Contents
Chapter 22
Overview
At the Cottonwood homecoming, Lucille and Tom reveal they adopted Meg instead of a baby, provoking shock from Big Tom and Isabelle. Tom pleads for acceptance, and Isabelle reluctantly agrees to give Meg a chance. Meg spends time with cousins, especially Marybeth, and the trio leaves appearing united.
Summary
On party day, Meg finds a newspaper announcement of the Heidelbergs’ European return and braces for Lucille’s scripted story about a Georgia Tann adoption. After a night of threats to return Meg to the orphanage if she deviates, Lucille dresses Meg in an uncomfortably childish outfit to make her seem younger.
Arriving at Cottonwood, Tom, Lucille, and Meg face a packed reception. Big Tom greets them brusquely, and Isabelle rushes in expecting to meet a baby. Lucille unveils the plan: instead of a baby, she and Tom “fell in love” with Meg at the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. Meg dutifully recites the rehearsed names, while Isabelle fumes over money given expressly for a baby.
Tom, visibly shaken, asks Isabelle to give Meg a chance. After tense moments, Isabelle softens slightly, assesses Meg kindly, and defers a fuller discussion, directing Meg to join the cousins while greeting guests.
In the children’s room, Meg admits she is an orphan, which fascinates the younger girls. Willy May serves food, and Marybeth—Meg’s first cousin—explains family relations and coming school plans. Overheated, Marybeth helps Meg discreetly shed petticoats and stockings outside so they can breathe and play; they swing joyfully while older cousins look on.
As the party wanes, Marybeth locates her mother, and Meg reunites with Tom and Lucille. Lucille, relieved, says it is time to go, and the three head home together, presenting themselves—at least for now—as a regular family.
Who Appears
- Meg (Margot)Narrator; rehearses a cover story, endures infantilizing dress, faces the family, bonds with cousin Marybeth.
- Lucille HeidelbergInsists on the Georgia Tann cover, threatens Meg, orchestrates the reveal, seeks family acceptance.
- Tom HeidelbergNervous but supportive; pleads with his mother to accept Meg and presents a united front.
- Isabelle HeidelbergTom’s mother; expected a baby, angrily questions the switch, then grudgingly agrees to give Meg a chance.
- Big Tom HeidelbergPatriarch; brusque greeting, reinforces expectations, part of the shocked parental response.
- Willy MayHouse staff; serves guests and discreetly acknowledges Meg among the cousins.
- MarybethMeg’s first cousin; welcomes her, sets playground rules, explains family ties, helps Meg ditch petticoats.