By the time Mother returns, weak and needing Mattie’s support, Mattie has become a strong, hard-working businesswoman with high hopes for her future. She also has “an understanding” (an unofficial engagement) with her longtime crush, Nathaniel Benson, that they will spend their lives together. After the epidemic, Mattie reopens the coffeehouse, taking on Eliza as her partner. She grows more independent as she survives on her own, taking in an orphan, Nell, and assisting Eliza with relief work. The painting symbolizes his affection for her, as well as his commitment to maintaining their relationship in uncertain and turbulent times. Later, back in Philadelphia, Mattie is left alone when Grandfather dies and Mother has not yet returned from Mrs. The painting of flowers (symbol) When she is leaving the city to go to the Ludington farm, Nathaniel sends Mattie a painting of flowers. Then, she nearly dies from yellow fever herself. After Lucille gets yellow fever, Mattie and Grandfather flee to the countryside, but Mattie is forced to fend for them both when Grandfather develops heart trouble. She often daydreams of opening an entire city block’s worth of businesses, including a dry goods store, a restaurant, and an apothecary.

Mattie dislikes her mother’s frequent scolding and believes that Lucille sees her as lazy and disobedient.

At the beginning of the book, she enjoys sleeping in and tries to shirk strenuous chores. Mattie feels trapped there and longs for freedom. She also lives with her grandfather, Captain William Farnsworth Cook, a Revolutionary War veteran. Mattie lives with her mother, Lucille Cook, who runs a Philadelphia coffeehouse.

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