In July 1877, Isabella writes to Julia. She and Jack are spending the summer with the three boys (Joe, Amory, and Gus) on the seashore outside of Boston. Isabella is very loving and protective of the boys, and happy to act as their guardian. In September, back in Boston, Isabella, Jack, and the boys attend the opening of the new Boston Public Gardens. They are warmly greeted by Mr. Valentine, a gardener who has been friends with Isabella for years.

A Boston newspaper comments on Isabella’s visible presence at the opening of the gardens. Jack comments on the obvious warmth between Isabella and Mr. Valentine, but she reassures him that there is nothing romantic in their friendship. Rather, she counters, “[I]s there anything more exciting than being understood?” (205).

Julia and Isabella share a quiet conversation during a family gathering. Isabella admits that, even though she loves caring for her nephews, she still longs for a greater purpose. Julia tells Isabella a secret: In addition to her four sons, she lost an infant son when he was very young. Julia thinks the best thing to do with deep grief is to quietly put it aside.