FINAL FEVER SUMMARY!

Chapter 26:
A week and a half has passed since Mattie had last written and the three children caught the fever and the first frost is finally here! This proves to be a much needed relief for Mattie and Eliza. Joseph sends a message with food and the market is open again. As the strikingly thin Mattie cheerfully takes a trip down to the market she runs into Mrs. Epler who graciously provides her with some food. As she contemplates her future Nathaniel appears surprising her and walking him home as he tells stories of his experiences in the fever stricken city.

Chapter 27:
Nathaniel continues to visit with Mattie over the past week, free to wander the town that was gaining its population back. He continues to question on whether Mattie had heard from her mother which stirs confusion and doubt in her mind. Eliza makes a thanksgiving meal for the crew including Mother Smith. As Eliza attempts to avoid talk of Mrs. Cook, Mattie counters the conversation with a huge request: Eliza and Mattie creating a partnership to run the coffeehouse. Mother Smith seals the deal ending the conversation with authority and agreement upon Mattie's request just as a messenger from the coffee bean warehouse comes to the door. Mattie answers with tact and the Cook Coffeehouse is back in business.

Chapter 28:
Business is booming at the coffeehouse and the place is incredibly lively. Walls are lined with Nathaniels paintings and Mattie strategically passes free samples to prompt their customers to buy more. Nathaniel comes quickly yelling into the coffeehouse about the president being back in town. The capital city is booming with more people than it has seen in months and President Washington is led down High Street on a white horse. As Mattie gets carried away in her excitement she kisses Nathaniel. After the eventful presentation a carriage arrives at the door .. it's Mattie's mother!

Chapter 29:
As Mrs. Ludington and Mattie help mother into the kitchen of the coffeehouse the room stands to honor her. Mattie learns that mother had left for the Ludington's farm only a few days after she had sent her daughter along. Distraught by the fact that she couldn't find her baby she left the farm to find her, falling very ill. Mother literally worried herself sick and she had lost most of her strength. Mattie shares the story of her struggles and adaventures while mother was gone and then helps her up to bed.

Epilogue:
It is now December and we are given a glimpse of what a typical morning looks like for Mattie. She wakes before sunrise and heads to the kitchen careful not to wake anyone yet. She prepares coffee for herself and the breakfast table for the family. As she steps out the front door she reflects on the past few months, remembering the ways the city is the same as well as the many people who had passed. As the sun finally rises she heads inside to begin work.