The Giver of Stars

Some in town don’t believe Margery is guilty, while others remain unsure. Alice visits Margery, bringing a change of clothes that conceal food within. Though Alice doesn’t have the proper paperwork to visit Margery, she sweet-talks Deputy Dulles and brings him cornbread, thus earning her entry. The jail’s horrible condition shocks Alice, and she tries convincing Margery that everything will sort itself out soon. Margery, however, isn’t convinced; she is finally afraid.

Though Sven hires a lawyer, they’re unable to get Margery’s exorbitant bail lowered, so she remains in jail despite being pregnant and malnourished. Six weeks pass without any progress, and summer soon arrives in full force. Alice picks up the tasks that Margery used to attend to, including running her property and the library. She sleeps alone at Margery’s to avoid gossip (Sven no longer stays to watch over her), but she begins receiving notes that tell her she doesn’t belong in Baileyville.

Meanwhile, Clem’s inquest reveals that he died from blunt force trauma. Because his body decomposed, no one can ascertain whether he fell on a rock or was hit by a blunt instrument.

Alice tells Fred that her parents are finally allowing her to return to England, and she plans to accept their offer.