Chains

Isabel continues to work for Madam Lockton as the British flood into Staten Island, loaded with supplies. Madam Lockton refuses to speak to Isabel, relaying all her commands through Becky. Isabel takes every opportunity to make purposeful mistakes such as leaving the milk out to spoil. The summer is hot and very dry, and illness has broken out all over the city. Curzon visits often, but Isabel refuses to speak to him. Becky insists she must tell him to leave, so Isabel goes to speak with him. He apologizes for the colonel’s lack of help and for all that she’s had to endure. He says he may have more information on where Ruth was taken. Isabel will not accept his apology. He reminds her that the cause for freedom is complicated and that everyone has made sacrifices and suffered in pursuit of liberty. Isabel slams the door in his face, vowing to never speak to him again.

The three-week drought ends with a powerful storm that rains down lightning, killing 13 soldiers and wounding many others. Isabel is sent to the Tea Water Pump and listens to the conversation amongst several enslaved persons there.