Hannah Coulter

Hannah reflects on how everyone in Port William suffered losses during the war. Though no one spoke of it, they knew that they had each other to lean on. In Virgil’s absence, Mr. Feltner needed help with the farming, so Jarrat and Burley Coulter began helping, and Nathan, Jarrat’s son, would come with them. Nathan served on the Pacific front, but came home, though not unchanged. Hannah noticed Nathan because he was hardworking and handsome, but she feared looking too long because she knew she’d fall for him, and she worried about betraying her grief for Virgil. After some time, Hannah felt she was “wast[ing]” and saw the same in Nathan, who was two years her junior. The first time he asked her to a dance, she declined. However, there was a silent understanding between them, and Hannah knew they were falling in love.

Nathan purchased the Cuthbert place, which required extensive renovation, and people around town remarked that he needed a wife. Hannah knew she wanted to be his wife, but she was scared to leave the Feltners as they had grown so close. Mr. Felter gave his blessing, saying “[…] my good girl, you have got to live” (83), reminding her of her Grandmam’s words.