Ilse Burnley wants to learn about her dead mother because her father never talks about her. Emily, whose own father is dead, feels sympathy for her and wants to help find some information.

While visiting her Great Aunts they tell her the tales about what has happened to Ilse's mother. After running away Emily snares her foot in a rabbit snare and is rescued by her Cousin Dean Priest (2nd cousin, twice removed).

Emily decides to find out the truth about Ilse's mother. Cousin Jimmy and Perry, along with Ilse, break into a warehouse trying to find out if she sailed away or stayed in Blair Water. During a faver the truth is finally reveled.