Ichabod is invited to a big gathering at the Van Tassel farm, where he arrives in his best attempt at gentlemanly style and enjoys the feast like it might be his future property. The party includes dancing, flirting, and plenty of local bragging, but the night turns darker when everyone gathers to trade ghost stories. The Headless Horseman dominates the conversation, and Ichabod leaves the party late, rattled, and clearly not feeling like a romantic champion anymore.