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.