Valentine #9 September 1961

After a lovers' quarrel, Ellen runs away and stumbles upon a forgotten garden, where she finds a broken statue of a woman. When John discovers her, she asks him to tell the story behind the statue—of Ann, who posed for David Crompton during World War I, her love entwined with his pain and jealousy, and the mystery of her disappearance.

Mavis is captivated by the haunting sound of a violin drifting from across the street, convinced the player must have a beautiful soul. When she finally meets Brian Hardy at a party, their connection sparks instantly—so much so that she convinces her parents to hear him play, only to uncover a surprising truth when her dog Pongo knocks over a partition.

Deborah Daly returns to her life in England, back at her job as an income tax inspector, but finds herself drawn to an unexpected invitation to a jazz party at Noggs Wharf. There, amidst the music and memories, she’s caught between the past and the present—until Philippe appears, and the moment hangs in the air.

Peggy watches as John returns after two years, transformed in ways she can’t quite place. Though he takes her horseback riding, the outing ends in embarrassment when she can’t manage the horse—yet she’s determined to try again. Months later, her lessons lead her to a new connection, and as her life begins to shift, the past feels like a different world.

In a quiet moment at a riverside inn, Gerry’s past comes rushing back when the waiter recognizes her—reminding her of a year ago, when her choices led her down a path she never expected. Jane shares the bittersweet memory of Mike Shandy, the struggling painter she once loved, whose dreams ended at this very table. As the truth unfolds, Gerry begins to see how one moment can shape a lifetime, and how some people stay close, even when they’re far away.