1900s: The rise of the women's and temperance movements.

 

As summer is at its warmest, Ida and Nathaniel return home from Europe. As tired as they may be from the long trip, they invite family over to share in their good fortune and Ida's pregnancy. Daddy, especially, is delighted by the news. Ida, in her turn, realises that a round dining room table might look nice, but does not hold as many people as she'd like it to. 

Having celebrated his sister's return and pregnancy, Frank is eager to explore a new business that has opened in town: The blue velvet jazzbar. It really makes a difference, Frank thinks, to have a real bar in town. Much better than some useless square. What an opportunity to meet his voters and secure their votes! As the night wanes, however, it seems that Frank has done more than just secure votes, at least if his inability to find a bathroom at the end of the night is anything to go by. "Nobody saw me do it!"

This new entity in town, worries the women of the family. Abigail is shocked when she hears from Ida that Frank spend his time in bars! How awful! And it's not just Frank. The new bar has proven very popular among Willow Creek's men, and lots of women are starting to wonder if it's a good thing with so much juice and nectar so close by. They've heard the stories from other places. Men losing their positions, losing themselves even, to the nectar. Wouldn't it be better if juice and nectar just weren't available at all? "Perhaps we can talk to our husbands," Abigail says. "Make them vote for a NAP that will ban the vile stuff." The other women are uncertain their husbands would do such a thing. 

Of course worrying about the presence of juice and nectar and society is one thing, but a more pressing matter is Ida's pregnancy, and it's well on its way already. Soon Ida is going from feeling kicking to feeling pains. Of course she consults Abigail. "Is this is it?" she askes. "It is," Abigail confirms, going with her to her bedchamber where Ida's gives birth so hastily she doesn't even have time to get into some proper clothing. Much faster than any birth Abigail has had. But the result is certainly worth a potentially ruined dress. Little Melanie Preston is adorable. While Ida cleans up and gets some rest, Abigail stays with the little darling, until Ida is fit again and the rest of the family comes to see the baby. Abigail knows when she's no longer needed.

Nathaniel falls in love with his little baby girl the moment he lies eyes on her.

Melanie is not the only one born in Willow Creek that day. The very next afternoon, Anna gets a surprise when she visits the stables. Not one, but two tiny new foals awaits her in the paddock. Anna is in love! They are so cute, so cuddly, and can she really take care of one of them? She does still find time to take Lady out for a ride, however, as well as take care of her too after. Which means she will once more miss curfew. But this has to be considered a special occasion! Abigail, however, is not impressed. 

At Frank and Emily's place, Emily is using all her time to devote to her baby boy, who is rapidly growing. He's now sitting up, has tried his first food, and is even learning how to stand up! Unfortunately, Frank is missing most of his son's many milestones. He spends his days at Newcrest city hall, writing drafts and letters, listening to speeches or holding them on his own. His nights is spent 'securing votes' at the Blue Velvet. "It's just until I'm higher in the hierarchy. Your father had to put elbow grease in as well. It's a part of it if I want any influence." For Emily it means a lot of time spent alone.

Towards the end of the week, when Melanie is old enough for a venture outdoors, Abigail takes matters into her own hands and invites both young women and their babies to the park. Some fresh air and company will do both Ida and Emily some good. And it will give Abigail some time to bond with her almost-grandchildren. It also gives her a break from her headstrong teenage daughter, who is more and more challenging her authority in a way none of her other children has.

As Labor day comes around. Anna shows again how headstrong she is. Without even telling Abigail, she and her best friend Elizabeth, has joined a suffrage movement, and today they are gathering outside Newcrest City Hall and demanding the right to vote! Why should men only be the ones who gets to vote? It's not fair! Several more women join their protest. Some men come to watch.

After the protest, Anna invites the group to her place, so that they can plan future protests. She's invigorated, confident and feels so good. Finally she's doing something! Making her mark, demanding change, not just sitting idly by waiting for some husband like her mother. 

But as much as she tries to convince her mother, arguing her case, having deep conversations, talking about her passions, Abigail either cannot or will not see her point. "What is so wrong with getting married to a good man and raising a family?" Abigail is hurt, she feels like her entire way of life is worth nothing in the eyes of her daughter. Anna is frustrated and angry. Why won't her mother at least try to see things her way?

As autumn comes rolling in, Anna is wondering if she will ever get the respect of her mother. Funnily enough Abigail is wondering the exact same thing. Will the two be able to see eye to eye? Find a compromise in their views? Or are they both too stubborn to reconcile?