Calico Captive

Miriam and Susanna have been working on the dress for a fortnight. Miriam is the superior seamstress, and helps Susanna. May Day is the next day, and Susanna calls it a “heathen custom” but admits she would let her daughters dance around the Maypole. The reminder of her missing children brings back her despair. When the ice broke on the river Susanna hoped James would appear, but he did not.

Miriam feels proud she’s created such a beautiful dress. Miriam decides to deliver the dress, and tells Susanna to sleep while she’s gone. When she takes the dress to the Du Quesnes, Madame refuses to see her but she sends word that Miriam could come later in the week to begin the fitting for Madame’s dress. Thankfully, Madame pays Miriam. As she is leaving, Miriam sees Felicité, Madame, and Pierre in a carriage. Miriam is embarrassed.

At home, their door is flung open and the mayor’s wife storms in and demands her child. Polly is missing. All of them search for Polly. Miriam finds Polly asleep in a canoe. She carries her back to the tailor’s shop, where the mayor’s wife and Susanna wait. Susanna takes Polly into her arms and rocks her.