The Weight of Ink

The narrative resumes in March 2001. Helen’s health is continuing to decline, and she and Aaron have not been able to uncover any further links between Thomas Farrow and Ester Velasquez. Unexpectedly, she discovers that Wilton has already been able to publish an article in a scholarly journal, reporting on some of the key findings from the documents discovered in Richmond. Wilton’s article reveals that the documents prove that at least one Jewish woman worked as a scribe in early modern England, that the Jewish community in Florence experienced significant crises over the possibility of a Messiah figure, and provide evidence into the case of Alvaro HaLevy being forced into naval service as punishment for engaging in sexual activity with members of the same sex. Wilton reports that Alvaro died when his ship was wrecked in 1667.

At the library, somewhat crushed by what Wilton has been able to achieve, Helen suggests to Aaron that he should consider joining Wilton’s team. Aaron stubbornly refuses and continues to be protective of the documents. Aaron does not think that Wilton’s description of the letter where Ester wrote about her own feelings and impressions gave her enough respect.