Summary

It is February at Yonahlossee. Mrs. Holmes has left for her fundraising trip and Thea is riding once again. She is still teaching the Holmes girls how to ride, and Mr. Holmes attends their lessons once or twice a week. Thea looks forward to his appearances. One night, Boone arrives at the cabin to visit Sissy. Thea has a difficult time waking up Sissy, and this wakes up Mary Abbott, as well. Thea believes that if Mary Abbott knew about Sissy and Boone, she would tell Mrs. Holmes.

The next morning, Thea takes the Holmes girls out for their riding lesson, and Sarabeth announces that Mr. Holmes will be watching them. They arrive at the stables to see that a tree has fallen into the riding area. Mr. Albrecht assures the girls it is still safe to ride. Rachel notices an injured owl is...