Candy fears for the future, but Anthony reassures her and tells her not to worry. After all, the annual Adley fox hunt approaches where she'll be officially presented.
Two abandoned orphans grow up in Pony's Home in Michigan, the mischievous Candy and the quiet Annie. They do all they can to never get adopted and remain with each other always.
An unexpected visitor enters Candy's room in the middle of the night and she is forced to steal out and find a pharmacy. On the way she stumbles upon someone she hadn't seen in a long time.
After Albert steals away, Candy meets up with Patty who shares Stear's latest letter with her. The war is crueler than he expected, and the two girls pray for his safety.
Candy gets adopted by the rich Leagan family to be a playmate for their daughter. But all of Candy's hopes are crushed when she arrives as nothing turns out the way she expected.
Annie arrives at Saint Paul's Academy. She notices the attention Candy gets from Archie, and while Candy reassures her that they're only friends, Archie may think otherwise - especially after seeing Candy's interactions with Terry.
While Candy's satisfied being an orphan forever, Annie can't help wanting a mother and father. Then the two girls stumble across the kind Mr. Brighton and they learn what it's like having parents.
Candy's worst fears are realized. The Adleys mourn their loss, especially Candy who's stricken with nightmares and a high fever. Even so, she must fight against the Leagan children who insist on taking over their late cousin's possessions.
Upon arriving at Southampton, Candy is posed with entering the school with her pet raccoon Klint, visiting her elusive Grandfather William, and perpetual encounters with the striking son of the Duke of Grandchester.