The Frozen River

The Fosters’ lawyer, Seth Parker, summons Martha to provide a written deposition supporting Rebecca’s account of the rape. After writing her statement at the parsonage, Martha uses the opportunity to examine Rebecca, who is entering her third trimester. Rebecca expresses her desire to leave Hallowell and wishes that her baby would die in the womb. Seeing Rebecca’s pain, Martha hopes that North will be convicted of murder, if not rape. That evening, Martha records another stillbirth in town, once again overseen by Dr. Page. This time, the mother is another one of the women Martha scolded in the general store, Peggy Bridge.

Barnabas comes to the mill on February 15, with orders to arrest Cyrus for Burgess’s murder. He, Martha, and Ephraim head to the fishing pond to find Cyrus. When Dolly learns that Barnabas is going to arrest Cyrus, she is shocked and vows never to speak to Barnabas again. Barnabas explains that he does not believe Cyrus committed the murder but cannot defy orders from the court. Cyrus submits himself to the arrest willingly.