The townsfolk become indignant when Janie, whom they consider to be Mrs. Mayor Starks, appears at a Sunday School picnic with Tea Cake. They become even more upset when Tea Cake and Janie begin to hunt, fish, dance, go to the movies, and seem to act like they are married.
One night, Pheoby and Sam Watson discuss the romance, and Sam sends Pheoby off to talk to Janie. Janie listens to her friend, but Pheoby’s advice and caution are too late. Tea Cake is an independent and reliable man, and he is not after her money, Janie explains. She plans to live her life as she wants to live it, no longer following Nanny’s wishes or Joe’s control. Pheoby hints a bit of envy as she warns her friend about the risks of marrying Tea Cake.
