Forge

Curzon and Isabel regard one another wordlessly. Curzon remarks to himself how much she’s grown; she seems more a woman now, and no longer the girl Curzon remembered. He feigns a foggy memory of her to Bellingham, intent on keeping his fondness for her a secret. Members of the Continental Congress arrive, and regard Curzon in his shabbiness. Bellingham orders Curzon to bathe and dress appropriately to serve them, and insists he refer to him as “master.” The word weighs heavily on Curzon – he imagines murdering Bellingham again – but resolves to be patient for Isabel’s sake. He bows and calls Bellingham, “Master” (179).

Curzon meets a fellow servant in the kitchens, an old white woman with no teeth. She informs him that Bellingham hires Isabel out to the other gentlemen and men of means nearby. She infers from his asking that Curzon has feelings for Isabel, but promises not to say anything. Over the following days, Isabel ignores Curzon. Meanwhile, Gideon continues to be dismissive and critical of Curzon. Curzon weighs fleeing on his own and staying to save Isabel, until one day he hears that a ball will be thrown for George Washington, and hatches a plan.