Hester

As Nat undresses Isobel, she reflects on this being the first time she has experienced sexual desire. After they have sex, Nat puts on his coat, leading Isobel to think he looks the same as ever, while she feels changed. She asks if he will return and he says he will if she wishes it, but departs with a chaste kiss on the cheek. She spends the day stitching in the sun, thinking she does not regret having sex with Nat, as it has furthered her ability to sew beautiful things.

At her door, Nat leaves Isobel a copy of The Fair Maid of Perth by Sir Walter Scott, which was printed in Scotland: The love story features a glove maker as a heroine, which pleases her. Three days after they have sex, Nat returns and they have sex again, this time with him encouraging roughness. After they have sex, he reads to Isobel from The Fair Maid of Perth, complaining that he can no longer write about a “lovely Scottish needlewoman” (239) as men get judged for writing. She reassures him that one day, his name and work will be known. The pair continue their affair, and Isobel stitches with vigor.