Summer 1862. Lucy is excited to be taking the train with her sister, Clare, her brother, Edward, and Edward’s friends as they travel to Birchwood. The group includes Thurston and Felix and Adele Bernard. Lucy is 13 and loves reading books on science and history. Lucy watches Edward talk and laugh with Lily. She recalls the story Edward told of how Thurston drew his attention to the girl at the theatre, how Edward approached her, and how he walked home that night in such a daze that he misplaced his wallet. They leave the train and walk through the woods and meadows to the house, and Lucy, who feels free and happy, observes Edward walking with Lily. She wonders where Fanny is.

The artists enjoy their getaway, singing, dancing, and reciting poetry. Edward sketches the house, which he adores because he says it is “truthful.” He chooses for his studio the Mulberry Room, which has an engraving above the door which says “Truth, Beauty, Light” (394). Lucy enjoys the library and the conversation among the Magenta Brotherhood, all of whom are working on new pieces. They debate about photography, which Thurston calls a gimmick. Felix disagrees, saying that photographs can be art, and Lily calls them a tangible memory.