The Lost Bookshop

Henry initially plans to return to Dublin quickly after speaking with Isabelle and his family; however, Lucinda gives birth early, so he remains in London a few more days. His father arrives at the hospital to see the baby, and Henry refuses to speak with him. While waiting outside the delivery room, he thinks of Martha and sends her many text messages. He realizes that he wants to make himself worthy of her.

Back in the 1920s storyline, it’s just before Christmas, and Opaline remains at the shop while pregnant by Armand. She has told Matthew, who didn’t judge her and only asked what she needed. She once again inspects the sewing box that belonged to Charlotte Brontë. This time, she discovers a hidden catch that reveals a tiny notebook hidden inside.

The notebook contains pieces of a story dated 1846, written in tiny, neat handwriting. The first lines are: “I have devoted an entire lifetime to escaping the confines of this wretched place, only to find myself further entangled in its gnarled roots and oppressed by its looming towers” (226). The final line of the unfinished story reads: “Running to her, not believing the horrible truth, I touched her face.