An Echo in the Bone

In 1776, William writes to his cousin Dottie and his stepfather John to explain that he is going on another mission for Richardson. He accompanies Captain Denys Randall-Isaacs on an undisclosed mission and realizes to his disappointment that he is being used as a “calling card” because of John’s extensive connections and social standing.

In London, 1776, John meets with Nessie, a brothel Madame and informant, and asks her to learn what she can about Richardson. Nessie reveals that Denys Randall-Isaacs is an acquaintance of Percy Beauchamp’s.

John visits his brother Hal, who is recovering from an episode of poor health and has just learned that his son Henry was badly wounded fighting for the British in America. John plans to go to France to visit the Baron Amandine and offers to retrieve Henry from America afterwards. John tells Hal about William and Dottie’s desire to marry, and Hal has no objections. John, however, stays skeptical about the relationship.

In a lengthy letter, William reveals that he is spending Christmas alone at a convent in Quebec. Denys abandoned him with only orders to wait for further instructions. William notes that this is “the first Christmas I have spent with no Sight of Home or Family” (357).