The chapter takes place on October 19, 1940, on St. Frideswide's Day, with unusual warmth signaling the end of fall in Binsey.
Radio broadcasts featuring Churchill's speeches are common, overshadowing Bridie's music as Harry and Hazel focus on schoolwork.
Hazel is consumed by memories of a kiss with Harry and struggles with her feelings, becoming brusque and distant to avoid showing her longing.
Flora is learning the alphabet with Harry's help, creating a creative version that reflects their past adventures in Whisperwood, a place that now seems lost.
Despite war and rations impinging on daily life, Bridie creates a sense of normalcy and safety with rituals like picnics by the river.
Bridie announces plans to get a telephone, a sign of the times as they worry about receiving bad news regarding their mother's condition.
Hazel, Flora, and Harry go on a picnic, carrying a basket of food Bridie prepared, and head to the riverside, a familiar and comforting spot.
Hazel grapples with conflicted emotions about Harry, desiring closeness while also creating fantasy stories about a life with him.
Amidst the tranquil picnic scene, Hazel becomes upset when Harry innocently inquires about the stories she tells Flora, misunderstanding him as prying into their private world.
Hazel runs off to Whisperwood, a secretly cherished place, only to be followed by Harry, who finds her and they share an intimate moment.
Their peaceful moment is abruptly cut short by the realization that Flora has disappeared, concluding the chapter with a sense of urgency and fear.