Young Duncan McHugh blames himself for his mother's poverty and depression. After an embarrassing incident at school, Emily befriends Duncan and brings him to New Moon.

But when Aunt Elizabeth finds out who he is she sends him packing. His mother Alma and Aunt Elizabeth had both been in love with the same man, but he married Alma.

Emily, Ilse, Perry and Teddy also defy an order not to go into town to watch the hanging of a murderer.

New Moon is on tender hooks after Aunt Isabel Murray arrives to 'take over'. Emily is horrified when Isabel tells her sher will no longer be allowed to attend school and that in place of it she will have to earn money. Next she tells Cousin Jimmy to kill one of his own cows for food and takes the household keys off Laura.

When Aunt Laura's addiction to laudanum worses, Isabel takes the step of putting her in an asylum without asking anyone else. Meanwhile, New Moon is up for sale and Stuart is planning on buying it. Emily doesn't want Laura in the asylum and goes to get help via Jimmy, Dr Burnley and Uncle Malcolm.