Chains

Preparing to attend a ball in honor of the Queen’s birthday, Madam requests two new gowns. Isabel discusses the event with the other maids as they cook. Lady Seymour has another stroke and loses the use of her limbs. Madam Lockton appears frustrated at how long it is taking her to die and demands she be moved downstairs. Isabel must clean and air out the room afterward. During her chores, her thoughts turn to Ruth. She wishes she were here to see the wintry scene outside. Isabel weeps and chides herself for becoming emotional. She wishes she could gain her freedom like Phillis Wheatley or save enough money to buy herself liberation. Lady Seymour’s condition stabilizes, but the doctor says she will not recover. Madam Lockton continues her over-the-top wardrobe preparations for the ball. The guns will fire at noon as a salute to the Queen, and the ball will begin at six o’clock.

Isabel finishes reading Common Sense. She understands what Paine means about equality and freedom. She begins to think about how she might escape but deems it all but impossible due to the water surrounding the city. While passing through town, she sees Captain Morse, who wants her to deliver a penny to Captain William Farrar as payment for a lost bet.