their conversation returns to the town's history, Willa ponders the significance of what she has overheard.

When Jottie meets Sol to apologize for costing him his job in Chapter 39, he insists she must comfort him and kisses her, but he also admits that...