The House Behind the Cedars

Jeff Wain prolongs the journey to Sampson County so that he can try to charm Rena. Rena does not suspect his intentions. When she asks about a beautiful mansion they see, Wain tells her that it belongs to the richest people in the area and lies just outside the borders of Sampson County.

Wain’s own residence is a rundown plantation house where he lives with his mother and sister. He tells Rena that his wife died several years ago. The morning after her arrival, Rena passes the exam to be certified as a teacher and starts her work a few days later.

After George returns from Patesville, Blanche Leary notices a change in him as he begins spending more time with her. He discovers that he likes her more than he had thought. One morning, George’s mother asks him to drive Blanche on an errand. A road blockage forces them onto a detour.

Just as George is about to propose to Blanche, they come upon a schoolhouse for black children. Plato, one of George’s former slaves, is a student. Blanche spots his schoolteacher and asks if she is white.