Candy fears for the future, but Anthony reassures her and tells her not to worry. After all, the annual Adley fox hunt approaches where she'll be officially presented.
Two abandoned orphans grow up in Pony's Home in Michigan, the mischievous Candy and the quiet Annie. They do all they can to never get adopted and remain with each other always.
Candy gets adopted by the rich Leagan family to be a playmate for their daughter. But all of Candy's hopes are crushed when she arrives as nothing turns out the way she expected.
An unexpected visitor enters Candy's room in the middle of the night and she is forced to steal out and find a pharmacy. On the way she stumbles upon someone she hadn't seen in a long time.
After Albert steals away, Candy meets up with Patty who shares Stear's latest letter with her. The war is crueler than he expected, and the two girls pray for his safety.
Annie arrives at Saint Paul's Academy. She notices the attention Candy gets from Archie, and while Candy reassures her that they're only friends, Archie may think otherwise - especially after seeing Candy's interactions with Terry.
While Candy's satisfied being an orphan forever, Annie can't help wanting a mother and father. Then the two girls stumble across the kind Mr. Brighton and they learn what it's like having parents.
After the Leagan children ditch Candy in the middle of town, she meets another Adley brother: Alistair. Later it is revealed that the Adleys will be hosting a ball and the Leagans are invited, including Candy.
Candy finally meets the boy she saw at the rose gates: Anthony Brown, along with the Cornwell brothers. The three want to give Candy a good time at the ball, but Eliza (who's infatuated with Anthony) won't let that happen.