While August and June grieve, Lily spends her time reading and writing. Zach visits, and despite his preoccupation with law school and the civil rights movement since his arrest, their flirtation continues. The women prepare for the Feast of the Assumption, also known as Mary Day. Neil proposes to June again, and this time she accepts. The Mary Day celebrations commence that evening, with the Daughters of Mary performing their unique version of Communion and reenacting the Our Lady of Chains story by chaining their Mary statue in the honey house. That night, Lily confides in Zach about her fear that his anger will harden him; they share a kiss, and Zach promises Lily that they will be together someday.

Lily decides she can no longer delay her conversation with August. August reveals she always knew Deborah was Lily's mother due to their striking resemblance. She explains that she was the housekeeper for Deborah's family in Virginia. Lily opens up to August about everything: T. Ray's abuse, Rosaleen's legal troubles, and the heartbreaking fact that she killed Deborah. August comforts Lily, affirming the love everyone in the Boatwright household has for her.

August shares more about Deborah, who moved from Virginia to South Carolina to be near August. Deborah met and married T. Ray after becoming pregnant with Lily. Realizing her mother married T. Ray because of her, Lily feels distressed. August explains that when Deborah left T. Ray, she came to stay with August, leaving Lily behind. Feeling abandoned, Lily declares she hates her mother. August acknowledges Deborah's mistakes but insists she tried to make amends and was returning for Lily when she died.