The Help

Minny feels nervous after watching the book review on People Will Talk. She hopes Hilly will read fast, since Minny’s chapter is last, and they need Hilly to start convincing people it’s not about Jackson. All night, Minny thinks she can feel Miss Hilly reading the book, and wonders what chapter she’s on.

The next day at work, Mister Johnny is home when Minny arrives. Miss Celia told him about all her miscarriages. Celia went to see a doctor and learned she couldn’t have any babies. Johnny is grateful to Minny for looking after Celia and promises she will always have a job with them. They all stand in the dining room crying together.

At home, Minny’s husband Leroy can tell Minny is hiding something. He usually doesn’t hit her when she’s pregnant, but Minny is nervous he will find out about the book and beat her.

Aibileen checks how much of the book Elizabeth has read based on her bookmark placement, but she’s still on Chapter 1. Miss Hilly comes over and says she’s on Chapter 7, and that the book feels like it’s about Jackson. With a wicked smile, Hilly vows to “figure out every last one of these people” (408).